Yamuna Biodiversity Park

Environmental Studies (EVS 704)

EVS FIELD TRIP Report

Name :- Himani Rawat

Roll no. :- AAA 1230
BRANCH :- B.S.
BIOTECHNOLOGY
BATCH B

Biodiversity
simply means
the diversity or
variety of
plants, animals
and other living
things in a
particular area.

I love nature dearly and all

creatures that contribute to
make it what it is. I see the
beauty in all expressions of life,
and I see how blind so many of
us still are. Our planet is
remarkably abundant and
there's more than enough for us
all. It is greed and short
sightedness that create the
illusion of scarcity.
Yossi Ghinsberg

Yamu
na
Biodiv
ersity
Park

The flora and fauna,

which were found in
abundance along the
banks of Yamuna in
Delhi 100 years ago,
have successfully been
revived. With the
reintroduction of several
extinct medicinal plants
in the flood plains of the
river-Yamuna
Biodiversity Park (YBP),
environmentalists are
hopeful to restore rivers
pristine glory.

Background and History

THE YAMUNA BIODIVERSITY PARK IN WAZIRABAD IN NORTH DELHI, A 457-ACRES OF NATURES
RESERVE, HAS BEEN ESPECIALLY CREATED TO REPLICATE THE LOST ECOSYSTEMS OF THE YAMUNA
RIVER. ONCE A BARREN LAND, IT NOW HOUSES WETLANDS AND FORESTS, SHELTERING OVER 1500
PLANTS, INSECTS, BIRDS, FISH AND MAMMAL SPECIES

The Yamuna Floodplain Biodiversity Park at Wazirabad is spread over 157 acres of
land. Around 10 ecosystems including 2000-3000 species of flora and fauna are to
be generated under the project. According to DDA officials, since the conception of
the project the number of bird species has grown from 25 in 2002 to 150 in 2004.
The park's habitat programme started in July 2002. It already has over 500 variety
of fruit plant species, over 550 variety of seeds species, over 650 variety of stratified
grass, tree, shrubs and forest herbs species, about 5.8 kilometer stretch of threelayered bamboo setups along the boundary wall -- separating the park from locality
villages all naturally growing in an artificial eco-system.
In all, about 16,500 trees and plant families -- belonging to 20 biotic groups of
deciduous bamboo, sal, teak, acacia, grass, thorn-scrub, under-water, marshy,
island and riparian families, broad-leaf categories, groves, herbs, medicinal plants
and fruit variety species -- are growing. The extinct medicinal and fruit plant
species such as tylophora asthemetica, ceropegie bulbosa, gala, khirnis, white
variety of jamun, which once abounded in the Yamuna basin forests, have been
reintroduced for conservation.
In two wetlands -- deep (10-foot) one for such bird species as ducks, cormorants,
eagles, falcons and the shallow (1 to 1.5 foot) one for waders, such as cranes -- over
1.5 lakh fingerling fishes were introduced to build up the plants-seeds-fishes-birds
food chain. The wetlands are surrounded by long grass and aquatic underwater
shrubs.
Two water bodies have been created. One gives a symbolic look of the river and the
other deep enough to attract exotic migratory birds.

Number of Visitors
As many as 40,000 students and public from all across the world visit the park annually. This park is
however open to public only if they come in groups and are accompanied by a guide. This has been
done in order to prevent the jungle from further pollution.

Staf

Location
THE YAMUNA BIODIVERSITY PARK IS PRESENTLY SPREAD OVER AN AREA OF
APPROXIMATELY 457 ACRES NEAR WAZIRABAD VILLAGE ON THE FLAT ALLUVIAL PLAINS
OF THE YAMUNA.

