Nisarg Udyan: From dumpyard to forest

Creation of new green areas, Ecological restoration of ecosystems, Monitoring and maintenance of habitats and/or biodiversity

- To create a dense urban forest by planting 60,000 saplings of evergreen species, according to environmentally-sensitive decisions, prioritising native species with a varied representation (tree, sub-tree, canopy and shrub) (Ref. 1, 2) - To increase urban greenery due to the lack of space for nature in the city (Ref. 1) - To reclaim the land previously used for solid waste dump (Ref 1, 4) - To improve the quality of soil (Ref 1) - To improve the air quality of the area (Ref 2) - To attract local biodiversity and engage people with nature (Ref 2) - To improve the aesthetic appeal of the whole area (Ref 2)

The implementation activity involved clearing the site of the previously dumped material, preparing the soil and planting the samplings. First, the site was cleared of cloth, plastic, and construction debris that accumulated over time (Ref 1). Next, to ensure the quality of the soil, biological, physical and chemical soil testing was carried out. Based on this, nutritional value was also derived. To fulfil the nutritional requirements of the soil, a mixture of coco peat, compost, soil, perforate and water retainer was used (Ref 1). Regarding forestation, in order to make environmentally-sensitive decisions, a forest survey was conducted from neighbouring areas to identify the local native to the species. Based on this forest survey, about 60+ native species were identified for plantation. To ensure a multi-layered evergreen forest, these were divided into four categories: tree, sub-tree, canopy, and shrub. The species included - amla (Indian gooseberry), lemon, neem, jamun, mangoes, the flame of the forest, teak, Indian almond, black catechu and others (Ref 1). The project also included monitoring local biodiversity (Ref 1); specifically, 35 bird species, 15 butterfly and insect species, including bees, millipedes, centipedes, snails, 12 snake species, 1 Golden Jackal were identified (Ref 1). To ensure a regular water supply for the plantation, treated water from a nearby sewage treatment plant (STP) was used for this project (Ref 1). Lastly, the project is considered to have generated a source of employment for hundreds of local people in rural regions of Palghar district (Maharashtra) (Ref. 2).

• Public sector institution (e.g. school or hospital)
• Non-government organisation/Civil Society
• Private sector/Corporate/Company
• Citizens or community groups