Mangaluru : Dr. Shivarama Karantha Pilikula Nisargadhama is likely to get Rs. 1.44 crore from the Union government under the Lead Garden Project, according to J.R. Lobo, MLA, Mangaluru City South.

Speaking to presspersons at Nisargadhama after inspecting development projects on Monday he said that the office of the Nisargadhama has learnt from sources that the government has sanctioned the amount.

Though a letter was expected, the office has not received any letter to this effect.

The fund would be used for developing and conserving more threatened and endangered species of the Western Ghat region at the botanical garden. It would also be used for creating more infrastructure facilities at the garden, he said.

The MLA said that efforts would be made to get recognition to the Nisargadhama from any university in the country as a centre for plant-based research. It would enhance the status of the Nisargadhama.