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Project Trailblazers: Five Nature Trails for Kharghar
Introduction
Project Trailblazers is a pioneering initiative that integrates environmental conservation, community well-being, and eco-tourism, all within the urban landscape of Kharghar. By developing a network of five sustainable nature trails, the project will enhance public access to green spaces, promote biodiversity, and encourage healthier lifestyles.
A key achievement of the project will be the formal inclusion of these trails
in the City Recreational Trails Network, establishing a precedent for urban green space management across India. This network will ensure long-term sustainability, maintenance, and accessibility of the trails, setting a benchmark for urban recreational areas. Community engagement will play a crucial role, with 250 participants involved in volunteer programs and an "Adopt-a-Trail" initiative, which will engage schools and corporates in trail maintenance. The project’s integration of modern technology, like GPS mapping and QR codes, alongside the involvement of community volunteers, fosters local ownership and stewardship.
Modeled after the National Recreational Trails Network in the United States, this initiative would be a pioneering effort in India, with Kharghar potentially setting a precedent for other cities. By integrating educational initiatives with recreational opportunities and economic development, the project also aims to cultivate a sustainable and thriving community in Kharghar, ensuring that both nature and residents benefit from this harmonious relationship. Balancing urban development with environmental preservation, Project Trailblazers will position Kharghar as a model for sustainable urban living, delivering significant environmental, social, and economic benefits for the community.
Project Overview
Project Location: 5 Nature Trails in Kharghar
Project Duration: October 2024-March 2025
Project Partner: Navi Mumbai Police Department
Knowledge Partner: Ladybird Environmental Consulting LLP.
Funding Agency: Publicis Groupe India
Project Outcomes:
Environmental Impact:
- Inclusion of Kharghar Trails in the City Recreational Trails Network validates the ecological importance of the area.
- Enhances public awareness of local ecosystems and encourages visitors to engage with nature.
- Fosters collective responsibility for conservation efforts.
- Promotes sustainable practices within the community.
- Leads to better protection of natural resources.
Economic Outcome:
- The nature trails project will attract eco-tourists, increasing foot traffic in Kharghar and stimulating the local economy by creating demand for services like guided tours.
- Jobs will be generated for nature guides, trail maintenance staff, and local businesses catering to eco-tourists.
- Sustainable economic development in Kharghar will provide long-term benefits to the community.
Societal Outcome:
- Nature trails will provide accessible recreational spaces for the community.
- Promote physical activity, including walking, jogging, and cycling, enhancing health and well-being.
- Serve as social hubs for community engagement through volunteer programs and nature-related events.
Project Interventions
Site Assessment and Planning
Addressing Water-Logged Pathways & Crossing Streams
Site Assessment and Planning
- Assess existing trails in Kharghar based on popularity, accessibility, notable waypoints, and condition.
- Organize an online poll within the Kharghar volunteers group to gather input on preferred trails.
- Combine field visits and volunteer feedback for a community-driven selection process.
- Conduct physical surveys using GPS to map out possible
- Assess existing trails in Kharghar based on popularity, accessibility, notable waypoints, and condition.
- Organize an online poll within the Kharghar volunteers group to gather input on preferred trails.
- Combine field visits and volunteer feedback for a community-driven selection process.
- Conduct physical surveys using GPS to map out possible routes and identify natural features.
- Define routes that cater to different user groups, such as walkers, nature enthusiasts, and picnickers.
- Ensure trails vary in length and difficulty, highlighting key scenic spots, flora, and fauna.
- Obtain approvals from relevant authorities (e.g., CIDCO, Forest Department) before proceeding.
- Ensure compliance with regulations to protect sensitive areas like wetlands.
- Plan trails that balance accessibility with environmental conservation.
Trail Building
Addressing Water-Logged Pathways & Crossing Streams
Site Assessment and Planning
- Planning, designing, and constructing paths for recreational use (hiking, biking, walking) to create accessible, sustainable, and safe trails.
- Use basic tools (shovels, rakes, hand saws) to clear debris, low-hanging branches, and brush.
- Remove loose rocks, leaves, and overgrown vegetation to create a smooth path.
- Create zigzagging paths to
- Planning, designing, and constructing paths for recreational use (hiking, biking, walking) to create accessible, sustainable, and safe trails.
- Use basic tools (shovels, rakes, hand saws) to clear debris, low-hanging branches, and brush.
- Remove loose rocks, leaves, and overgrown vegetation to create a smooth path.
- Create zigzagging paths to reduce incline and prevent erosion, ensuring gradual elevation gain.
- Build steps with flat stones, logs, or wood planks; anchor with wooden stakes or gravel for stability.
Addressing Water-Logged Pathways & Crossing Streams
Addressing Water-Logged Pathways & Crossing Streams
Addressing Water-Logged Pathways & Crossing Streams
- Dig shallow trenches along the sides of the trail to direct water away from the path. Ensure the trail has a slight outward slope (outslope) for effective water runoff.
