BHUBANESWAR: Astrology through plantation! Sounds weird but that’s what State Silviculture Garden at Khandagiri now boasts of.
In a unique attempt at astrology through plants, the State Silviculturist has come up with a “Nakshatra Van” (Astral Garden) on its campus just on the outskirts of the City. It is spread over an acre and was inaugurated by Agriculture Production Commissioner RN Senapati.
Since trees are believed to be connected to constellations (nakshatras) and each constellation of the Zodiac is associated with a tree, the garden has been designed in such a manner. There are 27 trees which have relevance with the “nakshatra.”
“All the trees are of specific medicinal value and find a connection with the constellation. The Zodiac signs, “nakshatras” associated with the plants and the medicinal properties of the plants are displayed on boards,” said Conservator of Forests-cum-State Silviculturist LK Dash.
Funded by the Orissa Forestry Sector Development Project, the Nakshatra Van is also designed in a spherical shape to suit the astrology elements.
After planting a tree, Senapati said plantation should be popularised for its ethical, spiritual, medicinal and educative values.
Secretary to the Forest and Environment Department Upendra Nath Behera released a brochure on the concept.
Among others, CE, Orissa Remote Sensing and Application Centre, Ameeya Mohapatra, Member-Secretary, Orissa State Pollution Control Board Sidhant Das and PD, OFSDP, AK Bansal were present.