Sat Jan 25 15:12:00 IST 2025: ## Barren Hill Transformed into Lush Forest Oasis in India

**Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India** – A barren hillock in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has been transformed into a thriving forest teeming with diverse plant and animal life, thanks to the dedication of one man. Over eight years, Dr. Shankar Lal Garg, a retired principal, single-handedly converted the desolate land into Keshar Parvat, a lush green haven boasting over 40,000 trees of 500 species.

Initially purchasing the land to build a school, Dr. Garg, 74, instead embarked on an ambitious afforestation project in 2015. He began by planting indigenous species like neem and peepal, gradually introducing a remarkable array of flora including saffron (native to Kashmir), Rudraksh (from Nepal), dragon fruit (Thailand), avocados (Australia), olives (Italy), and Mexican dates. The forest also features a variety of wood trees like teak, rosewood, and sandalwood.

Remarkably, 95% of the planted trees have survived, thriving without additional fertilizers. Dr. Garg attributes their success to utilizing rainwater’s natural nitrogen and sulfur content and a carefully managed irrigation system, including a newly constructed pond and drip irrigation. He also developed innovative techniques to cultivate saffron, a plant usually found in cooler climates, by controlling ground temperature with cold water, creating shade, and maintaining a specific temperature range.

Keshar Parvat, named after the saffron that now flourishes there (with over 500 flowers blooming in 2023), is more than just a forest. It has attracted a diverse array of wildlife, including 30 types of birds, 25 species of butterflies, and animals such as jackals, nilgai, and wild pigs. Open to the public, the area also includes a conference hall, meditation space, sensory garden, and a cricket ground designed for children with disabilities.

Dr. Garg, founder and director of World Researchers Associations, plans to plant another 10,000 trees, driven by his mission to “save the environment; save the earth.” Keshar Parvat serves as an inspiring example of individual initiative and environmental stewardship, transforming a barren landscape into a vibrant ecosystem and a testament to the power of perseverance.

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