Gondpur Nature Trail nears completion in Paonta Sahib

Paonta Sahib is set to welcome another ecological marvel as the Gondpur Nature Trail nears completion. Approved under the working plan of the Paonta Division, this ambitious project is a testament to environmental restoration and sustainable tourism. Once a neglected dumping ground near the Gondpur Industrial Area along the national highway, the site has undergone a remarkable transformation into a lush green space, thanks to dedicated efforts by the Forest Department.

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Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Paonta Sahib, Aishwarya Raj, shared that the initiative began with a large-scale cleanup operation, where field staff meticulously removed over 200 cubic metres of waste, equivalent to 31 tractor loads. The garbage was handed over to the waste treatment centre in Bhatanwali, ensuring that the area could be repurposed for ecological conservation.

Alongside physical restoration, local residents were sensitised about the environmental hazards of indiscriminate dumping, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for forest conservation. The project has been driven forward by an enthusiastic team, including Muddasir, Seema, Sandeep and Sumant, who played a pivotal role in executing the cleanup and plantation efforts.

Developed with funds from the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), the Gondpur Nature Trail has been designed in the style of a Japanese garden, incorporating native species and ornamental plants to enhance biodiversity. Sal trees, already dominant in the area, will be complemented by colourful undergrowth, gravel pathways and stone landscaping, creating an inviting and serene environment for visitors.

The nature trail will offer a range of attractions, carefully curated to blend recreation with ecological awareness. A dedicated nature walkway will guide visitors through the green space, while a uniquely designed “Tiger and Earth” selfie point will serve as a reminder of the importance of conservation.

A Japanese-style bridge crossing and a water zone will add to the aesthetic appeal, while an open gym and swings will promote outdoor fitness and leisure. Resting points have been incorporated at various locations, ensuring that visitors can relax and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the surroundings. Additionally, sections dedicated to medicinal and ornamental plants will educate visitors about the region’s rich biodiversity and the importance of preserving indigenous flora.

Gondpur Nature Trail has been approved under the Nahan Circle-level Ecotourism Society and is expected to contribute significantly to sustainable tourism in the region. Plans are already in place for a future cafeteria or kiosk, which will provide livelihood opportunities for self-help groups, further strengthening the local economy.

With this development, the Gondpur Nature Trail will become the seventh nature park under the Paonta Sahib Forest Division, joining the ranks of Eco Park Rampurbeli, Yamuna Van Vihar, Yamuna Riverfront Park, Miyawaki Zone Bhatanwali, Sirmaur Van Vihar and Arogya Vatika, Taruwala. Notably, it is also the fifth green zone to be created in the last two years, underscoring the rapid strides being made in afforestation and ecological conservation in the region.

The success of this project aligns with broader efforts to turn degraded lands into thriving green spaces. Last monsoon, a similar initiative was undertaken at the Waste Treatment Centre in Bhatanwali, where a Miyawaki green zone was established to act as a barrier against unpleasant odors. he Gondpur Nature Trail is another milestone in this ongoing journey, demonstrating how targeted conservation efforts can restore environmental balance and create sustainable public spaces.

As the Gondpur Nature Trail nears its official opening, it stands as a beacon of environmental resilience and community-driven conservation. Once a wasteland, the site is now poised to become a cherished destination for nature lovers, fitness enthusiasts and eco-tourists. This transformation highlights the power of collective effort in reversing environmental degradation and fostering a greener, healthier future for all.