Posted on: November 23, 2024
Incremental Article | Ongoing Article Series | Meaning; this article can be corrected when there is a mistake noticed and alternative is suggested with proper acknowledgement as well | Global TV
This article is written on an Appreciative Inquiry Process. This is an Exercise to overlook the governance model of different Governments in India. This is NOT a systemic study and hence not very critical about Governments. The idea is to find good in every model of Governance. Since we do not have clarity about the models of many governments; You; the reader should guide us to modify the article with additional inputs in the future and to make necessary corrections when there is mistakes found in the article.
In this article; we set parameters for Governments and Governance. We are not commenting on which one is the best in short run and the long run. But goes with the Governments that cares the bottom-line people like the Gardner who water the small plants and let the bigger ones to sustain on their own.
This article thus look like we appreciate the Karnataka Government Model that gives lot of benefit for the people at the bottom line of economics. What we wanted to know is the vision of other governments about the economically backward people? Are they telling us about the difference between giving fish and fishing rod to the people? Are you sure the vision at the top is reaching to the down streams? Is there corruption eroding the system at large? Who will make a sincere analysis and help us to remake this article. Before doing that, kindly go through the concept of this article in a little more effortless way!
Let us begin this article with a question. Can you imagine a large botanical garden?
Here is a list of some of the largest and most famous botanical gardens in India:
1. Indian Botanic Garden (Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden)
- Location: Shibpur, Howrah, West Bengal
- Famous For: The Great Banyan Tree, one of the largest canopy trees in the world.
- Area: Approximately 273 acres.
2. Lalbagh Botanical Garden
- Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Famous For: Glasshouse inspired by London’s Crystal Palace and a large collection of tropical and sub-tropical plants.
- Area: About 240 acres.
3. Government Botanical Gardens
- Location: Ooty, Tamil Nadu
- Famous For: Rare tree species, orchids, and an Italian-style garden layout.
- Area: Spread across 55 acres.
4. Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI)
- Location: Palode, Kerala
- Famous For: Conservation of tropical plant species.
- Area: 300 acres.
5. Lloyd’s Botanical Garden
- Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal
- Famous For: Collection of Himalayan and Alpine plants.
- Area: 40 acres.
6. Agri-Horticultural Society of India Garden
- Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
- Famous For: One of the oldest botanical gardens in India, established in 1820.
- Area: Around 24 acres.
7. Pilikula Nisargadhama
- Location: Mangalore, Karnataka
- Famous For: A combination of a botanical garden, zoo, and heritage park.
- Area: Over 370 acres.
8. Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI)
- Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Famous For: A wide variety of medicinal plants and endemic species.
9. Botanical Garden of Forest Research Institute
- Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Famous For: Rare trees and plants, integrated with the iconic Forest Research Institute campus.
10. Regional Plant Resource Centre (Ekamra Kanan)
- Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Famous For: Orchid House and bonsai collection.
- Area: Approximately 75 acres.
These gardens are not just centers for conservation and research but also serve as popular tourist destinations, showcasing India’s rich biodiversity.
India’s large botanical gardens are home to diverse plant species, unique features, and remarkable attractions. Here’s what you can find in the major botanical gardens mentioned:
1. Indian Botanic Garden (Howrah, West Bengal)
- Highlights:
- Great Banyan Tree: Over 250 years old, it has the world’s largest canopy area.
- Rare Plant Collections: Over 12,000 species, including mahogany, orchids, and palms.
- Herbarium: Houses one of the largest plant specimen collections in Asia.
- Aquatic Plants: A variety of lotus and water lilies.
2. Lalbagh Botanical Garden (Bengaluru, Karnataka)
- Highlights:
- Glasshouse: Modeled after London’s Crystal Palace, used for flower shows.
- Rare Plant Species: Houses tropical, subtropical, and medicinal plants.
- Rock Formation: A 3,000-million-year-old peninsular gneiss rock.
- Bonsai Garden: A dedicated space for miniature trees.
