Latest news with #Nilgai
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
IIVR scientists reach out to 2,000 farmers across 6 dists under ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan'
1 2 Varanasi: In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to revamp and energize the agriculture sector, the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR) in Varanasi organised a comprehensive farmer awareness programme on Thursday as part of the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan 2025'. According to the IIVR authorities, the programme reached 2,063 farmers across 33 villages in six districts of Uttar Pradesh. Over 50 scientists from the institute engaged in direct technical discussions with farmers through face-to-face interactions. The campaign was conducted in Varanasi, Chandauli, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Bhadohi and Kushinagar districts, with the highest participation of 462 farmers recorded in Kushinagar. In Varanasi district, 160 farmers from villages Pratappatti, Edilpur, Karaulli, and Daulatiya in Harahua and Sevapuri blocks participated in the programme. During the programme, farmers shared major challenges including Nilgai menace, irregular rainfall, water quality issues, soil health problems, market prices, high water table, urbanisation pressure, and availability of quality seeds. Scientists provided detailed information on natural farming, integrated pest management, new varieties, soil health management, crop diversification, direct seeded rice cultivation, summer ploughing, and govt schemes. IIVR director Rajesh Kumar, who was present at the Karaulli village programme in Varanasi, said, "This campaign is a significant initiative towards doubling farmers' income and promoting sustainable agriculture. Establishing direct dialogue with over 2,000 farmers today is extremely encouraging. Our responsibility is not limited to research alone, but extends to delivering scientific techniques to farmers and solving their problems. The positive response received from this campaign is highly inspiring for us." The institute has also announced regular follow-up programmes and establishment of demonstration plots. Lauding Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, a national campaign aimed at educating farmers about modern and sustainable agricultural technologies as well as practices, CM Yogi Adityanath had on Thursday said that this was the first time when agricultural scientist would come out of their labs and other big institutions to take stock of the agricultural land at the ground level and devise strategies to meet the challenges the farmers face. Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Yogi said that the initiative will prove to be a foundation of the 'Viksit Bharat Abhiyan' envisioned by PM Modi. He said that agriculture scientists, officials from the agriculture and the allied sectors and farmers would come together to wheel in measures for higher agricultural productivity and growth.
India.com
5 days ago
- General
- India.com
Rare Species Of Flora And Fauna Discovered Near Delhi – A Must-See!
The Indian capital of Delhi earns its reputation as a concrete urban area through its population density together with its traffic problems and outward-building trend. Beneath Delhi's urban appearance exists an astounding natural biodiversity collection. The city borders the natural ecosystem remnants of Aravalli hills and Yamuna floodplains and various protected areas which protect rare animal and plant species. The distinct species which reside only in this area maintain the regional ecological equilibrium while safeguarding Delhi's natural history. A presentation of seven critical aspects explains why we can only observe unique flora and fauna species in Delhi and its surrounding areas. 1. The Aravalli Biodiversity Park: A Haven for Native Species The Aravalli Biodiversity Park exists in the southern part of Delhi to both reconstruct native plants and build wildlife habitats. The 692-acre park showcases more than 300 plant species where most are local to the Aravalli range. Two rare plant species the Anogeissus pendula and Boswellia serrata along with other native species grow naturally in this habitat. The park functions as a vital sanctuary for disappearing biodiversity in Delhi by fostering both birds and reptiles with insects. 2. Sarus Cranes: Majestic Birds of the Yamuna Floodplains One can locate the world's tallest flying bird of species Antigone antigone (Sarus Crane) throughout the Delhi region's wetlands near the Yamuna River. Each Sarus Crane reaches heights of six feet into the air with distinctive red heads and elongated necks. The Yamuna floodplains protect small remaining groups of wildlife because habitat destruction and increased agricultural lands have reduced their overall population. The conservation of Delhi's wetlands becomes vital because Sarus Cranes inhabit this region. 3. Nilgai populations inhabit the edges between urbanized areas and they go by the name Blue Bull. The Asian antelope species Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus ) holds the title of Asia's biggest antelope and primarily resides in scrub forests and grasslands at Delhi's city limits. Mass populations of Nilgai inhabit northern India yet this species exhibits adaptation success within urban territories because they explore residential areas during feeding activities. Scientific trackers from conservation organizations follow Nilgais to stop conflicts between animals and humans as well as to protect the antelope species within broken-down habitats. 4. Blackbuck: An Endangered Antelope Making a Comeback The Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) gained notoriety as an endangered species that faced extinction from hunting activities and habitat loss but it has recently recovered in the areas near Delhi. Blackbucks have recovered to a limited extent due to the implementation of protective measures along with population reintroduction in Sultanpur National Park and other nearby sanctuaries. These creatures possess graceful spiral horns combined with a unique coat pattern that makes them stand out as one of the most attractive wildlife species in the area. Sustainable habitat for animal groups depends on the preservation of open grasslands. 