The Department of Tourism (DoT), Chandigarh is soon going to develop Valley of Animals in Sector 49. The Valley of Animals will be built around the concept of housing various eco-systems in one expanse, which will give a glimpse into the hot Safari desert, as well as freezing Tundra region, lush Asian forests and animals from every belt will inhabit the park, in their topiary form (the art of creating sculptures in the medium of clipped trees, shrubs and sub-shrubs). The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has sanctioned a grant of Rs 1.40 crore for the project.

A K Malhotra, Director Tourism, Chandigarh said, “The project has been conceptualised in topiary form and will be unique and different from other parks where all-green similar types of animal specimen are kept at a distance from one another.”

The animal shapes will be created with plants of different hues and textures so as to make it a colourful and curious display. For instance, the father-offspring dinosaurs will be in green colour to gel with Clerodendron inerme plants whereas the mother dinosaur will be created in yellow to go with golden Duranta vegetation. Similarly, the Panda couple will be in green and the offspring topiaries in yellow. Another tourist attraction will be created by providing suitable vegetation around various species. The giant lizards will be surrounded by plants that might have existed during the Jurassic era when dinosaurs ruled the earth. These include jackfruit, gingko biloba, banana and cycas palm.

The topiary animals will be displayed in such a manner that visitors will be able to witness the entire animal kingdom as the creatures stand on separate slopes, undulating pleasantly in varied hues. “The visit will be a learning experience as some of the visuals will be from zoology books,” said an official.