Atal Vatika: A Story of Environmental Rejuvenation

A photograph of Atal Vatika's starting point in Mayur Vihar. Thor is seen in the foreground.

 

The commitment to environmental protection and preservation forms the core of the BestIndian™ ethos. This philosophy is brought to life in Atal Vatika, an urban forest in Dehradun created by our founder, Nitin Sahrawat.

What was once a barren, lifeless, and trash-filled ravine has been transformed into a thriving mini city forest. Today, Atal Vatika is a self-sustaining ecosystem, providing a vital sanctuary for numerous species of birds, mammals, and reptiles, and stands as a testament to our belief that nature can be reintroduced into the heart of our urban spaces.


An image of Atal Vatika as seen from the road on its southern side


 

The Vision: Nature-Centric Urban Renewal

Cities like Dehradun were once celebrated for their lush green canopies and natural beauty. However, unplanned expansion has often come at the expense of our green cover. Atal Vatika was born from a vision to reverse this trend.

The project aims to inspire a nature-centric approach to urban living by demonstrating the profound benefits of green spaces:

  • Improved Quality of Life: More green space is directly associated with better mental health and encourages physical activity, especially for senior citizens.
  • Environmental Health: Urban forests act as the lungs of a city, helping to improve air quality, mitigate extreme heat waves, and protect against dust storms.
  • A Sanctuary for Wildlife: By planting native trees, we create a habitat that attracts and supports native birds and animals, restoring the region's natural biodiversity.


Photograph of Atal Vatika with a warning sign in the foreground instructing people against throwing garbage in the urban forest.


 

The Action: From a Single Tree to a Thriving Forest

The creation of Atal Vatika was a personal mission for our founder, Nitin Sahrawat. He began by planting and patiently nurturing each tree himself, protecting them with tree guards granted by the Dehradun Municipal Corporation.

Within a few years, this dedicated effort began to influence the micro-climate of the neighboring areas, proving that a single individual's commitment can create a lasting positive impact. The success of this pilot project has inspired our larger mission to replicate this model in other Indian cities.

The Heart of the Forest: Native Indian Trees

To support the local ecosystem, Atal Vatika is home to hundreds of rare and native Indian trees, each chosen for its cultural and ecological significance.

Key Species Planted:

  • Rudraksha (Planted to commemorate the martyrs of the Bihar Regiment)
  • Kadamba
  • SwarnChampa
  • Putranjiva
  • Amla
  • Baheda
  • Reetha
  • Harad
  • Amaltas
  • Cassia Javanica
  • Asoka
  • Kachnar
  • Chinar
An image of Atak Vatika from Uttar Marg, Mayur Vihar. Nitin Sahrawat's dog Thor can be seen walking along the hedge planted by the road side in the periphery of this urban forest.