Latest news with #AshokaTrustforResearchinEcologyandtheEnvironment
Mint
5 days ago
- General
- Mint
A new exhibition spotlights the impact of heat stress on informal workers
Madhe Gowda, a fruit vendor in Bengaluru's Whitefield area, noticed the rising heat in the city about four years ago. Working for more than12 hours a day, mostly under the scorching sun, means headaches and falling sick frequently. 'There isn't a way for us to avoid this heat," he says. Gowda is among the over 400 million informal workers in India's labour force who bear the brunt of heat stress every day. A new exhibition in Bengaluru, Sweat and Concrete 2025, explored how art can draw focus to the heat stress crisis. The exhibition was organized on 29-30 May by People First Cities, an initiative by social movement incubator Purpose. 'If you look at the narrative around heat stress right now, it's alarming. How do we shift this to a more solutions-focused narrative?" says Sonali Bhasin from People First Cities. At the heart of the exhibition was an interactive exhibit, The Neralu Heat Shelter, conceptualised by architects and urban planners Ankrtiya Diggavi and Sagar Kandal. The collapsible shelter was the winning entry in a heat-shelter design competition run by the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE). The microclimate shade features a recyclable metal frame, a tin canopy, a jute curtain that doubles as a hand-pulled fan, and built-in bench for seating. The idea was born out of Diggavi's urban studies in Ahmedabad and Kandal's research in Peenya, Bengaluru, where they documented how informal workers created makeshift shade using broken billboards, tarpaulins, and discarded umbrellas. At a time when rising heat and heatwaves are posing serious health and livelihood risks for informal workers, the architects aimed to design a solution based on informal worker's need and functional use of public spaces. 'We designed the shelter in such a way that it doesn't touch the ground or interfere with public space and folds up onto itself," says Diggavi. The chassis and frame set-up which includes a cycle wheel to move the jute curtain costs about ₹20,000. Scalability is a strong focus. Everything in blue is pre-made of recycled or fabricated metal which can be shipped to different locations. 'Depending on the region it's being shipped to, the canopy, the bench, and the front curtain can be replaced using local materials," Kandal explains. They are hoping to have a conversation with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) about this shelter and how it can be taken forward. 'The larger idea is to force discourse on why we have to think about these solutions in the first place - our current urban designs and plans have all but failed to meet the requirements," Kandal explains. For informal workers visiting the exhibition, it was also a platform to discuss heat as a problem. 'We are often told to just adjust to the heat, never see it as a problem," says Gowda. Rising heat also impacts their physical and mental health. Bhagyamma H, a construction worker, describes how the rising temperatures take a toll on her body, especially when working with materials like cement. 'There's no shade nearby where we can just sit and rest," she says. 'We eat right next to the cement, which radiates heat. Even when we're menstruating and dealing with body aches, we have to keep going in the sun." Mangala, a field worker with the NGO Association for Promoting Social Action (APSA), speaks of the health effects she faces due to constant exposure. 'I get a lot of rashes and itching," she says. Reflecting on the Neralu Heat Shelter, Bhagyamma says spaces like these could offer vital respite. 'At least I can sit and eat my lunch in the shade," she says. I.S. Patil, community coordinator, APSA, emphasises the importance of having solutions-centric conversations and recognising the impact of heat on informal workers. 'Be it BBMP or local hospitals, they see heat only through the lens of health. If people are falling sick because of heat, it's seen as a health issue but not in relation to heat," he explains. The opening day also included a performative play by a theatre collective, Kahe Vidushak. From spotlighting how heat affects women workers in overcrowded factories where they can't drink water or use washrooms to silent struggles of construction workers who have to deal with unreasonable work timelines under the blazing sun, the play gave a glimpse the lived realities of vulnerable communities. On the second day, there was a panel discussion between informal workers with experts and practitioners of climate resilience on how to make city-level responses to heat stress inclusive and needs-oriented. 'This was an opportunity to bring all solutions providers together. We need solutions on-ground, and for that, the conversation must start on-ground," says Bhasin. Also read: 'Loal Kashmir' review: Stories of love and longing from Kashmir
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
ATREE researcher makes rare plant discoveries in Sikkim
A researcher from Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) has recorded the discovery of Eulophia siamensis, a rare plant species, for the first time in India. Pramod Rai, a research associate at ATREE, found the wild orchid species along with Isodon neorensis, another rare plant species, in Sikkim. Eulophia siamensis is previously known only to China, Myanmar and Thailand. Isodon neorensis, which belongs to the mint family, is newly noted for Sikkim, having previously been recorded only in West Bengal's Neora Valley and Bhutan. Mr. Rai chanced upon the rare plants during a field survey in the state. These findings underscore Sikkim's ecological richness and emphasise the critical need for ongoing conservation efforts, said a release from ATREE. A chance discovery Eulophia siamensis, belonging to the genus Eulophia R. Br. ex Lindl, was found in the Sirisay forest of Namchi district. A single plant was found in a rocky and pebbled area, while another was discovered in a shaded forest floor rich in humus. 'This suggests the plant can survive in different types of environments. The orchid's genus, Eulophia, is particularly noted for its remarkable morphological diversity,' said the release. The researchers from ATREE also documented Eulophia siamensis co-existing with native plants such as Cissus discolor, Aristolochia cathcartii, Aeginetia indica, Tephrosia candida, Clerodendrum infortunatum and Begonia picta, highlighting its integral role in the local ecosystem. The findings have been published in the journal 'Acta Phytotaxonomica et Geobotanica', co-authored by Santosh Kumar Rai from Sikkim University, Prakash Limboo from Sombarey Senior Secondary School and Sudhizong Lucksom, a retired Director from the Forest and Environment Department and orchid expert. Haven for unique flora The second discovery, Isodon neorensis, was found growing in a disturbed habitat on a highway roadside in the Daragaon area of Tadong. It is characterised by attractive red flowers on elongated inflorescences. The species found in the Daragaon area exhibits unique features, such as heart-shaped leaf bases and an extended flowering period into late October and November – traits previously unrecorded in this species. This discovery was documented in the 'Journal of Threatened Taxa.'
