conducted by

Feasibility Study to raise high density plantation at the premises Sunny Verma
Gaurav Gurjar
of Varanasi Junction railway station Varsha Gurjar
The study and its objectives are inspired by the teachings, techniques
and methodologies of a few pioneers in the field of ecology, forestry,
nature conservation and restoration:

Name Objectives derived from their work and teachings

Dr. Akira Miyawaki Recreating new forests using Native, Multiple and Complex layers of vegetation.

Create forests most suitable to the local climatic, edaphic and biotic factors.
Champion and Seth

Create forests using carefully studied associations and guilds of indigenous flora.
Peter Wohlleben

Subhash Palekar Restore the soil health and its natural food web using natural techniques.

Pradip Krishen Create authentically designed forests, integrating trees with shrubs, herbs and grasses.
 These are photographs
of an experiment done in
one such project in
Anandwan, Maharashtra.
Compared to the road
outside, the forest floor
recorded a temperature
difference of as much as
14 degrees. The
difference in humidity
levels recorded was
more than 40%. Multi-
layered indigenous forest
creation can be a
solution to the urban
-14 +40 heat island effect.
Site Survey Conditions, suitability, utility and work
Details required to make the identified sites ready
for forest creation.
 Sites Identified

Location Area (sq m)

Site 1 in TRD Colony 600
Site 2 in TRD Colony 900
Site 3 in TRD Colony 900
Lehar Tara Colony 2700
TOTAL 5100

Area to be left for access, maintenance

paths, walking tracks and sitting areas
(30% of total) = 1530 sq m

Total effective area available for

plantation = 3570 sq m
Site 1 in TRD
 Site 1 in
TRD
Colony -
dimension
s and
zoning
proposed.
Site 2 in TRD
Site 2 in TRD Colony - dimensions and zoning proposed
Site 3 in TRD
 Site 3 in
TRD
Colony -
dimension
s and
zoning
proposed.
Site 4 in Lehar Tara Colony
Site 4 in Lehar
Tara Colony -
dimensions
and zoning
proposed
 Key Parameters on which the sites were accessed

Site 2 in Site 3 in Site 4 Lehar

S. No. Key Parameters Site 1 in TRD
TRD TRD Tara

1 Sunlight

2 Clear Dimensions

3 Underground clearance

4 Free from debris and waste

5 Sufficient presence of soil

6 Watering and plumbing facilities & connections

7 Access paths
 Key Parameters on which the sites were accessed

Site 2 in Site 3 in Site 4 Lehar

S. No. Key Parameters Site 1 in TRD
TRD TRD Tara

8 Material stocking space

9 Temporary sapling storage space with shade net

10 Security fence

11 Maintenance and security personnel

12 Free from overhead wires

13 Free from non-native trees/shrubs/grasses

14 Utility to the public

15 Potential for aesthetics

 Key findings with respect to site-readiness
2 out of the 4 sites require considerable work in terms of debris removal, soil
backfilling and clean up.

Site 4, Lehar Tara, where a wall also needs to be

Site 1 in TRD Colony
dismantled
 Key findings with respect to site-readiness

It is an opportunity to turn potential waste dumping grounds into dense multi-

layered flora free from non-native invasive plants such as Lantana and Parthenium.

Lantana Parthenium
 Key findings with respect to site-readiness

All the sites will require manpower for maintenance and security. Proper fencing is a
requirement at 3 out of 4 sites.

Chain Link fence required at 3 out of 4 sites

 Key findings with respect to site-readiness
Community Forests: All the sites have the potential to become showcase community forests.
All the sites are surrounded by houses of railway staff and their families. These forests will
help the communities find a connect with the land which will be converted into healthy
ecosystems.
 Key findings with respect to site-readiness

Community Forests: This is an opportunity to educate and inform people about the
indigenous species of the region.
 Long term benefits

1. Healthy ecosystem.
2. No risk of waste dumping.
3. Conservation of indigenous
species.
4. Safe refuge for fauna,
especially pollinators.
5. Creation of community level
carbon sinks.
6. Creation of community level
soil conservation and
Visualisation sketch of Site 3
groundwater recharge zones.
7. Awareness generation about
indigenous flora.
 Key findings with respect to Watering

