Reforestation of Taloja Hill Watershed, Navi Mumbai

The denuded environment is improving, and the saplings are developing well, according to the biodiversity survey and planting evaluation. However, the plantation suffered throughout the scorching heat because of a watering problem because there were no caretakers on duty. The issue was solved by employing labourers. By hiring workers, the saplings were watered twice a week. People are becoming more informed, and more and more of them are joining us for volunteer work. Many of them are also being proactive by alerting the project's WhatsApp groups to any accidents that occur on the site. We appreciate the solid connections we were able to create within the neighbourhood. We have high expectations for this project and are doing everything we can to make it a success. 

In the last three months, we have conducted plantation review, grass mulching, watering, and tree guard installations for all our plants at the Taloja site. This was done to prepare the site for the onset of Summer. Volunteering activities were conducted along with educational nature walks to celebrate various eco days. We have had to deal with constant fires at the site.  

In the past five months, we have conducted the seasonal biodiversity survey for monsoon season 2021, carried out plantation maintenance activities like Ring de-weeding, grass pressing, mulching, conducted monthly stakeholder engagement activities and carried out plantation review. A total of 123 species of plants and animals were recorded during monsoon 2021 surveys. We observed Plants (68), insects (15), amphibians (5), birds (26), reptiles (8), and mammals (1). 51 local volunteers and community members participated in 6 volunteering events. New caretakers were appointed as the earlier caretakers were not performing properly. The review of plants recorded around 2359 saplings dead (mortality rate 30%) with 5259 surviving out of the 7902 (5000 project target) planted. apart from this, we have also had to deal with constant forest fires, and watering issues at the site, for which we have also completed the installation of new water tanks in different locations for the ease of hydrating plants.  

In April 2021 we have entered the second phase of the project. During the quarter, we conducted the seasonal biodiversity survey for summer 2021, did plantation, raised saplings in the community forest nursery with the help of the locals, conducted monthly stakeholder engagement activities and carried out sapling maintenance and plantation review. We planted a total 6969 saplings of 40 species including 1727 trees, 4157 herbs and 1085 shrubs at the Hill. We observed species of Plants (62), insects (16), amphibians (2), birds (24), reptiles (3), and mammals (1) during our surveys. We engaged 105 local volunteers and community members who participated in 6 volunteering events. New caretakers were appointed as the earlier caretakers were not performing properly. The review of plants recorded approx. 27% mortality (389 saplings dead with 1032 surviving out of the 1421 planted in first phase). More than 1000 plant saplings of various wild species were raised in the forest nursery with help of local volunteers. The raised saplings have been planted along the hills. We also created pathway for three nature trails. A professional video is getting developed for which we undertook drone shooting as well. 

During the past six months, a seasonal biodiversity survey was conducted and raised a community forest nursery with the help of the locals. Monthly stakeholder engagement activities were also initiated and carried out sapling maintenance and plantation review. 71 local volunteers participated in 7 volunteering events. In 2 nature awareness programmes initiated by the team, 12 participants attended. 200 SVT tree guards were uninstalled, due to the forest fire incident. A new caretaker was appointed as the earlier caretaker was not taking care of the plantation property. The plantation review recorded approx. 20% mortality (278 saplings dead with 1138 surviving out of 1421 planted). 81 species of plants, 59 species of birds, 4 species of herpetofauna, and 8 species of insects were recorded at the site. A forest nursery was created and raised more than 1000 saplings of various wild species with help of local volunteers.  

In the past six months, 15 contour bunds were created with the plantation of 1421 saplings  (321 trees, 750 shrubs and 350  herbs). A local volunteer group was formed in which 33 participated in seven volunteering events. A nature awareness programmes were also initiated wherein two events were conducted with 22  participants attending the event. 200 SVT tree guards were installed at the site. Meetings with the local community members as well as neighbouring villages were conducted.  A caretaker was appointed and all grass was cleared to avoid fire hazard during dry months. Soil and water samples were analysed. Summer and monsoon biodiversity surveys were also conducted to assess the overall biodiversity. The review report comprised of approx.13% mortality of recorded plants (180 saplings with 1241 surviving). 25 species of birds, 8 species of herpetofauna, 23 species of insects and 50 species of plants were also recorded.  

• Baseline Surveys
• Seasonal Bird Surveys
• Seasonal Herpetofauna Surveys
• Seasonal Tree Surveys
• Yearly Soil and Water analysis.

• Ground Preparations
• Digging pits for each plant.
• Plantation of 5000 tree saplings (tree, shrubs and herbs)
• Terracing
• Diversion
• Contour Bunding
• Making Gully Plug
• Trench digging

• Plantation of 5000 tree saplings (tree, shrubs and herbs)
• Enriching the flora and fauna

• Developing the nursery with local villagers
• Selection of 10 nursery sites.
• Training women farmers 
• Providing nursery kits.
• Buying back 6 months old sapling

• Trail development.
• 25 bilingual signages based on birds, butterflies and trees.
• Conduct seasonal nature trails for local citizens.
• Create awareness among the local citizens.

• Mass plantation and seed dibbling event
• Plantation drive for restoration
• Nature trail repair and nature walks
• restoration of  denuded taloja hill watershed.

• To conduct monthly volunteering programmes for local communities.