AIIA and Territorial Army Begin Scientific Ashwagandha Plantation in Delhi

The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, and the 132 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) ECO RAJPUT have launched an initiative combining Ashwagandha cultivation, medicinal-plant research and ecological restoration at the Terriers Herbal Garden in Bhatti Mines, South Delhi.

The programme was formally held on 24 September 2026 and involves the plantation of 10,000 Ashwagandha saplings. The plants will be scientifically monitored to record their growth and adaptation to the climatic and environmental conditions of the Aravalli landscape.

Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, is an important medicinal plant used in Ayurveda. Under the new initiative, researchers will document the performance of the plants while examining their adaptation to the local environment. The work is expected to create a link between traditional knowledge concerning medicinal plants and systematic scientific observation.

The collaboration brings together AIIA's expertise in Ayurveda, medicinal plants and research with the Territorial Army's experience in plantation and environmental restoration. The Bhatti Mines area forms part of Delhi's Southern Ridge and the wider Aravalli landscape, where restoration activities have been undertaken in areas affected by degradation and mining.

The Terriers Herbal Garden already contains around 200 species of medicinal and Ayurvedic significance. These include plants such as Parijata, Amla and Aloe Vera. AIIA has been providing technical guidance for the garden's maintenance and scientific management.

Under the latest project, the Ashwagandha plantation will be regularly observed and documented. Information collected from the initiative may contribute to understanding the cultivation and environmental adaptation of the medicinal plant under local conditions.

The programme therefore brings together medicinal-plant cultivation, Ayurveda research, biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration within a single initiative at Bhatti Mines.

25-09-2026