• Watering is suggested for a period of 24 months (during non-monsoon

seasons) post plantation, beyond which the forest will become self
sustainable.
• Present water requirement to be accounted for: Approximately 10,000 plants
= 10,000 Litres twice a week = 80,000 Litres per month.
• In the study, we have budgeted for water tankers that refill storage tanks
onsite, which in turn are used to water the forest using hose pipes.
• However, once the planned STP gets established, it can be used to provide
the above mentioned quantity of water to the forests.
• Watering cost detailed in the budget will reduce considerably if an in-house
STP provides water.
 Soil texture : Sandy Clay Loam
Soil test results
Total Nitrogen: Low i.e. < 1%
Organic Matter: Varies between Low (i.e. <2%) to Average (i.e. 2% to 4%)
Organic Carbon: Moderate i.e. 0.5% to 2.5%
 Soil test results
Soil texture : Sandy Clay Loam
Total Nitrogen: Low i.e. < 1%
Organic Matter: Varies between Low (i.e. <2%) to Average (i.e. 2% to 4%)
Organic Carbon: Moderate i.e. 0.5% to 2.5%
 Soil rebuilding
Considering the test results combined with the Sandy Clay Loam structure of the soil, the following
steps need to be taken:

• The soil microbiology needs to be improved. Soil microbiology will be reintroduced using Jeevamrit and Ghan Jeevamrit.
These have been taken from Dr. Subhash Palekar’s ‘Zero Budget Natural Farming’ methods.

• To further improve the water retention, and to provide a medium for healthy microbes to multiply and grow, we will mix farm
yard manure into the soil.

• Shredded straw(Rice or Wheat) or their crop husk will be mixed to create spaces between soil particles for air and roots to
perforate and grow easily. Secondly, it becomes food for microbes, and it will provide additional nourishment to the soil.

• A thick mulch cover will be provided to the soil, so that the soil remains protected from the sun, and microbial life increases
in the moisture retained.

• Carbon level will automatically further improve with the addition of all the biomass.
 FINAL SUMMARY OF SOIL NOURISHMENT
MATERIAL FOR 3570 SQ M OF FOREST
CREATION

• Soil Microbiology Enhancer1 (Jeevamrit Concentrate): 1785 Liter @ Approximate required qty = 0.5 Liter per sq m

• Soil Microbiology Enhancer1 (Ghan Jeevamrit ): 1785 Kg @ Approximate required qty = 0.5 Kg per sq m

• Farm Yard Manure : 22,000 Kg @ Approximate required qty = 6 kg per sq m

• Perforation material (Shredded straw or crop husk): 18,000 Kg @ Approximate required qty = 5 kg per sq m

• Mulching material ( Crop straw): 18,000 Kg @ Approximate required qty = 5 kg per sq m

 Jeevamrit Ghan Jeevamrit Manure

Straw as mulch
Husk
Shredded straw
Factors determining the selection of species for high-density
forest creation at the premises of Varanasi Railway Junction
 Methodology
Chandraprabha wildlife sanctuary was physically surveyed, specimens of species observed in the Varanasi region, and
research papers from Banara Hindu University were referred to. A major resource is the “Revised Forest Survey of India”
by Champion and Seth. Presenting a few glimpses, and information, followed by details of all the species recommended.

Lendia (Lagerstroemia parviflora)

Kaim (Mitragyna parvifolia)
 Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon)

Apta (Bauhinia racemosa)

Palash (Butea monosperma)

 Papda (Gardenia latifolia)

Khair (Acacia catechu)

Marodphali (Helicteris isora)
Kuda (Holarrhena pubescens)
Safed Siris (Albizia procera)
 Doodhi (Wrightia tinctoria)
Saccharum (Kaans and Jhund)
 Summary of Important Considerations
1. Temperature - Technically Varanasi falls in the Humid sub tropical category with species broadly falling into
one or more categories, such as, ’Gangetic moist mixed deciduous’, ‘moist dry deciduous’ and ‘alluvial
woodland species.’
2. Deciduous being the predominant character, with much fewer specimens of semi-evergreen and evergreen.
3. Rainfall - Average rainfall is 900 mm-1100 mm with a significant dry period.
4. Influence of Gangetic plains on soil formation.
5. Urban areas have lost majority of their original native flora, except for big older trees such as Bel, Peepal
and Banyan, due to their religious and cultural significance.
6. History of shifting cultivation and grazing, followed by chemical farming and urbanisation have left the soils
devoid of life in the city.
7. Important groups and associations between species is to be recognised in multi-layered dense forest
creation, with specific zones for climax trees, pioneer species, grasses, shrubs and herbs.
 Layers and Area Consolidation
Note:
1 S signifies Shrubs.
2 T2 signifies small/mid/moderate sized trees.
3 T1 signifies tallest trees of the region.
4 G signifies grasses
5 C signifies climbers
6 H signifies herbs
Area in Sq m. (Effective forest
7 3,570
creation)
8 No. of seedlings per sq m. 3
9 Total no. of seedlings. 10,710
 Main Guild - Gangetic Moist Mixed Deciduous Species Guild (Ref. Champion & Seth
RFSOI)
S. No. Species Name Occurence Symbol Layer
1 Albizia procera Frequent T1 Top canopy
2 Haldina cordifolia Frequent T1 Top canopy
3 Terminalia bellirica Frequent T1 Top canopy
4 Ficus racemosa Frequent T1 Top canopy
5 Phyllanthus emblica Common T2 Second storey
6 Justicia adhatoda Frequent S Shrubs
7 Clerodendrum phlomidis Common S Shrubs
8 Lannea coromandelica Common T1 Top canopy
9 Lagerstroemia parviflora Common T1 Top canopy
10 Syzygium cumini Common T1 Top canopy
11 Hymenodictyon orixense Occasional T1 Top canopy
12 Terminalia chebula Occasional T1 Top canopy
13 Madhuca longifolia Common T1 Top canopy
14 Cassia fistula Common T2 Second storey
Main Guild - Gangetic Moist Mixed Deciduous Species Guild (Ref. Champion & Seth RFSOI)
S. No. Species Name Occurence Symbol Layer
15 Butea monosperma Common T2 Second storey
16 Gardenia latifolia Rare T2 Second storey
17 Helicteres isora Occasional S Shrubs

