Asola Bhatti wildlife Sanctuary

A Case Study in Ecological Restoration: Success story and Present Status

Submitted to- Prof Pamposh

Submitted by- Aminesh Kumar Singh

Course- Ecotechnology for Environment Management

INTRODUCTION

Across diverse ecological zones—ranging from forests and farmlands to mountains and oceans—humans
exist in close association with plant and animal life, forming an intricate web of interdependence.
Maintaining ecological balance is essential for ensuring sustainable development, as this
interconnectedness offers a wide range of economic, social, and environmental benefits for both people
and nature. Healthy ecosystems deliver vital services such as climate change adaptation and mitigation,
biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, oxygen production, disaster risk reduction, water
security, and raw materials, among others (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005; Houghton, 2005;
Gibbs et al., 2007; San-Jose et al., 2022). These systems also support key industries like agriculture,
forestry, and tourism, providing food, water, construction materials, and more. Fertile soil, for instance, is
a direct outcome of biodiversity-rich and well-functioning ecosystems.

However, in recent decades, excessive and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources has severely
threatened ecosystems, leading to their degradation, damage, and, in many cases, destruction—
negatively affecting both nature and human communities (Arroyo-Rodríguez et al., 2020). Ecosystem
restoration involves the process of repairing and revitalizing degraded environments, aiming to return
them to their original state while also conserving areas that are still intact (McDonald et al., 2016). When
guided by scientific strategies and continuous monitoring, restoration efforts can benefit biodiversity and
human well-being alike (Wurz et al., 2022). Research indicates that nearly 40% of India’s landscapes need
ecological restoration.

The Aravalli Hill Range, one of the world’s oldest mountain systems, begins near Delhi and stretches
through southern Haryana and Rajasthan before ending in Gujarat. Within this range, the Asola Bhatti
Wildlife Sanctuary stands as a semi-forested protected area with significant ecological value. It plays a
crucial role in groundwater recharge for the Delhi region and has the potential to function as a natural
barrier against growing desertification. Moreover, it holds promise for long-term habitat restoration.
Efforts are underway to reclaim and rehabilitate both large and small abandoned mining pits in the Bhatti
area, with the goal of transforming them into productive wetland ecosystems.
Location
The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary spans 32.71 km² along the southern Delhi Ridge of the Aravalli hill
range, situated on the Delhi-Haryana border (GPS coordinates: 28.24520–28.29450°N and 77.11320–
77.16130°E). It forms a key segment of the leopard wildlife corridor that extends from Sariska National
Park in Rajasthan to the Delhi Ridge. The area is also rich in historical landmarks, including Surajkund,
Anangpur Dam, Tughlakabad Fort, Adilabad Ruins, and Chhatarpur Temple. Villages like Asola, Shapur,
Bhatti, and Maidangarhi lie within the sanctuary’s boundary, and several lakes—remnants of
abandoned mining pits—are scattered throughout the area.

The sanctuary was officially declared a protected area in 1986. To facilitate its restoration, 2,679.29
acres of land were acquired from the villages of Asola, Shapur, and Maidangarhi. Following a mining ban
in Badarpur imposed by the Delhi government in 1990, an additional 2,166.28 acres from Bhatti village
were included in 1991. Presently, the sanctuary is managed by the Conservation Education Center
(CEC) of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Delhi.

Why there is need for Conservation

Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a vital green lung and potential carbon sink for Delhi, helping
to mitigate local temperature rise (Kushwaha, 2014). While the sanctuary is better known for its bird
diversity, it also hosts a variety of medicinal plants. A study by Dwivedi et al. (2018) on angiosperm
diversity found Prosopis as the dominant exotic species and Diospyros montana as the leading native
species, along with 82 other genera and 100 plant species. The trees in the area exhibit strong carbon
sequestration potential and natural regeneration capacity, but frequent cutting by local residents has
resulted in most trees being in the lower diameter class (Kushwaha, 2014).

