SOLITUDE IN THE CITY

Nearby is an amphitheatre on the banks of the wetlands overlooking the bamboo bridge. Although the water isn’t clear — that would have been a miracle indeed! — I was lucky enough to see a shoal of river eel. Suddenly, something made me look up: it was a hawk perched on top of a dry tree. Just as I pointed my camera, it spread its glorious wings to fly off and I captured the moment.

Turning right, we walked parallel to the boundary wall. Far behind the trees, a bulbul rested on another dry branch. A little ahead, quite near another small water body, I was attracted by the sound of a bird. Led by the sweet song I reached a kingfisher on a tree on the other side of the pond!

For the aficionado, my “haul” of birdlife and nature may seem commonplace but the very idea that such an eco friendly environment existed so near the hustle bustle of Delhi’s business district made it extraordinary. This was no zoo, with enclosures and iron bars; everything was as close to me as nature should be. For me, viewing wildlife there was as much of an adventure as any safari on the Serengeti or Misaim Mara. And the flora and fauna was diverse enough to make me think, who needs Singapore’s night safari?

At present this little hidden gem is reserved only for schools and institutions, not for the general public... Hence the barrier at the main gate. Though already 5 years old, the park is still evolving, with scientists planting more species of plants and documenting more birdlife. All to the good, I’d say, more green lungs for Delhi.

Looking at the peaceful environment inside — the ideal haven for botany students and nature lovers — I wonder if it isn’t a good idea after all to prevent the hordes from invading this calm habitat with their picnic hampers and noisy children.

I wouldn’t want this garden of Eden to end up looking like Eden Gardens during a cricket match....

Courtesy:- ET dtd:- 26-02-09