18 Buchanania cochinchinensis Occasional T2 Second storey

19 Bridelia retusa Occasional T2 Second storey

20 Holarrhena antidysenterica Occasional S Shrubs

21 Aegle marmelos Frequent T2 Second storey

22 Bauhinia racemosa Occasional T2 Second storey
23 Mitragyna parvifolia Frequent T1 Top canopy
24 Terminalia arjuna Frequent T1 Top canopy
25 Schleichera oleosa Frequent T1 Top canopy
26 Diospyros melanoxylon Frequent T1 Top canopy
27 Anogeissus latifolia Frequent T1 Top canopy
28 Pterocarpus marsupium Frequent T1 Top canopy
 Multi-layer formula
TYPE No. of Species Total %
Major (3.25% and 3% each) 11 34.5
Supporting (2.25% and 1.5%) 29 52.5
Minor (<1.5%) 16 13
TOTAL 56 100

TYPE No. of Species Total %

T1 - Tall/emergent 25 40.5
T2 - Small/mid/moderate sized 13 21.5
S - Shrub 11 21.75
CGH - Climber, Grasses, Herbs 7 16.25
TOTAL 56 100
 PROJECTED EXPENSES FOR ALL THE SITES
TOGETHER
Summary of all projected expenses
Infrastructure
Site 1 (Sq Site 2 (Sq Site 3 (Sq Site 4 (Sq M)
S. No. Category Total Cost (INR) Maintenance
M) Cost M) Cost M) Cost Cost

1
Infrastructure
11,70,525 2,30,471 1,30,533 2,42,733 6,83,841 32% 25%
costs

Forest Creation
2 20,40,416 3,08,256 4,29,053 4,29,053 11,53,838
Costs
43%
Maintenance
3 15,04,800 2,95,200 2,95,200 2,95,200 6,19,200
Costs

Forest Creation

GRAND TOTAL 47,15,741 8,33,927 8,54,786 9,66,986 24,56,879

 SITE 1
Summary of all projected expenses
Infrastructure
S. No. Category Site 1 (Sq M) Cost
Maintenance

1 Infrastructure costs 2,30,471 28%

35%

2 Forest Creation Costs 3,08,256

37%
3 Maintenance Costs 2,95,200

Forest Creation
GRAND TOTAL 8,33,927
 SITE 2
Summary of all projected expenses
Infrastructure
S. No. Category Site 2 (Sq M) Cost
Maintenance

1 Infrastructure costs 1,30,533 15%

35%
2 Forest Creation Costs 4,29,053

50%
3 Maintenance Costs 2,95,200

GRAND TOTAL 8,54,786

Forest Creation
 SITE 3

Summary of all projected expenses

Infrastructure
S. No. Category Site 3 (Sq M) Cost
Maintenance

1 Infrastructure costs 2,42,733

31% 25%
2 Forest Creation Costs 4,29,053

3 Maintenance Costs 2,95,200

44%
GRAND TOTAL 9,66,986

Forest Creation
 SITE 4
Summary of all projected expenses Infrastructure

Maintenance
S. No. Category Site 4 (Sq M) Cost

25% 28%
1 Infrastructure costs 6,83,841

2 Forest Creation Costs 11,53,838

47%
3 Maintenance Costs 6,19,200

GRAND TOTAL 24,56,879 Forest Creation

 BREAKUP OF COST OF SAPLINGS PER SITE
COST PER TRANSPORT AND TOTAL COST FOR
S. No. SITE NO. OF SAPLINGS
SAPLING HANDLING SAPLINGS

