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BUTTERFLY PATROL: Butterfly Gardens For Police STATIONS
Introduction
The Butterfly Patrol initiative aims to transform Navi Mumbai police stations into vibrant green sanctuaries that benefit both the environment and the well-being of our urban police personnel. Spearheaded by Publicis Groupe India through its CSR programme, and brought to life by iNaturewatch Foundation in collaboration with the Navi Mumbai Police, this project creates thriving butterfly gardens at 10 Navi Mumbai police stations in areas with limited green spaces.
By planting over 300 butterfly-friendly plants at each site, we’re not only enhancing the natural beauty of these spaces but also improving air quality, reducing stress, and fostering a stronger connection between police officers and their communities. Through educational outreach, air quality monitoring, and butterfly awareness programs, the initiative aims to boost local biodiversity—targeting a 15% increase in butterfly species diversity—while also reducing pollution by 20-30%.
This initiative is more than just about gardens; it’s about healing both the land and the people who protect it. Aligned with key Sustainable Development Goals, it’s a bold step towards a greener, healthier future for our cities, our officers, and our environment.
Based on our feasibility survey, the police stations selected for the project are:
1. Belapur Anti Human Trafficking Centre
2. CBD Belapur, CP Office
3. Kalamboli Police Headquarters
4. Kalamboli Police Station
5. Kharghar Police Station
6. Nerul Police Station
7. NRI Coastal Police Station
8. Panvel DCP Office Zone 2 8
9. Panvel Taluka Police Station
10. Taloja Police Station
Project Overview
Project Location: 10 Police Stations in, Navi Mumbai
Project Duration: October 2024-September 2024
Project Partner: Navi Mumbai Police Department
Knowledge Partner: Ladybird Environmental Consulting LLP.
Funding Agency: Publicis Groupe India
Project Outcomes:
Environmental Impact:
- Increase in Butterfly Diversity
- Reduction in Local Air Pollution Levels Recorded
- Improvement in Green Cover
- Reduction in Urban Heat Island Impact
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Societal Outcome:
- Reduction in Health Issues of Police Personnel
- Reduced Sick Leave of Police Staff
- Improving the Workplace Environment
- Community Engagement and Positive Policing
Project Interventions
Preparatory Works
Site Assessment and Planning
Site Assessment and Planning
- Secure necessary approvals and guidance from the Commissioner of Police
- Ensure official support for the project
- Lay the foundation for the smooth execution of the butterfly garden initiative
Site Assessment and Planning
Site Assessment and Planning
Site Assessment and Planning
- Premises Evaluation of 20 police stations in Navi Mumbai
- Measure air quality using the AQI mobile app to assess pollution levels before and after garden installation.
- Conduct a survey on police personnel’s mental health before and after the garden’s establishment to measure stress reduction.
- Identify existing butterfly and plant species to i
- Premises Evaluation of 20 police stations in Navi Mumbai
- Measure air quality using the AQI mobile app to assess pollution levels before and after garden installation.
- Conduct a survey on police personnel’s mental health before and after the garden’s establishment to measure stress reduction.
- Identify existing butterfly and plant species to inform the selection of appropriate plants for the garden.
- Select locations that are easily accessible for planting, receiving at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Regular garden maintenance by police personnel.
- Prioritize locations visible from common areas to encourage staff interaction and promote mental well-being.
- Ensure soil is well-drained and fertile.
- If necessary, improve soil fertility with organic compost and natural amendments.
- Ensure reliable water access.
Garden Development
Site Assessment and Planning
Corporate Employee Volunteering
- Conduct soil tests to check nutrient levels and pH balance.
- Add organic compost and manure to correct soil deficiencies.
- Prepare plantation beds by digging and lining them with bricks, with gravel walkways.
- Hire labourers for site preparation and bed installation.
- Source 300 butterfly-friendly plants, including 50 trees, 100 herbs, and 150 sh
- Conduct soil tests to check nutrient levels and pH balance.
