The AJC Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Kolkata, is one of the earliest Botanic Gardens in the world. It was founded by Robert Kyd, and from the later 18th century his fellow Scot William Roxburgh, considered the father of Indian Botany, worked there for thirty years.  Situated along the banks of the Hoogly river the 273 acres have a diversity of majestic trees and exotic plants including the renowned Great Banyan Tree, and 24 lakes. Over the past decades this once great garden has fallen into neglect and has become increasingly inaccessible as a result of urban congestion.

The aim is to regenerate the garden as a major resource for the people of Kolkata and to reinstate  it as an international centre for the Botanical Sciences in Asia and the study of the environment.

The key elements of the restored gardens will enable visitors to:

• discover the story of Indian horticulture through a walking tour of the 273-acre Botanic Garden

• admire the thousands of different trees, fruits and plants, including 1,300 exotic species

• witness how this experiential space has been nurtured over more than two centuries

• enjoy the cultural space offered by the permanent exhibitions and presentations and the  inter-active educational opportunities

• benefit from easy transport connections, in particular the new ferry service

• on-the-spot facilities include a bookshop, cafés and restrooms throughout the gardens

• and for those with more academic interests, explore the cultural, educational and scientific links between botanical institutions in Kolkata and the UK

REFP Project in collaboration with:

• The Botanical Survey of India, Government of India

• Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

• Centre for World Environmental History (CWEH), University of Sussex

• The University of Edinburgh

Through collaboration with the Botanical Survey of India,  the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, and the University of Edinburgh, the Asia Scotland Trust will assist in envisioning the regeneration, planning the facilities required, and advise on implementation pending a MOU.

It is hoped that through siting a hub of the Centre for World Environmental History (CWEH) University of Sussex at the AJC Bose Indian Botanic Garden it will also become the centre for the History of the Botany and Meteorology of the Indian Ocean

The Asia Scotland Trust is a registered Scottish charity. Scottish Charity No. SCO45273. Companies House No. SC464144