1 SITE 1 1,260 65 20,000 1,01,900

2 SITE 2 1,890 65 25,000 1,47,850

3 SITE 3 1,890 65 25,000 1,47,850

4 SITE 4 5,670 65 0 3,68,550

GRAND TOTAL 10,710 7,66,150

Note: Additional transport and handling charges budgeted for sites 1,2 & 3, as the number of saplings is less.
 Responsibilities
Category Deliverables Responsibility

Infrastructure Chain Link Fence

Clean-up and Soil backfilling
Removal of Waste and Debris Northern Railways
Removal of invasive non-native plants
Watering infrastructure

Execution and Soil nourishment materials (crop husk, shredded

Forest Department
Plantation straw, Jeevamrit, manure, mulch, compost)

Saplings and support sticks Forest Department

Manpower, Machinery, Tools, Equipments Forest Department
Soil preparation and plantation Forest Department
Mulching and finishing work Forest Department

Maintenance Maintenance and security personnel

Maintenance related support, tasks, supervision Northern Railways
and overseeing.
 Cost breakup for Northern Railways and Forest Department
S. No. Category Deliverables Responsibility Cost - Site1 Cost - Site2 Cost - Site3 Cost - Site4
Chain Link Fence
Clean-up and Soil backfilling
I Infrastructure Removal of Waste and Debris
2,30,471 1,30,533 2,42,733 6,83,841
Removal of invasive non-native plants
Watering infrastructure Northern
Railways

Maintenance and security personnel

II Maintenance 2,95,200 2,95,200 2,95,200 6,19,200
Maintenance related support, tasks,
supervision and overseeing.

SUB TOTAL 1 - Cost to Indian Railways 5,25,671 4,25,733 5,37,933 13,03,041

Soil nourishment materials (crop

husk, shredded straw, Jeevamrit,
manure, mulch, compost)
Forest
Execution and Saplings and support sticks
III Department 3,08,256 4,29,053 4,29,053 11,53,838
Plantation Manpower, Machinery, Tools,
Equipments
Soil preparation and plantation
Mulching and finishing work
SUB TOTAL 2 - Cost to Forest Department 3,08,256 4,29,053 4,29,053 11,53,838

GRAND TOTAL 8,33,927 8,54,786 9,66,986 24,56,879

 Cost Sharing Department-Wise

44
50 50 % 56
% % %

SITE 2 SITE 3
37
% 47 53
63 % %
%

SITE 1 SITE 4
 TIMELINE - IF EITHER SITE 2 AND/OR SITE 3 ARE TAKEN UP

Jul’22-Sep’22 Oct’22-Sep’24 Oct’24

Site-readiness (Clean-up,
soil backfilling etc.).
Infrastructure (Chain link
fencing and irrigation).
Placement of orders for
saplings, finalisation of
KEY other materials.
STAGES Execution (soil
preparation and
plantation).
Maintenance
Inauguration (with the
option of inauguration
anytime after Monsoon of
2023)
 TIMELINE - IF EITHER SITE 1 AND/OR SITE 4 ARE TAKEN UP

Jul’22-Sep’22 Jun’23-Aug’23 Sep’23-Aug’25 Sep’25

Site-readiness (Clean-up,
soil backfilling etc.).
Infrastructure (Chain link
fencing and irrigation).
Placement of orders for
KEY saplings, finalisation of
STAGES other materials.
Execution (soil
preparation and
plantation).

Maintenance

Inauguration
Important documentation developed and submitted as part of the study

1.Detailed Site survey - Conditions, suitability, work required to prepare the identified sites for the
project.
2.Detailed execution drawings.
3.Details of 50+ species suggested.
4.Species quantification master database.
5.Planting plan and arrangement of saplings in various zones.
6.Soil analysis reports and details of soil nourishment materials selected.
7.Quality specifications of all consumable items, such as soil nourishment materials, saplings etc.
8. Quality specifications of all non-consumable items ,such as machinery, tools and equipments.
9.Bill of material.
10.Financial plan.
11.Maintenance Manual.
12.Standard Operating Procedures related to execution.
 Next Steps

1.Continued support by GIZ for another 5 months to Northern Railways in developing the
high-density plantations.
2.Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and private nurseries to provide saplings for the
proposed project.
3.Allocation of land by Northern Railways for the project.
4.Uttar Pradesh Forest Department commits to executing the project.
Thank you. For queries, contact us on info@afforestt.com