A 1997 survey recorded 246 animal species in the sanctuary, including various invertebrates such as
mollusks, orthopterans, beetles, and butterflies, and vertebrates like amphibians, reptiles, birds, and
mammals (Khanna & Sati, 2003). According to a later BNHS survey cited by Agarwal (2022a), the
sanctuary is now home to 252 bird species—including sparrows and kingfishers—over 86 butterfly
species, 23 mammals like leopards, nilgai, blackbuck, hog deer, hyenas, porcupines, and jungle cats,
as well as 28 reptile species including monitor and spiny-tailed lizards, confirmed through camera trap
data
lists representative plant and animal species found in the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, based
on surveys conducted up to 1997 (Khanna & Sati, 2003; Zoological Survey of India, 2003).

The flora includes species like Prosopis juliflora, Acacia nilotica, Butea monosperma, Azadirachta
indica, and Ziziphus nummularia. Among the fauna, species such as Uromastix hardwickei (spiny-
tailed lizard), Milvus migrans lineatus (black kite), Psittacula eupatria (Alexandrine parakeet), Macaca
mulatta (rhesus macaque), and Hystrix indica (Indian porcupine) were documented.

Recent surveys conducted by BNHS in collaboration with the forest and wildlife department have
recorded several significant sightings, indicating the positive impact of habitat restoration. Notably, the
near-threatened pallid harrier (Circus macrourus) was observed for the first time in 2017 and again in
2022. In February 2022, the northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) was also spotted, further reflecting
the sanctuary’s improving ecological health (Gandhiok, 2022a).

Additionally, newly developed lakes within the sanctuary are emerging as key habitats for migratory
birds. The steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis), for instance, was seen in large groups in November 2021,
suggesting a rise in prey species—likely due to successful habitat, soil, and water conservation efforts
by the forest department. These developments highlight the need for continued protection, habitat
management, and ecological restoration in the sanctuary.

Causes of Degradation & Benefits of Restoring Ecosystem

A truly sustainable future depends on maintaining harmony between ecological integrity and socio-
economic development. However, human activities have disturbed this balance, leading to widespread
ecosystem degradation and environmental challenges. Between 1980 and 2012, large-scale
deforestation occurred as forests were converted into agricultural land (Lewis et al., 2015). Other major
contributors to degradation include overexploitation of natural resources, human encroachment,
harmful agricultural subsidies, and weak land tenure laws that promote deforestation.

The consequences of such environmental damage include increased flooding due to soil erosion and
tree loss, rising sea levels from glacial melt, and more frequent natural disasters like droughts,
earthquakes, and tsunamis. To address these issues, landscape restoration can be a practical
solution. It involves managing both the types of land cover and their spatial arrangement to reverse the
impacts of unsustainable development (San-Jose et al., 2022). This approach supports desertification
control, enhances water and food security, and balances ecological and societal needs.

Effective strategies to combat environmental degradation include afforestation, rainwater harvesting,

practicing the three R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle), limiting CFC use, managing fuel consumption, treating
industrial waste, minimizing fertilizer usage, and population control (Shrinkhal, 2019). These efforts not
only protect ecosystems but also support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
by preserving biodiversity, reducing disaster risks, regulating diseases, and safeguarding the livelihoods
of dependent communities (San-Jose et al., 2022)
Challenges
One of the main challenges in conserving the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is ensuring complete
protection of the area (Mani, 2022). Local villagers living near the sanctuary often resist forest department
efforts to establish fenced boundaries, leading to conflicts. Their non-cooperation and frequent rule
violations have significantly hindered restoration efforts (Jain, 1994). The lack of clear forest demarcation
leaves much of the Aravalli region vulnerable to encroachment by villagers and nearby farmland owners.
Tree cutting by locals has led to deforestation, and expanding agricultural activities combined with urban
development have reduced forest cover, intensifying human-wildlife conflict (Pillai, 2021; Mani, 2022).

