From Wasteland to Wonderland: Before & After
See how we turned forgotten dumping grounds and choked urban drains into thriving green corridors and native habitats for Gurgaon.
Watch the transformation unfold. This short video shows the 'before' of a bare patch of land and the 'after' of a newly planted sapling, watered and ready to grow, surrounded by smiling volunteers from Colt Technology Services.
The difference is stark. The top image shows a water body choked by invasive species, offering no support to local wildlife. The bottom image shows a healthy, restored pond, reflecting the sky and teeming with native life.
A former mining quarry at Aravali Nagar Van, once a scar of exposed rock, is now softened with green cover. This before and after view shows how native grasses and shrubs are beginning to reclaim the rocky slopes, preventing erosion and creating new habitats.
The Badshahpur Forest Corridor was once a neglected, overgrown dirt track. Today, it is a 5.6 km paved greenway used by thousands daily for walking and cycling, flanked by a dense, restored native forest.
Before, the Ghata Bundh was a dry, dusty area with scattered debris. After our restoration work, it now features a winding wooden walkway through a lush, green landscape, inviting the community to connect with nature.
At Behrampur Bundh, rough, eroded steps made of loose stones are replaced with properly constructed, stable stairs. This not only improves access but also prevents further soil erosion on the bundh's slopes.
The Chakkarpur Wazirabad Bundh was once a dumping ground for waste. Now, it's a beautiful, shaded walkway, a green artery running through the city that promotes clean mobility and community well-being.
This series of images documents the restoration of the Chakkarpur Wazirabad stormwater drain. We cleared over 180 truckloads of waste, installed fencing, and planted over 20,000 native saplings to bring it back to health.
The 'before' state of the Chakkarpur Wazirabad drain shows a channel completely choked with plastic, sewage, and waste. This blockage created a serious health hazard and prevented any water flow.
The 'after' shot of the Chakkarpur Wazirabad drain is a picture of serenity. Clean water now flows freely, reflecting the restored greenery on its banks, a complete reversal from its polluted past.
About From Wasteland to Wonderland: Before & After
It takes more than just clearing trash to heal a site like the Chakkarpur Wazirabad Bundh. We had to remove over 180 truckloads of waste before we could even start planting native species like Dhok and Chamrod. We did not just plant trees; we re-engineered the drainage slopes to stop flooding and ensure rainwater actually recharges the groundwater. That is how a former dump yard becomes a living, breathing green corridor for the city.
Restoring the Aravali Ecosystem
Our work goes beyond simple plantation drives. When you see our 'before' images, you see the reality of rapid urbanisation—construction debris, plastic waste, and invasive species like Vilayati Kikar choking our landscape. We believe in rewilding, which means replacing these non-native threats with the species that actually belong here. Plants like Bistendu, Dhok, and Chamrod are hardy, native to the Aravali hills, and require minimal water once established.
Why Water Body Revival Matters
Many of our projects, such as the restoration of Creek 4 in Sector 56 or the various bundhs across the city, focus on water management. By de-silting these channels and stabilizing their banks, we do two things: we prevent the sewage contamination that causes waterlogging during monsoon, and we turn these spaces into sponges that recharge our depleting groundwater.
Join the Movement
This is not just about cleaning a specific site; it is about changing how we treat our local geography. Whether you are a resident, a corporate team looking to make an impact, or a student, there is a place for you in our drives. We don't just want you to watch the transformation; we want you to be part of the effort to bring 'sukoon' (peace) back to our city.
We document these journeys because seeing the difference is the first step toward getting involved. From the barren rocks of Aravali Nagar Van to the lush paved paths of the Badshahpur Forest Corridor, the land is ready to heal if we give it the right support.
Iamgurgaon
We are iamgurgaon, a community of residents who got tired of seeing garbage near our beautiful Aravali hills. We don't just plant a tree and walk away. Instead, we get our hands in the soil to restore entire ecosystems so our kids have some nature left in this city.
Find a restoration project near you
Explore our ongoing work in various sectors and water bodies across Gurugram.
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