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Demand for Uttarakhand-like legislation for Western Ghats on outsiders buying farmland
Will tightening the norms on the purchase of farmland help in conserving the Western Ghats? This is a question being raised in Karnataka following Uttarakhand's land law amendment with stringent provisions pertaining to the purchase and sale of agricultural/horticulture and residential land by non-residents in 11 hill districts. Residents of districts in the Western Ghats and environmentalists have demanded the Karnataka government too bring in a similar legislation applicable to the sale of land in the region. Letter to CM Sahadev S.H., an environmentalist from Chikkamagaluru, has written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre: 'It has been increasingly observed that individuals and entities from outside Karnataka are acquiring land in the Western Ghats region solely for commercial purposes such as constructing hotels, resorts, and homestays. These developments often disregard the delicate biodiversity and environmental balance of the region. Unregulated commercial activity contributes to deforestation, water depletion, pollution, and loss of habitat for countless species.' 'The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are not only a treasure trove of biodiversity but also a critical water source and climate stabiliser. It is imperative that we take strong legal measures to preserve this natural heritage for future generations. I request the government of Karnataka to study the recent steps taken by Uttarakhand and enact a similar Bill to regulate and restrict land purchases by outsiders in ecologically sensitive areas of the Western Ghats. This will ensure that the region's ecological integrity is maintained and protected from commercial exploitation,' he said. T.V. Ramachandra from the Indian Institute of Science concurred, saying: 'It is implementable and we need to do it as early as possible. Hope our decision makers understand the need to preserve ecologically fragile regions to sustain water and other natural resources, and more importantly to sustain livelihood of local people.' However, others say it may not be an easy process. Seshadri K.S., faculty, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Bengaluru, said while the sentiment is understandable, banning land purchase will not solve the issue and will be riddled with challenges. 'First off, how does one prove one is not a non-resident, or how does one circumvent the problem where a resident has gone out of the State or country and has made money to invest in the purchase of land and convert it to non-agricultural or non-forest purposes? If we have learned anything from history, it is that a ban will only make way for finding clever loopholes,' he said. The Karnataka government pushed back on the eco-sensitive area identified by the Madhavi Gadgil Report and got another committee by the late K. Kasturirangan, which downsized Gadgil's recommendation, and yet, the report has not been implemented. The primary reason for the pushback and delay is the conflict between nature and development, he said. 'Irrespective of the development aspirations, it is a fact that one cannot exist without nature. In this broader context, yes, rampant land use change is a problem in the Western Ghats, which is home to an incredible diversity of lifeforms, many of which are restricted to small hilltops. The government and the residents would have better success if they instead were to focus on regulating the impact. For instance, there are several swathes of revenue land which are forested, and they are often purchased for building resorts which adds to the pressures on the landscape,' he said. Offering an example, he said G.N. Ashokavardhana, publisher of ATHREE books, Mangaluru, has shown one way for reigning in this impact. He joined hands with the late Krishna Mohan Prabhu, surgeon and environmentalist, and purchased a revenue land parcel abutting the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Over the last two decades, this forest has recovered and forms a conduit for wildlife movement. The land had been earmarked for a resort, and now, the wildlife is conserved as a private forest. 'I would like to bring up another instance which may pave the way in the Ghats. Purushotam Adve, a renowned artist, has been spearheading the local community in the foothills of Kudremukh to not sell off their ancestral homes and move away. He has established Mannapapu Mane, which hosts visitors, conducts workshops for children and adults in a century-old heritage house. He has been urging the neighbours to retain the old homes and is even helping them refurbish the houses,' he added. Unconventional solutions There is a need to open our minds to unconventional solutions to find the middle ground to protect ecologically sensitive areas and also navigate the developmental aspirations, said Mr. Seshadri, adding that at a landscape scale, the administration could explore ways of offering protection to forests by recognising areas such as sacred groves as Community Conservation Reserves and ensure protection. 'Many of the forested areas notified as State forests could be upgraded and annexed to existing protected areas, provided the rights of local communities are accommodated where possible. Unfortunately, a ban is not going to be the magic bullet and one must be forced to think long and hard and identify hyperlocal models of conservation,' he concluded.
