Trailblazing a New Path for Nature in India: An Interview with Dr. Shubhalaxmi Vaylure

Dr. Shubhalaxmi Vaylure is bringing to life in Kharghar, New Mumbai, through her groundbreaking "Trailblazers" project.

Imagine walking through a verdant landscape, a clearly defined path guiding you, not just for your ease, but for the very health of the ecosystem around you. Imagine learning about the intricate web of life with every step, your senses awakened by the carefully curated experience. This isn't a scene from a national park in the US; it's the vision and burgeoning reality Dr. Shubhalaxmi Vaylure is bringing to life in Kharghar, New Mumbai, through her groundbreaking "Trailblazers" project.

I recently had the immense pleasure of speaking with Dr. Vaylure, a passionate environmentalist and the driving force behind this innovative initiative. What started as a "new passion" sparked by an international trail summit in the US, has blossomed into a pioneering CSR project, redefining how India approaches nature trails and environmental education.

The Science of Trails: Beyond the Dirt Path

Initial Landscape for the Trailblazing Project in Kharghar, Mumbai

For many of us in India, a "nature trail" conjures images of a well-trodden dirt path, perhaps with a few basic signs. As Dr. Vaylure aptly puts it, "Nature trails are there, but they are like dirt paths just existing. That's it. We just use it. Nothing more beyond it."

This perception couldn't be further from the reality of trail building in the US, where it's a complete science, even an industry. Inspired by this revelation, Dr. Vaylure's "Trailblazers" project is meticulously designed based on the guidelines provided by the US Forest Service Department. This means every aspect, from the gradient of the slope to water management and soil erosion control, is carefully considered.

"If a pathway is to be designed, there is so much of calculations which goes into it," she explains. This includes understanding the ideal slope gradient (no more than 10-15%), implementing "switchbacks" (zigzag pathways) to manage water flow and steepness, and even avoiding invasive species in trail placement to prevent their spread into the core forest.

Innovation at Every Turn: Sustainable Solutions for Indian Trails

Coconut Shells being used to design a designated path for the Nature Trail at Kharghar, Mumbai

Working within the constraints of a wild, forest department-owned area in Kharghar, where permanent constructions are prohibited, Dr. Vaylure and her team have embraced ingenious, temporary yet durable solutions. For instance, viewing and sitting areas are constructed using traditional mud, water, and stone techniques, guided by an architect specialising in such sustainable builds.

Perhaps one of the most fascinating innovations lies in the signage. Facing challenges of permanence and vandalism, Dr. Vaylure turned to an unexpected collaborator: ChatGPT. Yes, you read that right! "It was a ChatGPT idea for the signage," she reveals, highlighting the powerful potential of generative AI in solving real-world problems.

Beyond the design, the trails themselves are infused with sustainable practices. Instead of traditional stone steps, they're using bags filled with gravel stones. These bags not only provide sturdy steps but also act as natural barriers for soil erosion, encouraging the germination of wild plants and becoming "living blocks" within the ecosystem. Similarly, cut invasive species are bundled and used to fill cracks on pathways, acting as a natural cementing process and preventing further spread.

And for pathway edgings? They're using discarded raw coconut shells, collected from local vendors. These shells, when green, are wider and shrink as they dry, holding onto the soil. This temporary yet effective solution, which Dr. Vaylure experimented with five years ago, can last for years and helps create clear mental maps for walkers, encouraging them to stay on the designated path.

Nature Education and Accessibility: The Heart of the Project

All five trails in Kharghar are now fully functional, with three more under development. These trails aren't new creations but carefully assessed and intervened upon existing pathways. The aim is to identify the "least resistant" paths, enhance them with the mentioned sustainable interventions, and eventually block other informal routes to minimize human impact on the habitat.

A Journey of Passion and Purpose

Dr. Vaylure's path to "Trailblazers" was not straightforward. Having dedicated over a decade to eco-restoration, planting biodiversity gardens and parks, a sense of disillusionment crept in. "I sometimes doubt my work," she admits, feeling that individual efforts were overshadowed by larger environmental destruction.

This introspection led her to seek a different, equally impactful, and personally fulfilling avenue. Serendipitously, she stumbled upon weekly webinars on trail building by American Trails during the lockdown. "I started attending their webinars on a regular basis. And I found it very fascinating," she recounts. This admiration for US trail development ignited the spark for "Trailblazers."

The project, sponsored by Publicis Groupe, came through unexpectedly easily, a testament to its unique appeal. To truly master the craft, Dr. Vaylure took a leap of faith, self-funding a trip to the International Trail Summit in the US. She was the only attendee from India, and even Asia, a testament to her pioneering spirit and the nascent stage of organized trail development in our country.

It's about instilling a deeper appreciation for nature, educating communities, and fostering a culture of responsible outdoor recreation in India. Dr. Shubhalaxmi Vaylure's dedication, innovative spirit, and unwavering commitment to this vision are truly inspiring, paving the way for a more connected and ecologically conscious future.

Get in Touch with Dr. Shubhalaxmi Vaylure at www.ladybirdconsulting.in