MIRC creates green land

The project aims to conserve the ecological system by rejuvenating the depleted forest cover as well as development of land. With more trees, wood for fuel will become available along with fodder production for the villages. This has led to a sound eco-system.

The barren land around the project area, was used for land management and wasteland development based on the village and watershed level plans.The efforts resulted in fruits. Planning made this dream come true. The soil had to be tested for fertility. Soil sampling maps were prepared for guiding the plantation pattern in different pockets. Grazing had to be halted for the rejuvenation process. Thus, a natural cycle of the grass roots holding the soil was set up.

As a result, the water trapped by the grass and wild plants began penetrated through the top soil to loosen the surface.Moreover, Ahmednagar being a rain-shadow area, the average rainfall is 578.8 mm it is always prone to droughts. The entire area was surveyed to know the flow of water, according to which, watersheds were identified and bunds, contour bunds, percolation tanks, line chock dams and water conservation trenches were built to prevent the water from running off. The soil gained moisture, the sub-soil was revived and the availability of water increased. The wells, which were otherwise dry up during summers, had a reasonable quantity of water.

The total area of 531.25 hectares has been divided into three sectors, which have nine micro watersheds. Some 25 earthen dams, 15 nalabunds, three percolation tanks, three water holes for the wild life exist. A continuous trench-cum-manual fence along the periphery is planted with trees and shrubs.The plantation was no easy task because the nutritional status of the soil was quite poor. The species of trees and plants were selected. Those species which helped in the fixation of nitrogen soil-binding and produced dense underground roots and also increased organic matter were identified. Grass along with certain medical plants have also been included.

Efforts by the chief of the project, Brig. K. Srinivasan, Commandant of MIRC, along with the Deputy Commandant, Col. K.C. Achappa have shown that barren land can be transformed into a green world.

The climate has also changed due to the sylvan surroundings.

With the active participation of the villagers, grazing is under control. The presence of more than a hundred black bucks, a few jackals and wolves have gladdened the hearts of environmentalists. A rare and endangered species of at least five great Indian bustards have also been spotted A variety of birds are also present.

Seven adjoining villages will benefit from the project. A proposed nursery for seeds wil provide employment. Vermiculture will add to rejuvenation of the area. Collection of herbs, oilseeds, grass cutting, bee-keeping, dairy farming and fire-wood collection would provide the livelihood. This could discourage rural migration.

A picnic spot, popularly known as The Green Top shall soon be opened for the public. The spot is surrounded by a thick, lush green hedge.

With a machan8217; on a tree,one can watch the wild life. Gradually, this will transform the place into a green land.