3. Government Botanical Gardens (Ooty, Tamil Nadu)
- Highlights:
- Terraced Layout: Divided into sections like the Lower Garden, Italian Garden, and Fern House.
- Exotic and Indigenous Plants: Including conifers, eucalyptus, and ferns.
- Tree Fossil: Estimated to be 20 million years old.
- Flower Beds and Lawns: Seasonal blooms and manicured landscapes.
4. Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (Palode, Kerala)
- Highlights:
- Rare Medicinal Plants: A focus on tropical plants with curative properties.
- Conservation Areas: Dedicated to the preservation of endangered species.
- Butterfly Garden: Supports pollination and conservation efforts.
- Research Facilities: Herbarium and seed banks for tropical plants.
5. Lloyd’s Botanical Garden (Darjeeling, West Bengal)
- Highlights:
- Himalayan Flora: Indigenous plants like rhododendrons and orchids.
- Succulents and Cacti: A dedicated conservatory.
- Bamboo Collection: Featuring a variety of Himalayan bamboos.
- Orchidarium: Home to rare and exotic orchid species.
6. Agri-Horticultural Society of India Garden (Kolkata, West Bengal)
- Highlights:
- Herbal Garden: A wide range of Ayurvedic and medicinal plants.
- Greenhouse: Houses exotic flowering plants and succulents.
- Seasonal Flower Shows: Includes displays of roses, dahlias, and chrysanthemums.
- Fruit Orchards: Mango, guava, and other tropical fruits.
7. Pilikula Nisargadhama (Mangalore, Karnataka)
- Highlights:
- Botanical Garden: Features local plants, medicinal herbs, and endangered species.
- Zoo: Houses native animals and birds.
- Heritage Village: Showcasing traditional culture and architecture.
- Lake and Biodiversity Park: A scenic space for ecological learning.
8. Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) (Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala)
- Highlights:
- Medicinal Plants Garden: Rich collection of tropical species with health benefits.
- Rare Orchids: Conservation and research on epiphytic plants.
- Gene Banks: For endangered plant species.
- Palms and Bamboo: Extensive collections of these iconic tropical plants.
9. Botanical Garden of Forest Research Institute (Dehradun, Uttarakhand)
- Highlights:
- Tree Collection: Focus on forest trees like sal, teak, and deodar.
- Thematic Gardens: Including medicinal plants, aromatic herbs, and cacti.
- Lakes and Trails: Well-maintained natural settings.
- Iconic Architecture: Colonial-style buildings integrated into the garden.
10. Regional Plant Resource Centre (Ekamra Kanan, Bhubaneswar, Odisha)
- Highlights:
- Orchid House: One of the largest in India.
- Cactus Garden: Features desert plants and succulents.
- Bonsai Collection: Beautifully maintained miniature trees.
- Rose Garden: Showcasing a variety of hybrid and native roses.
Common Attractions in These Gardens:
- Educational Value: Herbariums, museums, and guided tours for visitors.
- Recreational Spaces: Scenic landscapes, picnic areas, and walking trails.
- Conservation Efforts: Protection of rare and endangered plant species.
- Seasonal Flower Shows: Annual events showcasing blooms like tulips, orchids, and roses.
These botanical gardens not only serve as conservation hubs but also as serene retreats for nature lovers and researchers alike.
The biggest tree and smallest plants in botanical gardens are fascinating due to their contrasting scale and uniqueness. Here’s a breakdown:
The Biggest Tree: The Great Banyan Tree
- Botanical Garden: Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah, West Bengal.
- Details:
- Species: Ficus benghalensis (Banyan tree).
- Age: Estimated to be over 250 years old.
- Size:
- The canopy spreads over 3.5 acres (approximately 14,500 square meters).
- It has over 3,500 aerial roots acting as prop roots, giving it the appearance of a small forest.
- Often referred to as the widest tree in the world.
- Significance: A symbol of resilience, it continues to thrive even after its main trunk decayed and was removed.
The Smallest Plants: Various Options
Smallest plants in botanical gardens typically belong to categories like mosses, liverworts, and tiny aquatic plants.
