On November 20, 2020, India’s first moss garden was inaugurated at Khurpatal in Nainital district, Uttarakhand.
- The garden has been approved under the CAMPA scheme by the Research Advisory Committee of Uttarakhand Forest Department.
- The main aim behind developing the garden was to conserve the various species of moss and other bryophytes and to make people aware of its significance in the environment besides creating a recreation centre for tourists.
- Moss Garden, Khurpatal houses around 30 different species of moss and certain other bryophyte species.
- Two of the moss species found here – Hyophila involuta (Cement Moss) and Brachythecium Buchanani – figure in International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list.
- It has a moss trail of 1.2 km on which different moss species and scientific information about them is displayed/
What are Moss?
- Moss are one of the most ancient flora on the planet, existing since Jurassic era.
- They are the first plants to grow on rocky land and by breaking down the rocks and the soil.
- They help create a suitable environment for other plants to grow.
(Source: The Hindu)