Goals
CONSERVATION OF KEYSTONE SPECIES AND OTHER PLANT AND ANIMAL SPECIES
THAT ARE THREATENED.
PRESERVATION OF THE BIODIVERSITY OF ANY HABITAT THAT IS LIKELY TO BE
CONVERTED INTO URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE.
ESTABLISHMENT OF FIELD GENE BANKS FOR THREATENED LAND RACES AND WILD
GENETIC RESOURCES.
PROMOTION OF EDUCATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND NATURE
CONSERVATION.
ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIVE COMMUNITIES OF RIVER YAMUNA BASIN PARTICULARLY
OF DELHI REGION.
DEVELOPMENT OF A MOSAIC WETLANDS THAT SUSTAIN A RICH AQUATIC FLORA AND
FAUNA OF YAMUNA.
MONITORING OF SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM CHANGES IN ECOLOGY OF DELHI
REGION THROUGH RESEARCH.

Functions
ACTS AS HERITAGE SITES AND REPOSITORIES OF APPROX 30 THREATENED
COMMUNITIES OF YAMUNA RIVER BASIN.
PROVIDES IDEAL ALTERNATIVE HABITATS FOR MIGRATION AND RESIDENT BIRD
SPECIES.
SERVES AS FIELD GENE BANKS FOR WILD GENETICS RESOURCES OF ECONOMICALLY
IMPORTANT SPECIES AND THREATENED TAXA.
ENHANCES GROUND WATER RECHARGE AND AUGMENT FRESH WATER AVAILABILITY.
ACTS AS SINK FOR C02 AND OTHER POLLUTANTS.

PROMOTES ECO-TOURISM AND SOCIAL CONNECTIVITY ACROSS THE URBAN

COMMUNITY

Climate and Terrain

Summer: April, May, June; Hot to very hot; Very low to

normal humidity (Dry weather); Low to Good precipitation.

Monsoon : July, August, September; Hot, Pleasant during

rains; High to very high humidity; Heavy precipitation

Autumn: October, November; Warm days, Cool nights,

Pleasant; Very low to low humidity; Very low precipitation

Winter: December, January; Cool to Cold; Low humidity;

Low precipitation.

Spring: February, March; Warm days, Cool nights,

Pleasant; Very low to low humidity; Good precipitation
The present study investigated soil respiration and distribution of fungi
and bacteria in the soil. The study was performed in the semiarid
(subtropical climate) regions of Delhi.
Three different sites in the YBP was selected, and it was found that
higher soil activity is taking place , which leads to profuse ground
vegetation, sandy soil and high organic matter, and high moisture
content.
The area at YBP is low lying , and gets seasonally flooded and the long
spell of standing water has turned the soil more saline (pH = 8.9).

Welcome to

Yamuna
Biodiversity Park!
The Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Delhi is slated to act as a heritage site and
repository of approximately 50 threatened communities of Yamuna river basin. It
serves as an ideal alternative habitat for migratory and resident bird species. It
is also designed to conserve the wild genetic resources of agricultural crops and
enhance ground water recharge and augment fresh water availability. It is
supposed to have a positive impact on the local weather patterns and conserve
the micro and macro ecosystems . The Biodiversity park which represents Delhis
natural heritage and rich biological diversity of the flood plains of Yamuna river
has also become a means of promoting natural education among school &
college students. I went there with My Batch on a bright warm Saturday (29 th
March 2014).We reached there around 11:30 am. The park was studded with a
whole lot of green trees. It looked lovely.

Yamuna
Biodive
OBSERVATIONS
rsity
Park
FLORA OBSERVED

WE SET OUT AND THE FIRST THING WE SAW WAS A TREE AND HE ASKED US TO TAKE
A GUESS. AFTER A LOT OF WRONG GUESSES WE FINALLY GOT IT RIGHT. IT TURNED
OUT TO BE A PEEPAL TREE.

Peepal Tree

SCIENTIFIC NAME
NOTES

:-

Ficus religiosa

Climber
Medicinal Plant
-It is believed to cure diseases such as gonorrhoea, haemorrhoids, diarrhoea,
dysentery, gastrohelcosis, neuralgia and inflammations. Almost all parts of the
tree such as bark, leaves, shoots, fruit, seeds and latex are used for medicinal
purposes.