1. Wolffia (Watermeal)
- Location: Found in aquatic plant sections of many botanical gardens, including Lalbagh Botanical Garden and Government Botanical Gardens, Ooty.
- Details:
- Size: Less than 1 mm in diameter; considered the world’s smallest flowering plant.
- Appearance: Tiny, green, oval-shaped plants floating on the water surface.
- Significance: Important for studying aquatic ecosystems.
2. Mosses and Liverworts
- Location: Fern houses or moss gardens, often found in gardens like Lloyd’s Botanical Garden in Darjeeling.
- Details:
- Size: Individual plants are millimeters in height.
- Environment: Thrive in moist, shaded areas.
Comparison
- Biggest Tree (Great Banyan):
- Symbolizes grandeur and longevity.
- Visible from a distance due to its massive canopy.
- Smallest Plants (Wolffia and Mosses):
- Require close inspection to notice.
- Crucial for biodiversity studies and aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems.
These extremes highlight the incredible diversity botanical gardens strive to conserve and showcase.
In botanical gardens, the need for watering and protection versus self-sustainability depends on the species’ natural adaptations, environmental conditions, and care requirements. Here’s how the biggest and smallest plants fare:
Biggest Tree: Great Banyan Tree
- Needs Watering and Protection:
- Young banyan trees require consistent watering and care during their initial years to establish roots.
- Protection from pests and diseases (e.g., fungal infections) is essential for healthy growth.
- Regular pruning may be required to prevent overgrowth of aerial roots and maintain its health.
- Can Self-Sustain:
- Once mature, banyan trees are highly self-sustaining.
- They:
- Develop extensive root systems, drawing water and nutrients from deep in the soil.
- Produce aerial roots that anchor themselves and provide structural stability.
- Are resilient to environmental stress, such as drought and strong winds.
Smallest Plants
1. Wolffia (Watermeal)
- Needs Watering and Protection:
- These floating aquatic plants rely on consistent water levels for survival.
- Vulnerable to water pollution, algae blooms, and changes in water chemistry.
- Susceptible to predation by fish or other aquatic organisms.
- Cannot Self-Sustain:
- Depend heavily on well-maintained aquatic ecosystems, with regular interventions to ensure the water quality.
2. Mosses and Liverworts
- Needs Watering and Protection:
- Require high humidity or regular misting to stay hydrated since they lack vascular tissues to store water.
- Susceptible to physical damage, as they are delicate and grow slowly.
- Can Self-Sustain:
- In shaded, moist environments, mosses can thrive without frequent intervention.
- Naturally absorb water from rain and the surrounding environment.
Key Comparison
| Category | Needs Watering/Protection | Can Self-Sustain |
|---|---|---|
| Great Banyan Tree | Protection in early years; occasional pruning needed. | Yes, once mature, it is largely self-sustaining. |
| Wolffia | Needs constant water care and clean ecosystems. | No, heavily dependent on managed water bodies. |
| Mosses/Liverworts | Regular misting in artificial setups or dry areas. | Yes, in natural, moist, and shaded environments. |
Note The Point:
- Self-Sustaining: The Great Banyan Tree is the most self-sustaining once established, requiring minimal external care.
- Needs Care: Smaller plants like Wolffia and mosses demand ongoing maintenance and protection due to their fragile nature and specific habitat needs.
Applying the principles of a botanical garden to governments and governance creates a fascinating analogy. Governments, like caretakers of a botanical garden, must identify which entities (large corporations, small businesses, or individuals) need consistent support and protection versus those that are largely self-sustaining. This approach emphasizes balancing resources and fostering an ecosystem where all can thrive.
The Analogy: Governance as a Botanical Garden
- Large Corporations as “The Great Banyan Trees”
- Characteristics:
- Established, with deep roots in the economy.
- Generate resources, employment, and influence on a large scale.
- Can weather economic fluctuations due to their resilience and resource pools.
- Governmental Role:
- Provide occasional oversight and pruning (regulation) to ensure fair play, prevent overreach, and address monopolistic tendencies.