- Add organic compost and manure to correct soil deficiencies.
- Prepare plantation beds by digging and lining them with bricks, with gravel walkways.
- Hire labourers for site preparation and bed installation.
- Source 300 butterfly-friendly plants, including 50 trees, 100 herbs, and 150 shrubs.
- Choose a mix of nectar plants (Lantana, Marigold, Pentas) and host plants (Milkweed, Passionflower).
- Develop a unique planting plan for each location, detailing plant combinations and quantities.
- Install feeders with sugar water or fruit to attract and nourish butterflies.
- Create shallow puddling stations filled with water and sand for butterfly hydration.
- Regularly maintain feeders, water sources, and plant health.
Corporate Employee Volunteering
Maintenance and Monitoring Plan for Butterfly Gardens
Corporate Employee Volunteering
- Opportunities for corporate employees to participate in garden creation.
- 250 employees will be engaged, with 25 volunteering per garden.
- Employees will assist in planting and conducting quarterly plant assessments.
- Strengthens CSR initiatives while benefiting police stations.
Educational Material Development
Maintenance and Monitoring Plan for Butterfly Gardens
Maintenance and Monitoring Plan for Butterfly Gardens
- There will be two types of bilingual (English & Marathi) signage developed, including the common name, local name and scientific name, along with interesting facts.
- Additional components such QR codes that link to more detailed information or videos about butterfly conservation and gardening tips will be added to the signage. They will also provide branding opportunities.
Maintenance and Monitoring Plan for Butterfly Gardens
Maintenance and Monitoring Plan for Butterfly Gardens
Maintenance and Monitoring Plan for Butterfly Gardens
- A part-time gardener will be hired for daily garden upkeep post-project.
- The gardener will handle watering, weeding, and plant care.
- Comprehensive plant and butterfly health evaluations will occur every quarter.
- Surveys to monitor plant survival rates and address any issues.
- Surveys to track butterfly species using the garden, measuring habit
- A part-time gardener will be hired for daily garden upkeep post-project.
- The gardener will handle watering, weeding, and plant care.
- Comprehensive plant and butterfly health evaluations will occur every quarter.
- Surveys to monitor plant survival rates and address any issues.
- Surveys to track butterfly species using the garden, measuring habitat effectiveness.
- Police officers will provide feedback on the garden's impact on their well-being.
- Programs using the iButterflies app and interactions with Butterfly Man Isaac Kehimkar.
Project Updates
October 2024
iNaturewatch Foundation is excited to share the latest progress on the Butterfly Patrol project, aimed at creating 10 butterfly gardens across police stations in Navi Mumbai. This initiative seeks to bring nature closer to the community, enhancing green spaces within police station premises to support urban biodiversity and provide a calming environment for police personnel and visitors.
The project kicked off with an initial survey of 14 police stations to assess their potential as butterfly garden sites. This survey focused on identifying open, sunny areas within each station, a crucial requirement for developing successful butterfly habitats. Following this assessment, we shortlisted and finalized 10 police stations that met these conditions.
Our team then conducted a detailed site assessment at each of these selected stations. This phase included:
- Premises Evaluation – A thorough examination of each station's layout to ensure the gardens align well with other operational spaces.
- Site Measurements – Precise measurements were taken to plan the optimal layout and placement of butterfly-friendly plants.
- Soil Testing – Testing soil quality at each site to select suitable plant species and determine any necessary soil amendments.
- Air Pollution Survey – Assessing air quality to understand the environmental conditions impacting butterfly and plant health.
- Staff Survey – Engaging with police personnel to gauge interest, expectations, and importance of green space.
With these assessments complete, we are now in the planning phase, where we will design each butterfly garden tailored to the unique conditions of each police station. This phase includes selecting native plants that attract butterflies, designing the layout for aesthetic appeal and functional flow, and preparing a maintenance plan.
We look forward to transforming these spaces into vibrant butterfly gardens that will provide a soothing, nature-rich environment and contribute to Navi Mumbai’s urban ecology.