India, May 17 -- In a significant step towards sustainable hospitality and ecological conservation, Forest Hill Resort (FHR), located near Chandigarh, has partnered with Afforestt to undertake a large-scale native rewilding and habitat restoration initiative across its landscape in the Shivalik foothills. Afforestt is internationally recognised for ecological restoration and native forest regeneration projects. According to Devinder Sandhu, director, FHR, the initiative reflects the resort's commitment to preserving the natural character of its nearly 2,000-acre property, situated adjacent to the 10,000-acre Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary. "The initiative will redefine eco-conscious hospitality. We want to build awareness around conservation and sustainable tourism," said Sandhu, adding that the aim is to place the Chandigarh-Shivalik region prominently on the national and global eco-tourism map. Afforestt director Gaurav Gurjar, who visited the site along with designer Varsha Gurjar, described the property as having 'maximum ecological advantage' due to its biodiversity and location within the watershed of several seasonal streams. "We think of this as a journey, not a project with a fixed endpoint. In five years, the landscape will show visible ecological transformation, while in twenty years it can evolve into a lasting ecological legacy," he said. Gaurav said ecological audits, soil studies, PNV mapping, species identification and the removal of invasive plants are already underway, alongside plantation of native species. The restoration focuses on reviving the region's mixed deciduous forest ecology using native trees and shrubs such as Jhingan, Phulai, Surteli, Dhavda, Kaim and Khair. Varsha said the area supports more than 60 bird species, including migratory varieties, along with peacocks, bee-eaters and grey hornbills. She added that hydrological restoration, including lakes, trenching systems and rainwater retention channels, is also being developed to support groundwater recharge and biodiversity. "Guests today seek meaningful and immersive experiences connected with nature. This initiative will allow visitors to experience a living ecosystem rather than an artificially landscaped property. Our aim is to create a peaceful eco-haven where ecological conservation and hospitality exist together," Sandhu concluded. HTC...