Shiv Nadar School Converts Wasteland to Thriving Forest

1. Shiv Nadar School Converts Wasteland to Thriving Forest Students and educators from Shiv Nadar School recently collaborated with the Urban Environment Division of the Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority (FMDA) to orchestrate a remarkable ecological transformation in Sector 82, Faridabad. This pioneering endeavor exemplifies an exceptional Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model aimed at ecological revival and sustainable development. The wasteland, formerly a neglected stretch spanning 230 meters by 30 meters, suffered from severe degradation, plagued by waste accumulation and stagnant waterlogging. Through a detailed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the FMDA's Urban Environment Division and Shiv Nadar Trust, this area underwent a profound metamorphosis into a flourishing forest. Anju Wal, Principal of Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad, highlighted the initiative's dual purpose of fostering students' experiential learning and fostering a lasting impact on society. The successful conversion of this barren wasteland into a thriving ecosystem underscores the potential of collaborative community efforts and environmental stewardship, steering Faridabad closer to a greener, more sustainable future. The project involved planting 8,000 evergreen trees, establishing a water body, and crafting a walker's path. Several challenges were addressed and resolved, such as toxic soil, poor land quality, and leveling complexities that required innovative solutions like altering soil textures, utilizing specific compost, and enriching soil with micronutrients through composting. Diverse native plant species, including Harsringar, Jamun, Ber, Guava, Custard Apple, Moringa, and various bamboo species, were carefully chosen to support a self-sustaining ecosystem. Innovative

2. methods such as phytoremediation for water treatment, marshy water for irrigation, and rainwater harvesting in designated pits were employed during plantations. Anticipated to evolve into a thriving wildlife habitat within three years, this newly established forest aims to host diverse fauna, including migratory birds, bees, butterflies, insects, and amphibians. The initiative targets enhancing local biodiversity, ensuring a supply of pure oxygen, and contributing to carbon sequestration. In conjunction with the Give Me Trees Trust, Shiv Nadar School commits to jointly maintaining the forest for the next two years. Following this, it will transition into a self-sustainable model, fostering its long-term vitality. The Shiv Nadar School, an initiative under the Shiv Nadar Foundation, embodies a commitment to advancing modern education in India. The Shiv Nadar Foundation catalyzes a variety of sustainable rural development programs that help cultivate environmental consciousness and foster innovative educational models. The foundation focuses on a holistic approach to learning and empowers students to become responsible future leaders. https://medium.com/@shivnadarfoundation/shiv-nadar-school-converts-wasteland-to-thriving- Source: forest-0782e62a4056