Our Initiatives
Aravali Biodiversity Park, Gurgaon
The Aravali Biodiversity Park (ABDP) is a vibrant tribute to the rich and varied natural life that flourishes in the Aravali range. It represents the collective endeavour of citizens, the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon, schools, and corporations to restore a lush, native forest to the heart of their city. Once a desolate mining site scarred by indiscriminate quarrying, this land had become a wasteland, decimating the habitats of countless plant and animal species unique to the ancient Aravali mountains. But with concern and resolve, the people of Gurgaon rallied to reclaim and rejuvenate their precious forest.
Eco-restoration of Chakkarpur Wazirabad Bundh
The eco-restoration initiative by iamgurgaon in collaboration with the Haryana Forest Department, Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG), and Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) has turned this around, creating a safe and beautiful space for the community to enjoy. The 5.2 km Chakkarpur Wazirabad Bundh eco-restoration initiative has breathed new life into a popular area of Gurgaon. I
Wazirabad Storm Water Drain
Gurgaon has a rich history of bundhs, dating back to the post-Independence era. These were initially built to control floodwaters and manage water resources along the villages. However, as the city grew and urbanised, these bundhs fell into disrepair and became hotspots for illegal dumping, encroachments and open defecation. This caused the once-pristine storm water drains or nullahs, that run along the bundhs, to carry grey water and garbage from neighbouring areas. In some places, these have dried up completely.
Badshahpur Forest Corridor
The Badshahpur Forest Corridor was once a desolate wasteland, used as a dumping ground for waste and a place for open defecation, with numerous encroachments. With the support of the Haryana Forest Department and partnering corporates, this stretch has been transformed into a lush green corridor for the residents of Gurgaon. It is a beautiful and safe place to enjoy and also tackles the health hazards posed by the previous state of the corridor.
Sikanderpur Pahadi
The Sikanderpur watershed and forest area is a breathtaking 80-acre oasis nestled alongside the bustling Gurgaon-Faridabad road. This historical village, with its lush greenery and sparkling pond, was once a picturesque spot. The pond had become a murky cesspool, polluted by sewage and waste from the surrounding village and office complexes.
Eco-restoration of Ghata Jheel and Bundh
The Ghata Bundh, a historic landmark built in the late 1800s, was once a vital component of the region’s flood protection and groundwater recharge system. This formidable embankment, standing at around 5 metres tall and nestled at the base of the majestic Aravali mountains, played a crucial role in safeguarding the nearby city from the wrath of floods. Today, the Ghata Bundh still stands proud, its verdant surroundings now protected as a guarded forest.
Aravali Nagar Van Forest
At the heart of the forest’s degradation is the significant dumping of construction waste and other forms of domestic waste. This has not only marred the landscape but also contaminated the soil and water, making it inhospitable for the native flora and fauna. The once-flowing waters of a seasonal stream that fed into the Sahibi River have long since disappeared. The forest’s ability to serve as a catchment area and water recharge zone has been severely impacted by the relentless dumping of waste.
Behrampur Bundh
The Behrampur Bundh is an approximately 800-metre-long area that runs from Intellion Park in Gurugram to the Behrampur Naya Village. It is one of the remaining Bundhs in Gurugram and is part of the larger Ghata Jheel, playing an important role in managing stormwater and recharging groundwater. Currently, the Bundh is heavily encroached on and has been divided into two parts, with a main road running through it to reach the SEZ. While the West section of the Bundh suffers from erosion, dumping of waste and wastewater accumulation, the East section which is home to a stone masonry culvert is relatively free of waste and other debris.
Million Trees Gurgaon
As the concrete jungle of Gurgaon expands, the delicate balance of its natural environment is threatened. The dwindling forest cover is a cause for alarm, highlighting the urgent need to preserve and protect the area’s native flora. Million Trees Gurgaon is a bold initiative by iamgurgaon that aims to plant a staggering one million local species in the region.
Interventions and More
Tau Sculpture
“Tau” stands tall at a majestic 8 metres, towering over the landscape like a regal sentinel. The Haryanvi man, carved from industrial metal, is seated on a traditional charpoy, calmly observing the constant fluctuations of life. As day turns to night and societal norms shift with each passing moment, he stands as a steadfast and guiding presence, offering comfort and wisdom to those who seek it. He serves as a bridge between the past, present, and future as a silent witness to the ebb and flow of time for communities to seek guidance and hope.
Raahgiri Day
The word "raahgiri" brings together two ideas - "raah" which means a path or way, and "giri" which stands for a journey towards a final goal. The initiative was driven by the idea to promote a car-free lifestyle that is beneficial to the people and the environment. It is a glimpse of what life could be if we act more responsibly towards our streets and respect safety regulations. It is a way to address the issues of insane traffic, chaos and pollution in our cities and to create a healthier and more sustainable living environment for all.
Bring Your Own Bag
The BYOB movement is a call to action for individuals to take responsibility for the plastic waste they generate in their daily lives. The initiative aims to build greater awareness around the harmful effects of single-use plastic on the environment, including polypropylene bags that are often mistaken as cloth bags.
Samadhaan Hub
Waste is a looming problem that threatens to poison every aspect of our lives from the air we breathe to the water we drink, and the soil we rely on. We consume without a thought, carelessly discarding our possessions, never pausing to consider the fate of our trash. But where does it all go? The city of Gurgaon alone sends out 220 truckloads of garbage every day, and our landfills are teetering on the brink of collapse.
Gurugram Entry
The entry into Gurugram through MG Road was once a forgettable experience, marked by high-speed travel and a disconnected feeling. However, this space offered iamgurgaon an opportunity to transform it into a threshold of the city, a place that would make a lasting impression for those entering or leaving the city and serve as an introduction to what the city represents.
Phase-1 Bridge
The foot-over bridge near Qutub Plaza market in Gurugram Phase-1 had been neglected and had turned into a dumping ground, which had resulted in it being an eyesore for the people passing through the area. However, the situation changed when iamgurgaon partnered with Dharya Gambhir, who decided to transform the bridge into a scenic area by painting it with vibrant colours.
Covid-19 Support
During the first wave, we partnered with local NGOs like Agarasar, GNEM, Rasoi on Wheels Foundation, etc. to provide food for daily wage earners who had no source of income during the lockdown, as businesses and modes of employment were both suspended. To restrict the community spread of COVID-19, front line workers such as sanitary workers, police staff, and local government hospital workers were provided with safety gear like PPE kits, masks, shields, sanitisers and gloves.