KOLKATA: Nearly 250 years after British Army officer Colonel Robert Kyd set up a garden — that later evolved into Indian Botanic Garden — to grow plants of commercial value for trade, New Town authorities took the first step to set up the state’s first tree bank that would over time endeavour to host all species indigenous to Bengal.

Speaking to TOI on World Environment Day, Hidco chairman and MD Debashis Sen said the bank would not only preserve and showcase species commonly found in the state, NGOs will be encouraged to plant indigenous species that have become rare.

“Bengal's biodiversity is enormous. While that is a huge advantage, the flip side is that some species may disappear without being noticed. While we may not have space to host all species, trees that are ecologically beneficial will definitely be encouraged,” said Sen.

NGO Public stepped forward on Thursday with students from La Martiniere school and planted several species, including rain tree, date palm, bamboo, banyan, kadam, umbrella palm, weeping wilow, gulmohur and black plum.

“When a planned township like New Town is developed, a lot of trees had to be felled and much greenery is destroyed. The tree bank will not only undo the

damage but if properly nurtured will be invaluable for future generations,” said Bonani Kakkar of Public.

Hidco and forest department are also setting up Smriti Van on a plot behind Pride Hotel where trees planted by luminaries will be nurtured.

