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Gurugram is paving the way towards a greener future, with citizens and authorities collaborating to fulfil the environmental requirements of the IT hub.Consistent efforts are made not just to create but restore the city’s environmental fraction. Different partnership models are being introduced to get hands from all the different sections to participate in these initiatives.

‘I am Gurgaon’ is one such movement in which the authorities of Gurugram and citizens have joined hands to move towards a greener future for Gurugram. The movement is being supported by government agencies such as:

• Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA)
• Haryana Forest Department
• Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG)

Their team comprising of –

160 maalis
Supervisors
Project Managers

Project Leads and many others’ collaboration has led to the recreation of green habitats to revive ecosystems, manage water resources, and mitigate urban flooding. In addition, the team has created forest corridors that offer safe, green, non-motorised transportation options, ensuring equitable access to all.

The ‘Partnership Models’ coming together for the creation of an ecosystem fostering green initiatives are:

Residents and Citizens

• Academic Institutions
• Individual Contributors
• Government Agencies
• Corporate Agencies
• Corporate Partners
• Other NGOs

‘I am Gurgaon’ boasts highly successful projects transforming the targeted area. It has created green habitats in barren areas.

Also Read | Enhancing Public Transport in Gurugram: A Collaborative Approach by MCG, Traffic Police, GMDA, and Metro Authority

Sikanderpur Pahadi Project
Initiated in 2019, this project focuses on rejuvenating a neglected 90-acre area comprising a forest and a water body. The main objective is to transform this underutilised site into a vibrant green space that significantly contributes to the city’s environmental sustainability. By restoring the natural habitat and enhancing the ecosystem, the project aims to create a flourishing environment that benefits both the community and local wildlife, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance.

Project objectives were:

• To revive the area as an urban forest, integrating it into the city’s larger greening vision
• Increase urban green cover by planting native species.
• Make the space usable for residents by cleaning and improving the accessibility.
• Promote alternative mobility through the creation of walking and cycling tracks.
• Restore pond and stormwater channels to revive the water system and prevent city flooding.
• Create an ecosystem supporting diverse flora and fauna,
  animals, birds and insects.

Chakkarpur Wazirabad Bundh Project
This initiative has successfully converted a 5.2 km crucial mobility corridor into a significant urban asset, fostering community engagement, environmental sustainability, and local livelihood opportunities. The transformation has made the corridor a central part of urban life, encouraging residents to participate actively in community activities. Additionally, the project has contributed to environmental health by integrating green spaces and sustainable practices while also creating economic benefits for local businesses and individuals through improved access and increased foot traffic.

Project Objectives were:

• Increase urban green cover by planting native species.
• Promote alternative mobility by creating walking and cycling tracks.
• Restore stormwater channels to revive the water system and prevent city flooding.
• Create an ecosystem to support diverse flora, fauna, animals, birds, and insects.
• Facilitate interaction and engagement among diverse community members.
• Serve as a carbon sink.

Badshahpur Forest Corridor
The Badshahpur Forest Corridor Project, initiated in 2018, aims to transform a wasteland into a dynamic, resource- efficient, and ecologically rich community resource. Spanning 5.6 km, this urban greenway connects the Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) to National Highway (NH) 8, passing through diverse neighbourhoods, including gated communities, low-income housing, institutions, and urban villages. The corridor features walking, jogging, cycling trails, and rest areas, promoting natural ecosystem habitats and human health. The project emphasises social sustainability by creating spaces for community gatherings, contemplation, and inclusive play areas. It incorporates nature-based solutions for stormwater management, groundwater recharge, and native species plantation, making it a zero-discharge site that diverts waste from landfills and enhances biodiversity. The final 2.2 km stretches, completed in 2023, have further reinforced the corridor’s role as a vital urban asset and safe mobility corridor for the residents of Gurugram.

Eco Restoration of Aravalli Creek 56
The Eco Restoration of Aravalli Creek 56 project aims to establish a 3.5 km long urban forest trail through Sector 56, Gurugram. Beginning at the base of the Aravalli ridge at Ghata and extending to Rajesh Pilot Marg/Golf Course Extension Road, this 55-acre stretch is surrounded by gated housing enclaves. Historically, as a stormwater runoff and water retention area, the creek has become an open greywater/sewage creek due to neglect and encroachment. The project focuses on ecological improvement, including native species plantation, waste management, and creating an accessible public space. It aims to restore local biodiversity, promote environmental education, and provide a sustainable urban mobility corridor for walking and cycling.

Apart from this, Gurugram has seen significant efforts to restore and revive its water bodies in recent years.

Sanpka Pond Project
The Environmentalist Foundation of India (E.F.I), with support from the Haryana Government and HDB Financial Services, undertook this project. It involved cleaning up the pond, removing invasive weeds, strengthening embankments, and preventing sewage inflow.

Damdama Lake in Sohna
It is another significant restoration effort, as the lake has shrunk considerably. Restoration efforts are focused on expanding the lake bed and improving water quality to support local biodiversity and tourism.

Additionally, the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has identified several water bodies for restoration. A survey revealed that out of 826 water bodies in the district, 153 are beyond revival, while many others are under threat due to encroachments and pollution. The GMDA’s efforts aim to map and restore these water bodies, addressing issues such as sewage discharge and solid waste dumping

Also Read | Steering the Giant: Navigating Gurugram’s Monumental Challenges Towards Growth and Sustainability

These initiatives are crucial for replenishing groundwater levels, supporting local ecosystems, and providing recreational spaces for the community. The restored water bodies also significantly mitigate urban flooding and improve the region’s overall environmental health.

Views expressed by Subhash Yadav IFS, ACEO (Environment), Gurugram

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