Restore Aarey

Aim of the Project

Aarey forest has seen a long fought battle for its preservation. A unique home for wildlife, several thousands of native inhabitants, adivasis, belonging to different tribes and two of four of Mumbai’s rivers.

Aarey’s ecological importance is very precious because of the services it provides us. It is a flood plain area for the Mithi river, it protects the iconic leopards of Mumbai, the trees act as a carbon sink and they provide livelihood to many adivasi residents.

Beyond ecological, it also provides social services. Every day thousands of citizens visit Aarey- kids who play under the shade of trees, walkers and joggers who enjoy the fresh air, bicycling sport, youngsters venturing out for adventure, study and research, fun and peace of mind. The positive impact of Aarey on the mental health of people is invaluable.

The residents of Mumbai realize its importance and have rallied in its support. In this struggle a lot of the forest area of Aarey was lost and is now more important than ever to rewild and restore it.

Thus began the journey to restore the forest of Aarey. This is a joint project by many organisations, individuals and citizens working together towards a common goal.

Our Mission

Restore the ecosytems of Aarey to it’s original wild format. Involve common citizens and locals in the process and raise awareness for the protection of Aarey and its tribal residents.

What are we doing

  1.  Identifying barren and low density patches in Aarey
  2. Studying the geographical and abiotic conditions of the locations.
  3. Choosing native and indigenous plant varieties ideal for those conditions
  4. Planting them in a style inspired by Miyawaki tree plantation and principles of permaculture
  5. Cleaning, watering, protecting and maintaining the site regularly and ensuring survival of the saplings

Do you wanna help us out?

Join us every Saturday and Sunday to volunteer your help to plant trees and take good care of them!

Every week we not only serve nature but also serve our soul with a sessions of music and arts in the end ! If you have some performing skills, you have the platform to lift spirits!

Our Project Team

Sushant Bali

The man who has been a relentless force towards protecting nature. He was been active in Aarey conservation since the beginning and has been doing everything in his power and beyond to help. He had created a micro forest in Mulund and is now leading this Aarey restoration.

Masira Shaikh

Her determination to do something for Aarey to heal it from the scares let on it, is how this project began. She is coordinating this project and helping supervise the weekly activities.

Tripti Pal

Unplanned tree plantation of non-native trees can do more harm to a forest sometimes. She is making sure we don’t do that. She has been working with teams to list species that are historically native to the forests of Aarey and helping us bring them back.

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