Environment Conservation
Tree Plantation
With a vision for a greener Uttarakhand, four villages have been adopted by HEAL for tree plantations. These are Malla Eeda, Talla Eeda, Gurad and Maletha from the Ekeshwar block in Satpuli Tehsil of Garhwal. Saplings of Banj, Bamboo, Fruits (Mangoes, Timla), Lime Indian Butter Plant, Loquat, Moringa, Mulberry and Sanand, among other valuable local shrubs have been planted.
Tree plantation is HEAL’s commitment to nurture green spaces. From species selection to appropriate watering and care, tree plantation is our pledge to give back to the Himalayan ecosystem.
Forest Fires
Climate change and land-use changes is making wildfires worse and extreme. Uncontrollable forest wildfires are devastating for bio-diversity, ecosystems and village communities in the Himalayan region. Often forest land is cleared using fire for livestock in summer. These fires spread out of control wrecking havoc, leading to environmental pollution and enormous bio-diversity loss.
Combating Forest Fires and Creating Firelines
Confronting forest fires is risky and demanding. In a world where natural forces and human choices are intricately intertwined, by embodying the compassion and bravery of legendary Tillu Rauteli, the flames of ecological destruction and forest fires are being extinguished.
Creating sensitivity about the importance of forests and preventing forest fires has been a priority. The HEAL team has successfully developed massive firelines (approximately 50 feet wide) covering an area of 500 acres in Edda Malla. HEAL has attempted to put out forest fires wherever possible. In 2023-24, the team has spent almost 36 hours monitoring and managing uncontrollable forest fires blazing across villages.
HEAL summons environmental consciousness. It urges us to embrace our duty as Earth’s caretakers, preserving forests, preventing forest fires and safeguarding the intricate web of life.
Augmentation of Water Recharging Structures
The Himalayan glaciers, snowfields, fresh water springs have served as a source for major water bodies. However, climate change, deforestation, forest fires, changes in land-use patterns and over use of water sources has precipitated a water crisis across villages in Uttarakhand.
The protection of forested farmlands from wildfires leads to the retention of leaf and organic mulch on the ground surface, HEAL has been creating plain terraces as water recharge systems with the help of leaf and organic mulch, thereby helping retain rainwater at the Auranya retreat hill. As a result of the intervention, the entire hill is greener and experiences more water sufficiency, even during summer months.
Sustainable Village and Eco-Tourism
Village tours designed by HEAL offer a glimpse of Garhwali art, culture and heritage. Presenting local vernacular architecture and raising awareness about its unique architectural features has been a highlight of the HEAL village tours. These architectural tours showcase the traditional stone structures made with locally available stones and plastered mortar walls.
