Ooty getting ready for inauguration

The arboretum in Ooty getting ready for inauguration.Having been in the making here for several months an arboretum (tree garden) is all set to be inaugurated on Wednesday by Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin.The tourist attraction-cum-relaxation facility has been created on 3.45 acres near the Ooty Lake with Rs. 12.5 lakh provided under the Hill Area Development Programme.Official sources told here on Tuesday that the departments of horticulture and agricultural engineering had completed all the works connected with the project.

Though it would feature flowers and other botanical attractions, the focus would be on trees.Since the arboretum was being promoted as a tourist attraction and an educational facility particularly for students of Botany a large number of exotic trees from various parts of the world would be planted in a phased manner.Already there were cypress, alnus and podocarpus and soon rhododendron, jacaranda, spathodia, magnolia and laures nobilus would be planted, the sources said.

Details such as botanical and common names, family and economic importance pertaining to each tree would be displayed prominently. A brochure on the arboretum was in the process of being brought out.Khadi Board Minister K. Ramachandran said Mr. Stalin would commission several projects at a function to be held at the Breeks HADP Open Air Stadium.

Among them would be a building for a disaster risk management programme here and a mini stadium at Kotagiri. He will also lay the foundation for a Rs. 1.4-crore lakeside park here and automatic vegetable washing machines at many places including Pudhumund and Kookalthorai.
He said that Mr. Stalin would also distribute welfare assistance under various schemes to beneficiaries.

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