CSIR-NBRI Launches First-of-its-Kind Eco-Educational Hub in Lucknow

Why in News?

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh dedicated the first-of-its-kind Eco-Educational Hub ‘Prakriti Gyan Dham’ at MPBC, Banthra, Lucknow. Developed by CSIR-NBRI, the Hub focuses on biodiversity conservation, environmental education, botanical heritage, experiential learning and technology transfer.

Importance

Brings scientific knowledge closer to society.
Promotes awareness about biodiversity and threatened plants.
Encourages experiential learning through trails, gardens and digital tools.
Supports livelihood generation and women-led entrepreneurship through technology transfer.
Highlights bamboo’s role in ecological restoration, carbon sequestration and sustainable livelihoods.
Links India’s botanical heritage with its historical and cultural legacy.

Key Highlights

PAaVan Path: Plants and Associated Vegetations for Appreciating Nature — the main experiential trail.
Indian Heritage Garden: Features Bawan Imli, Mother Dussehri Mango, Patalpuri Banyan, the mango tree planted by Mahatma Gandhi at Bhitiharwa, and trees linked to the Dandi March route.
Vibhav Enclave: Dedicated to threatened plants of India.
Bhairav Enclave: Showcases State Plants of States and UTs.
Bamboosteum: Houses 43 indigenous and exotic bamboo species.
Four plant-based technologies were transferred to Kudumbashree State Poverty Eradication Mission, Kerala.
Low-cost photobioreactor technology was transferred to Witwake Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Lucknow.
A documentary on India’s Heritage Gardens was also released.

About the Eco-Educational Hub

Prakriti Gyan Dham is a living repository of India’s botanical and cultural legacy. It brings together botanical diversity, conservation, environmental education, experiential learning and scientific outreach for students, researchers, educators, nature enthusiasts and the public.