Forest dept to showcase Hill flora through flower shows

Darjeeling: The Park and Gardens North Division under the Forest department is set to showcase the diverse flora of the region with a series of flower shows slated to be held at different locations in the districts of North Bengal.

This year, the organisers have decided to encourage people to have more plants in their homes, with the theme "Keep your homes clean and green."

The flower shows will be flagged off by state Forest minister Binay Krishna Barman, at Mathabhanga Park in Cooch Behar on January 12. The flower shows will end on February 9 in Malbazar.

"We will be focusing on school and college students in order to inculcate their interest in plants. We want to help them understand that plants are natural air purifiers and gift us a clean environment," stated A Guha, DFO.

The flower shows will include plant sculptures as well. "This is the first time that plant sculptures are being included in the flower shows," added Guha.

On January 14, the flower show will be held at Falakata, on January 19 at Balurghat, January 23 at

Islampur, January 26 at Dhupguri, January 27 at Alipurduar, February 2 at Teesta Uddan in Jalpaiguri and February 6 at N N Park, Cooch Behar.

"Flower sculptures will form the main attraction at Teesta Uddan and at N N Park. A replica of the Cooch Behar palace is being done through flower sculpturing at N N Park," stated the DFO.

The old rest house is also being renovated for the flower show in Malbazar. Entry to the flower shows will be free.