Pune Forest dept, Anandvan Foundation to jointly start Multi Sensory Urban Biodiversity Eco Trail in reserve forest on NIBM road 

Pune Pulse NIBM Anandvan
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Pune : In a bid to promote biodiversity and conservation in the city of Pune, Anandvan Foundation, a well-known environmental NGO, has partnered with the Pune forest department to organize biodiversity walks in the urban forest of Anandvan 1, located off NIBM Road in Kondhwa. The walks will begin this month and aim to raise awareness about the importance of preserving natural habitats in urban areas.

As part of this initiative, the NGO is also building a track through the 33-acre urban forest that will enable visitors to take a stroll during the rainy season. The project, called Biodiversity Sensory Eco Trail, was launched on 21st march by Praveen N R, the chief conservator of forests, Pune along with Rahul Patil, deputy conservator of forests, Pune and other officials from the Pune forest department.

The launch event was attended by representatives from Anandvan Foundation, volunteers, local residents, and corporate sponsors. The project is expected to benefit the community by creating a green space for people to connect with nature, and also by providing a habitat for various species of plants and animals.

The biodiversity walks will be guided by experts who will educate participants about the different species of flora and fauna found in the forest. This initiative is a step towards building a sustainable and ecologically responsible city, and is expected to inspire more such projects in the future.

Anandvan Foundation has created two urban Forests in the city and is currently working on creating a third one in Kondhwa with the assistance of neighbourhood residents, students, and volunteers.

Pune Pulse NIBM road Anandvan Foundation

“The biodiversity sensory eco trail is a prime illustration of how popular forests are. Experts in biodiversity will be made available by the Pune Forest Department, along with any other support needed for constructing the path and holding such walks,” said Rahul Patil, deputy conservator of forests.

 “Participants can walk along the trail and see various types of indigenous rocks, stones, soil, and so on. We will also conduct environment training the 33-acre urban forest in Kondhwa workshops (ETW) on the premises. Attendees will be provided information about how to care for saplings, building pits with coconut coir, using organic alternatives for pesticides, rainwater harvesting etc. So, more and more people can participate in this. We are planning to start putting QR codes on trees so that Walkers can get the details of trees. We also arrange food for birds and our work is going on full swings, our purpose is to grow the trees taking care of them ” informed Praveen Kumar, founder president, and Bhupesh Sharma, founder secretary, Anandvan Foundation.

“The first phase of this “Multi-sensory Urban bio diversity eco trail will be funded by AXA- Business. AXA – Business gives CSR for climate change globally. And our company believes in keeping our planet greener and combat climate change. Working with Anandvan foundation for over five years, we are very happy to be a important part of this project and now looking forward towards the completion of the same,” said Shailaja Nair, Head, Finance and CSR (India operations).

Impact of making this Multi Sensory Urban biodiversity Eco trail in Urban Forest :
• Educative and Informative : From children to adults , everyone gets an educative experience about nature and its vast diversity .
• Escaping modern polluted society and co-existing amidst wildlife and nature .
• Have a guaranteed mind calming experience in Anandvan Urban Forest .
• One of it’s kind in the country .
• A strong positive step for conserving urban biodiversity by the people for the people .
• Connecting nature and wildlife to our future generations
• And many more benefits…

“We would want maximum people to visit and experience this trail and be a part of Urban Forest movement initiated by Anandvan foundation,” said Vishal Pawar, vice president, Anandvan Foundation.

Nividita Kelapure