Project Eco Restoration

The barren land becomes a seasonal wetland habitat, a home for avian fauna, migratory birds, ducks, insects and other biodiversity for 6 months. What’s missing is a soil health restoration, waste cleanup work, community involvement, native species vegetation for their safety, nesting and breeding, green development for residents’ resilience, and environmental and climatic stability.

To solve the missing puzzle, we have initiated the Project Eco Restoration to plant native species vegetation, 3,000 saplings, according to 1980 research and experts, on the soil embankment periphery of the site. The official MOU will be signed with the local community leader and residents, defining their roles and responsibilities towards the project. Fortunately, we have received the active full support of the residing community.

Project: Eco Restoration

Restoring Urban Ecosystems Through Community Participation

In a rapidly expanding urban landscape such as Surat, the protection and restoration of natural ecosystems is both a challenging and essential responsibility. Many ecologically significant habitats within the city remain overlooked despite supporting a wide range of wildlife and providing critical environmental services. Through Project Eco Restoration, Har Jeevan Foundation aims to protect, conserve, and restore these valuable natural habitats using a science- based and community-driven approach.

We have shared our Project Booklet, which has all the Project Details. Please click on the link below.

Site Assessment: Bhimpore Restoration Site Project Site Overview

The first restoration site under Project Eco Restoration by Har Jeevan Foundation is located in Bhimpore Village, Dumas, Surat. The site represents a challenging yet ecologically significant landscape with strong potential for habitat restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and community-centred green space development. Preliminary field assessments and community consultations were conducted to understand the ecological condition, current land use, and restoration challenges of the area.

Existing Field Conditions

Soil Condition

The site is characterised by highly saline and dry soil conditions. The soil surface is rough, compact, and contains numerous small solid stones. Large surface cracks are visible during dry periods, indicating low moisture retention and environmental stress. These conditions create limitations for vegetation growth and sapling establishment.

Field Vegetation Survey

A preliminary vegetation survey conducted at the site recorded a total of 23 different plant species naturally occurring within the landscape. The presence of existing vegetation indicates ecological resilience and provides important guidance for selecting suitable native species for restoration activities.

Boundary Condition

Currently, the site has no formal fencing or protective boundary infrastructure. The perimeter is partially defined by naturally formed low earthen embankments of varying heights and widths, which offer limited protection against encroachment, grazing pressure, and waste dumping.

Waste Dumping and Pollution

Household waste and garbage dumping were observed at several locations within the site, contributing to habitat degradation, soil contamination, and aesthetic decline. Waste accumulation also negatively impacts wildlife movement and ecological quality.

Informal Land Use

Certain portions of the site have been informally occupied or utilised by residents for activities such as general stores, garage-related activities, vehicle parking and storage of fishing equipment. These uses indicate the need for carefully balanced restoration planning that considers both ecological and community requirements.

Key Restoration Challenges

Seasonal Waterlogging

During the monsoon season, freshwater accumulates above ground level to an approximate height of 4 feet and remains stagnant for nearly six months. This seasonal flooding significantly influences soil conditions, vegetation survival, and restoration planning.

High Salinity Stress

One of the major ecological challenges at the site is high salinity in the soil, water, and surrounding air. Due to the site’s proximity to the ocean, tidal water occasionally reaches the peripheral areas during high tide conditions. This creates harsh environmental conditions that can reduce sapling survival rates and limit the establishment of sensitive vegetation species.

These factors require the careful selection of salt-tolerant native plant species and adaptive restoration techniques suitable for coastal ecosystems.

Existing Community Uses of the Site

Despite ecological degradation, the site remains socially important for the local community and is actively used for various recreational and cultural activities, including:

 Sports activities such as cricket, volleyball, and football
 Grazing and resting area for local domestic cattle
 Community gatherings and festivals, cultural events, including marriages, bhajan pro-
grammes, and sports events
 Pet outing and walking
 Informal resident hangout and recreational area
Understanding these existing community uses is essential for developing a restoration model that integrates ecological conservation with sustainable public use and community participation.
Restoration Significance
The Bhimpore restoration site presents a unique opportunity to transform a degraded coastal urban landscape into a resilient ecological and community green space. Through scientific restoration planning, native vegetation development, habitat enhancement, and active local participation, the project aims to establish a sustainable model for urban ecological restoration in Surat.

