2024.8 - Saturday, 3 February 2024
Dear friends,
The Forests by Heartfulness (FBH) initiative achieved remarkable results in enhancing biodiversity, restoring ecosystems, and promoting sustainability across India during 2023. FBH is facilitated by CSR initiatives with partners such as Bosch India, PayPal India, HCCB, Zscaler, and other sponsors and donors. FBH symbolizes heartful living and eco-conscious living, which resonate perfectly with ecological restoration and community well-being projects.
Total Impact:
Acres under restoration: 4,614
Saplings Planted: 1,362,000
Number of active projects: 28
States covered: Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. Archetypes covered: Agroforestry, biodiversity park, ecosystem restoration, hill restoration, lake restoration, rural revolution.
Flagship Projects:
1. Transforming Landscapes—City Forest, Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh
The Ratlam City Forest serves as a model of combining environmental conservation with community development.
Project Overview
Size and scope: One of the 400 city forests envisioned to be developed across Madhya Pradesh, transforming 105 acres of panchayat land into a thriving city forest.
Collaboration: FBH collaborated with the District Forest Authority to create a biodiversity zone consisting of native trees and shrubs from Madhya Pradesh.
Infrastructure development: Implementation of rainwater harvesting mechanisms and huge water reservoirs to ensure long-term water preservation in the forest.
Education: A facility for nature education, with adequate infrastructure for school children to learn about the scientific methods of planting and natural farming inputs.
2. Large-scale Reforestation—Shivgarh, Madhya Pradesh
The Shivgarh reforestation project is restoring and preserving 2,000 acres of forest land. This initiative is an embodiment of sustainable reforestation and community participation.
Project Overview
Water reservoir development: Initially creating 400 acres of water reservoirs for efficient rainwater conservation to be used for reforestation efforts.
Native tree plantation: Planting 1 million native trees along with a commitment to provide four years of post-care so that the ecosystem is well established.
Medicinal and healing gardens: These gardens are developed as a part of the reforested area, highlighting the benefits that native plant species have for ecology and society.
Community involvement: Volunteer-based plantation and post-care activities with a possibility of employment opportunities, thus instilling a sense of ownership.
Forestry principles: 100% use of native trees and shrubs adhering to principles of forestry without introducing exotic species. The project is characterized by no construction activities and a dedication to sustaining the existing ecosystem.
3. Kanha Sarovar Lake Restoration, Sai Reddy Guda, Telangana
The Saireddy Guda Lake Restoration project near Kanha Sarovar in Telangana embodies a remarkable effort toward ecosystem restoration and community resilience.
Project Overview
Lake restoration: Rejuvenated the shallow Saireddy Guda Lake by deepening and redirecting catchment area water to prevent flooding during rains and ensure a sustained water body throughout the year.
Biodiversity enhancement: Planted more than 7,500 predominantly water-loving trees like Arjuna, Bamboo, and Jamun on a mount created from excavated soil, promoting biodiversity and providing sanctuary for local and migratory birds. The main objectives were to increase water holding capacity, recharge aquifers, prevent flooding, and create a permanent habitat for diverse flora and fauna.
4. Chikka Thimmasandra Lake Restoration, Karnataka
The Chikka Thimmasandra Lake Restoration project in Bangalore is enlarging the size of the lake and increasing its ecological significance for nearby villages.
Project Overview
Location and villages served: Chikka Thimmasandra and B. Hosahalli villages between them.
Objective: To increase the lake area from six acres to twelve, increasing water capacity and ecosystem restoration to benefit surrounding villages.
Carried out water and soil tests, and received NOC from the irrigation department. Deepening of the lake was done. Proper bunds were constructed to prevent flooding and to recharge the aquifers.
These three projects of the Forest by Heartfulness initiative reflect the commitment of FBH to scale ecological restorative work coupled with community engagement programs. The projects reflect the wholesome approach to preserving natural ecosystems, ensuring social well-being and environmental awareness.
Heartful Regards,
Forest by Heartfulness Team
FBH@heartfulness.org