5. Medicinal Plants of the Ridge Forest Numerous rare medicinal plants exist throughout the Delhi Ridge which people traditionally call 'green lungs' of the city. The rocky terrain supports the natural growth of Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica) which treats respiratory problems together with Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) that strengthens the immune system. Traditional medicine benefits from these plants while they help preserve soil stability and support wild animals that inhabit the area. The Ridge forest conservation is crucial to protect these important botanical resources. 6. The Monitor Lizard Occupies Its Role As The Top Predator That Inhabits Urban Water Reservoirs Delhi residents can observe the Indian Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis ) throughout its habitat near and in the city area. The reptiles rest near Sanjay Lake and Okhla Bird Sanctuary waters where they exist as top predators which feed on fish and birds alongside small mammals. Monitor lizards survive in particular urban areas despite the continuous threats of habitat destruction and animal poaching. Healthy aquatic environments with existing wildlife populations demonstrate that conservation work needs to keep advancing. 7. Migratory Birds: Seasonal Visitors to Delhi's Wetlands Thousands among thousands of migratory birds choose Delhi as their temporary winter base each year when they journey from Siberia and Europe and Central Asia. The Okhla Bird Sanctuary along with Najafgarh Drain serve as habitat for endangered bird species including Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus ) and Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca ). During their seasonal migration birds enhance Delhi's bird population numbers while demonstrating the vital need to conserve these wetland territories. These vital ecosystems require immediate protection because they face substantial threats from the advancing pollution and encroachment. Conclusion The location of Delhi between the Aravalli Hills and Yamuna River creates an optimal setting for the development of rare species to thrive. The wildlife zone includes remarkable species such as Sarus Cranes that share their habitat with medicinal plants of the Ridge forest region alongside development areas in Delhi. However, rapid urbanization, pollution, and climate change pose severe threats to their survival. Sustainable protection of natural wonders requires continuous alliance between citizens and policymakers and environmental organizations. The preservation of rare natural species through conservation action and knowledge sharing will maintain Delhi as their sanctuary while allowing humans to coexist with nature in an urban environment.
India.com
23-05-2025
- General
- India.com
The Blue Bull Beast: 7 Facts That'll Wow You About Nilgai
Muskan Kalra May 22, 2025 Despite its name, the Blue Bull is not a bull at all—it's an antelope. The term 'blue' comes from the bluish-gray coloring of the adult males. Despite their size, Nilgai are fast runners and can leap long distances, helping them escape predators like tigers and leopards. Males are larger and have a bluish-gray coat with small horns, while females are smaller, brownish, and usually hornless. Nilgai are native to India, Nepal, and parts of Pakistan. They're one of the most commonly seen wild animals in northern India. An adult male Nilgai can weigh up to 300 kg (660 lbs) and stand over 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall at the shoulder—making it India's largest antelope. Nilgai are strict herbivores, feeding on grass, leaves, and crops. In agricultural areas, they're often considered pests due to crop damage. While Nilgai are protected under Indian wildlife laws, their growing population and crop raiding habits have led to conflicts with farmers, sparking debates over management and culling. Read Next Story
Time of India
11-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Forest dept to conduct wildlife census in Gautala
: The annual at in the Kannad taluka of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district will be conducted by the at 15 different places inside the sanctuary. The census will be carried out from 5pm on Monday until dawn the next wildlife warden for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Dr Kishor Pathak, said 15 machans (platforms erected on trees) have been put in place for observing the animals. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Most of these machans are erected near water holes situated in different parts of the Gautala Autramghat Wildlife Sanctuary. As natural water resources dry up during summer, visit water holes to quench their thirst and can be easily spotted for keeping records," he those taking part in the wildlife census, the forest department has appealed to participants not to wear colourful or bright clothes. "The participants must be fully dressed. They must not bring flashlights or batteries, as the bright moonlight is sufficient to spot the wild creatures. Participants should not carry plastic bottles, food, or alcoholic drinks while observing the animals during the census," Pathak authorities have also appealed to participants not to play songs or videos on mobiles or any other devices in the forest area. Spread over Sambhajinagar and the neighbouring Jalgaon district, Gautala Autramghat Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of wild animals, including a lone tiger, leopards, wild boars, deer, Nilgai (blue bull), hares, and Indian porcupine, to name a few, along with several reptiles and birds.
