Maharashtras First Native Grass Nursery In Pune Flourishes Offering Hope For Ecosystem Restoration
Western Maharashtra’s first dedicated native grass nursery, established in Gulunche village, Purandar tehsil, is now flourishing, yielding encouraging results for ecological restoration. Launched in January 2024, this initiative, spearheaded by The Grasslands Trust in collaboration with ATREE and the Pune district administration, offers new hope for reviving degraded grassland ecosystems. Housing over 28,000 saplings and an expanding seedbank, the project showcases tangible progress in restoring soil fertility and biodiversity in the region’s semi-arid zones.
The project, rooted in Purandar’s semi-arid agro-climatic zone, has established a thriving nursery housing over 28,000 grass saplings and a vital seedbank for restoration efforts. Native grass species, once prevalent across the Deccan plateau, are successfully reclaiming soil degraded by overgrazing, enhancing fertility and controlling erosion. What sets this initiative apart is its community-driven model. Locals, including women and landless farmers, are deeply involved from seed collection to post-plantation care. This participatory approach not only yields ecological benefits but also fosters socio-economic inclusion, providing livelihoods and skill-building opportunities to marginalized communities.
A founder and trustee of The Grasslands Trust highlighted that this effort extends beyond just growing grass, aiming to restore entire ecosystems crucial for rural economies, wildlife habitats, and climate change mitigation. Significant milestones include the successful transplantation of 45,000 grass saplings across a 5-hectare pilot plot last year. Plans for this year involve planting another 33,000 saplings in an adjoining area. Quarterly monitoring surveys consistently indicate improved soil structure, enhanced water retention, and returning biodiversity in restored plots, proving native species’ resilience. These grasslands, despite being overlooked, function as critical carbon sinks, biodiversity hotspots, and support traditional livelihoods.
This groundbreaking initiative underscores the vital role of community-led, science-backed ecological restoration in achieving environmental sustainability. By revitalizing overlooked grasslands, the project not only enhances biodiversity and combats climate change but also empowers local communities. Such efforts are crucial for fostering resilient, eco-friendly, and equitable cities, creating a healthier future for both nature and people.
