Reviving a forest, The Sai Sanctuary story

Pamela Gale Malhotra, co-founder of SCI Sanctuary Trust, shares the journey of transforming abandoned lands into a thriving forest sanctuary. Initially met with skepticism, the sanctuary now boasts a rich biodiversity, including insects, trees, and wildlife. The soundscape has evolved from silence to vibrant life, with cicadas being prominent sound makers. Pamela expresses joy and hopes for continued protection and expansion of the sanctuary.

What was the initial step in the reforestation process at SCI Sanctuary?

• Growing smaller shrubs

• Introducing elephants

• Building artificial ponds

• Planting large trees

Who co-founded the SCI Sanctuary Trust?

• A group of local farmers

• Pamela Gale Malhotra and her husband

• A government organization

• An international wildlife NGO

What was the condition of the land when the founders first acquired it?

• It was a desert

• It was abandoned and deforested

• It was a bustling city

• It was a thriving forest

What is one of the main sound makers in the sanctuary now?

• Monkeys

• Birds

• Elephants

• Cicadas

What is the hope for the sanctuary in the next 10 years?

• To be converted into farmland

• To host international conferences

• To become a tourist attraction

• To be protected and expanded