Prakriti Gyan Dham: Eco-Educational Hub
Why in News?
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh dedicated “Prakriti Gyan Dham” to the nation on 8 August 2026 in Lucknow. Developed by the CSIR–National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI) at the Maharishi Parashar Bioresource Centre, Banthra, it has been described as India’s first eco-educational hub.
Objectives
- Connect scientific research with society through experiential learning.
- Promote environmental education and biodiversity conservation.
- Preserve India’s botanical and cultural heritage.
- Demonstrate the practical applications of plant science.
- Enable students, farmers, researchers, educators and the general public to access scientific knowledge and technologies.
Major Features
- PAaVan Path: An interpretive heritage trail— “Plants and Associated Vegetations for Appreciating Nature”—showcasing plant collections from different ecological regions.
- Indian Heritage Garden: Includes heritage trees associated with important places and events, such as the Bawan Imli Tamarind of Fatehpur, Patalpuri Banyan of Prayagraj, the Mother Dussehri Mango of Lucknow and a mango tree planted by Mahatma Gandhi at Bhitiharwa, Champaran.
- Bamboosteum: A collection of 43 indigenous and exotic bamboo species, highlighting bamboo’s role in carbon sequestration, soil conservation, green infrastructure and rural livelihoods.
- Digital learning: QR-enabled audio and information systems provide botanical, historical and cultural details about plants.
- Science-to-society technologies: Plant-based technologies, including herbal products, were transferred to Kerala’s Kudumbashree mission to support women-led enterprises.
Significance
- Biodiversity awareness: Makes plant diversity accessible through direct and interactive learning.
- Conservation: Encourages public participation in preserving native and heritage species.
- Sustainable livelihoods: Demonstrates the use of bamboo and medicinal plants in rural enterprise and green industries.
- Science communication: Provides a model for scientific institutions to move beyond laboratories and engage directly with citizens.
- Cultural ecology: Links India’s botanical heritage with freedom struggle sites, traditional knowledge and local histories.
Challenges
The hub’s long-term success will depend on regular maintenance, scientific accuracy of public information, protection of heritage plants, inclusion of local communities and replication of its technologies beyond the campus. It must function not merely as a public park but as a centre for conservation, research, education and livelihood generation.
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The hub’s long-term success will depend on regular maintenance, scientific accuracy of public information, protection of heritage plants, inclusion of local communities and replication of its technologies beyond the campus. It must function not merely as a public park but as a centre for conservation, research, education and livelihood generation.
