Almora Himalayan landscape — lush green forested hills and distant snow-capped peaks of Nanda Devi

Preserving the Soul of Almora

Greenhills is a registered non-profit dedicated to the ecological preservation of the Himalayas. We empower Almora's communities to lead environmental restoration through practical, systemic action—from resilient waste management to biodiversity protection.

Est. 2014Registered NGO
AlmoraPrimary Focus Area

Ecosystem Guardianship

  • Resilient Circular Waste Systems
  • High-Density Indigenous Reforestation
  • Watershed Security & Sustainable Food Systems
Who we are

Protecting the Himalayas,
one valley at a time

Greenhills is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystems of Almora District. We are committed to fostering environmental resilience and community stewardship, ensuring that the natural beauty and abundant resources of the mountains are preserved for generations to come.

Our Mission

We believe that systemic change requires the collective action of government and citizens alike. By building resilient infrastructure and driving consciousness, we empower local communities to take charge of their surroundings and safeguard the future of the Himalayas.

Circular Waste Systems

Building resilient waste infrastructure to restore Himalayan purity through innovative collection, segregation, and upcycling models.

Biodiversity Restoration

Restoring mountain ecosystems by transforming pine monocultures into thriving indigenous forests using high-density reforestation techniques.

Sustainable Livelihoods

Fostering climate-smart agriculture and reviving superfoods like Nettle to ensure nutritional security and economic empowerment.

Watershed Security

Protecting the lifeline of the mountains by restoring traditional 'Naulas' and securing watershed health for resilient community futures.

Community gathering in a Himalayan village discussing environmental protection
Active sinceWorking on waste, forests, food systems & water since 2014

The Team

A diverse collective of scientists, community leaders, and environmentalists dedicated to protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and empowering local communities.

Mr. Yusuf TiwariPresident

Mr. Yusuf Tiwari

President & Trustee

A seasoned community leader and former Municipal Counsellor with an extensive background in mountain governance. Yusuf leverages his deep networks within the Nagar Palika Parishad and Vyapar Mandal to drive systemic policy change and social transformation across Uttarakhand.

Dr. Vasudha PantSecretary

Dr. Vasudha Pant

Secretary & Trustee

A distinguished agricultural scientist and Ph.D. scholar from CIMAP with over 25 research publications. Dedicated to the 'revival of the dying and nurturing of the living,' she pioneers watershed restoration and traditional knowledge systems along the River Suyal.

Mr. Arpit AgarwalTreasurer

Mr. Arpit Agarwal

Treasurer & Trustee

A finance professional dedicated to the sustainable growth of mountain regions. Arpit provides strategic oversight to ensure financial transparency and operational resilience in all our environmental initiatives.

Prof J S RawatAdvisor

Prof J S Rawat

Advisor

A world-renowned GIS expert and former Head of the Geography Department at SSJ Campus. His scientific leadership in watershed management and geographic information systems is the cornerstone of our evidence-based conservation strategies.

Dr J C BhattEx Director VPKAS

Dr J C Bhatt

Ex Director VPKAS & Advisor

Former Director of VPKAS and a leading agricultural scientist with decades of expertise. He provides strategic guidance on high-altitude crop management and sustainable farming practices to enhance mountain food security.

Romola ButaliaAdvisor

Romola Butalia

Advisor

Romola Butalia is a writer, both author and journalist; an environmentalist; and deeply committed to the traditions of the Himalayan yogis, as a practitioner and teacher. As Founder of Save Kumaon,  she supports initiatives to preserve, protect, foster and rejuvenate the natural ecology, traditions, culture and spiritual heritage of the Himalaya.

Vinayak PantLegal Advisor

Vinayak Pant

Legal Advisor

Vinayak Pant is the Founder-Convener of the Almora Literature Festival and a lawyer by profession, deeply committed to fostering cultural dialogue and creative exchange in Uttarakhand. With a strong background in law, writing, and public initiatives, he has been instrumental in shaping ALF into a vibrant platform that brings together writers, thinkers, artists, and audiences from across India.

Seema JoshiAdvisor

Seema Joshi

Advisor

Seema Joshi is a development professional with over two decades of national and international experience. She has worked across various sectors including natural resource management, climate change, gender in development, education and disability. Her expertise lies in fundraising, programme management, capacity building and strategic guidance to organisations. She has worked with ActionAid International, Association of People with Disability, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme and other leading NGOs.

Manisha PadaliaDirector Outreach

Manisha Padalia

Director Outreach

Leading strategic partnerships and community outreach, Manisha fosters collaborative networks between stakeholders, government, and local communities to amplify the impact of our circular waste and conservation projects.

Tanuja BahugunaProject Associate

Tanuja Bahuguna

Project Associate

A dedicated social ecologist driven by a scientific temper. Tanuja bridges natural sciences and sociology to design inclusive, community-led pathways where Himalayan ecosystems and human societies flourish in harmony.

Deepak JoshiField Director

Deepak Joshi

Field Director

An expert in mountain terrain and high-altitude field operations. Deepak leads our ground teams with a focus on practical implementation, community stewardship, and large-scale environmental restoration.

Bhusan PandeLogistics Head

Bhusan Pande

Logistics Head

A logistics specialist with a keen eye for operational efficiency. Bhusan manages resource movement across challenging mountain terrains, ensuring the seamless execution of remote field projects in Almora.

Harish BhattTechnology Consultant

Harish Bhatt

Technology Consultant

A technology professional providing digital strategy and technical infrastructure. Harish leverages digital innovation to enhance project outreach, data transparency, and operational efficiency in the conservation space.

Collaborations

Project Partners

We are grateful to the following persons and institutions for their financial support.

R&D on Stinging NettleJuly 2020 to June 2023

National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS)

Exploring the livelihood potential of wild growing stinging nettle in Uttarakhand.

R&D on Stinging NettleMay 2016 to April 2019

G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBPNIHE)

Integrated Eco-Development Research Programme (IERP): exploring nettle as an alternative nutrition-rich field crop in Uttarakhand.

Livelihood & NutritionCompleted

Uttarakhand Council of Science and Technology (UCoST)

Support for research on reducing phytate content of Finger millet for improved nutrition.

Eco-friendly Waste ManagementJune 2021 to May 2022

Banyan Tours Pvt. Ltd.

Bokashi project: converting urban green waste from pollutant to resource.

Eco-friendly Waste ManagementJuly 2019 to November 2021

Lal Family Foundation (LFF)

Support for waste management work in Majkhali and surrounding areas.

Eco-friendly Waste ManagementAugust 2017 to November 2018

Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation (SDC)

Consultancy on use of plastic waste in road construction in Almora and New Delhi.

Eco-friendly Waste ManagementOngoing

Tata Steel and Downstream Products Limited (TSDPL)

Strategic support for sustainable environmental initiatives in the Himalayan region.

Eco-friendly Waste ManagementJune to September 2017

Cantt Board, Almora

Consultancy on waste segregation and recycling in the Cantonment area.

Eco-friendly Waste ManagementJune 2016

D-Shadow Academy & Attero Pvt. Ltd., Roorkee

Support for recycling of e-waste.

Environmental AwarenessOngoing

SoS Foundation

Support for cultivating eco-conscious habits through awareness initiatives.

ReforestationApril 2019 to July 2020

Department of Forests, Uttarakhand

Community forests that mitigate climate change, with Banyan Tours Pvt. Ltd. and Kosi Rejuvenation Fund.

Join us in protecting the mountains

If you wish to join us, volunteer, or support our endeavour to clean and green Almora — we'd love to hear from you. Lasting change needs both public institutions and neighbours who show up.