The Print
06-05-2025
- General
- The Print
MP forest dept to use low-altitude helicopters to herd crop-raiding wildlife away from farmlands
Once inside, the animals will be relocated to wildlife sanctuaries and national parks across Madhya Pradesh. The initiative, developed with assistance from South African wildlife experts, will see a lightweight Robinson helicopter fly low over farmlands in Shajapur and Agar Malwa, driving the animals into designated funnel-shaped enclosures that lead to specially designed cages mounted on trucks. Bhopal: In a first-of-its-kind move in India, forest officials in Madhya Pradesh are preparing to deploy a lightweight and low-altitude flying helicopter to help relocate herds of antelope and blackbuck that have been damaging crops across western districts of the state. After nearly two years of delays, the Madhya Pradesh forest department received the go-ahead on Monday to rent the Robinson helicopter for 50 hours. With final approval from the aviation department, forest officials are now preparing to implement the operation. 'We have received approval from the aviation department, but it will not be possible to carry out the operation in May as the temperature is too high. We are now working to carry out the work in October,' said L. Krishnamurthy, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (APCCF) Wildlife. 'It is the first time that such an exercise is being carried out. We will be carrying out the herbivores with assistance from South African experts.' Farmers guard crops at night According to forest officials, the move follows increasing complaints of animals raiding fields across western Madhya Pradesh. Farmers said they spent their nights in the fields, taking turns to guard their crops armed with torch lights and sticks. Gyaan Singh Gurjar, a farmer in Setkhedi village, has twice submitted written appeals to the administration over the past year, through the RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, urging protection for farmers and their crops from crop-raiding herbivores. 'Our yields have dropped by almost 30 percent, with instances of Nilgai and blackbucks stomping our fields every night only increasing. They come in large herds and squat on the crops, be it wheat or pulses. The extent of damage is such that crops can neither be salvaged by cutting manually nor with machines,' said Gurjar. Mukesh Patidar, the district in-charge for the Bhartiya Kisan Sangh, said the instances of crop raiding have dramatically increased, putting desperate farmers in direct conflict with these herbivores. 'The forest department has brought in some specialised cages, but for the past few months, they have been lying simply catching dust,' explained Patidar. Forest officials acknowledge the challenge posed by the galloping antelopes. 'During one discussion with experts from South Africa in Kuno National Park, we learnt of their method of catching them using helicopters and specialised fences. They agreed to assist us and we looked at it as a training for our staff who can then carry out similar operations themselves,' said a senior forest official requesting anonymity. A team of 10 experts, led by Kester Vickery, co-founder of Conservation Solutions, has been roped in to help the Madhya Pradesh government relocate antelopes and blackbucks. The decision was made in January 2024, but over the past 18 months, the forest department faced delays in renting a helicopter. 'In 2024, the tendering process was first affected owing to the Lok Sabha elections, with many helicopters remaining unavailable. After this, another tender had to be cancelled, before the aviation department was tasked to assist the forest officials,' said the officer quoted above. (Edited by Sugita Katyal)