Project Targets and Expected Outcomes

The following targets have been established under Project Eco Restoration by Har Jeevan Foundation to evaluate the ecological restoration success and long-term sustainability of the Bhimpore restoration site.

Ecological Restoration Targets

Restoration of Seasonal Wetland Habitat

The restoration site forms vernal pools. To successfully restore and retain the site’s monsoon seasonal wetland characteristics, enabling the area to function as a healthy and ecologically productive wetland habitat. The restored habitat is expected to support and attract diverse wildlife species, including avian fauna, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and other wetland-dependent organisms.

Survival and Growth of Native and Rare Plant Species

To ensure the successful establishment, survival, and healthy growth of planted native and rare vegetation species through scientific plantation methods, adaptive site management, and continuous monitoring.

Butterfly Habitat Restoration

To restore suitable habitat conditions for butterflies and other pollinators by planting native host and nectar plant species that support feeding, sheltering, and natural breeding activities.

Safe Nesting and Breeding Habitat for Birds

To develop ecologically secure habitat conditions that provide nesting sites, shelter, food resources, and breeding opportunities for local and migratory bird species.

Plantation and Restoration Targets

 3,000 Saplings Plantation Target
Plantation of approximately 3,000 native saplings within a period of two months from the commencement of the first plantation phase.
 Minimum 70% Sapling Survival Rate
Achieving and maintaining a minimum survival rate of 70% or above for all planted saplings through regular maintenance, monitoring, watering support, soil management, and community participation.
 Soil Health Restoration Target
Restoration of 50% or more of the site’s soil health potential through ecological interventions such as native vegetation establishment, organic matter improvement, moisture retention enhancement, and reduction of environmental degradation.
Long-Term Vision
These targets collectively aim to transform the Bhimpore site into a resilient ecological landscape that supports biodiversity conservation, improves environmental quality, and strengthens community engagement with nature. The project also seeks to establish a scalable and replicable model for urban and coastal ecosystem restoration in Surat and surrounding regions.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

At the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in 2015, Narendra Modi stated:

“Sustainable development of one-sixth of humanity will be of great consequence to the world and our beautiful planet. It will be a world of fewer challenges and greater hope; and, more confident of its success.”

Inspired by this vision, Har Jeevan Foundation is committed to protecting natural habitats, conserving wildlife and biodiversity, and restoring degraded ecosystems through native vegetation plantation and community-driven ecological restoration under Project Eco Restoration.

The project directly contributes toward several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through ecological conservation, climate resilience, inclusive community participation, and sustainable urban development.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

Achieve Gender Equality and Empower All Women and Girls

Relevant Target

 End discrimination against women and girls.

Project Contribution

The project promotes inclusive community participation by encouraging equal involvement of women and girls in awareness programmes, plantation drives, conservation activities, and community engagement initiatives. By creating safe and accessible public green spaces, the initiative also supports inclusive environmental stewardship and participation in local ecological management.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Ensure Availability and Sustainable Management of Water and Sanitation

Relevant Targets

 Protect and restore water-related ecosystems.
 Support local engagement in water and sanitation management.
Project Contribution
The restoration of seasonal wetland habitats and ecological buffers contributes to improved water retention, groundwater recharge, and ecosystem resilience. Community involvement in habitat protection and site management further strengthens local participation in environmental and water resource conservation.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Make Cities Inclusive, Safe, Resilient, and Sustainable
Relevant Targets

