An unusual sight is observed at the Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden in Shibpur, Havara: people are swimming on the water, sitting on giant water lily leaves. This unique experiment utilizes enormous leaves of the Victoria Amazonica (Giant Water Lily).
A special aspect of this study is that it involves not only children but also adults weighing 80 to 100 kilograms and more. The garden management claims that this practice is being conducted for the first time in India.
This special attraction started with the participation of the Director of the Botanical Agency of India, Dr. Kanad Das. In recent days, both staff and visitors have had the opportunity to experience the sensation of swimming on a giant water lily leaf. Previously, such scenes were only observed with children, but now the experiment has been expanded to adults weighing 80-100 kg and above, which is generating significant interest and curiosity among visitors to the garden.
The Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden is an important institution in the field of flora conservation and research. Various aquatic plants from different countries and regions are preserved here, including Victoria Amazonica, which originates from the Amazon jungle and was long one of the main attractions of the botanical garden due to its massive leaves.
Although the flower of this plant is relatively small and pink, its main global recognition is associated with its giant leaves. Initially, this water lily was kept in one reservoir of the garden. However, in 2020, the plant was severely damaged by Cyclone Amphan. Following this, the focus shifted to both conservation and broader public accessibility of this rare aquatic plant.
As part of this conservation program, the preservation of Victoria Amazonica began in sixteen reservoirs located in different parts of the garden. Researcher Dr. R. Sarvannan notes that although many aquatic plants are preserved in the garden, the water lily attracts the most interest from people due to its huge leaves and prickly long stems. People wonder how such a large leaf remains on the water surface and whether it can support a person's weight. It is this interest that prompted the garden management to promote this special experiment.
When an adult weighing 80-100 kg or more sits on a leaf to swim, special precautions are taken. The garden management ensures that the leaf is not damaged. Two auxiliary floating devices are used, placed above and below the leaf. These devices ensure even distribution of the person's weight, preventing them from putting direct pressure on the leaf, which reduces the risk of tearing or breaking it. Thus, the goal of the experiment is not only to allow a person to swim but also to ensure the preservation of the giant leaf.
According to scientists and garden officials, the large leaves develop before the flowers appear on Victoria Amazonica. During this period, suitable and strong leaves are selected for conducting this experiment. Then, the chosen leaf undergoes special preparation, and the experiment with a person swimming on it is carried out. This allows for simultaneous care for the natural development and preservation of the plant, while also giving people the opportunity to see its features up close.
For this unique adventure, a section of the reservoir located about 100 meters from Gate No. 1 of the Botanical Garden has been designated. This is where the experiment of swimming on a giant water lily leaf takes place. This experience is particularly valuable for visitors, as they usually only see the leaf floating in the water, whereas in this experiment, its enormous size is felt completely differently.
Currently, this initiative is being implemented on a trial basis. According to garden management, there are plans to start offering this experience to the general public next year. The water lily season usually runs from February to July, so during this period, visitors to the Botanical Garden will be able not only to view this rare aquatic plant but also to gain a unique experience of swimming on its giant leaf.