AuroVanam – Nature’s Lab

In August, Auro Vanam successfully completed construction activities, which involved the establishment of an interpretation center, toilets, pathways, and other essential infrastructure. These enhancements are expected to enrich the learning environment and facilitate engaging educational experiences for the students.

By the end of July 2022, the construction work of the Nature Interpretation Centre and the Toilet Complex were at an advanced stage of completion.

Construction progress at Aurovanam has reached a significant milestone by the end of July. The Nature Interpretation Centre and accompanying toilet complex are nearing completion, poised to enhance visitor experiences and provide valuable educational resources. Aurovanam exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. Its educational programs instill environmental consciousness in future generations. Aurovanam's mission to foster environmental stewardship is evident in these upcoming facilities. With their imminent completion, Aurovanam paves the way for a future where humans and nature thrive together, inspiring passionate environmental stewards.

The construction of the DEWATS unit for the toilet complex and interpretation center is at an advanced stage. Stone slabs with signages and rock paintings have arrived and will be installed soon. The first phase of the center is almost complete, preparing to welcome children and adults for exploration. During discussions with Living Waters Museum, the potential of combining physical and digital artifacts was explored. Augmented reality features were considered to enhance the educational experience for visitors of all ages, recognizing the strong potential of this location.

AuroVanam as part of developing its activities is creating a nursery for propagation of Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest (TDEF) tree species. To create a green space or a butterfly garden or even for taking up plantation of select trees around water bodies, avenue plantation etc, one needs quality planting material and AuroVanam is trying to fill this gap. As part of this activity seeds-collection, storage, planting and nurturing the sapling is being carried out at AuroVanam.

In a significant stride towards sustainability, the Svarnim team has successfully installed a cutting-edge fuel-efficient chulha (stove) at Matrikunj Farm. This stove, developed by the Centre for Sustainable Technologies at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, consumes a mere 50% of firewood compared to conventional wood-burning stoves previously used in Matrikunj. Dubbed the "2+1 Pan Stove," this remarkable model features two primary pans along with a heat recovery pan. The installation of the stove was completed on July 26th, 2022, by Mr. M. Mouniane, a skilled member of Svarnim Puducherry's field team, who had received comprehensive training on constructing fuel-efficient chulhas from IISc Bangalore. Aside from its remarkable fuel efficiency and smoke reduction capabilities, the stove's main attraction lies in its third pan, designed to recover heat from the final smoke output that would otherwise be lost through the chimney. By harnessing the heat from the exhaust, the freshwater placed in the third pan reaches a boiling point within a mere 45 minutes, making it available for cooking purposes once again. Furthermore, this innovative stove brings an additional benefit by significantly reducing the blackening of utensils, enhancing the overall cooking experience for users. The detrimental impact of wood-burning emissions on lung health, a long-standing concern associated with conventional stoves, is effectively mitigated, thereby indirectly improving public health through the prevention of persistent and toxic air pollution.

In recent months, AuroVanam has seen an increase in the number of bird species visiting the area. This is due in part to the planting of new trees and shrubs, which provide food and shelter for birds. The park also has a butterfly garden, which is home to a variety of butterflies. The Interpretation Centre at AuroVanam is also making significant progress. The front verandah has been completed, and the rest of the center is expected to be completed soon. The center will serve as a hub for sharing knowledge and promoting environmental awareness. The Herbal Garden is also taking shape at Auro Vanam, and the Navagraha Garden is progressing steadily. These gardens will provide children with a unique opportunity to learn about the natural world and its importance.

On June 25, 2023, a group of nature enthusiasts working in various companies belonging to the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) requested a nature walk in Aurovanam, the Society's small afforested area in Tamil Nadu. The walk was led by Kavita, who guided them through the forest area, past the old, thick vegetation and newly planted, thriving saplings. They discussed the relationship between forests and our health, the relationship between trees and water, air, carbon capture to combat climate change, food provision, and life-saving medicines, as well as how forests can improve our well-being. The tree species in Aurovanam belong to the Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest (TDEF), which is the indigenous forest of the coastal seaboard of Southeast India. The walk focused on this specific flora and fauna, which is home to a variety of birds, reptiles, butterflies, mammals, and other animals. The group of walkers was delighted by the dense trees towering over them, the sunlight peeking through the leaves, and the soft carpet of fallen leaves beneath their feet. They expressed an interest in participating in future nature-related activities. Getting out into nature is beneficial to our health, and walking in the forest can have a tangible and positive impact on our well-being. It can help to reduce negative feelings such as stress, depression, anger, fatigue, anxiety, and confusion, and it can also improve cognitive skills. Aurovanam plans to offer many walks from August onwards for tourists and people from Pondicherry.

About 35 of us gathered for a lively event with SVARNIM Puducherry, diving into the wonders of our local biodiversity with the Aurovanam, Nature Lab. Guided by bee expert Lazar Jean,a PhD student who’s all about studying how honey bees find food in Puducherry. we explored the crucial role of honey bees in pollination, focusing on four species native to Pondicherry. Did you know these tiny creatures can travel over 2.5 kilometers just to find flowers? Our adventure began at Mervielle,an afforested area belonging to the Aurobindo Ashram near a natural pond splashed with bright Yelllow-Alder wildflowers, buzzing with activity as bees collected nectar.As we wandered through a tropical forest, Lazar showed us innovative bee homes, including upturned pots and custom bee boxes. The highlight? Tasting honey fresh from the hive—tangy at first, then sweet! We left inspired, armed with a list of bee-friendly plants to grow at home. It was a day of discovery, learning how we can all play a part in protecting these vital pollinators.

On October 20th, Aurovanam, the nature lab of SVARNIM Puducherry, Sri Aurobindo Society, organized a captivating evening exploring the TDEF bioregion through a nocturnal wildlife walk in the enchanting Aranya Forest Sanctuary, part of Auroville's green belt. A diverse group of 26 participants, including young nature enthusiasts, embarked on this immersive journey into the tropical dry evergreen forest, guided by Kishore Kumar and accompanied by Mr. Sarvanan, steward of the 40-hectare sanctuary. Ecologist Arunkumar P. shared his knowledge about the unique ecosystem, while arachnologist Atharva Kulkarni, who discovered three new spider species, introduced participants to the world of wolf spiders and other arachnids. As the group ventured deeper into the forest along winding mud paths, they were enveloped by the dense foliage and the sounds of nature, including the croaking of frogs and the flickering lights of fireflies. The walk led to two impressive canyons, geological formations that have become habitats for diverse flora and fauna. These canyons, along with man-made water bodies, attract a variety of birds, fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects. As night fell, the forest unveiled its nocturnal inhabitants. Participants learned about elusive creatures like jungle cats, small Indian civets, Asian palm civets, jackals, owls, monitor lizards, and snakes, including all four venomous species. The Nocturnal Wildlife Walk offered a unique and enriching experience, allowing participants to discover the hidden wonders of the Aranya Forest Sanctuary, a vital part of the Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest Bioregion.