Saving Forests by Supporting Local People

Sudeep Mehta, 42, a former finance professional, discovered a new purpose in conservation. He holds the conviction that forest preservation must go hand in hand with supporting local communities. This philosophy led him to establish The Bamboo Forest Experience, an eco-tourism initiative that includes The Bamboo Forest Safari Lodge at Tadoba, Maharashtra, and The Bamboo Forest Nature Conservancy in Gothangaon, 65 km from Nagpur.

A Unique Stay in the Wild

Visitors at the resort stay in homes built 20 feet above ground, constructed from bamboo, local wood, and mud. These elevated dwellings offer unobstructed views of wildlife in their natural habitat below.

Camp Alizanza, part of The Bamboo Forest Safari Lodge at Tadoba, is a tented camp providing guests an immersive wilderness experience. The lodge also features chalets, bungalows, and villas opening directly onto the surrounding forest. Bamboo architecture lends the entire property a timeless aesthetic.

This project transcends architectural design; it embodies a commitment to conservation and the local community, uniting people, nature, and preservation efforts.

The Cocoon Conservancy: Community at the Heart

Arvind Chuke, hailing from the Adivasi community where hunting was once common, represents a significant transformation. His family traditionally hunted wild boar, sambar deer, and chital, but ceased around 2005.

Today, members of his community enter the forest not to hunt but to share indigenous knowledge of local wildlife with visitors, particularly at Camp Alizanza near the reserve’s buffer zones.

Approximately 90% of Arvind’s community earns a livelihood through this initiative, working as forest guides, drivers, gardeners, chefs, and reception staff. Arvind himself serves as a safari guide at Camp Alizanza.

“By integrating local communities as active stakeholders, conservation efforts achieve sustainable success that benefits both nature and people,” says Sunil Mehta.

The project operates under a model called Community Owned Community Operated Nature Conservancy (COCOON), which restores farmland along animal migratory routes to natural habitats, fully involving local populations.

Sunil Mehta, Sudeep’s father, notes that this approach simultaneously enhances the environment and provides employment opportunities for tribal communities.

Human-Wildlife Conflict and New Solutions

Between January 1 and September 19, 2025, Tadoba recorded 30 tiger-related fatalities, according to a report by The Hindu, based on data from Chandrapur forest officials.

Residents often faced conflicts with wildlife, particularly tigers, fostering distrust toward these predators. Sudeep explains, “The man-animal conflict was intense, and locals did not support the tiger. So, we made them stakeholders in The Bamboo Forest Experience.” Camp Alizanza marked the first step in this strategy.

Before constructing the lodge, Sudeep consulted with locals about the site, a flood-prone lowland with challenging farming conditions. Locals feared tigers might threaten them or their livestock due to the proximity to the forest.

Camp Alizanza was designed to impart new skills and create income opportunities. Approximately 200 families now earn in two and a half months what farming would yield in a year. They continue farming, supplying vegetables and fruits to the lodge kitchen.

Local Knowledge Shapes Sustainable Living

Local insights influenced the design of the elevated homes. Residents recommended building at 20 feet high, explaining that during strong winds, certain tree parts remain steady while others move, ensuring structural stability and guest comfort. These thoughtful considerations blend African aesthetics with Indian heritage.

A Family’s Passion for Nature

Sunil Mehta’s pathway changed course after he failed police recruitment, despite passing civil service exams in 1980, leading him toward nature conservation.

In 2011, Sudeep left his job in London to join his father. In 2019, they discovered a biodiverse land near Nagpur and established their first wildlife resort. They planted 5,000 bamboo trees, now known as The Bamboo Forest Safari Lodge.

Building on Past Success

Sunil leveraged experience from a prior project near Jaipur, transforming 400 acres of barren land into a thriving forest. Their efforts earned Rajasthan government awards in 2007, such as the Jal Mitra Award for water conservation and the Gram Bandhu Award for community service.

The area suffered from monsoon flooding, adversely impacting villages below the Aravalli mountains. After consulting locals, they confirmed the possibility of capturing floodwater to recharge groundwater for forestry.

An 800-meter canal was dug, using traditional water harvesting techniques. By 2008, wells previously dry for decades began filling. Farmers shifted from single to triple cropping annually. By 2010, the area flourished with dense trees and enhanced biodiversity. The community pledged no tree cutting in exchange for gas connections.

Sunil described their method: enriching soil with leaves for nutrients, mulching with water, and applying sundried cow dung. Locals participated at every stage and remain engaged with The Bamboo Forest Experience.

A Close Connection with Nature

Visitors can witness the community’s dedication firsthand through bamboo craft workshops and wildlife talks offered at the lodge. Guided tours provide opportunities to learn wildlife tracking and animal care, underscoring the profound bond between the community and forest.

Introduction

The Bamboo Forest Experience in Maharashtra embodies a unique blend of conservation and community empowerment. Spearheaded by a father and son duo, this initiative revitalizes forests while providing sustainable livelihoods for local tribal populations, demonstrating an innovative approach to human-wildlife coexistence and environmental stewardship.

References

Human-Wildlife Conflict Escalates in Chandrapur as Five More Fall Victim to Big Cats, by Snehal Mutha, The Hindu, September 19, 2025.