Tucked away on the edge of Delhi, in the Pataudi block of Gurgaon, Haryana lies the lush agrarian village of Uncha Majra. Known for its cauliflower farms, mustard fields, and vegetable patches, the village is a vibrant mix of farmlands, human settlements, and a flourishing animal habitat. Neelgai, mongooses, snakes, jackals, wildcats, owls, and a chorus of birds all share this landscape, making Uncha Majra a rare haven where people and wildlife coexist.
Farming here has always been a delicate balance. The loose, sandy soil and scanty rainfall made agriculture a fragile livelihood. For generations, the villagers and the wildlife relied on ponds to harvest rainwater, a precious gift from nature that sustained them through the seasons.
But over the years, climate change and the relentless march of urban expansion have brought new threats: dust storms, land degradation, and illegal garbage dumping. And then there’s the infamous ‘loo – लू’ of Delhi-Haryana, a fierce, dusty, gusty, hot, and dry summer wind. जिसके गर्म हवा के झोंके धूल से सब कुछ ढक देते हैं। इतनी रेत, इतनी रेत, कि आसमान भी न दिखाई दे, और ज़मीन बंजर मालूम पड़े।
(The scorching gusts of wind cover everything in dust. So much sand, so much dust — that even the sky disappears, and the land feels barren.)
After the restoration of multiple water bodies across this region leading one to another EFI, in collaboration with the Gurugram District administration and CITI bank, is transforming this Loose – Sand – Landmass into a vibrant, ecologically rich, and life-sustaining habitat.
The Uncha Majra HydroArbo Complex is a unique innovation by the EFI, focused on protecting this fragile, loose-sand landmass through a blend of #BlueGreen restoration. It is specifically designed for terrains like Uncha Majra, which are characterized by loose sandy soil, erratic rainfall, dust storms and increasing urbanization.
Hydro Complex
To safeguard this 17-acre land parcel, protective fencing has been installed to prevent human interference and stop garbage dumping. Three ponds have been dug to capture and retain rainwater, thereby creating essential water-holding spaces and enhancing groundwater recharge. Additionally, a recharge well has been constructed to allow rainwater to percolate into the ground, helping to improve the groundwater level.
Arbo Complex
All invasive weeds across this land parcel were cleared, and over 15,000 native saplings have been planted, forming the first layer of the ‘Arbo’ element. This emerging green patch will not only enhance the fertility of the land but also provide a new habitat for wildlife. Trees such as Neem, Arjun, Jamun, Amla, Pipal and other native species will help nurture the ecosystem while also mitigating heat and dust.
These efforts mark just the beginning. An additional 45,000 trees will soon be planted, creating a thriving jungle around the water bodies. A self-sustaining ecosystem that combats dust storms, prevents illegal dumping, and offers a critical refuge for birds and animals.
A Living Laboratory for Future Generations
Our work isn’t just about land and water — it’s about people. At the heart of the Hydro Arbo Complex, plans are underway to establish a student learning center where children, students, and citizens can engage with nature and traditional ecological wisdom. Here, they will learn about plants, lakes, ponds, stepwells, and age-old water conservation practices.
The Uncha Majra HydroArbo Complex is more than just an environmental restoration effort — it is a living model of how we must reimagine our relationship with land and water in the face of a growing climate crisis.
By transforming degraded land parcels into #BlueGreen corridors and stagnant spaces into knowledge hubs, we are not only reviving ecosystems but also restoring community connections and raising awareness.
Together Towards #BlueGreenGurugram
Volunteer for India and her Environment with E.F.I