Infrastructure such as the Faridabad-Gurugram highway and rail lines, which cut through the Aravalli hills
and disrupt wildlife corridors, pose serious threats to animal movement. Between 2015 and 2019, over 10
leopards were killed while attempting to cross roads between Sariska National Park and the Asola
sanctuary (Dhankar, 2019). Forest officials believe that with an adequate prey base now established in
Asola, including macaques relocated from Delhi streets (Singh, 2013), the risk of future leopard-human
conflict may decrease. Leopards typically venture out of the forest only when prey is scarce (Agarwal,
2022b).

Another pressing issue is the denial of wildlife presence in the area by some authorities. The Municipal
Corporation of Delhi’s attempt to convert the Bhatti Mines into a landfill site—despite a 1996 High Court
order banning such use—also threatens restoration goals (Garg, 2010; PTI, 2022)

PITS OF BHATTI MINE

Since 1994, the abandoned mining pits have undergone significant geomorphological changes and have
now transformed into natural water bodies (PTI, 2021). These pits function as groundwater recharge zones,
with some still collecting rainwater. Forest officials report that these areas now support various threatened
species, including a leopard family. The surroundings of these water bodies host diverse flora and fauna,
and they serve as the primary water source for wildlife in the sanctuary. As per directives from the National
Green Tribunal (NGT) and the High Court, these water bodies must not be used for waste disposal and
should be preserved and rehabilitated to support groundwater recharge (PTI, 2022).

BANDHWARI LANDFILL AND WASTE PLANT

Out of the 30 acres of Aravalli land currently being used as a landfill, 14.86 acres fall under the Aravalli
Plantation Project and have been granted legal “forest status” by the Supreme Court, receiving protection
under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 (Dey, 2020). This landfill is located near the last remaining native
Aravalli Forest, which also holds cultural significance as a sacred grove for local communities. Its presence
has negatively impacted wildlife, soil quality, water resources, and human health in the surrounding areas.
The Bandhwari landfill, situated close to a groundwater aquifer, is a major source of pollution due to
leachate discharge. In a March 1, 2019 order, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) confirmed that
groundwater contamination was occurring because of this leachate. Environmental groups, like the Aravalli
Bachao campaign, have called for the landfill’s relocation, noting that it holds around 3.5 million tonnes of
untreated mixed waste. Thus, preventing the use of this ecologically sensitive area for waste disposal is
essential for successful restoration.
METHODS FOR RESTORATION
Key restoration initiatives include:

1. Habitat Regeneration (2020): Efforts began to recreate 10 microhabitats across 12 hectares, along
with restoring 2 hectares of grassland (Harigovind, 2022). Open Aravalli land, with abundant sunlight,
supports the growth of grasses vital for grazers, reptiles, and small mammals (Dixit, 2021).

2. Plantation Drives: Around 33 lakh saplings and 14 grass species were planted. These grasses
enhance microbial life, improving soil nutrient availability. Varieties include Buffel, Johnson, Mauritian,
Daabh, Lemon grass, and Dhoob (Gandhiok, 2022b). These efforts have already led to visible regrowth in low-
disturbance zones. Green cover increased from 324 km² in 2019 to 342.2 km² in 2022.

3. Assistive Regeneration: Focus is on natural regeneration rather than mass tree plantation. Native
species like Palash and Dhau are supported, while invasive plants such as Lantana and Vilayati Kikar are
removed (Harigovind, 2022).

4. Encroachment Prevention: Delhi government approved a 45 km-long patrol track along the
sanctuary’s boundary to prevent illegal entry and protect forest land (Mani, 2022).

5. Water Conservation: Haryana government plans to use abandoned mining pits to store rainwater
during the monsoon, ensuring water availability during summer.

6. Awareness Campaign: A wildlife protection drive titled Van Jeev Sanrakshan Abhiyan was held
from October 2–8, 2021, to educate people about conservation. Post-2019 lockdowns reduced human
interference, allowing species like mongoose, civet cat, jackals, porcupines, leopards, and even a striped
hyena to reappear (Pillai & Gandhiok, 2021).

7. Water Reservoir Creation: Under a master rejuvenation plan, 14 mining pits (4 large and 10 small) are
being developed into reservoirs to boost Delhi’s groundwater levels (Jain, 2022).

