Can humans and elephants cohabit in Kodagu?
Part 1: Humans and elephants tussle for space in Kodagu It’s 6 a.m. at the Maldare elephant crossing in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. The Rapid Response Team (RRT) is…
[Commentary] Is climate change the only reason for flooding in the Western Ghats?
Our earth has taken billions of years for its formation and to bring life forms on it. It is the only living planet that we are aware of. Every natural…
Private sector gets go ahead for assisting rehabilitation of degraded forests
The forest panel of the Indian government’s environment ministry has approved guidelines that would allow private industries to be involved in plantation on degraded forest land. In the June 27,…
A forest to my name
When Taimur Ali Khan, the son of Bollywood celebrities and Indian paparazzi’s favourite muse, was gifted a mini forest on his first birthday, it made headlines. Ordering a full-fledged forest…
India’s plan to breathe easy is out, but targets are not legally binding
The Indian government has unveiled its long-awaited National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) that aims at 20-30 percent reduction of particulate matter (PM) concentration over the next five years, with an…
Home gardens and polluted fields are helping conserve this perfume source
The primary source of agarwood and one of the world’s most expensive trees, the evergreen agar tree (Aquilaria malaccensis Lam.) is a step away from extinction in the wild. In…
Rainforest coffee better for taste and biodiversity, but needs policy support for farmers’ income
New research findings caution against the ongoing introduction of exotic silver oak tree species into coffee farm systems in the Indian Western Ghats. Scientists say this could become a threat…
Respecting the environment crucial to rebuild a safe Kodagu
Heavy, incessant rainfall is a fact of life for the people of Kodagu (the erstwhile Coorg district) in Karnataka. “For the old timers here in Coorg, the last few months…
Mango database for plant breeders at the click of a button
Amid concerns over a dip in mango production this year due to climate change and pest woes, a mango database developed by Indian scientists aims to help plant breeders select…
Palani Hills: Where have the grasslands gone?
Almost smack in the centre of the Palani hill range that forms the eastern spur of the Western Ghats, lies the hill station of Kodaikanal. This once sleepy idyllic getaway…
