Palmetum Park: The Palm paradise

parks of the city 16

Palmetum Park is a specialised botanical garden located in Malakpet. Spreak over 1 acre, the Park features only one family of plants, the Palm. With a collection housing all six sub-families of Arecaceae, the Park boasts of a collection of about 120 varieties of 250 trees. The first-of-its-kind theme park in the city is a lush of green with zero pollution and a peaceful, eco-friendly environment.

More than 300 people visit the park daily for their morning and evening walks. Yoga classes are held in a peaceful and pleasant environment. In addition, students visit to learn about botanical sciences. Major landmarks nearby are Hyderabad Race Club, Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply Board & Sewerage Board (HMWS-SB), Mehaboob Gunj and Yasoda Hospital. TSRTC buses are available to all parts of the city. Secunderabad Railway Station is 20 km away and the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is 25 km away. The nearest MMTS station is Malakpet.

History

The Park was started in 2002 by Chandra Mohan Reddy, the then director of Urban Forestry, Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad. Palm trees were obtained from Malaysia, Madagascar and 103 countries across the world. Mohd Abudul Hai, Forest Range Officer and Deputy Director Horticulture, South Zone said, “This Park is an exotic and attractive feature of the city and a significant botanic achievement.

The GHMC has adopted it and users are maintaining it efficiently. Everyone can use the park from 5 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 7 pm throughout the week. The Park has bagged the second prize in the Garden Festival held in 2012. The garden brings in an aromatic fragrance and the beauty of nature is amazing enjoy.”

Problems

According to park users, dog menace is prominent in the area. There is no drinking water and toilet facility and the lighting is poor.

By Ch Saibaba