Reforestation of Taloja Hill Watershed, Navi Mumbai

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The total number of species sighted at the site increased from 128 to 395 between April 2020 and March 2023. Specifically, plant species rose from 38 to 172, insect species from 39 to 100, arthropod species from 0 to 11, amphibian species from 3 to 7, reptile species from 6 to 17, bird species from 39 to 78, and mammal species from 3 to 10. Although species numbers have continuously increased, it remains challenging to determine whether this growth is due to the improving habitat or the regular, systematic biodiversity studies conducted in the area. The Taloja Hills Field Guide which is an outcome of this exercise will provide excellent documentation of the hills and provide good educational resource for general public. Newspapers like Mid Day, Hindustan Times, Sakal have already published our stories on the field guide, this amplifies our reach.

• Ground Preparations
• Digging pits for each plant.
• Terracing
• Diversion
• Contour Bunding
• Making Gully Plug
• Trench digging

2,873 saplings, including herbs, shrubs, and trees, survived at the site with a 52.8% survival rate. Carbon sequestration studies found that 129 kg of carbon was stored in 26 tree saplings. While there was an increased occurrence of termites, posing a risk to the plants, their presence indicated improved soil moisture, which is a positive development.

Due to COVID outbreak we were unable to involve women from the villages in growing saplings, but the caretakers took on this role. Over 800 saplings were grown in the nursery during the project period. We collected native seeds from the wild to be sown into sapling bags for nursery growth. 

Three nature trails were developed by selecting existing pathways which showcased unique biodiversity on the path.  The Taloja Hills Field Guide provided excellent documentation of the hills and provide good educational resource for general public during the nature trails.

A volunteer base of 165 members from diverse backgrounds became strong supporters of Taloja Hills. Our project provided rare volunteering opportunities, otherwise unheard of in Mumbai. While not the project's primary purpose, we helped enhance scientific acumen among common citizens, creating new citizen scientists. Consequently, we received continued selfless support from these volunteers, significantly expanding our sphere of influence. 

We conducted volunteering and community awareness programs, reaching 602 individuals, including students, corporate employees, and community members. We engaged the local community in activities such as planting, de-weeding, clean-ups, nursery work, and seed collection. The community expressed a strong interest in nature trails, giving us hope that they will continue the restoration work at Taloja Hills.To conduct monthly volunteering programmes for local communities.