Parks play an important role in stabilizing the urban environment in all possible ways. These parks should be filled with endemic(native) flora for a sustainable ecology. One such park is Vivekanada Park (locally known as Kulayi cheruvu). Kulayi cheruvu means Water tank pond, which was built during British time for drinking water supply to the then city of Kakinada. Now the City Water treatment plant lies beside the park improved along the tank.
I just made a random census of flora at this park in 3 different seasons of a year and found that nearly 87% of the green cover in the park is endemic(native) trees and 13% of exotic and decorative flora. There are varied fauna observed at this park during my visits. I am just listing some details of my tree census done at Kulayi cheruvu park.
There are some endemic fruit bearing plants in single number at the park. Small flowering shrubs and various endemic and exotic ornamental plants were located along the pathway and walkway around the tank in the park.
Besides the flora the park consists of varied range of fauna due to the presence of a large water tank. One can observe a variety of birds like cormorants, sand pipers, egrets, crows, mynas, babblers, ducks, pied kingfisher. Mammals like squirrels, mongoose, fruitbats. Amphibians like frogs, pond terrapins and fresh water turtles. Reptiles as water snakes, bronze backs, lizards. Insects like dragon flies, butterflies, carpenter bees, honey bees, wasps in this park.
Every civic body should think of improving the urban parks with more than 90% of endemic green cover for a sustainable Eco system. Kulayi cheruvu park sets an example for being a biodiversity hotspot and oxygen ground in the heart of Kakinada city. As per statistics on average, one tree produces nearly 260 pounds of oxygen each year. So the amount of oxygen released from 50% of fully and medium grown trees here in this park will be immense and supporting life.
