Nichla Mandwa demonstrates a replicable model for ecological restoration, combining sustainability, community engagement, and economic opportunities.
BY PC Bureau
September 2025: A barren 25-acre stretch of land in Nichla Mandwa village, Udaipur district, has been transformed into a thriving green ecosystem, demonstrating a successful model for fighting desertification and restoring degraded landscapes. The initiative, spearheaded by V.K. Saxena, then Chairperson of the Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC), in collaboration with the National Council for Civil Liberties (NCCL) and the local community, began in July 2021 following a call by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s commitment to Land Degradation Neutrality and restoration of 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
Saxena revealed that the project started with villagers offering 25 acres of Gram Sabha land for rejuvenation. “When I first visited Nichla Mandwa village in Udaipur District of Rajasthan in the last week of June 2021, for site selection, no one would have imagined that targeted efforts at greening and plantations, launched on 04.07.2021, would end up creating a whole new eco system of diverse flora and fauna in a barren landscape, within four years,” Saxena said in a post on X.
A small oasis of hope and regeneration in the arid landscape of Rajasthan, nurtured with sheer determination of the local community, has emerged as a replicable model for fighting desertification and infusing life to a dying earth.
Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi,… pic.twitter.com/RCY9faJyjq
— LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) September 13, 2025
He said that over 5,500 plants—including bamboo species from Assam, fruit trees such as guava, papaya, amla, mango, and moringa—were planted. A solar-powered borewell, a repaired check-dam, and innovative mulching techniques using organic kitchen waste were deployed to nurture the plantation. A trench around the land retained rainwater and protected saplings, while a boundary wall funded through MPLAD funds ensured security.
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” KVIC & an Ahmedabad-based NGO “National Council for Civil Liberties” (NCCL) joined hands to prepare this land for mass plantation, with involvement of local Woman Sarpanch, MLA & the Member of Parliament (MP). About 5500 plants of various species – primarily Bamboo (Bambusa Tulda & Bambusa Polymorpha) brought in from Assam were planted on the location. Saplings of Guava, Papaya, Gooseberry (Amla), Mango, Moringa, etc. were also planted,” he said.
The green oasis now hosts diverse flora and fauna, including squirrels, peacocks, chameleons, butterflies, dragonflies, and grasshoppers. Bamboo, chosen for its resilience, water retention, and high oxygen output, also provides raw material for local cottage industries like incense sticks, furniture, and kite-making, creating livelihood opportunities. Saxena said, “This humble initiative costing just ₹5 lakh not only restored degraded land but enriched the lives of local people, offering employment and sustainable development.”
He added, “Nichla Mandwa is a testimony to how low-cost interventions, community engagement, and human imagination can counter the larger threat of global warming. I hope this inspires similar initiatives across India and the globe.”