The Hindu
02-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Hesaraghatta grasslands will remain untouched
The large 5,678-acre grasslands in Hesaraghatta are finally under protection from encroachment and development. The Government of Karnataka issued the final notification of the Greater Hesaraghatta Grassland Conservation Reserve recently while conservationists and those who have been crying hoarse to save the city's remaining green areas heaved a sigh of relief. The grassland region in Hesaraghatta forms a unique ecosystem close to Bengaluru and supports numerous species of flora and fauna, many of which are endangered. This area is a large carbon sink for Bengaluru and can be a powerful tool to mitigate climate change and counter the rapid concretisation of the city. Conserving the grasslands helps to mitigate the impacts of global warming. The landscape surrounding the lakebed is the last remaining grassland habitat in the Bengaluru region and supports unique biodiversity. Hence, protecting the habitat by creating a conservation reserve for endangered wildlife species in surrounding areas was the need of the hour. 'A living lab' Dr. K.S. Seshadri, Fellow in Residence at the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) in the city, has been associated with the conservation efforts since 2012, when he wrote a report with his colleagues on the need to conserve the grasslands and its rich biodiversity. 'Though it took twenty years, the process has seen the willingness of government officials and citizens to work for the environment in a positive effort,' Dr. Seshadri said. 'Protecting this savanna grassland and wetland ecosystem will give us a lung space that plays a critical role in water security, sustain the rich biodiversity that it supports in the form of wildlife — animals, birds, insects, butterflies, birds and amphibians — and it can become a living lab for researchers to study larger issues of climate change.' The region that has been included under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 includes the Hesaraghatta Lake while the grasslands in the surrounding catchment area are an important reservoir of biodiversity. A survey by Subramanya S. of the Karnataka Biodiversity Board found in it a refuge for endangered wildlife species such as leopards, slender lorises, jackals, Indian foxes, smooth coated otters, wild pigs, common mongooses, black naped hares, Indian mole rats, and Indian field mice. In addition, seven different species of snakes have also been observed in the grasslands. The grasslands are also home to more than 285 species of birds, including the critically endangered lesser florican (Sypheotides indicus), 13 species of amphibians, and 111 species of butterflies, including the lilac silverline (Apharitis lilacinus) butterfly, which was sighted after a century in Bengaluru and that too only in the Hesaraghatta grasslands. Some 395 species of other insect species have been recorded as well. The Hesaraghatta landscape is a site for several wintering migrants from Europe, Central Asia, and the Himalayas, including several species of raptors. One of these migratory birds is the greater spotted eagle (Aquila clanga) and the globally threatened red-necked falcon (Falco chicquera), which the IUCN Red List has classified as being 'vulnerable to extinction'. Surmounting snags The grasslands are a catchment area for reviving groundwater levels, which benefit groundwater recharge and will improve the groundwater table, which would in turn benefit thousands of farmers in the surrounding villages. It also acts as a sponge to soak up monsoon runoff. This is a large catchment of the Arkavathy River and Thippagondanahalli reservoir and also for the nearby Hesaraghatta lake and reservoir. The area's ecosystem services in this regard will improve the water security of Bengaluru and help fulfill many sustainable development goals. The grasslands also provide freshwater in the region for migratory birds. The process of declaring the land as conserved had hit many snags, including opposition by local politicians and people vested in the area's development for real estate. N. Ravindra Kumar, the deputy conservator of forests, Bangalore Urban Division, said, 'The forest department always agreed to the proposal of declaring the grasslands as conserved. Thanks to the efforts of our Forest Minister Eshvar Khandre, many public citizens, and our chief minister, we have succeeded. The notification sets a precedent for such conservation efforts of almost 6,000 acres of government land so near the city, [and] the grasslands are the lungs and a much-needed open space amidst the concrete jungle.' Jagadish Krishnaswamy, Dean of the School of Environment and Sustainability at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements, Bengaluru, said, 'The conservation and restoration of the Hesaraghatta grasslands is very important for the city of Bengaluru. It is the first mega-city in India with a protected grassland with many species of birds, mammals, and insects that need grassland. Grasslands are threatened and being converted to other land use all over India.' Papiya Bhattacharya is a freelance journalist.
