Sambalpur, July 18: Caught between the towering snow-capped Himalayas and the warm sandy deserts, fiercely roaring tigers and mammoth blue whales, people of the city got a panoramic view of the earth’s rich bio-diversity as they boarded the Science Express Biodiversity Special, a unique exhibition train, that chugged into the Khetrajpur railway station this morning.

Ashis Jha, a student of Gangadhar Meher College, who had come to visit the special train with his friends, was excitedly scanning through the customised 16-coach airconditioned train to create awareness on issues related to the environment.

“I found out what my weight would be if I landed on the moon and other planets,” Ashis said. The train showcased the biodiversity spread across the bio-geographical zones of India. The exhibition-on-wheels also covered various other facets such as marine, coastal, forest, microbial, agro biodiversity and their linkages with livelihood apart from the challenges of conservation.

The train attracted hundreds of students from several educational institutions.

“We are being imparted the concepts of biodiversity, climate change, environment and science in an interesting manner,” said Sauvinik Hui, a student of Sambalpur University. “Sometimes we complain about having to study environmental science in school and college, but when you visit a train like this, you become inquisitive. It makes you curious about every small thing on the earth,” said Bikash, another college student.

Rajesh Mishra, who had brought his 10-year-old son along to the station, said the mobile encyclopaedia on environment would do a world of good in educating youngsters beyond their textbooks. “We came to know about a lot of new things on biodiversity, climate change and many more issues concerning the earth,” said Rajesh.Parents and others visiting the trains said it was a worthwhile opportunity for every student and teacher.

“The best part is that the train also exhibits methods of conserving planet earth,” said Ananta Dash, a student’s father.

The train, an initiative of the National Council for Science and Technology Communication, Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre and Centre for Environmental Education, will remain parked at the station till July 21.