The Kas Plateau in Pune has become a breathtaking sight this year, showcasing nearly 50% more flowers than last year, thanks to an abundant monsoon season. This UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its unique biodiversity, is currently a vibrant display of color, attracting nature lovers and tourists alike.
A Flourishing Biodiversity
Located in the Satara district, the Kas Plateau is famous for its rich array of endemic and rare flowering species. This year, the standout attraction is the ‘karvi’ flower, which blooms in a striking light blue-purple hue. Naturalists note that the karvi flower is a rare phenomenon that typically blooms only once every seven years.
Umakant Chavan, an environmental researcher and photographer from Kolhapur, explains that when the monsoon arrives a bit late, it often leads to a more prolific blooming of karvi flowers. He also highlights that the removal of fencing around the plateau has encouraged natural grazing and manuring, allowing for a more diverse variety of flowers to thrive.
The Impact of Fencing Removal
Datta Jagtap, an environmental researcher who has worked on conservation efforts at the Kas Plateau, emphasizes the significance of removing fencing that previously protected rare species from tourists. “The fences were necessary to prevent trampling by visitors,” he says. “Once the season is over, the fences are taken down to promote grazing, pollination, and natural fertilization.”
This strategic removal has led to better pollination and a flourishing ecosystem. Favorable weather conditions have not only benefited the Kas Plateau but have also encouraged blooming across nearby plateaus and the Western Ghats.
Increased Visitor Footfall
Dattatray Kirdat, a member of the Kas Plateau Committee, reports a surge in visitors to the area. “We have seen a good inflow of visitors, and we expect even more over the next two weeks,” he states. The flower show has drawn thousands of people, and the excitement is palpable.
Last weekend, Mumbai resident Radhika Mehta experienced this firsthand, encountering a significant traffic jam as she approached the parking area. “There were so many people and trekking groups at Kas. Our guide estimated over 5,000 visitors during our trip,” she recounts.
A Memorable Experience for Nature Enthusiasts
The increased floral display has attracted visitors from various places, including Bengaluru. Shreya Rajagopal visited the plateau to witness the blooms and expressed her delight. “It was a memorable experience. I saw species of flowers I had never encountered before,” she shares. She also explored nearby flowering regions in Kolhapur.
A Shift in Conservation Strategies
The plateau was entirely fenced off in 2012 to prevent damage from tourists. However, this restriction inadvertently hindered wild cattle from grazing, which is crucial for pollination. Naturalists pointed out that this led to decreased fertilization and barren patches on the plateau. Currently, temporary fencing remains in some areas to protect blooms while allowing grazing in others.
Aniket Kadam, owner of Maharashtra Hikes, notes that he has never seen such a prolific bloom in the last six to seven years. “Kas has over 5,500 species of flowers. Weather conditions are favorable this year, resulting in the blooming of flowers like topli karvi, sonaki, and terada,” he explains.
Popular Flower Species and Visitor Experience
Among the various flower species, several attract photographers and nature enthusiasts. Notable blooms include Mickey Mouse flowers, balsam, bladderwort, abhali, and the carnivorous sundew. Kothrud resident Ishita Deshmukh visited the plateau with her college friends and found the experience rewarding. “Some of my friends are studying botany, and it was great to see groups of flowers for the first time,” she says.
Pravin Sahane, owner of Sahyadri Vacations, reports a notable increase in bookings compared to last year. “We are conducting our second batch of guided tours to the Kas Plateau this weekend,” he confirms.
Growing Demand for Nature Treks
Trekpanda, another organization offering one-day visits to Kas, has also noted a spike in demand. “We take groups to the plateau every week, and we are almost always fully booked,” says Trishita Sarkar, who manages their social media. She mentions that demand has surged by over 50% in the past year, with a diverse mix of photographers, bloggers, and nature enthusiasts joining the treks.
Managing Visitor Impact
As the number of visitors increases, forest departments and conservationists are working hard to manage the situation. Efforts include ensuring adequate parking, implementing online booking for passes, and limiting the number of visitors to preserve the delicate landscape.
With its rich biodiversity and stunning floral display, the Kas Plateau continues to be a destination of choice for nature lovers. As the blooming season progresses, more visitors are expected to flock to this picturesque locale, making it a vibrant hub for ecological appreciation and adventure. The community remains hopeful that these natural wonders will continue to thrive for generations to come, encouraging sustainable tourism and conservation practices.
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