walk through the lanes of itwari, the markets of gandhibagh, the commercial areas of sitabuldi or the old neighbourhoods of mahal and one thing becomes immediately apparent: exposed soil is becoming rare. this is leading to the elimination of a vast underground biodiversity that plays a crucial role in maintaining soil health, supporting urban trees, recharging groundwater and absorbing rainwater. over the years, large parts of the city have replaced natural ground with roads, parking spaces, footpaths, pav