Project SHOLA Launch and Objectives
On September 3, 2026, Microland Foundation issued a press release from Ooty announcing the launch of Project SHOLA (Shola Habitat Outspread & Local Action) – a Community‑Led Wetland Restoration and Demonstration Centre in the Upper Nilgiris. The initiative is designed to restore degraded wetlands and conserve the interconnected shola, grassland and wetland ecosystems that underpin biodiversity, water security and local livelihoods.
Partnership Structure
The project brings together a consortium of public and civil‑society partners: the Nilgiris District Administration, the District Forest Officer of the Government of Tamil Nadu, the Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihood Mission (TNSRLM), Edhkwehlynawd Botanical Refuge (EBR) Centre Trust, as well as civil‑society NGOs, local and tribal leaders, the Kota Tribe community and Women Self‑Help Groups (SHGs). This multi‑stakeholder framework combines ecological expertise, government support and grassroots participation.
On‑Ground Facilities and Activities
A dedicated Centre has been established at Katlada Bridge, Doddacombai, which will serve as a hub for native plant propagation, restoration activities, community training and environmental education. A native plant nursery at the Centre produces locally suitable planting material for wetland, shola and grassland restoration. The Kota Tribe community and Women SHGs are tasked with native seed collection, nursery development, plant propagation, restoration and ongoing maintenance, thereby building local skills and generating livelihood opportunities linked to nursery and restoration work. The Centre will also host students, visitors and other stakeholders to showcase the unique Nilgiri ecosystems and the importance of their protection.
Statements from Key Leaders
Kalpana Kar, Managing Trustee of Microland Foundation, emphasized that “community participation is at the heart of Project SHOLA” and highlighted the partnership model that blends community knowledge with technical expertise to ensure long‑term ownership. Tmt. Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru, I.A.S., District Collector of The Nilgiris, praised the initiative for combining restoration, community participation and livelihood creation, and expressed hope that lessons learned will strengthen similar conservation efforts across the district. Dr. Tarun Chhabra, Founder of EBR Centre Trust, clarified that restoration involves more than planting trees; it requires restoring natural processes, managing invasive species and re‑establishing native biodiversity.
Complementary Environmental Work
Project SHOLA is part of Microland Foundation’s broader environmental agenda in the Nilgiris, which includes improving waste‑management and sanitation systems in locations such as Coonoor and Masinagudi. The Foundation has also launched a first‑of‑its‑kind training programme for sanitation workers and sanitary inspectors to strengthen the human and systemic capacity for waste management.
About Microland Foundation
Established in 2016, Microland Foundation pursues inclusive, lasting social change across four interlinked priorities: Employability, Health, Education and Environment. The Foundation leverages technology, innovation and local knowledge to design solutions that are culturally relevant, scalable and sustainable, collaborating with NGOs, civil‑society organisations, government agencies and mission‑aligned partners.
About Edhkwehlynawd Botanical Refuge (EBR) Centre Trust
EBR Centre Trust is a dedicated organization focused on ecological restoration and cultural conservation in the Nilgiris, rooted in the traditions of the Toda people. Its work centers on restoring the shola‑grassland mosaic of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve by re‑introducing endemic plant species and addressing habitat loss.
Media Contact
For further information, contact mohammedabaubacker.ali@microland.com.