- Offer incentives only when expanding into new sectors or areas (like clean energy or underserved regions).
- Self-Sustainability:
- Once set up, large corporations can largely operate independently, requiring less direct support.
- Over-dependence on government resources (subsidies or bailouts) can hinder competition and innovation.
- Characteristics:
- Small Businesses and Startups as “Wolffia (Watermeal)”
- Characteristics:
- Fragile in their early stages, requiring nurturing environments.
- Highly responsive to external conditions like market trends, policy changes, and financial support.
- Critical for grassroots employment and local economies.
- Governmental Role:
- Provide consistent “watering” in the form of access to credit, reduced compliance burdens, and skill development programs.
- Protect from “predators” (e.g., large corporations dominating markets or unfair taxation).
- Encourage innovation and create supportive ecosystems (incubation centers, export hubs).
- Self-Sustainability:
- With the right initial support, many small businesses can transition into robust entities that contribute significantly to the economy.
- Characteristics:
- Vulnerable Populations as “Mosses and Liverworts”
- Characteristics:
- These groups include marginalized communities, economically weaker sections, and those in remote areas.
- Extremely sensitive to changes in policy or environmental conditions.
- Slow to recover from adverse impacts like inflation, natural disasters, or health crises.
- Governmental Role:
- Provide constant care in the form of welfare schemes, education, healthcare, and social security.
- Protect them from systemic inequalities and exploitation.
- Ensure “shaded environments” (safe and inclusive spaces) for growth through affirmative action and community programs.
- Self-Sustainability:
- These populations may not achieve full self-sustainability without structural reforms, but empowered individuals can contribute significantly to society.
- Characteristics:
- Middle-Class Citizens as “Hardy Plants”
- Characteristics:
- Relatively self-sufficient, driving consumption and the service economy.
- May require occasional support during economic downturns or major life transitions (education loans, housing assistance).
- Governmental Role:
- Minimize excessive taxation and create opportunities for upward mobility.
- Offer targeted subsidies for critical sectors like housing, healthcare, or education.
- Protect against inflation and ensure access to reliable public services.
- Self-Sustainability:
- Often able to thrive with a predictable and stable policy environment.
- Characteristics:
- The Wealthiest Individuals as “Ancient Trees in a Forest”
- Characteristics:
- Possess substantial resources and influence.
- Can navigate changes in policy or market conditions without significant government intervention.
- Governmental Role:
- Prevent monopolistic or oligarchic behavior through strict regulatory frameworks.
- Collect fair taxes to redistribute wealth and fund welfare programs.
- Encourage contributions to societal development through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and philanthropy.
- Self-Sustainability:
- Fully self-sustaining, requiring little to no direct support.
- Characteristics:
Care Principles Applied to Governance
- Prioritize the Vulnerable:
- Just as mosses and small plants need constant attention, marginalized communities require ongoing government care in areas like education, healthcare, and housing.
- Policies must focus on lifting these groups out of poverty and inequality.
- Nurture Emerging Players:
- Like Wolffia, small businesses and startups need targeted support to grow and flourish, ultimately contributing to the larger ecosystem.
- Programs for skill development, innovation, and ease of doing business are essential.
- Regulate Without Overburdening the Strong:
- Large corporations and the wealthy are akin to the banyan tree—resilient but requiring occasional trimming (regulations) to prevent overreach.
- Avoid over-subsidizing entities that can self-sustain, and direct resources where they’re needed most.
- Foster Resilience Across the Board:
- Governments should aim for an ecosystem where all groups—large and small—can coexist, just like in a botanical garden.
- Invest in infrastructure, public goods, and fair legal frameworks to sustain the entire system.
Note The Point:
The most consistent care is needed for vulnerable populations (mosses) and small businesses (Wolffia), as they are the backbone of a thriving and equitable society. Large corporations (banyan trees) and the wealthy are self-sustaining but must be regulated to ensure they don’t overshadow smaller players. Governments must act like skilled gardeners, balancing care and control to cultivate a prosperous, inclusive ecosystem.
