By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 28 Feb: Jai Dhar Gupta, an environmentalist who has been working to clean up India’s air pollution after he acquired bronchial asthma from breathing Delhi’s air nine years ago, has decided to move to his Plan B. Wanting to stay alive to win the war in the long run, he has turned his attention to blue sky Uttarakhand, beyond the airshed of Delhi.
Jai is aiming to create the first private forest reserve of Uttarakhand. The project has been named Rajaji Raghati Biosphere (RRB). Located in Baddiwala, on the south side of Rajaji Tiger Reserve, RRB is a rewilding and coexistence initiative on 35+ acres of land, aiming to create a living commune for wildlife, forest, climate science and other environmental experts. The goal of RRB is to evolve as a living ecosystem, a model for global cohabitation and a small response to climate change.
With the backyard of 820 square kilometres of the Rajaji National Park, RRB is seamless and continuous with the government’s forest area. The current phase of planting in the month of March involves 4,000 trees, shrubs and grasses.
Jai Dhar Gupta says, “I feel like an artist with a 35-acre canvas. Simple goals include, growing the forest, guarding the forest, restoring rare tree species, measuring ecological succession, climate science research, proving coexistence, creating a carbon sink, local community development and promoting forestry and bio-diversity. As an environmentalist, I feel a strong responsibility to do right by the planet first. I am excited to see how RRB will evolve and benefit humankind in times to come. For now I am thrilled at the prospect of pure air and proximity to nature in all forms. I have to applaud the Government of Uttarakhand, especially the Forest Minister, for the unconditional support for this initiative.”
Vijay Dhasmana, who is spearheading the rewilding initiative, adds, “Our endeavour would be to extend the reach of Rajaji forests into what was until now high intensity agricultural land. We will achieve that by planting the native forest plants such as Doodhi, Haldu, Kaim, Rohini, Kumbha, Padal, Dhaula, and many other native forest species of the Rajaji forests. In my opinion this will pave way for more rewilding projects by private land owners and can be a role model for rewilding in the region.”
Is Conservation of this type a viable model — that remains to be seen – but the initiative has begun and with careful planning and input, they hope to contribute and do their part towards the regrowing and appreciation of India’s forests and wildlife.
