Hydrologic Effects of Reforestation in India

Summary

The Navadarshanam Community in Tamil Nadu, India, has transformed 100 acres of barren land into a thriving ecosystem over 26 years. Through extensive water harvesting and forestation, this intentional community has restored the land's water resources and biodiversity, attracting species like deer, wild boar, elephants, and leopards. The community focuses on sustainable living, utilizing renewable energy, food, and water. Key success stories include the regeneration of wells through swale systems and the restoration of the water table to levels from 40 years ago, showcasing the effectiveness of ecological practices.

Takeaways

• 🌳 Navadarshanam is a 100-acre intentional community located in Tamil Nadu, India, near the edge of a reserve forest.
• 🕊️ The community was founded 26 years ago on barren land that has since been transformed into a vibrant ecosystem.
• 💧 Extensive water harvesting and reforestation efforts have significantly improved the area's water resources and ecosystem.
• 🌿 Navadarshanam now supports around 250 species of birds, along with various mammals like deer, wild boar, and occasionally elephants, leopards, and bison.
• 💡 The community focuses on exploring sustainable alternatives in areas like energy, food, waste management, and water harvesting.
• 🌱 Remarkably, a scrub jungle emerged naturally within 10 years, aided by birds, wind, and animals seeding the land.
• 🛠️ Key to the restoration are strategic water management structures like check dams and swales, which slow down seasonal streams and help recharge wells.
• 🌧️ Even during low rainfall years, water tables have been restored due to effective water harvesting systems.
• 🏞️ The regeneration of the forest has had a positive impact on the area's hydrology, with improved water retention and soil quality.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 The community is now nearly self-sustaining, with its own sources of energy, food, and water, offering a model for ecological and spiritual harmony.

Q & A

What is the Navadarshanam Community and where is it located?

Navadarshanam is a 100-acre intentional community located on the deck and plateau in Tamil Nadu, India, near the edge of a reserve forest outside of Bangalore.

How long has the Navadarshanam Community been in existence?

The Navadarshanam Community has been in existence for 26 years.

What was the state of the land when Navadarshanam was first established?

When Navadarshanam was first established, the land was completely barren, with no trees.

What significant environmental transformations have taken place in Navadarshanam over the years?

Over the years, Navadarshanam has transformed from barren land into a productive forest through extensive water harvesting and forestation, resulting in a vibrant ecosystem with a high diversity of species.

What role did water harvesting play in the regeneration of the Navadarshanam land?

Water harvesting played a crucial role in regenerating the land. Strategically placed check dams, swales, and seasonal streams were used to slow down water flow and replenish the water table, bringing back previously dried-up wells.

What are some of the key wildlife species that now inhabit the Navadarshanam Community?

Navadarshanam is home to around 250 species of birds, deer, wild boars, and other mammals. It also occasionally hosts elephants, leopards, and bison.

How did the forest regenerate at Navadarshanam, and what role did nature play in it?

The forest regenerated naturally over 10 years, seeded by birds, wind, and animals, leading to the emergence of a vibrant scrub jungle.

How did the water table change as a result of the community’s efforts?

The water table in Navadarshanam gradually recovered as a result of water harvesting and forest regeneration efforts, returning to levels that were present 40 years ago.

What does the name 'Navadarshanam' signify?

The name 'Navadarshanam' means 'new visions,' reflecting the community’s focus on exploring and experimenting with sustainable alternatives in areas like energy, food, waste, and water harvesting.

What makes Navadarshanam's water harvesting techniques successful?

Navadarshanam’s water harvesting techniques are successful because they allow seasonal streams to meander through the landscape, slow down, and recharge the water table, even in low rainfall years.