Father & Son Revive Land into Wildlife Haven in Corbett
Why this is here: The retreat documented two species—a moth and a dragonfly—never before recorded in Uttarakhand and the northwestern Himalayas, highlighting the project’s success in restoring biodiversity.
A father-son duo transformed barren land near Corbett Tiger Reserve into Jim’s Jungle Retreat, a thriving forest and biodiversity haven. Daleep Akoi and his father, Inder Pratap Singh Akoi, started with a vision to recreate the childhood forest experiences they shared.
The project began with purchasing land in an abandoned village and building a cottage. It evolved into the Mahavan Biodiversity Project, focused on restoring a barren landscape. Native plants and trees were strategically planted to create diverse ecosystems.
Omkar Sanjay Damle monitors the project and conducts regular biodiversity surveys. These surveys have led to the first recorded sightings of a moth and a dragonfly species in Uttarakhand on the property. The retreat also incorporates sustainable practices like solar energy and wastewater treatment.