TTD to Create Sacred Herbal Garden in Tirumala for Medicinal Plant Conservation
Table of Contents
Source: Deccan Chronicle
Relevance:
GS-3: Biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, medicinal plant ecosystem, biosphere reserves, Andhra Pradesh
Why in News?
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has announced the creation of a Sacred Herbal Garden in Tirumala to conserve rare and endangered medicinal plants native to the Seshachalam Forests, integrating heritage conservation with public education. The garden will be operational by end of 2026.
Key Features of the Sacred Herbal Garden
1. Conservation of Rare Medicinal Plants
- Aims to preserve endemic, rare, threatened and endangered species from the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve.
- Supports India’s traditional healing systems—Ayurveda, Siddha, Ayurveda-based temple traditions.
2. Location & Budget
- To be developed on 4 acres between the lower and upper ghat roads, near GNC Toll Gate, Tirumala.
- Estimated cost: ₹4.25 crore.
3. 13 Thematic Zones
Each zone will represent:
- Human health and well-being
- Spiritual traditions linked to medicinal plants
- Ecological balance and biodiversity significance
Objectives of the Project
Cultural & Spiritual
- Promote awareness of sacred botany within Hindu temple traditions.
- Provide a serene ambience for pilgrims.
Environmental & Scientific
- Create a living repository of India’s medicinal heritage.
- Facilitate conservation of threatened species of Seshachalam Hills.
- Strengthen in-situ and ex-situ conservation efforts.
Educational
- Learning hub for Students, Researchers, Botanists and Nature enthusiasts
Significance of Seshachalam Forests
- Notified as a Biosphere Reserve (2010).
- Rich in Red sanders, Endemic medicinal species and Sacred groves
- Highly vulnerable to:
- Over-harvesting
- Illicit felling
- Climate change stress
Expected Benefits
1. Ecological
- Revitalisation of the Seshachalam ecosystem
- Improved habitat for native medicinal species
- Support for pollinators and associated biodiversity
2. Cultural Heritage
- Preservation of ancient medicinal knowledge
- Integration of spiritual ecology with scientific conservation
3. Tourism & Education
- Adds a new dimension to Tirumala pilgrimage tourism
- Opportunity for interpretation centres, botanical tours
Way Forward
- Integrate the garden with AYUSH research bodies.
- Community-based protection mechanisms for surrounding forests.
- Digital documentation of medicinal species for public access.
- Tie-ups with universities for conservation research.
Conclusion
The Tirumala Sacred Herbal Garden represents a unique convergence of spiritual heritage, traditional medicinal knowledge, and scientific conservation. By preserving endangered species and promoting ecosystem health, it strengthens both environmental sustainability and cultural identity.
CARE MCQ
Q. Which of the following protected areas is home to the rare medicinal species conserved under TTD’s proposed Sacred Herbal Garden?
(a) Nallamala Forests
(b) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve
(c) Papikonda National Park
(d) Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) announced the creation of a Sacred Herbal Garden specifically to conserve rare and endangered medicinal plant species native to the Seshachalam forest region.
- The Seshachalam Hills, part of the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve, are known for their rich biodiversity, especially medicinal plants used in Ayurveda, making it the source region for species being conserved under this project.
- The garden’s objective is to act as a living repository of medicinal heritage linked to the Seshachalam ecosystem.
