By Aastha Chauhan
A Srishti and Toxics Link Survey, (November 2010 – May 2011)
With the idea of understanding the Sanjay Van better I began regular walks and mapping of the forest in November 2010. I spent the initial few weeks familiarizing myself with the exits and entries to the forest and getting a basic sense of the scale of this stunning south central ridge. This was followed by documenting the various encroachments in forest, complete with GPS maps and photographs. The GPS locations of the encroachments are available on google maps and the photographs and other details are available on a facebook page titles “what’s happening in Sanajy Van?”. I was also observing the community/ ies that access the forest for a number of reasons, ranging from morning walks to gathering firewood for the evening meals. I have approached a number of institutions in the Qutab institutional area with an offer to begin conversations about community conservation of the Sanjay Van and hope to take this forward in the near future.
Download:
1. Sanjay Van Report
2. Sanjay Van Photos
Also read Ravi Agarwal’s article “Fight for a Forest” at India Seminar – http://www.india-seminar.com/2010/613/613_ravi_agarwal.htm
Hi
Having gone your report would like to add on the following:
On instructions from Hon Lt Gov Delhi Sh Tejendra Khanna ,Air Vice Marshal Vinod Rawat founder Working With Nature ( WWN is a group of noted ecologists /scientists namely Pro PS Ramakrishnan,Dr KS Rao ,noted bird watcher Dr Surya Prakash from JNU , DU and,locals) is assisting DDA in restoration of SV where in last one year more than 50,000 native Aravali trees have been grown.The missing Dhak,Khejri,Desi keekar /Babool,Khair etc are being reintroduced,besides managing sewage water entering from Vasantkunj and nearby villages,Efforts are on to protect and increase existing flora and fauna.The group is also pitching for a bird sanctuary as SV has recorded many varieties of birds. Devika Rawat of WWN is also bringing school children from various Delhi schools to work at SV, in an effort to create awareness towards environment, In 2010-2011.in a tie up with WWF under Young climate saver scheme 12 schools were taken for jungle cleaning,plastic removal,tree plantation, tree talks, bird watching etc Now WWN has also included local schools which are not rich and also special children.WWN also celeberated Earth day on 22nd April 2011, and year of forest ( 2011 ) when Hon Lt Gov also planted a saplingEffort is on to restore SV and connect people to forests.How ever its a long journey ,also Prosopis juliflora, vilayti keekar an invasive exotic tree continues to dominate Delhi flora, and is mainly responsible in evicting Aravali native vegetation there by harming the ecosystem and we await Govt. decision on its removal.Hon Lt Gov Sh Tejendra Khannaonis taking personal intrest ans DDA has initiated work on boundary wall and shortly security staff will be provided to stop further encroachment and take care of thos precious Aravali heritage ridge
I invite all those who have seen this forest in early 3 decades please come and see the face lift of this Future ‘Bird Sanctuary’ of South Delhi. I have been scanning my neighbourhood forest for last 2 decades and have documented Faunal diversity of Sanjay Van. AVM Rawat & Self are grossly engaged in its CONSERVATION & RESTORATION (WWN)