The Horticulture Department
The horticulture department is entrusted with keeping the environs of the Institute green and clean. The environs include:
- Green spaces within the Institute;
- Public sidewalk encircling the Institute;
- Green island on the main Southern Avenue facing the Institute; and
- The famous Gol Park Circle with a statue of Swami Vivekananda at the centre.
GREEN SPACES WITHIN THE INSTITUTE
The Institute has a large garden within its premises split into four quadrants with a circle at the centre. The four quadrants have neatly laid out lawns lined with seasonal flowers. The circle at the centre is nicely decorated with potted plants and the best of seasonal flowers.
On the western corner of the garden is a statue of Swami Vivekananda in standing posture similar to the one inside the Gol Park Circle. A spectacular floral arrangement leads up to the statue. The northern side of the garden is lined with fruit trees. The quadrangle between the main and annexe buildings contains fruit trees. The southern side of the garden leads to Gate No. 5 of the Institute and the eastern side to the International Scholars’ House.
Within the boundaries of the Institute, there are other green spaces that house a range of fruit trees, flowering plants, leaved plants and creepers.
PUBLIC SIDEWALK ENCIRCLING THE INSTITUTE
Sidewalks encircle the entire Institute complex. Two important thoroughfares – the Southern Avenue on the north-west side and the Gariahat Road on the east, converge at the Gol Park Circle. Among the sidewalks, the one on the Southern Avenue is the broadest and offers the best location for horticulture work. The Institute maintains the entire sidewalk and keeps it very clean.
GREEN ISLAND AT THE MEDIAN OF THE SOUTHERN AVENUE
This is maintained by the Institute and houses large number of trees including palm and other fruit trees.
THE GOL PARK CIRCLE
The Institute maintains the garden inside the Circle. Flowering plants adorn both sides of the pathways and fruit trees on the western side of the garden. Swamiji’s statue rests on a raised pedestal at the centre of the circle and faces the north-east side. Decorative arc lights and six large sodium-vapour lamps hoisted on a tall column at the centre illumine the park at night.
The horticulture department plays a stellar role in keeping the Institute and its surroundings green and beautiful. The greenery absorbs carbon-dioxide, carbon monoxide and other harmful gases and release oxygen. Trees help maintain a cool and shady environment conducive to the educational and cultural objectives of the Institute.