8. Eco-tourism Promotion: Proposals include creating butterfly and wildlife trails, cycle and walking
paths, bird-watching areas, and ropeways to encourage sustainable tourism
FUTURE APPROACH
1. A continuous boundary wall should be constructed around the sanctuary to safeguard wildlife and
restrict human intrusion.

2. Efforts must be taken to reduce the local community’s reliance on the sanctuary for natural resources like
wood, water, and road access.

3. Adequate food and water sources, including artificial water holes, should be ensured within the sanctuary
to support wildlife survival and promote breeding.

4. To ensure year-round water availability, abandoned mining pits can be turned into permanent water
bodies by connecting them to water pipelines from nearby villages.

5. Wildlife corridors must be established to allow animals safe and unrestricted movement. Additionally, a
buffer zone should be created around the sanctuary to minimize human-wildlife conflicts (Sharma, 2019).

6. Robust anti-poaching measures should be enforced to protect the wildlife.

7. Regular wildlife surveys should be conducted, like the one initiated by the Bombay Natural History Society
(BNHS) in partnership with the forest department in March 2021, expected to conclude in 2023. These
surveys, using methods such as trap cameras and pugmark tracking, help monitor animal populations,
ensure resource availability, and assist in habitat improvement. Future plans include using radio collars to
track species like leopards and jackals (Madan, 2021).

8. Disused mine pits, originally formed due to illegal mining of Badarpur sand and stone, should be
rehabilitated and developed into freshwater wetlands.

9. Bioremediation is an environmentally sustainable, cost-effective method of tackling pollution. This

biotechnology involves the use of living organisms—such as bacteria, fungi, and certain plants—to break
down or neutralize harmful substances in the environment (Strong & Burgess, 2008; Bove et al., 2015; Morris
et al., 2018; Spina et al., 2018). It can degrade, detoxify, and remove chemical contaminants, including
metals. Soil microbes not only help decompose landfill waste but also improve soil quality and support
vegetation recovery (Majumdar, 2002; Demnerova et al., 2015). Microorganisms perform these tasks by
using enzymes to break down pollutants for energy and growth (Tang et al., 2007; Selbmann et al., 2013;
Abatenh et al., 2017; Bhandari et al., 2021). For instance, Bacillus subtilis is a powerful denitrifying
bacterium that enhances soil health and acts as a natural cleaner. These bacteria can be genetically
enhanced to improve their enzymatic capabilities, aiding in faster waste breakdown (Mahapatra et al., 2022;
Bhandari et al., CT 2021). Other beneficial microbes, such as nitrogen fixers, phosphate solubilizers, and
plant growth-promoting bacteria, help make nutrients available to plants, contributing to a healthy and
balanced ecosystem (Kour et al., 2020).
CONCLUSION
Significant progress has been made in restoring the ecosystem of Asola Bhatti and its surrounding areas
through the protection status granted to the sanctuary, as reflected by the increasing biodiversity of both
plant and animal species over the years, as indicated by various surveys. The actions taken by the
government at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary could serve as a model for restoring other ecosystems that
have experienced ecological degradation. Restoration ecology has grown substantially as an applied
scientific field. However, restoring isolated and fragmented natural areas might not fully restore their
ecological functions, and replicating past ecosystems may be impractical due to the impacts of global
climate change. Despite this, ongoing efforts are still needed for ecological restoration, focusing on
rehabilitating ecological functions rather than merely reintroducing past biodiversity. The restoration
process should aim for natural progression, assistive regeneration, and addressing threats such as
urbanization, policy shortcomings, and deforestation to prevent further degradation. Achieving these goals
requires continuous monitoring of habitat maintenance, forest cover, land fragmentation, periodic surveys,
and effective implementation of government policies and initiatives. Public awareness about the
importance of a balanced ecosystem and active participation in its upkeep is crucial for successful
restoration. Since restoration ecology is closely tied to human interests, these efforts must be supported by
the people to contribute to the global achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) by 2030.

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