 Protect the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
 Reduce the adverse effects of natural disasters.
 Reduce the environmental impact of cities.
 Provide access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces.
Project Contribution
The project focuses on conserving ecologically important urban habitats while developing environmentally sustainable community spaces. Increased green cover, wetland restoration, and native plantations contribute toward reducing urban heat stress, improving environmental

quality, and strengthening resilience against climate-related impacts. The development of nature-based public spaces also enhances community well-being and environmental awareness.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Take Urgent Action to Combat Climate Change and Its Impacts

Relevant Targets

 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related disasters.
 Build knowledge and capacity to address climate change.
Project Contribution
Native vegetation plantation and habitat restoration improve carbon sequestration, climate resilience, and ecosystem stability. The project also promotes environmental education and public awareness regarding climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable coexistence with natural ecosystems.
SDG 14: Life Below Water
Conserve and Sustainably Use Oceans, Seas, and Marine Resources
Relevant Targets

 Protect and restore ecosystems.
 Conserve coastal and marine areas.
Project Contribution
Due to the project site’s proximity to coastal ecosystems and tidal influence zones, restoration activities contribute toward the protection of coastal ecological processes and biodiversity. Restoration of saline and seasonal wetland habitats also supports species associated with coastal and water-dependent ecosystems.

SDG 15: Life on Land

Protect, Restore, and Promote Sustainable Use of Terrestrial Ecosystems

Relevant Targets

 Protect and restore ecosystems.
 Conserve biodiversity and natural habitats.
Project Contribution
The project directly contributes to the restoration of degraded terrestrial habitats through native plantations, biodiversity enhancement, soil restoration, and habitat protection for birds, butterflies, reptiles, pollinators, and other wildlife species. The initiative promotes long-term ecological sustainability and strengthens the connection between people and nature in urban landscapes.

Methodology

SOIL PREPARATION: First, we will moisten the soil, loosen the soil with machinery, and finally add natural fertilisers of Jeevamrit and Dry Straw Grass (Parali). Then, we will mix them thoroughly in the soil.

SOIL EMBANKMENT: The embankment is necessary to plant and save saplings, because in the monsoon season, the ground holds water of 3ft-4ft high. We will leave a 1-meter-wide top, space for residents’ usage, then fencing and saplings plantation within 5 meters of width.

BAMBOO FENCING AND GATE: The design of bamboo fencing. It is very important to fence the plantation region to safeguard the saplings from cattle grazing, wild pigs, dogs, and human intervention. The bamboo pillars will be fitted in the soil filled with concrete and binding materials to protect the materials from ants, and to get a firm, steady balance in heavy winds and monsoon. The Bamboo Gate will be designed in the process of fencing using the waste bamboo materials.

PLANTATION CONCEPT: the natural soil embankment at the bottom, bamboo fence protection on it, and a native species plantation in the area.

Plantation and Budget Details

Plantation with inclusiveness and togetherness is our vision and emotion to serve Mother Nature, and to instil sensitivity in individuals, which may help protect them in the future.

We intend to invite students and faculty from government and private schools in the locality to bring joy and pride in planting saplings and to learn to protect them in the future; to visionaries, achievers and change makers of related sectors, who will bring inspiration in their lives.

In Bharat’s culture, we first invoke the grace of the guru “Guru Pooja” will be performed by trained Isha Volunteers of Isha Foundation. There will be a yoga program under the trained Ishangas or Isha Volunteers of Isha Foundation for the people’s benefit and to promote our ancient culture in today’s generation.

There will be a single sapling “tree distribution program” at no cost, which will be specially for the nearby residents who are willing to plant and care for the tree species they wish for.

Area: 3200 sq. meters approximately, in which a minimum of 3,000 saplings can be planted in phases.

SuryaVan

To bring back the pride of heritage legacy, we have received from our elders, it is named after the heritage name of the district, “Suryanagari”. First half of the district name is “Surya”, which means the Sun, and because it is a plantation site, the word “Van” means the Forest. It is Surat’s Own Forest, where the scale doesn’t matter. The site that grows native trees in bulk and hosts the biodiversity in the lap of nature in Surat city will be known as “SuryaVan”. Inevitably, Forest and Sun have a relationship together in nature; the forest grows, flourishes and blossoms with the help of the Sun. The Forest, or we humans or life on Earth cannot survive without the sun.