Religious Importance

-Peepal tree is of religious importance also in India. According to Indian

mythology, it is believed that lord Vishnu was born under the tree and it is his
favourite tree.
Health Benefits

Controls diabetes
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties: The leaf extracts of
peepal contain anti-inflammatory as well as analgesic properties which are
effective in controlling rheumatic pains and arthritis.

Chilbil or Papri

SCIENTIFIC NAME

:-

Holoptilea intergrifolia

ALSO KNOWN AS INDIAN ELM

NOTES :Indian Elm is a large deciduous tree, growing up to 18 m tall.
It has grey bark, covered with blisters, peeling in corky scales on old trees.
Alternately arranged leaves are elliptic-ovate, 8-13 cm long and 3.2-6.3 cm wide, smooth, with entire
margins, and a pointed tip. Leaf base is rounded or heart-shaped. Stipules are lance-shaped.
Crushed leaves emit an unpleasant odour. Flowers are small, greenish-yellow to brownish.

Medicinal uses :- The bark of Indian Elm is used in rheumatism. Seed and paste
of stem bark is used in treating ringworm. Bark and leaves are used for treating
oedema, diabetes, leprosy and other skin diseases, intestinal disorders, piles and
sprue

Then as we moved further we came across

a lot of Trees!!

Giloy Tree

SCIENTIFIC NAME

:-

Tinosporta cardifolia

NOTES

Climber
Medicinal plant. In Ayurveda, It is considered one of the most
divine herbs.
The plant has a long history of use in India as a medicine and
in the preparation of a starch known as Giloe-ka-sat or as
Palo

Chemical properties and pharmacology

Guduchi is highly rich in anti oxidants. It has wound healing
property, antipyretic (fever- reducing) and anti-viral
properties.

Ba
mboo
tree

SCIENTIFIC NAME

:-

Bambusa vulgaris

NOTES
Found everywhere
Bambusa vulgaris is widely planted and used for a variety of purposes,
primarily for use in light construction such as houses, huts, boats (masts,
rudders, outriggers, boating poles), fences, scaffolding, furniture, musical
instruments and handicrafts.
Culms are also used as carrying poles or banana plant supports. Split
stems are used for brooms, baskets, and rings prepared from the split
culms are put into ear perforations by the Tunkul-Naga tribes of Manipur.
In New Guinea culms are used to make traditional combs and penis
gourds ('koteka') in the phallocrypt tradition.

Tripha
la

SCIENTIFIC NAME

:- Baheda (Terminalaria ballerica)

NOTES
-Medicinal plant
-Churna
-Herbal (Dry fruit)

Traditional uses
In Ayurveda the drug is classified as an expectorant. It is an integral part
of Ayurvedic laxative formulation, Triphala used in treatment of common
cold, pharyngitis and constipation bark is midly diuretic and is useful in
anaemia and leucoderma. The Fruits are Astringent, acrid, Digestive,
Anthelmintic, Aperient, Expectorant, Digestive, Anthelmintic, Aperient,
Expectorant, Antipyretic, Antiemetic and Rejuvenating. Unripe fruit is an
mild laxative and ripe fruit is an fruit is an mild laxative and ripe fruit is an
astringent.

Khirni

Notes
-Extinct from Delhi forest
-Khirni is a small medium sized
tree evergreen tree, 3-4 m high,
with a spreading crown and
straight massive bole. It is very
commonly found growing wild in
the dry evergreen forests in
Central India and the Deccan
Peninsula of India.

SCIENTIFIC NAME

:-

4.
Kachn
ar

Bauhinia pupurea

Notes
Found in Dry deciduous forest
-purple flowers
-orchid tree
-Bark wood Torch

The Purple Orchid Tree is an exotic tropical

tree that blooms over a long period of time.
The beautiful & fragrant, classic, Orchid-like
flowers of Bauhinia purpurea makes this
small tree, native to India, a favourite of
many plant lovers. In fall, before the leaves
drop, Orchid-Tree is festooned with many
showy and delightfully fragrant, five-inchwide blossoms, the narrow purple, pink, and
lavender petals arranged to closely
resemble an orchid. These flowers appear on
the trees from September through
November and are a beautiful sight to see,
creating a vivid splash of color in the

Ber
tree

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Pome
grana
te

:-

Zizyphus mauritiana

Anjee
r

Also known as Common Figs.