- Use of treated timber for durability in construction and also power tools like saws and drills to assemble boardwalk sections.
- Lay large, sturdy logs across smaller streams
- Dig shallow trenches along the sides of the trail to direct water away from the path. Ensure the trail has a slight outward slope (outslope) for effective water runoff.
- Use of treated timber for durability in construction and also power tools like saws and drills to assemble boardwalk sections.
- Lay large, sturdy logs across smaller streams for simple crossings and secure them by embedding the logs into the stream bank for stability.
- For larger streams, build wooden footbridges using treated timber and ensure proper support with wooden posts and footings in the stream bed, securing with nails or screws.
Defining Trail Edges
Signage Development and Installation
Addressing Water-Logged Pathways & Crossing Streams
- Use rocks, logs, or native plants to mark trail boundaries and prevent users from wandering off-path.
- In absence of natural materials we will use fly ash bricks as they are recycled products.
Regular Maintenance
Signage Development and Installation
Signage Development and Installation
- We will regularly inspect trails for erosion, blockages, or damaged structures. Clear fallen debris or fix broken steps and signage.
- We will maintain drainage ditches and boardwalks to ensure trails remain usable during rainy seasons.
- This approach helps us to tackle common trail challenges like steep slopes, waterlogged areas, and stream crossings with basic tools and techniques.
Signage Development and Installation
Signage Development and Installation
Signage Development and Installation
- Trail signs are informational and directional markers placed along outdoor recreational paths to guide users, provide safety information, and educate them about the surrounding environment.
- Signage will include directional, educational and safety signs.
- The design will feature printed and weatherproofed vinyl stickers with trail names, dis
- Trail signs are informational and directional markers placed along outdoor recreational paths to guide users, provide safety information, and educate them about the surrounding environment.
- Signage will include directional, educational and safety signs.
- The design will feature printed and weatherproofed vinyl stickers with trail names, distances, and directional information.
- Signs will be placed at eye level at key points such as trailheads, intersections, and notable waypoints to ensure they are visible and easy to find. They will be securely anchored to resist vandalism.
- Routine checks to ensure signs remain clean, visible, and intact. Replace or repair damaged signs promptly.
- We will engage local volunteers in maintenance efforts, encouraging a sense of ownership and responsibility for the trails.
Natural Seating Areas and Observation Points
Natural Seating Areas and Observation Points
Natural Seating Areas and Observation Points
- Provide visitors with a comfortable place to rest and enjoy the surroundings. These areas encourage users to pause, reflect, and engage with nature.
- We will use natural materials like logs or stones to create seating that blends seamlessly with the environment. Seating will be strategically placed near scenic viewpoints or under shade
- Provide visitors with a comfortable place to rest and enjoy the surroundings. These areas encourage users to pause, reflect, and engage with nature.
- We will use natural materials like logs or stones to create seating that blends seamlessly with the environment. Seating will be strategically placed near scenic viewpoints or under shade trees.
- Observation points will be designed to offer scenic views and opportunities for wildlife observation, enhancing the overall experience of the trail.
- By thoughtfully incorporating natural seating areas and observation points into the trail design, the overall user experience will be significantly enhanced, promoting relaxation, appreciation of nature, and educational opportunities.
Community Engagement Programmes
Natural Seating Areas and Observation Points
Natural Seating Areas and Observation Points
- We will organize events for volunteers from local schools and corporate volunteers to help build and maintain the trails.
- Through the Adopt-a-Trail Initiative we aim to involve schools or corporate groups in the long-term care of sections of the trails, fostering community ownership and regular maintenance.
- We will create awareness throu
- We will organize events for volunteers from local schools and corporate volunteers to help build and maintain the trails.
- Through the Adopt-a-Trail Initiative we aim to involve schools or corporate groups in the long-term care of sections of the trails, fostering community ownership and regular maintenance.
- We will create awareness through social media, nature walks, and workshops, promoting the educational and recreational value of the trails.
- Through the programme, we aim to engage 250 participants.
Public Access and Technology Integration
Natural Seating Areas and Observation Points
Public Access and Technology Integration
- Once the trails are mapped, we will upload the routes as KML/KMZ files onto Google Earth, making them accessible for digital exploration. This allows users to download and follow the trails on their devices.
- Through a QR Code for Trail Signs, we will upload content about the trails on our website o promote nature trails as well as guide
- Once the trails are mapped, we will upload the routes as KML/KMZ files onto Google Earth, making them accessible for digital exploration. This allows users to download and follow the trails on their devices.
- Through a QR Code for Trail Signs, we will upload content about the trails on our website o promote nature trails as well as guide trail users with detailed maps, plant and animal identification features, and educational content.
- Through this intervention we might reach out to more than 1 lakh community members from Kharghar