Environment
Impact of climate change on Kashmir’s mushroom pickers
Unpredictable weather patterns, early springs, and above-average temperatures have left gucchi mushroom hunters in distress, facing another season of low yield for the second consecutive year.
Horseshoe crab – the living fossil on brink of extinction
It has been living for 450 million years and has survived five mass extinctions, but the horseshoe crab is now in danger because of overexploitation of marine resources by humans.
‘Waste dumping in open has increased human-wildlife conflict’
Surge in tourism in the Himalayas has led to enormous plastic waste generation, adversely affecting the region’s environment and wildlife. Vishal Kumar, CEO, Waste Warriors, discusses how this problem can be addressed.
Assam villagers dread wrath of ravaging river
Ahead of the monsoon, fear of displacement lurks amid villagers in Assam’s North Lakhimpur district as the Subansiri river threatens to devour their land and homes yet again.
Dry taps drive people to toxic groundwater in Bihar
The government provides clean piped water to every household, but villagers in Saharsa district complain that the supply is irregular and inadequate, forcing them to use groundwater laced with arsenic.
‘We have no clue about extent of damage to biodiversity’
Central India’s rich biodiversity has been massively affected by climate change, encroachment and poaching. Mandar Pingle of Satpuda Foundation tells us about the role that local communities play in restoration and conservation efforts.
Khejri – the wonder tree of Thar desert
The khejri tree is a lifeline for the desert ecosystem in Rajasthan as it provides food and shelter to many animals, besides being used by humans for its fruit and leaves.
The critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB)
Earlier present in the whole of western India, the GIB is now a critically endangered species with only about 100 birds remaining. They face threat to their habitat due to green energy, poaching, industrialisation and mining.
Elephants to buffaloes – species you didn’t think are endangered
Forests, rivers, oceans and our neighbourhood – creatures all around us are in danger of extinction. Here are a few names on the endangered list that may just about surprise you.
Mizoram’s Chite Lui River is crying for help
Chite Lui River is in danger as it turns into a dumping ground in Aizawl. Citizens’ efforts, lauded even by PM Modi, are making a difference but more is needed to save it from dying.
Shirui lilies add to Manipur colour amid concerns
Locals say Manipur’s state flower faces serious threats from the influx of tourists who will descend shortly like every year to witness them bloom in Kashong peak.
Climate change looms over Udupi sarees
The production of Karnataka's acclaimed Udupi sarees has been impacted by climate change. Weavers complain about the rice gruel starch, an important ingredient of production, drying up too quickly as the temperatures soar in Dakshina Kannada district.
Karnataka weavers of Udupi sarees face heat over heatwaves
Climate change is adversely impacting weavers of the globally acclaimed sarees as the starch they use is drying up too quickly due to rising temperatures.
Mizoram farmers caught in ‘rat trap’
Ahead of a new bamboo flowering cycle, rats are attacking fields in Mizoram, destroying crops in several acres as farmers and officials struggle to contain the problem.
Highway to misery for Mizoram villagers
The widening of highways in Mizoram is concerning locals who say that environmental laws are being flouted by contractors.
This Jaipur vet risks his life to save wildlife
Dr. Arvind Mathur of Nahargarh Biological Park in Jaipur has rescued 67 leopards in 15 years.
Racing with the tides- Earth Day
Biswajit Sahu, a fisherman, has been collecting artefacts while fishing to create a museum preserving the history of the Sunderbans, battling climate change and the rising sea.
130 varieties and counting: Kerala taps tubers
Cassava, elephant foot yam, taro, arrowroot… Tubers that almost disappeared from the regular diet in Wayanad, Kerala, are now being brought back to the farms as nutritious and climate resilient crops.
Why farmers in Mizoram quit oil palm cultivation
Amidst claims of oil palm cultivation being disastrous for the environment, lack of transportation facilities and inadequate water supply have been forcing farmers to switch to other crops.
A juicy outcome for Maharashtra mango farmers
Mango farmers in Maharashtra are reaping the benefits of ultra high-density plantation, which ensures bigger yield on small parcels of land without compromising on the quality of fruit.