Grasslands, often dismissed as “wasteland” due to their perceived limited economic value, play a crucial role in preserving ecosystem services, fostering diverse biodiversity, and supporting nomadic and local communities. Notably, the Cummins India Foundation, in collaboration with the State Department of Forest and the local NGO Sankalp Samajik Vaa Shaikshanik Sanstha, has undertaken a significant restoration project in Kalaj Hill near Phaltan, Satara, since August 2019. ​

This initiative includes restoration, complemented by protection of land, native species plantation, and fire control.​

GroundUp undertook a biodiversity assessment, revealing a substantial recovery of biodiversity as a result of these efforts. New bird nests, animal dens, and herpetofauna have found sanctuary in the area. ​

A comprehensive recommendations for optimising biodiversity recovery with landscape ecology principles have been provided and are being implemented by the clients​.