UDAIPUR, RAJASTHAN — In a remarkable display of eco-innovation, a special climate-resilient bamboo species from Assam is transforming a once-barren landscape into a thriving green oasis in the arid village of Nichla Mandwa, Rajasthan. The project, named “Bamboo Oasis on Lands in Drought” (BOLD), is successfully combatting desertification and creating new livelihoods for the local community.
The initiative, led by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and the Ahmedabad-based NGO National Council for Civil Liberties (NCCL), involved transporting 5,500 saplings of ‘Jati Bah’ (Bambusa tulda) over 2,200 kilometers from Assam. This species was specifically chosen for its unique properties: it requires minimal water, possesses high water-retention capabilities, and grows exceptionally fast.
Nichla Mandwa, a village in Udaipur district, had struggled with its arid land before this project began in July 2021. With the support of local MP Arjun Lal Meena and the community, including the village’s woman sarpanch, the saplings were planted on 25 acres of vacant land. The project’s success is a testament to the power of community effort and low-cost measures, with the entire exercise completed for just Rs 5 lakh.
Beyond environmental restoration, the BOLD project is a model for sustainable development. The newly created bamboo groves have brought back local wildlife, including squirrels, peacocks, chameleons, and butterflies, and are expected to provide a consistent source of raw materials for cottage industries such as incense sticks, furniture, and handicrafts. This will create a steady income for villagers and boost the local economy.
The project began under the leadership of V.K. Saxena, the former Chairman of KVIC and current Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. It aligns with India’s national commitment to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The thriving bamboo plantation in Rajasthan serves as a symbol of hope, demonstrating how cross-regional collaboration and innovative ecological solutions can bring life back to degraded landscapes.