ChandanSinghNayal

Protecting Nature · Reviving Water · Growing Forests

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About

The Man Behind the Mission

A passionate conservationist who has devoted his life to protecting our planet's most precious resources.

Chandan Singh Nayal – Environmental Activist

Chandan Singh Nayal

Environmental Activist & Conservationist

Top5 India

12+ Years of Protecting Our Planet

In the serene hills of Tok Chama village, Okhalkanda (Nainital, Uttarakhand), a quiet environmental revolution began — led by Chandan Singh Nayal. After earning a diploma in engineering, he chose not to pursue a corporate career, but instead dedicated his life to protecting forests, reviving water sources, and restoring the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

Over the past decade, Chandan has planted more than 86,000+ trees, transforming barren lands into thriving green landscapes. Every year, he nurtures nearly 40,000+ saplings in his self-established nursery and has distributed over 83,000+ plants across communities.

Understanding the deep connection between forests and water, Chandan and his team have constructed more than 6,000+ micro check dams. Through rainwater harvesting and trenching techniques, they have revived dried springs and recharged groundwater sources.

His remarkable work has earned national recognition. He was honoured with the prestigious Water Hero Award by the Ministry of Jal Shakti on July 23, 2021, and has received the Uttarakhand Ratna and the Sunder Lal Bahuguna Smriti Vriksha Mitra awards.

In a profound act of commitment, Chandan has donated his body to Haldwani Medical College, ensuring that not a single tree will be cut for his last rites. From a small village in Uttarakhand to national recognition, Chandan Singh Nayal stands as a living example of how one individual can transform landscapes — and lives.

Forest ConservationWater RevivalSoil ProtectionCommunity EducationHimalayan Ecosystem
12+
Years of Service
86K+
Trees Planted
30+
National Awards
10K+
Lives Impacted
Our Motive

What We Stand For

Six core pillars that guide our environmental mission and drive every action we take toward a healthier planet.

01
01

Forest Conservation

Planting native trees across degraded lands to restore biodiversity and combat deforestation in the Himalayan region.

02
02

Water Revival

Building check dams, reviving ancient water channels, and protecting natural springs to ensure water security for villages.

03
03

Soil Conservation

Implementing terrace farming and bunding techniques to prevent soil erosion and landslides in hilly terrains.

04
04

Renewable Energy

Promoting solar energy adoption in remote villages to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and deforestation for firewood.

05
05

Clean Air Initiative

Reducing industrial and vehicular pollution through community awareness programs and green corridor development.

06
06

Organic Farming

Educating farmers about chemical-free, organic farming to protect soil health and reduce water contamination.

What We've Done

Milestones of Impact

A journey spanning over two decades with measurable change on the ground.

86,000+
Trees Planted
6000+
Check Dams Built
200+
Villages Served
12+
Years Active
2014500Trees

The Journey Begins

Started with planting 500 tree saplings in the barren hills of Uttarakhand with a team of 10 volunteers.

20181Check Dam

First Check Dam Constructed

Built the first check dam in Almora district, reviving a dried stream and providing water to 3 villages.

2020500Acres

Forest Conservation Drive

Led a massive afforestation campaign covering 500 acres of degraded forest land with native species.

202250+Villages

Community Villages Reached

Environmental education programs launched across 50+ villages, training local youth as green ambassadors.

202410K+Volunteers

National Recognition

Received the National Environment Award, bringing global attention to Himalayan conservation efforts.

202570K+Trees Total

The 70,000 Trees Milestone

Historic milestone of 70,000 trees planted, creating a green corridor spanning 3 districts in Uttarakhand.

Our Impact

Measuring Real Change

Every action has a measurable impact. Here's how we've transformed the environment.

89%

Forest Coverage Improved

75%

Water Sources Revived

95%

Community Satisfaction

60%

Carbon Offset Goals Met

86,000+
Trees Planted
6000+
Check Dams Built
10,000+
Families Benefited
30+
National Awards
500+
Acres Restored
200+
Villages Covered
"

Nature doesn't need us. We need nature. Every tree planted is a gift to the future, every drop of water saved is life itself.

— Chandan Singh Nayal

Achievements

Awards & Recognition

30+ national and international awards recognizing decades of environmental dedication.

National
2021

Water Hero Award

Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India

Honoured for outstanding contribution in water conservation, construction of micro check dams, and revival of dried water sources across rural Uttarakhand.

State

Uttarakhand Ratna

Government of Uttarakhand

Recognised for exceptional environmental leadership, large-scale plantation drives, and sustainable ecological restoration efforts in the Himalayan region.

State

Sunder Lal Bahuguna Smriti Vriksha Mitra

Environmental Recognition Body, Uttarakhand

Awarded for dedication to forest conservation and community-driven environmental protection inspired by the Chipko movement legacy.

Trophies & Prizes

A Showcase of Excellence

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👑
Honor

State Conservation Excellence

👑
Honor

State Conservation Excellence

2015

Government of Uttarakhand

🏆
Trophy

National Environment Award

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🏆
Trophy

National Environment Award

2016

Ministry of Environment, India

🥇
Medal

Himalayan Guardian Award

🥇
Medal

Himalayan Guardian Award

2020

Himalayan Trust Foundation

1 / 6  —  National Environment Award

Media Coverage

Making Headlines

Featured in national and regional media for groundbreaking environmental work

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YouTube Videos

See the Work in Action

Watch our conservation efforts, community stories, and environmental projects documented on video.

5:42
YouTube

Tree Plantation Drive 2023

Join us as we plant thousands of trees across the barren hillsides of Uttarakhand in our biggest drive yet.

12K views
Watch
7:15
YouTube

Check Dam Construction: Reviving Water Sources

Watch how traditional water harvesting techniques combined with modern engineering revive drying springs.

8.5K views
Watch
9:03
YouTube

Community Stories: Lives Changed

Stories from villages that now have access to clean water and green landscapes thanks to conservation efforts.

15K views
Watch