-Figs are seasonal fruits that are found in the western parts of Asia, but dried figs are
available almost everywhere, at any point during the year.
-The fig tree is a member of mulberry family.
-The health benefits of figs come from the presence of minerals, vitamins and fiber
contained in the fruit. Figs contain a wealth of beneficial nutrients, including vitamin A,
vitamin B1, vitamin B2, calcium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, sodium, potassium and
chlorine.

Bottle
Brush
(Callis
Acaci
termo a
n) (Kikar
)

NOTES
-Honey producing plant
-Red leaves
The leaves, for the most part, contain oils which are useful for their antibiotic properties.

Cineole--also found in eucalyptus and rosemary--is known for its insect-repelling qualities as
well as antibacterial.
Methyl acetate, yet another essential oil found within, is responsible for the fragrance, but
can also be useful for repellent factors.

Kaner

NOTES
-It is an evergreen shrub or small tree
-also known as oleander
-uses: ornamental gardening

Phragmites karka

Cotto
n

NOTES
Cotton is used to make textile products. These include terrycloth for highly absorbent bath robes
and towels and denim for blue jeans. Most T-shirts, socks underwear and bed sheets are made
from cotton. Cotton is also used to make yarn used in knitting.

Sagargota (Caesalpinia
bonduc)

NOTES
-In homoeopathy, the plant is considered an excellent remedy for chronic fever.

-Spiny
-More like Meetha neem (maybe bcuz it has medicinal value [neem] and it
tastes sweet)

Hadjo
d

NOTES
-. It is a perennial plant of the grape family. It belongs to the genus Cissus and family Vitaceae. It is probably
native to India or Sri Lanka
Healing with Hadjod: Hadjod (Cissus quadrangula) is translated as (the one) that unites broken bones. The plant,
which grows in abundance in India, is credited with potent fracture healing properties in Ayurveda.
Hadjod contains healthy amounts of calcium and other constituents which influence quick regeneration of
connective tissues around the broken bones. The plant also ensures early ossification (natural process of bone
formation) and proper remodeling of bones, resulting in faster healing and quicker recovery time.
Hadjod also stimulates new bone growth, fortifies bone tensile strength and prevents the loss of bone minerals,
which is useful in preventing osteoporosis related fractures.
In fact, it is known to increase the uptake of minerals calcium, phosphorus, sulfur and strontium. As an antiinflammatory agent, it relieves fracture-related aches. Moreover, it also possesses free radical-scavenging
properties, which reduces oxidative stress.

Date
Palm

1 kg Guava

Reetha or Soap
nuts

NOTES
The drupes (soapnuts) contain saponins which are a natural surfactant.
They have been used for washing for thousands of years by native
peoples in Asia as well as Native Americans.
Soapnuts are being considered and used for commercial use in cosmetics
and detergents as well as many other products.
Soapnuts have historically been used in folk remedies as a mucolytic
agent, emetic, contraceptive, and for treatment of excessive salivation,

Arjun
Tree

epilepsy, and to treat chlorosis

Soapnuts,
as those of
Sapindus
mukorossi,
used in
Ayurveda.
are a
popular
ingredient
Ayurvedic
shampoos
cleansers.
are used
Ayurvedic
medicine
treatment
eczema, psoriasis, and for removing freckles.

such

are
They

in
and
They
in
as a
for

SCIENTIFIC N AME :- Terminalia arjuna

NOTES
The arjuna is about 2025 metres tall; usually has a buttressed trunk, and forms
a wide canopy at the crown, from which branches drop downwards. It has oblong,
conical leaves which are green on the top and brown below; smooth, grey bark; it
has pale yellow flowers which appear between March and June , appears
between September and November.
Distribution and habitat
The arjuna is usually found growing on river banks or near dry river beds in West bengal and south
and central India.
Importance
Silk production
The arjuna is one of the species whose leaves are fed on by the Antheraea paphia moth which
produces the tassar silk a wild silk of commercial importance.
Medicinal
In studies in mice, its leaves have been shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties

