Reforestation of Taloja Hill Watershed, Navi Mumbai

Taloja Watershed is a is a hill range adjoining the Taloja Lake and Owe dam. It is a water shed zone as it separates the rainwaters flowing to different water bodies including Taloja Lake in near vicinity. It is situated close to Sector 35 C in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. The land belongs to Panvel Forest Dept. and the local residents for Sector 35 have been carrying out environmental protection activity for past few years. The forest department is keen that the local community take up the initiative of greening the hill. The hilly is largely denuded with fewer trees. There is an immediate requirement of soil control and afforestation of the hill. It will improve the water table as well as benefit the neighboring Owe village as well. Additionally it will enhance the biodiversity of the region.

Reforestation should be used to build forest networks that are surrounded by low-intensity land use and that provide links within regions and between biomes. By reforesting Taloja Hill we will be providing a healthy linkage among the hill ranges of Kharghar and Belapur.

1. Protect water resources and the rivers.

2. Control soil erosion.

3. Enrich soil with nitrogen and other minerals.

4. Improve the air quality.

5. Increase in water recycling and humidity.

6. Carbon sequestration.

7. Climate mitigation for the region.

8. Tree nursery planning

9. Production of fruits, nuts that adds value to the local farmers.

10. Local citizen participation in protecting the hill.

11. Sustainability and Reforestation education.

12. Resilient region and planet.