In the heart of Visakhapatnam, a remarkable project is unfolding that promises to be a major tourist attraction in the near future.

Spanning approximately 30 acres of reserved land under the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department's jurisdiction within the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) limits, 'Miniature Eastern Ghats' (MEG) is set to captivate the public's imagination.

This verdant oasis, nestled near the ACA-VDCA cricket stadium along the old NH-16 road, is an integral part of the Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Centre project, and its doors are expected to open to the public in November 2023.

As visitors approach the main entrance, they'll be greeted by an inviting gateway adorned with images of local wildlife. This scenic locale sits opposite the freshly laid Law College Road, leading toward the Vizag-Bheemili beach road.

'Miniature Eastern Ghats' is a unique haven for the diverse flora indigenous to the Eastern Ghats, marking the first project of its kind in Andhra Pradesh, drawing nature enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Within its confines, one can explore not only medicinal plants but also an astrology-themed garden featuring 27 different plant varieties linked to zodiac signs. The greenery here is cultivated from seeds of about 200 species collected from the Eastern Ghats.

A standout feature of this sanctuary is the orchidarium, home to nearly 200 species of orchids native to the Eastern Ghats. Worldwide, it's estimated that there are around 25,000 orchid species, with over 1,300 of them recorded in Indian forests, including the Eastern Ghats.

A circular walkway weaves through the orchidarium, with its soil topped by lush green moss, facilitating water retention through artificial vapor circulation fans. This orchidarium is poised to be a valuable resource for research on the Eastern Ghats' diverse flora.

Ananth Shankar, Visakhapatnam District Forest Officer, shared, "The Miniature Eastern Ghats is a one-stop place to showcase the biodiversity of the Eastern Ghats.

Around ₹2.5 crore has been spent from the funds given by various government and private organizations as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity. The facility is likely to open for the public from November."

The Eastern Ghats, a discontinuous mountain range hugging India's eastern coast, stretches across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Karnataka and Telangana. It features diverse geological formations, including charnockite, granite gneiss, khondalite, granite, and quartzite rocks.

The hills are also rich in resources like limestone, bauxite, and iron ore, formed during the Archean Era due to the collision of crustal rocks. Notably, the Madhurawada Dome in the Eastern Ghats mobile belt was created through a tectonic arrangement, bearing the khondalite suite and quartzite Archean rocks north of Visakhapatnam.

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