-APS Noorpuri
Chandigarh, May 15, 2026: In a major step towards sustainable hospitality and ecological conservation, Forest Hill Resort (FHR) – located in close proximity to Chandigarh, has partnered with Afforestt to undertake a large-scale native rewilding and habitat restoration initiative across the resort landscape in the Shivalik foothills near Chandigarh. Notably, Afforestt is an organisation known internationally for ecological restoration and native forest regeneration projects.
According to Devinder Sandhu, Director, Forest Hill Resort, the initiative reflects a deeper commitment towards preserving the natural character of FHR’s nearly 2,000 acres, located adjacent to the 10,000-acre Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary. “The initiative will redefine eco-conscious hospitality. We want to build awareness around conservation and sustainable tourism,” said Sandhu.
“Our aim is to position the Chandigarh-Shivalik region through FHR, prominently on the national & global eco-tourism map,” added Sandhu.
“Through this collaboration with Afforestt, we are strengthening our commitment to responsible tourism by creating an environment where guests can experience tranquillity, biodiversity and wellness without ecological disturbance,” Sandhu said.
Meanwhile, Afforestt’s Director – Gaurav Gurjar who along with Afforestt’s Designer Varsha Gurjar was on a visit to FHR said that the property occupies what eco-conservationists describe as a position of ‘Maximum Ecological Advantage.’ “The site lies within the watershed of multiple seasonal streams and supports rich biodiversity, making it an important ecological extension of the surrounding wildlife corridor,” said Gaurav.
Gaurav further said, “We think of this as a journey, not a project with a fixed endpoint. In five years, the landscape will show visible ecological transformation. In twenty years, it can evolve into a lasting ecological legacy.”
Asked about the rewilding stages, Gaurav said, “First, is research and audit: PNV (Potential Native Vegetation) mapping, soil study, water movement analysis, identifying what is suppressing native life. Second, clearing: removing invasive and non-native species to open the ground. Third, water design: slowing and sinking rainfall through lakes, channels, and retention features. Fourth, planting: native species across all layers, from canopy to ground cover. From there, the forest takes over.”
Gaurav informed that ecological audits, PNV mapping, soil studies, species identification have been done and the removal of invasive plants and plantation of native trees and shrubs across selected zones is going on.
“The Shivalik foothills possess a unique ecological identity shaped over thousands of years. Our work here is about restoring that ecological memory using species that naturally belong to this terrain. When we design with native species, we are designing with the intelligence of the land itself,” Gaurav said.
Varsha Gurjar, Designer, Afforestt, said, “The restoration focuses on reviving the mixed deciduous forest ecology native to the area. Species such as Jhingan, Phulai, Surteli, Dhavda, Kaim and Khair, along with indigenous grasses and shrubs, are being prioritised.”
Varsha informed that the area currently supports species such as barasingha, peacocks, bee-eaters and grey hornbills, along with more than 60 species of birds, including migratory varieties.
A major component of the initiative involves hydrological restoration and groundwater recharge planning. The first lake development at the site is expected to be completed before the monsoon season. Lakes, trenching systems and natural irrigation channels are being designed to slow, absorb and store rainwater naturally.
“By restoring natural water movement and retention systems, we are also creating habitats that support birds, insects, reptiles and long-term forest health,” said Varsha.
Sandhu said that the development of indigenous forests and water bodies would significantly enhance the guest experience by creating calmer natural environments rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty.
“Guests today seek meaningful and immersive experiences connected with nature. This initiative will allow visitors to experience a living ecosystem rather than an artificially landscaped property. Our aim is to create a peaceful eco-haven where ecological conservation and hospitality exist together,” Sandhu concluded.
