Once written off as lifeless and grey, stretches of fly ash-laden wastelands in Vidarbha are witnessing a remarkable rebirth, thanks to a pioneering ecological initiative led by Dr Lal Singh and his team at CSIR-NEERI (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute). Their work is not only transforming the land but also restoring livelihoods, improving air quality, and bringing hope back to communities long forgotten.
Just a few years ago, the areas surrounding Koradi, Khaparkheda, and Chandrapur Thermal Power Stations resembled barren moonscapes—thick layers of toxic fly ash had rendered the soil infertile, the air hazardous, and the water unfit for use. With no vegetation in sight and little hope of revival, the future looked bleak for the villages nearby.
But a silent revolution was taking root.
Leading the charge was Dr Lal Singh, Principal Scientist at CSIR-NEERI. Backed by his decade-long research and a commitment to sustainable restoration, Dr Singh introduced a nature-based solution called Eco-Rejuvenation Technology (ERT). This technique involves reviving degraded lands by using bamboo plantations along with soil-enhancing organic amendments and microbial inoculants.
“The goal wasn’t just to plant trees—it was to heal the soil and make the land productive again,” says Dr Singh. “Our method focuses on improving soil health, absorbing contaminants, and bringing biodiversity back.”
ERT is built on five key principles: identifying polluted sites, choosing hardy native plant species, enriching the soil with organic and microbial inputs, and introducing bamboo with high dust and silica absorption capacity. The final step is selecting bamboo species that require minimal water—critical for regions like Maharashtra that suffer from periodic droughts.
Reclaiming the Land, One Sapling at a Time
Dr Singh’s journey began in 2006 when he helped restore a uranium-contaminated site in Jharkhand. That success became the foundation for what would eventually become a nationwide model for land restoration. In 2013, he turned his attention to Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, where fly ash had devastated entire villages.
In villages like Ubagi and Khapari near Nagpur, a 10-hectare fly ash dump was the first target. Within two years, the land was green again. And in four years, it was ready for agriculture. The success story inspired confidence and spread to other impacted zones.
Today, tall bamboo groves, neem trees, and karanj saplings cover lands that were once cracked and dusty. The lush green belts have not only revived ecosystems but also created microclimates, improved air quality, and allowed birds and other wildlife to return.
Jobs and Dignity for Women
One of the most transformative aspects of this initiative has been its impact on women in the region. Locals like Pranali Sahara and Geeta Chauhan, both single mothers from Koradi Nahadula village, have found steady employment tending to bamboo plantations.
“I earn ₹5,000 a month and support my family. Before this project, I had no hope of a job in this area,” says Pranali.
Geeta echoes the sentiment: “It’s been six years since I started working here. This project gave us more than clean air—it gave us independence.”
Twenty women are currently employed under three-year contracts to manage the plantations, water the saplings, and maintain the land. Their stories illustrate how environmental restoration can also drive social empowerment.
The Science Behind the Solution
Fly ash contains harmful elements like silica that coat crops and reduce agricultural productivity. Bamboo, known for its ability to absorb silica and heavy metals, acts as a natural filter, protecting nearby farmland from contamination.
“Bamboo’s high leaf persistence and rapid growth make it an ideal candidate for land restoration in polluted and water-scarce regions,” explains Dr Singh.
By absorbing airborne silica and stabilizing loose soil, these bamboo belts improve not just environmental conditions but agricultural output. With cleaner air and richer soil, crop yields have begun to recover in nearby farms.
Scaling the Green Mission Nationwide
After the success in Maharashtra, CSIR-NEERI is expanding its efforts to other states facing similar environmental challenges. In Odisha, where phosphorus ore has severely contaminated soil and water, Dr Singh’s team is preparing to apply the same ERT method.
In Uttar Pradesh’s Anpara region, they aim to build a protective green belt around a fly ash dump that is threatening a nearby water reservoir.
“Our work in Maharashtra has shown that with the right science and commitment, no land is beyond saving,” says Dr Singh. “Now, we want to take this model to every corner of India that’s struggling with industrial pollution.”
A Blueprint for Environmental and Social Renewal
The transformation in Vidarbha stands as a powerful example of what sustainable science can achieve. Once polluted, forgotten, and feared, these lands are now symbols of regeneration—lush, alive, and filled with possibility.
More than just a green cover, the project is a testament to resilience—of nature, science, and the people who call this land home.
As India grapples with the twin crises of pollution and unemployment, initiatives like this show that environmental healing and economic upliftment can go hand in hand. And for the villagers of Vidarbha, the once-grey wastelands now bloom with bamboo—and with hope.
