EFI’s Hosur GreenBelt: A BlueGreen Corridor for a Growing Industrial City

Keep scrolling – the full transformation awaits at the end.

This entire stretch of land was divided into four zones based on size and site conditions, with each zone systematically cleared of garbage, scrap, and construction debris, and fenced to protect and secure the land. The soil was then levelled, with excess earth redistributed to areas lacking proper topsoil correcting undulations and creating a uniform plantation bed. This was further conditioned to support healthy plant growth, followed by the planting of diverse native species suited to the local ecology. With structured planning and phased restoration, the site is now transitioning into a dense micro-forest enhancing biodiversity, supporting groundwater recharge, and creating a resilient green space within the rapidly urbanizing landscape of Hosur.

To ensure long-term survival and growth, borewell systems were established across all zones, integrated with drip irrigation for efficient and consistent watering. A dedicated gardener has also been appointed to monitor and maintain the site daily, ensuring the saplings are nurtured through their critical early growth stages.

Different Zones of Hosur Greenbelt on the 100ft Road.

For years, this potential green corridor had gradually turned into an informal dumpyard. Garbage of every kind was being thrown across the stretch, from household waste and construction debris to discarded vehicle parts, chicken-shop waste, daily-use waste and even medical waste. What should have been a valuable urban green space had become an unsightly, unhygienic and foul-smelling landscape. At the same time, encroachments were steadily taking over portions of the land, further reducing the available public space and threatening the possibility of restoring the entire stretch as a continuous greenbelt.

The transformation began by clearing the entire stretch of garbage, construction debris and other waste. The undulating land was then levelled and prepared as plantation beds, followed by protective fencing and zoning of the site. Two borewells were established in Zones 1 and 2 to support the growing forest.

Working with the site’s natural gradient, two sponge complexes were created in Zones 1 and 2 along the lower slopes, allowing rainwater to be captured, retained and gradually recharged into the ground, while excess flow moves towards the stream between the two slopes.

Plantation pits were excavated, enriched with manure and planted with 4000 native saplings. Local residents, students, volunteers and workers came together to plant and nurture what is now emerging as a new urban forest.

Sponge Park in Action

From collecting heavy rainwater runoff to filtering and percolating
it into the ground, the sponge park demonstrates how the restored
landscape can capture, store and recharge water naturally.

Swipe across to witness the change, from neglect to restoration.

From waste-filled land to a forest in the making. Take a look at the transformation.

In a rapidly growing industrial city, BlueGreen Corridors are essential for people, wildlife and the landscape. Hosur GreenBelt is a glimpse of what is possible when forgotten public spaces are reclaimed and restored as living ecological infrastructure. Watch this space for more BlueGreen updates.

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