Environment
The land on which Anandwan stands was originally barren, abandoned quarry with no surface water. Through the painstaking efforts by early rehabilitated residents, wells were dug to provide water for drinking, domestic and irrigation purposes. Considering the growing requirement of water, reservoirs were built which helped in recharging ground water of the region thus providing water security even during a drought year. More than 30 reservoirs have been built across various project locations of MSS. These reservoirs apart from supplying and recharging water also offer reprieve to the surrounding flora and fauna.
To enhance the catchment of reservoirs, small check dams were developed. These dams are low in cost and easy-to-build and are made using old tyres and plastic waste. With the help of these check dams’ water catchment of reservoirs has been enhanced manifold thus providing water security to the surrounding areas.
All the drains in Anandwan converge into two reservoirs, through a unique bio filtration system the water is treated and the fishes in the reservoir further cleanse the water thus allowing the water to be utilized for irrigation of farms. Also, sale of fishes creates livelihood opportunities.
Abhayaranya the manmade forest in Anandwan is a highly successful experiment of ‘rehabilitation of mines’. Once an arid rocky wasteland, here there is now a colossal biomass bank spread over 60 acres. It also serves and the burial ground for mortal corpse of Anandwan residents, thus fulfilling the philosophy of giving back as much to the environment. Over the years Abhayaranya has attracted a wide range of migratory birds which setup their nests in this oasis.
Dr. Akira Miyawaki’s method of afforestation involves planting a number of different species of native trees close to each other through a logical sequence. This method ensures that forests grows 10x faster, is 30x denser, 100x biodiverse and 100% organic. Close planting of many random trees in a small area, creates dense forest that enriches the green cover and reinforces richness of the land. This leads to co-existence of variety of plants at a time and in fact, each plant draws vital nutrients from the other to grow stronger and healthier.
A virtual border made of trees, Anandwan’s Green wall isn’t its most obvious feature. However, the structure of planting trees on the borders of Anandwan can be spotted only with a bird’s eye view. An effort to increase the forest cover of Anandwan, the green wall is one of Anandwan’s many green initiatives.
