This week’s environment and conservation news stories rolled into one.
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Kolar Gold fields: From fields of gold to a dust bowl
Since mines were shut in Kolar Gold Fields in 2001, the town has received neither electricity nor water regularly. There are barely any toilets and people can be seen defecating in the open.
The slender loris struggles to find canopy in Bengaluru
When continuous patches of green become fragmented, it can have catastrophic effects on loris populations, who do not jump between branches or climb down to cross open spaces.
Nilgiris district collector says, environment before development
Collector of Udhagamandalam (Ooty) in the Nilgiris district, J. Innocent Divya is making headlines for stellar administrative decisions made to safeguard the environment.
[Commentary] Of ants and antelopes – the ecological history of Chennai was not what one would imagine
Chennai must plan to buffer its growth with biodiversity, ensuring the preservation of the remnant fragments of natural habitats.
Air pollution in cities takes a toll on bees
Air pollution causes behavioural, physiological and genetic changes in wild bees.Pollutant impact on bees is observed even in areas well-within the current national standards for Particulate Matter pollution.
India needs massive increase in green finance for required climate action
India requires at least USD 170 billion per year to finance its actions to tackle climate change, but right now the total annual green investments has only been averaging USD 19 billion.
The precarious journey of Goa’s mining-affected and dependent people
Over the years, unchecked transportation of ore has violated necessary environmental safeguards. But people whose lives have been closely linked to the mining industry want mining to resume, but they want it to be done sustainably.
The return of the weeds (commentary)
Weeds can be considered ‘pioneer plants’ that can quickly establish in degraded or poor quality areas, aiding in the development of complex ecosystems, writes Shobha Menon, founder of the NGO Nizhal.
Pesticides to kill locusts harm ecosystems, signature fauna
Wider use of biopesticides and effective traditional methods to control locust outbreaks are better and longer-lasting solutions that would minimize ecosystem pollution.
Biodiversity talks also need to develop nationally determined commitments
In this commentary, Balakrishna Pisupati, former chair of the National Biodiversity Authority of India argues that it is time that nationally determined commitments (NDCs) are drawn up for biodiversity.
Green Highways Mission remains halted despite a green light
The mission plans to create green corridors along national highways. However, the project, flagged off in 2015, is yet to take off fully.
Why illegal mining in Aravallis should scare Delhi and its neighbours
Environmentalists note that despite several orders to guard the ecologically fragile zones, there are several illegal activities that continue harming the Aravallis.
The paradox of Chhattisgarh’s summer paddy: high-yielding but water-intensive
With Chhattisgarh’s farmers preferring to grow paddy in summer rather than the usual monsoon season, there is concern about the impact on water availability.
Mega renewable energy park in Kutch could have potentially adverse environmental impact
The 41,500-megawatts renewable park (solar and wind) is estimated to attract investment of around Rs. 1.35 trillion.
Conserving sacred groves through community participation
Raghunath Dhole, 64, has collected over 150 seeds of tree species from forests in various parts of Maharashtra.