SCIENTIFIC NAME :- Catha edulis

NOTES
-It is a flowering plant
-sour in taste
-used in making chutney
-Wild fruit

- used in making Jelly

Catha
(corin
ia)

Lotus
Mesw
ak
(Salva
dora
persic
a)

NOTES

Kills bacteria that causes gum disease

Fights plaque effectively.
Useful and effectives for teeth whitening
Helps reduce tooth decay
Removes Bad breath and odour from mouth.
Creates a fragrance in the mouth.
Effectively cleans between teeth due to its parallel bristles.
Increases salivation and hence inhibits dry mouth (Xerostomia)

Khus
Grass/
Vetive
r
gigan
tica

NOTES
-Erosion
control
-Crop protection and pest repellent
-Animal feed
-Perfume
-Vetiver not only holds moisture it protects plants next to it from
many insects, alley farming banana trees next to vetiver makes
them grow healthier and faster.
-Besides forage for animals or the soil it can be used in
composting. Vetiver compost has an amazing bacteria and soil
building mulch releasing natural NPK into the soil.
Vetiver has the highest photosynthetic activity of any plant.

Drum Stick (Moringa

oleifera)

NOTES
Moringa is a plant that is native to the sub-Himalayan areas of India, Pakistan,
Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. It is also grown in the tropics. The leaves, bark,
flowers, fruit, seeds, and root are used to make medicine.
Moringa is used for tired blood (anemia); arthritis and other joint pain
(rheumatism); asthma; cancer; constipation; diabetes; diarrhea; epilepsy;
stomach pain; stomach and intestinal ulcers; intestinal spasms; headache; heart
problems; high blood pressure; kidney stones; fluid retention; thyroid disorders;
and bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections.

Palas
h
(Bute
a
mono
sperm
a)

Moringa is an important food source in some parts of the world. Because it can
be grown cheaply and easily, and the leaves retain lots of vitamins and minerals
when dried, moringa is used in India and Africa in feeding programs to fight
malnutrition. The immature green pods (drumsticks) are prepared similarly to
green beans, while the seeds are removed from more mature pods and cooked
like peas or roasted like nuts. The leaves are cooked and used like spinach, and
they are also dried and powdered for use as a condiment

NOTES

-Flame of the forest

-flower : dye
- cures arthiritis
- Holi color
- gum
Crotch itch (Dhobi itch or jock itch)
Take Palash seeds and pound in lemon juice. Apply on affected area.

Intestinal parasites
The seeds of palash tree are anthelmintic and laxative. Its fresh seed juice is given with
honey.

Inflammation, Sprain, Swelling due to any reason (Arthritis, Moch)

Palash or daak flowers are used to treat inflammation, swelling and sprain in body.

Blood purification

Derris
indica

NOTES
-Non-intact leaves
-seed oil vegetable oil
-seed oil useful in diesel generators
Fast growing, medium sized evergreen tree .
The trunk is generally short with thick branches spreading into a dense
hemispherical crown of dark green leaves.
Height: 710 m, stem diameter: 50 - 80 cm
Smooth grey-brown bark with vertical fissuring. leaves compound, pinnate and
alternate
Mature leaves glossy dark green above, pale below

Fauna
Reported

RED CRESTED POCHARD

DARTERS or SNAKE BIRD

SILKWORM

NORTHERN PINTAILS

Butte
rfly
conse
rvator
y

A
bamboo bridge leading to BUTTERFLY PARK!!

TOWARDS THE BUTTERFLY PARK!!

LEMOM BUTTERFLY

STRIPED
TIGER

A BUTTERFLY LARVA

CONCLUSIONS:

This park has successfully regenerated the

varied ecosystems that once existed on the
banks of Yamuna.

It serves as an ideal alternative habitat for

migratory and resident bird species

The park is a step to a rich biodiversity in

Delhi.
This project of developing a Biodiversity Park is
an excellent example of planners working in
tandem and close coordination with the
scientific community.