The Hindu : Steps taken to combat drought in Ooty Garden

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 16, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Udhagamandalam

Steps taken to combat drought in Ooty Garden

By Our Staff Reporter

UDHAGAMANDALAM, MARCH 15. The Centenary Rose Park at Udhagamandalam which has since its inception nine years ago become a major tourist attraction is now wearing an extremely "dry look" due to lack of rain.

However, notwithstanding the water scarcity, work was apace for getting the garden ready for the summer season.

Pointing out that under normal conditions all roses would be in full bloom exactly two months from now, the park manager, M. Murugan, told The Hindu here today that the abnormal weather and lack of water would not be allowed to hamper preparations and in April the park extending over 10 acres would present a `rosy' picture. He said this year to combat the drought conditions, organic methods had been resorted to in addition to the conventional methods.

While for the first time drip irrigation was being adopted through a network of pipes installed at a cost of Rs. 5 lakhs, bio-fertilizers were being applied in large quantities on the advice of the Horticultural Research Station of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.

To conserve moisture, mulching with mushroom compost and paddy straws had been done. In a staggered manner, the different terraces were being watered.

An additional well was sunk inside the park this year while the existing well was being desilted. If necessary, water would be purchased. All possible steps had been taken against possible outbreak of forest fire.

The annual rose show of the Nilgiris Rose Society and the Department of Horticulture is likely to be held in the second week of May.

Pointing out that there were now 2,300 varieties in the park, the Assistant Director of Horticulture K.N. Shanmugham, said 500 more were in the process of being added this year.

Among them would be `Apricot Jewel', `Black Magic', `Big Duke' `My Choice" and `Sweet Lady'. Stating that they had been procured from Bangalore, Pune and Lucknow, he said already 85 had been planted. Apart from the terraces, they were being planted along the service roads.

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Steps taken to combat drought in Ooty Garden