Volunteers from Sadhana Forest are in Madhya Pradesh this week, in Central India, about to begin a new forestation project. Tom, Becky and Niki have travelled up with Aviram and the Rozin family to take a look at the 10-acre piece of land belonging to the Mata Anandamayi Peeth ashram at Omkareshwar. Following a presentation by Aviram in March, the ashram has decided they want to turn this land into a lush native forest.
Not only do they believe in the importance of planting trees as a way of building a healthy ecosystem and breathing life back into this barren, eroded land, but it is also a gift to the children of the school which sits on the site.
The 550-pupil school was built 10 years ago and offers free education for children of families local, and from afar. The tree-planting will be an activity the children can get involved in, and as the forest grows, this will be a lush spot for the children to play in. The 10 acres can serve as a model for sustainable forest development for other lands in the area.
So we have arrived with ideas for tree planting and water conservation, and plenty of enthusiasm. Omkareshwar is a really beautiful island whose shape resembles an Om symbol, in the middle of the Narmada River. The ashram sits on the rocky south face of the island. We look forward to spending the next few weeks working here!
Becky