NEW DELHI (INDIA): GVK MIAL, the company that administers the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, in association with Mumbai Rose Society organized the 4th International Flower Festival at MIAL Staff Colony, Sahar Road in Mumbai.
An array of flowers welcomed visitors at the two-day exhibition which was inaugurated today by Uravshi J.Thacker, well known bonsai expert and Trustee of Jamnabai Narsee School. Other prominent dignitaries present at the occasion were Dr. Narendra Hosabettu, Head Environment Department, MIAL, Geetaben Kantawala, President, Mumbai Rose Society and Jeetendra Pardeshi, Superintendent of Gardens, BMC. Also at the occasion were award-winning botanists and plant specialists Dr. Marselin R. Almeida and Dr. Sarah Almeida.
Now in its 4th year, the Flower Show, a first by any Indian airport, showcased more than 40 varieties of flowers, 30 varieties of medicinal plants, 30 varieties of Bonsai and rare carnivorous plants, amongst other species, across an area of 3000 sq. ft. space curated by the GVK botanical gardens. Apart from the enthralling display, the exhibition included workshops for nature enthusiasts on honing their skills at Miniature gardening, Terrarium gardening and making their own Bonsai.
The exhibition witnessed participation from various corporate houses, Government agencies, NGOs, horticulture groups, farmers and nurseries who showcased wide variety of flowers, plants and sustainable products. Some of the leading companies participating at the Show and Rose exhibition are Godrej, Hiranandani, Larsen & Toubro, BPCL and Essar Agrotech as well as Central Railway, BMC and State Garden Department. It also had stalls displaying a wide variety of eco-friendly products, recycled products, blooms & exotic flowers, gift plants, potted plants, upcycled products and urban garden accessories, among various other products.
Every year the International Flower Show is organized by the Mumbai International Airport with an aim to sensitize people towards the environment and spread awareness on the importance of nature conservation. The show is also an attempt by GVK MIAL to open a window of the rich flora of the country to the citizens of Mumbai, who rarely get such an opportunity in the space-starved metropolis.
GVK MIAL is deeply committed towards spreading the message of positive environmental protection and assiduously follows its philosophy of sustainable living. The GVK Botanical Garden, spread across an area of 90000 sq m in and around the airport premises, was created to promote healthy engagement of the community with the environment. The garden has around 77,000 plants and more than 100 species