PARAKEETS shriek from the upper reaches of the trees, a koel calls, squirrels squeak and a common kingfisher perches patiently near a pond. Some 50 metres from the periphery of this Eden, one can hear the mayhem of Mumbai life with its discordant sounds of traffic. Inside, there is serenity and, more importantly for Mumbaikars, a 2° C drop in the temperature even on the hottest days.
This is Rani Baug, the city's botanical garden and zoo. Inaugurated in 1861, it is one of Mumbai's favourite public spaces. Now in its 150th year, the future of this green park spread over 53 acres (one acre is 0.4 hectare) in the heart of the city is uncertain. At risk is not only the city's largest public space but also rare and endangered flora – Amherstia nobilis Wall., Annona glabra L., Anogeissus pendula Edgew, Caesalpinia ferrea Mart., Colvillea racemosa Boj., Enterolobium cyclocarpa Gaertn. and Kleinhovia hospita L., to mention a few.
