Nestled along the India-Pakistan border near Jaisalmer, a remarkable green transformation has taken shape in the midst of the Thar Desert. What was once an arid landscape is now home to a unique green park, spread over 25 acres, made up of 6,500 trees. The most fascinating feature of this park is that the trees are planted in such a way that when viewed from above, or even through Google Maps, they spell out the word ‘INDIA.’
Located 125 kilometers from Barmer in the village of Ghotaru, and just 20 kilometers from the international border, this green oasis stands as a testament to both environmental conservation and national pride.
The Story Behind the Green Park ‘INDIA’
This extraordinary park was developed by the Sankalp Taru Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Uttarakhand, which has been working on various environmental projects across India. According to Ravi Bhan Singh Bhati, the director of Sankalp Taru Foundation, the organization is committed to ensuring a greener future by planting and nurturing trees throughout the country.
The inspiration for this project came in 2019 when the foundation’s founder, Apoorv Bhandari, visited the Longewala War Museum near Jaisalmer. Struck by the desert’s stark beauty and the region’s historical significance, Bhandari envisioned a green project that would both celebrate India and contribute to the environment. His idea was to plant trees in the formation of ‘INDIA’ that could be seen from the sky and satellite imagery.
A 4-Year Journey of Dedication and Design
The project kicked off in January 2020 in the Ghotaru desert region. The team at Sankalp Taru Foundation meticulously designed the park using satellite imagery to ensure the proper alignment of the trees. Once the design was finalized, they geo-tagged the layout to guide the plantation process.
To bring this vision to life, the foundation raised approximately ₹40 lakh through donations. The design phase took about a month, after which the planting began. The park now hosts a variety of tree species, including Khejri, Rohida, Shisham, Kair, Neem, Arjun, Karanj, and several others, all of which are well-suited to the desert environment.
Sustaining the Greenery in the Desert
Maintaining this green marvel in such harsh conditions is no small feat. A dedicated team of five people is stationed at the park 24/7 to ensure the trees are well-maintained. Regular monitoring, watering, and care are essential, given the desert’s arid climate.
The effort is part of the foundation’s broader mission, which includes similar tree plantation projects across 28 states and union territories in India. Sankalp Taru Foundation is actively working towards preserving the environment and mitigating the effects of deforestation.
An Inspiring View from Above
Today, the ‘INDIA’ formation created by the trees is not only a beautiful sight but also a symbol of hope and environmental stewardship. Whether viewed from the sky or via Google Maps, the sprawling letters stand out against the sandy backdrop of the desert, embodying both a patriotic spirit and a commitment to environmental preservation.
This green park at the India-Pakistan border is more than just a plantation—it’s a message. It speaks of the power of collective action, the importance of environmental consciousness, and how even the harshest landscapes can be transformed into flourishing ecosystems.
The creation of this green park shows that even in a desert, a determined effort can lead to remarkable results, leaving behind a legacy of greenery and sustainability for future generations to admire and emulate.