The lush green tropical butterfly conservatory established at Srirangam by the Forest Department has been thrown open to visitors. Chief Minister Jayalalithaa inaugurated the butterfly conservatory through video conference in Chennai on Friday.
Set up on a sprawling area of 25 acres in the reserve forest area in Upper Anicut, the butterfly conservatory housing multiple species of butterflies is sand-witched between the Cauvery and the Coleroon river.
Established at a cost of Rs. 8.5 crore, the conservatory aims to foster conservation of butterfly species and educate public regarding the role of butterflies in maintaining ecological balance. It will house 40 species of butterflies including crimson rose, common mormon, lime butterfly, pansy, blue tiger, common jezebel and striped tiger. Forest Department authorities here said the conservatory will be open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The conservatory would remain closed on Tuesdays for maintenance.
It contains an outdoor conservatory with floral patches, indoor conservatory, a breeding lab, interpretation centre, active and passive humidifiers besides children’s play corner.
It aims at conservation of butterfly species and educate public regarding the role of butterflies in maintaining ecological balance

Source : The Hindu