Hidden Stories: how Pune's ‘nullah garden' was transformed into the tranquil oasis Osho Teerth Park

Written by Antara Kulkarni
Amid the lush greenery of Koregaon Park, there once was a 12-acre expanse of garbage dumps and eroded land through which a nullah, an open sewer, flowed. Today, the space is one of the few tranquil corners in the city where one can enjoy greenery, birdsong, and find a spot to rest ones' jangled nerves. How the 'nullah garden' transformed into the Osho Teerth Park holds crucial lessons when it comes to reviving other eyesores across the city.
The nullah, a central feature of the park, passed through several village-like settlements and collected dirt, refuse and pollutants along the way. The land was heavily overgrazed and constantly trampled by livestock, the soil was eroded and the bedrock exposed. The putrid smell of the sewer drew clouds of mosquitoes.
'The Shunya Foundation, part of the Osho International Foundation, decided to transform the area. There was resistance from some villagers and, for three years, the Foundation worked on convincing them. The restoration project began in May 1990 with an investment of around Rs 50 lakh and was completed by September 1991 under Swami Nihar, an Australian agriculturist and landscaper,' says Ma Amrit Sadhana, who is part of the management team of the Osho Meditation Resort.
She adds that Osho, the spiritual head of the resort, held great respect for nature. The foundation aimed to 'reverse the degradation of nature in a model project which will help re-establish a balance between a clean, healthy environment and the needs of a modern city,' says a report by the Osho Spiritual Health Organisation.
The restoration process
The project was undertaken in three main phases. First, livestock was removed from the land to prevent damage by grazing. The water was also cleaned through the construction of sewerage and drainage lines, retaining walls and four large ponds that run in a series. The ponds were cleaned and Gambusia fish, that eat mosquitoes, were released into it. 'This alleviated the mosquito problem,' says Sadhana.
In the second phase, an irrigation grid was created to improve the fertility of soil. Pathways – on which a thousand people walk every weekday now – were created and dotted with bridges. A plant nursery was also added.
The unbridled energy and freedom of thought that Osho preached did not find favour among many local residents. So, when the park was complete, the surrounding community was invited to enjoy it. 'This ensured that fears surrounding the park's impact on local communities were abated by the foundation's commitment to answering questions regarding drainage, cleanliness, maintenance and other factors,' says Sadhana.
Among Pune's chief spots
Averaging 2,500 visitors on weekends now, the Osho Teerth Park quickly became one of Pune's key spots, whether for a morning stroll or an evening picnic. The park takes on a meditative approach by uniting nature and human life. Among the overhead trees and shrubs, polished marble slabs provide corners for meditation. Statues of Buddha in various meditative positions, and a statue of the Osho himself can be found at certain locations in the park.
The thick vegetative cover is varied: Strolling through the park, one can be in a blooming patch of yellow flowers, or beside a cascading waterfall. One can walk on numerous bridges and climb up a cool bedrock, or wade through ankle-deep water. Entry is free, although the park operates at specific timings in the mornings and evenings.
Antara Kulkarni is an intern with The Indian Express.

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