Plantation Drive in Asola Bhatti Wildlife Century

To be implemented with Bombay Natural Museum of History in coordination with AIWEFA and students from Lady Irvin College
All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) initiated a Plantation drive in the Asola Bird Sanctuary in the Aravali range with the relevant authorities. A group of 10 student members are visiting committedly to the site twice a week for a month for about 3 hours/day and support the plantation. The requisite training is being provided by the Bombay Museum of Natural History (BMNH) along with manual support of labourers for the actual planting.

Objective
The primary objective of the project is increase green area in association with BNHS, Asola and join in their Plantation drive in Aravalli areas. Asola Bhatti Sanctuary is spread over an area of 2782 hectares, and is a part of Southern Ridge of Delhi. The forest area is covered with invasive plants and trees which doesn’t support ground water preservation or he eco system. The idea is to bring back the native plants, shrubs and tree species into the area by removing the invasive plants and trees spread over the area.

Rationale of the project
The month of March is most suitable for planting specific kind of plants which not only reduces carbon but also increases green area, attract butterflies and restore biodiversity to a large extent. BNHS have ready saplings and need support for plantation. They also have labour force who will provide manual support but would be happy to involve AIWC members, Eco-club members and student volunteers for monitoring the plantation drive. They will provide all necessary orientation and training. AIWC’s involvement in this programme will add value to the work we have already been undertaking for environment protection, biodiversity enhancement and mitigate climate change through afforestation.

Expected outcome of the project
While this initiative will fulfil AIWC’s commitment under ‘save the planet’ programme, it can be also be the beginning of more such plantation drives we can implement in other areas of Delhi. The volunteers involved will get sufficient training in methodological plantation and monitoring and their expertise can be utilized thereafter for our future programmes.

Implementation of Project (25th March- 19th April)
AIWEFA coordinated with the Lady Irwin College for mobilizing a group of 10 student volunteers who are interested in the environmental issue, who agreed to take up this commitment and spare required time. BMNH is already having groups of volunteers and will provide support for this work. AIWEFA with the faculty of LIC are coordinating the regular visit by the students and keeping a record.

Organising Team:
Lady Irwin College: Dr. Rupa Upadhyay and Dr. Shweta Anand coordinated the event.
AIWEFA: Ms Asha Chandra, Mrs Sarla Manchanda and Dr Mona Suri supported the event.
AIWC: Project initiated by Ms Kalyani Raj and supported by Ms Asha Gambhir and Ms Sheela Satyanarayan.

Student Volunteers
1. Palak Khanna
2. Ishita Goel
3. Vishakha
4. Manisha
5. Vaishali
6. Ishika Bansal
7. Mansi Gola
8. Nikita
9. Vanshika Lamba
10. Himanshi
11. Ayushi
12. Shreya
13. Simra
14. Rashmeet