IFS Officer Anurag Tiwari Revives Ujjain’s Mahakal Van Ahead of Simhastha 2028

Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: Ujjain, one of India’s holiest pilgrimage destinations and home to the famous Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, is reviving its ancient ecological heritage through an ambitious sacred forest restoration project. The initiative, led by Anurag Tiwari, a 2018-batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer and Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Ujjain, aims to bring back the historic Mahakal Van, which once surrounded the city’s revered 84 Mahadev temples.

Inspired by ancient scriptures describing Ujjain as Mahakal Van, Tiwari has launched the development of Aastha Vans (Sacred Forests) along the Panchkoshi Yatra pilgrimage route. The project focuses on restoring native tree species, including those traditionally associated with Lord Shiva, while enhancing biodiversity and preserving Ujjain’s spiritual landscape.

“The project focuses on developing Aastha Vans that combine spiritual significance with the conservation of indigenous plant species. Through Ujjain’s spiritual identity, we hope to reconnect people with nature,” Tiwari said.

The conservation initiative extends beyond tree plantation by actively involving Temple Trusts and Gram Panchayats in protecting and maintaining these sacred forests. This community-based approach aims to ensure long-term ecological conservation while safeguarding Ujjain’s centuries-old religious heritage.

The Forest Department has also strengthened its campaign against illegal wildlife trade in the temple city. Additionally, it organised a Van Mela that attracted more than 1.5 lakh visitors and generated over ₹1 crore through the sale of forest-based products, highlighting growing public interest in environmental conservation.

As part of its long-term vision, Ujjain is also developing a 500-acre naturalistic zoo featuring 11 biogeographic zones and over 300 wildlife species. The first phase is expected to be completed before the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028, one of the largest Hindu religious gatherings in the world.

The revival of Mahakal Van reflects how Ujjain is preserving its sacred heritage while promoting biodiversity conservation. By integrating faith, community participation, and environmental protection, the city is creating a sustainable model for conserving India’s spiritual landscapes for future generations.