India’s first moss garden has been set up in Lingadhar village, Khurpatal area of Nainital district.
The garden, developed by the state forest department’s Research Advisory Committee under the CAMPA scheme, was inaugurated by renowned water conservationist Rajendra Singh—also known as the Waterman of India.
The moss garden, which is built in an area of about half a hectare, houses different species of moss. Mosses, believed to be among the first plants on earth, are a non-vascular plant (simple, low-growing species that do not flower) that reproduce using spores. Mosses often grow in the damp, without much sunlight, and show extraordinary sensitivity to outside environment. Being more receptive to air and rain, they can act as excellent bioindicators of environmental degradation.
The main aim behind developing the garden was to conserve various species of moss and other bryophytes. Another reason was to make people aware of its significance in the environment besides creating a recreation centre for tourists.
“The moss garden was opened for public from November 20 but amid the rising Covid-19 cases, the garden has been closed. It will be reopened once the situation gets better,” said Forest Officer Nitin Pant.
“The garden also boasts of a dinosaur model showing existence of moss since the Jurassic era and poems and caricatures related to moss are also displayed at the garden,” Pant said.