Project Associate Surat Van Organisation based in Surat, working since 2024 to promote and grow urban forests using the Miyawaki afforestation method.

Project Budget and Funding Opportunities: Project Budget Overview

The estimated total one-year budget for Project Eco Restoration by Har Jeevan Foundation is:

₹35,00,000/-

(Rupees Thirty-Five Lakh Only)

The proposed restoration plan includes the plantation and long-term maintenance of approximately 3,000 native saplings, with an estimated average project investment of approximately ₹1,166 per sapling. This cost includes not only plantation activities but also essential ecological restoration infrastructure, habitat protection measures, and long-term maintenance support required to ensure project sustainability and ecological success.

Budget Components

The total project budget includes the following major components:

One-Time Infrastructure and Restoration Expenses

o Soil embankment development and strengthening
o Bamboo fencing and entrance gate installation
o CCTV camera installation for site protection and monitoring o Water storage tank setup
o Natural and organic fertilisers
o Site redevelopment and restoration work
o Promotional and awareness materials
o Photography and videography documentation
o Installation of a commemorative “Stone of Honour”

Annual Operational and Maintenance Expenses

o Salary and support for maintenance staff o Site supervisor expenses

o Maintenance equipment and essential materials

o Watering, monitoring, and protection of saplings
These investments are essential to improve sapling survival, restore soil conditions, and protect

wildlife habitat, and ensure long-term ecological resilience at the site.

Corporate Partnership Benefits

Organisations and corporate donors supporting Project Eco Restoration will receive the following benefits:

Corporate Engagement and Visibility

o Strong community presence and association with environmental stewardship
o Logo display and acknowledgement as a donor or funding partner across the project

communication platforms

o Opportunities for collaborative awareness campaigns and public engagement initiatives

o Social media visibility and content creation support Financial and Legal Benefits

o Income tax benefits of up to 30% on eligible donated amounts (subject to applicable laws, financial regulations, and donor eligibility)

o Official donation certificates and documentation provided within the applicable financial year

Long-Term Partnership Opportunities

Funding partnerships may further enable collaborative participation in: o Ecological restoration initiatives
o Wildlife conservation programmes
o Biodiversity surveys

o Community outreach and awareness campaigns o Public environmental events
o Digital and web-based environmental initiatives o Responsible sustainability actions

T.A.P.

Tree Adoption Program (T.A.P.)

The Tree Adoption Program provides individuals, institutions, and companies with an opportunity to directly contribute toward ecological restoration through sponsorship of native saplings.

Adoption Contribution

₹1,166/- per adopted tree

Adoption Opportunities

Tree adoption may be undertaken:

o Individually or in bulk

o On special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, festivals, memorials, and celebrations

o In honour of family members, public figures, or respected individuals

Donor Benefits

Participants in the Tree Adoption Program may receive:

 Photo and video records of plantation activities
 Story and acknowledgement posts on NGO social media platforms
 Official adoption certificates

Project Team and Technical Expertise

Har Jeevan Foundation

The success of Project Eco Restoration is supported by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in wildlife conservation, ecological restoration, biodiversity surveys, community engagement, environmental education, and field-based conservation practices. The project team combines scientific knowledge with practical field experience and community-oriented management approaches to ensure effective and sustainable restoration outcomes.

Project Core Team

Ms Vidhi P. Patel | Head of Project
Restoration Ecologist, Wildlife Conservationist, Botanist

Mr Siddharth Rajkumar Agarwal | Project Leader & Head Manager Planner, Coordinator, Sociologist, Administration & Logistics Manager, Field Surveyor Qualifications

Mr Palak Pankaj Kumar Thakor | Project Senior Expert, Site Supervisor, Plantation Surveyor, Botany.

Mr Viral Prajapati | Project Senior Expert, Site Supervisor, Plantation Surveyor, Botany