An Inspiring Story of Villagers Who Transformed a Dumping Ground Into a Nature Park
Many lessons can be learnt from Babeli village in Kullu whose residents with the help of the forest department was able to transform a dumping ground into a nature park that attracts hordes of visitors. A Welcome Changeover The village had this big open space which was used as a free-for-all trash dumping site that was also often the hub of drunkards. The villagers took inspiration from a neighbouring village to convert this dumping ground into a nature park. They approached Rakesh Kanwar who currently serves as the Director, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, in the state. He approved funding of 40 lakh for the park, of which a major chunk was granted by the forest department. The nature park project was headed by Prashant Sharma, the Deputy Range Officer of the forest department. The Remarkable Turnaround Explaining about the transformation, Prashant Sharma explained that the heaps of garbage was buried under the earth and the used liquor bottles were used to make seating platforms. In addition to this, water flowing from a nearby hill was diverted into the park through a small water channel. A small hydro system has been installed in the channel which explains the system of power generation to tourists and visitors. After the inauguration of the park, it began to attract high footfall and the park is able to generate an annual income of Rs 15 lakh through the sale of tickets to visitors. Encouraged by the success of this park, the authorities are planning to add more features to it like restaurants and boating services. 40 per cent of the revenue generated from the park is used for the development of villages under the two panchayats. This revolutionary turnaround has benefitted the villagers with the children using it as a playground. The villagers with their efforts were able to transform the stinking dumping ground into a nature park which enhanced the aesthetics of the village apart from generating revenue.
