Ayurveda takes Root: AIIA and 132 ECO Task Force join hands to restore the Aravallis

September 26, 2026

Ayurveda takes Root: AIIA and 132 ECO Task Force join hands to restore the Aravallis

New Delhi: Bringing together Ayurveda, medicinal-plant research, biodiversity conservation and environmental restoration, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, and 132 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) ECO RAJPUT have launched the Ashwagandha Plantation & Research Initiative at the Terriers Herbal Garden, Bhatti Mines, South Delhi.

The programme, held on 24 September 2026, was led by Prof. (Vaidya) Pradeep Kumar Prajapati, Director, AIIA, and Col Mohan Singh, Commanding Officer, 132 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) ECO RAJPUT.

The collaborative initiative envisages the plantation and scientific monitoring of 10,000 Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) saplings. It brings together AIIA’s expertise in Ayurveda, medicinal plants and scientific research with the Ecological Battalion’s field experience in plantation, biodiversity conservation and environmental restoration.

The initiative will go beyond simply planting saplings. The Ashwagandha plants will undergo regular scientific monitoring, observation and documentation. This will provide useful information on their growth and adaptation under the local climatic and environmental conditions of the Aravalli landscape. At the same time, it will create an opportunity to connect traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern scientific research.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Vaidya) Pradeep Kumar Prajapati, Director, AIIA, said, “This initiative brings together the rich Ayurvedic knowledge of medicinal plants with scientific research and ecological restoration. Ashwagandha is an important medicinal plant of Ayurveda, and its systematic cultivation, conservation and scientific documentation can contribute to both knowledge generation and biodiversity conservation. Such collaborations reflect our commitment to taking Ayurveda beyond clinical practice and strengthening its connection with nature and sustainability.”

The programme also brought together Dr. Meena Deogade, Head, Department of Dravyaguna, along with faculty members Dr. Shivani Ghildiyal, Associate Professor, and Dr. Bidhan Mahajon, Assistant Professor, as well as PhD Research Scholars of the Department; and officers and personnel of 132 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) ECO RAJPUT.

The planning and implementation of the plantation initiative between the two organisations was successfully coordinated by Maj Jai Singh Shekhawat of 132 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) ECO RAJPUT and Maj (Dr) Ashish Kumar of AIIA.

The launch of the initiative at Bhatti Mines has special environmental significance. The area forms part of Delhi’s Southern Ridge and the Aravalli landscape, where 132 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) ECO RAJPUT has long been engaged in restoring and greening areas affected and degraded by mining.
It is noteworthy that the Terriers Herbal Garden already houses around 200 species of medicinal and Ayurvedic significance, which have been planted and conserved. Prominent among these are medicinal plants such as Parijata (Harshringar), Amla (Indian Gooseberry), and Ghritkumari (Aloe Vera). The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) has been entrusted with providing technical support for the proper maintenance, scientific management, and guidance of the herbal garden.
Ashwagandha is regarded in Ayurveda as an important medicinal plant for promoting health. The National Medicinal Plants Board, Ministry of Ayush, has also undertaken the “Ashwagandha – A Health Promoter” campaign to raise awareness about its health-related importance.
The initiative aims to link scientific research on medicinal plants with the environmental restoration of Bhatti Mines, helping the area emerge as an example of biodiversity conservation and the development of an eco-friendly ecosystem.

With the message “Roots in Ayurveda – Conserve Biodiversity – Restore Ecosystems,” the initiative connects India’s traditional medicinal-plant knowledge with scientific research, biodiversity conservation and efforts to restore the green landscape of the Aravallis.