man made forest

Kerala businessman Musthafa Parammel Ambadi has transformed a former laterite mining land into Green Ara, a dense bamboo and Miyawaki forest with tropical plants, fruit trees, ponds, and more.

“I found solace in my forest and even today when people ask me how I managed to do it, I simply tell them that it was purely out of happiness.”

Once an arid rock-strewn patch, the land now teems with lush green creepers, shrubs and trees - all thanks to a 53-year-old man who believed that forests could grow in cities too!

Located in the bustling metro city of Kochi, Alungal Farms is his labour of love and sweat. It boasts over 2000 varieties of rare medicinal plants, 400 varieties of fruits, different flowers, vegetables, herbs, and even spices—all of which thrive in wild harmony!

We have seen signs of it everywhere. Our ponds have dried up, native birds and insects have become extinct, parks have made way for IT Parks. Yet we live like there’s no tomorrow. Well, this group of nameless volunteers has taken it upon themselves to script a different future for our children. Their amazing tale will show you how nature can work wonders when you choose to work with her.

Jadav "Molai" Payeng started planting bamboo saplings when he was 16 years old. Today he is 47 and lives in his own forest with tigers, rhinos and elephants!