Discover the Beauty of Sanjay Van with Enriching Nature Walks by Delhi Earth Walks
Date: 13th October, 2024
Location: Sanjay Van
Walk expert: Alok Kumar
No. of participants: 18
Theme: Nature Walk
Alok Kumar led this wonderful walk on Sunday, 13th October.
Alok Kumar is a dedicated biodiversity conservationist with a strong academic background in Biodiversity and Conservation. His passion for wildlife and environmental education has shaped his career, marked by significant roles such as Researcher cum Naturalist at Asian Adventures and Education Officer at the Conservation Education Centre (CEC), Delhi, managed by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
Alok’s research skills are demonstrated by his research on the Indian Leopard in the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, which authenticated the presence of this elusive species and was the basis for a report published by the Delhi Forest Department and BNHS. His work has also resulted in a research paper on urban leopards in Delhi.
Alok actively contributes to public awareness. Alok combines his scientific mindset with strong interpersonal skills, a passion for wildlife, and birdwatching, and a deep love for nature.
The participants arrived by 06:30 am at gate no—3 of Sanjay Van. The walk started with a briefing about Delhi Earth Walks and Asian Adventures. Participants then shared the interesting history of Sanjay Van how it has been named after India’s former Prime Minister, Mr. Sanjay Gandhi, and how the forest is the extension of the Southern Ridge of the Aravalli Mountain Range.
Discussion began on the historical aspect of Sanjay Van and how it is being restored now. Walk began with the introduction of trees along the way such as Pongamia pinnata (Karanj), Cassia fistula (Amaltas), Justicia adhatoda (Adusa), Butea monosperma (Palash), Diospyros Montana (Bishtendu), The Salvadora The oleoides (The Peelu) The and Prosopis juliflora (Vilayati kikar).
The focus of the discussion soon shifted to Vilayati Kikar. Everyone knows that Kikar is an invasive species and a threat to native species. But barely know about its importance for Sanjay Van. kikar is the species that was maintaining the biodiversity of fauna in Sanjay van all these years. Kikar was helping in Soil retention and providing a safe escape to birds and other smaller organisms. The concept of systematic restoration was shared with the participants. Idea of monoculture plantation and why kikar can not be uprooted all at once.
The participants were then led toward the Lal Kot walls. People were surprised to witness Qutub Minar straight in front of their eyes. Species of Butterflies and birds greeted the participants. Group photos clicked and all left with a big smile on their faces as we ended the walk.
We thank Alok Ji for their valuable guidance and a super fun and informative session for all the participants. Participants enjoyed walking in the lush green landscape of Sanjay van. It was a walk full of adventure, and thrill and filled with wonderful learnings.
List of species spotted during the walk:
We observed species of trees, butterflies, insects, and birds during the walk. Some notable species during the walk were:-
Floral species :- Acacia Sp., Vilayati Kikar, Siris, Kaner, Karanj, Ficus sps. Jungle Jalebi, Adusa, Bishtendu, Palash, Amaltas, Senna sps, Castor Plant, Tridax, Salvadora sps. Jamun, Banyan, etc.
Birds:- Indian Peafowl, Asian Koel, White-throated kingfisher, Eurasian Moorhen, White-breasted waterhen, Little Swift, Black Kite, Indian Silverbill, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Brown-headed barbet, Black-rumped flame back, Rose-ringed parakeet, Black drongo, Common tailorbird, Lesser whitethroat, Indian white eye, Oriental magpie robin, Purple Sunbird.
Butterfly: Common leopard, Plain Tiger, Yellow-orange tip, White orange tip, Gram blue, Striped pierrot, Dark Grass Blue, Lemon emigrant, Mottled emigrant, Common grass yellow, Common gull, Pioneer
Other Insects: Signature spider, Orb-weaver spider, Millipede