Subitted by: BDU, South-West Garo Hills District
Edited by: Knowledge Management Unit, MBDA
One and a half kilometer away from Ampati town of South West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, lies the Ghasura Park on the banks of the Daru river. Known for its serenity, this park has attracted tourists from different parts of the state. Based on a Japanese Zen garden, the park was name after Ghasui Bhoia, a name with significance of Bhoia “The Mighty one”, a man who took this region and its people into modern civilization a century ago.
Located at an elevation of 32 msl at 25.28’334”N and 89.55’211”E. Ghasura Park is situated near the famous Raja Rongchu , a place where the Rajas or Kings, used to rest and eat Rongchu (fermented rice).
The entrance is at the east of the garden lined with silver pine barriers. Towards the south of the park, along a flagstone is a rock garden with date palm, natural Bonsai (Juniper chinesis), arranged with rocks, pebbles and sand. In the south-western part of the garden is a Gazebo overlooking the Daru River and the river beach. In the west is the waterfall and in front of it is an open air amphitheatre. There is also a wooden bridge that crosses a small pool with crystal clear waters.
GLIMPSE OF THE PROJECT
The project was initiated by the Department of Tourism, Meghalaya at the beginning of 2012. The Horticulture Department then joined the project around May 2012. Because of the convergence of these two departments, Ghasura Park now stands as one of the more successful convergence initiative by government departments in the state. The park was formally inaugurated by Dr. Mukul Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, on 6th August 2012.
A PLACE FOR HORTICULTURE ENTHUSIAST
The park is line with a variety of both indigenous and exotic varieties of flora that can mesmerise visitors to the park. Species grown include - Buddhist Bamboo (Bambusa verticosa), pencil pine (Juniperus obelish), date palm (Phoenix dactyifera), Chinese Juniper (Juniper chinensis), Neurogelia, Azalea, Pinus roxburgi, Gardenia augusta, Allamanda cathartica, Portulaca grandiflora, Japanese maple, Trident, Red and White ginger, creepers, orchids, Broomlets, Silver pine, Dancing pine, Foxtail palm, Phoenix palm, Raphus palm, Cycas palm, lawn grass, Japanese bamboo, Tuja, Ficus benjamina, Ixora singaporensis, Lady night queen, Champion palm, Gold chris pine, Anthuriam, Musunda.
BENEFITS
Ghasura Park is covered with the tropical evergreen offering tranquility and serenity to visitors. The presence of a large number of plants and trees attract numerous birds like the robins, doves, mynas, kingfishers, and many others. The garden also adds to the beauty of surrounding villages and towns including Ampati. Further, the park serves as a excellent platform for promoting indigenous as well as modern scientific knowledge particularly those pertaining to flora and fauna and the management of natural and man-made eco-systems.
FEEDBACK FROM THE COMMUNITY
The Ghasura Park has generated a lot of excitement amongst the community members, most of whom had never seen such diverse varieties of plants in one place. The Park has opened up opportunities for entrepreneurs who plan to render various services - including food, hospitality etc. - to visitors. Futher, the Park's close proximity to the Maa Bhagwati Temple is seen as a positive thing which would bring prosperity to the people of the area.