Prakriti Gyan Dham: India’s First Eco-Educational Hub in Lucknow

10 Aug 2026

Context: The Union Minister of Science & Technology inaugurated the nation’s first-of-its-kind ‘Eco-Educational Hub’, named ‘Prakriti Gyan Dham’, at Banthra, Lucknow (UP).

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What is the Eco-Educational Hub?

Named ‘Prakriti Gyan Dham’, it is a first-of-its-kind facility representing a convergence of scientific research, environmental education, biodiversity conservation, botanical heritage and cultural interpretation.
Conceived as a living repository of India’s botanical and cultural legacy, offering immersive, experiential learning for students, researchers, educators and the public.
Developed By
- CSIR-NBRI (CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute)
- Located at Maharishi Parashar Bioresource Centre (MPBC), Banthra, Lucknow

Key Features

PAaVan Path (Plants and Associated Vegetations for Appreciating Nature) Path: interpretive heritage trail with curated plant collections from diverse ecological regions
Indian Heritage Garden: Heritage trees from historic sites, including the Bawan Imli Tamarind Tree (Fatehpur, linked to 52 freedom fighters), Mother Dussehri Mango Tree (Lucknow), Patalpuri Banyan (Prayagraj), Gandhi’s Mango Tree (Bhitiharwa, Champaran), and trees linked to the Dandi March route
QR-enabled audio systems for interactive historical, cultural and botanical information
Vibhav Enclave: Dedicated garden for threatened/endangered plant species
Bhairav Enclave: Garden of officially designated State Plants of States/UTs
Bamboosteum: Houses 43 species of indigenous and exotic bamboo, highlighting bioresource use, carbon sequestration and livelihoods