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The Hindu
5 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Environmentalists urge Haryana CM to protect Aravali hills
On the eve of the World Environment Day, a group of environmentalists, working to conserve Aravalis, has written to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and the State Forest Department officials to create policies and plans to protect India's oldest mountain range 'so that our wildlife do not lose their home and our current and future generations can live with dignity without gasping for breath'. The members of 'People for Aravallis', a collective of rural and urban citizens and environmentalists, in an email expressed apprehension that Haryana would soon become a desert and water-starved with the Aravali hills being mined at a brisk pace. 'These hills are the only shield preventing expansion of the Thar desert into Haryana. With their natural cracks, the hills have the potential to put two million litres of water per hectare in the ground every year. Sadly, no technology or initiatives like the 'Aravalli Green Wall Project' can restore or get back the two billion years old Aravali hills that have been razed to the ground or continuing to be broken,' read the letter. The group members also shared a 70-odd page report 'State of the Haryana Aravallis: Citizens', the first in a series of upcoming reports, focusing on the status of the Aravalis as a result of rampant mining (licensed and illegal), deforestation, encroachments, diversion of Aravalli land for various projects and lack of sufficient legal and on-ground protective measures. 'The report has showcased in detail how licensed mining and stone crushing units across the Aravalis have been flouting rules and regulations and how illegal mining continues brazenly in most districts in various ways. It also states how of the seven districts where the Aravalis are present in Haryana, in two districts, licensed mining operations have wiped out most of the hills. Only a few small hillocks stand in the name of the 'mighty Aravalis' in Bhiwani district. The policy decision to allow mining in Charkhi Dadri has over the last one decade resulted in the near annihilation of one of the oldest geological features in the world in this district,' said Neelam Ahluwalia, Founder Member, 'People for Aravallis'.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Awareness programme for pharmacists on banned veterinary drugs that affect vultures held
An awareness programme for pharmacists to sensitise them about banned veterinary drugs that affect wildlife, specifically endangered vulture species, was held recently at Cairn Hill in Udhagamandalam. The event was organised by Arulagam, a conservation NGO with the participation of the Department of Drug Control, State Forest Department as well as the Department of Animal Husbandry. Pharmacists from 40 pharmacies from Coonoor, Udhagamandalam, Kotagiri, Gudalur, Pandalur and Manjoor in the Nilgiris participated, a press release said. S. Marimuthu, Assistant Director, Coimbatore North Zone, Department of Drug Control, Government of Tamil Nadu, highlighted the swift action taken by the government after the ban on Nimesulide. 'A circular was immediately sent to every available drug outlet,' he stated. 'We conducted raids, ensured immediate return of banned drugs in stock, and revoked licences of pharmacies that violated the ban.' He added that drug inspectors are closely monitoring bulk medicine purchases. Due to regular instructions from Government Health and Environment Secretaries and the Director of the Drug Control Department, 99% of banned drugs are no longer available in retail sales, he said. Meanwhile, M. Dhayanandan, Forest Range Officer, Siriyur, spoke of the synchronised survey conducted for vultures across three States, highlighting the current population and nest counts. He also spoke about the ongoing Forest Department efforts to remove lantana camara plants, continuous monitoring in the nesting areas, compensation for cattle killed by tiger attacks, and awareness programmes for students and other stakeholders, the press release added. S. Bharathidasan, secretary, Arulagam, delivered a presentation titled 'Vultures: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow.' He spoke of the cause for the sudden decline in vulture population over a short period in India, the current trends, and the steps being taken by Central and State government departments to maintain and restore the population. He also highlighted steps that needed to be taken to increase vulture population and said that if vultures go extinct, that the Nilgiris biosphere will be greatly affected, emphasising the need for collaborative efforts to safeguard the future of vultures. Also present at the event was C. Sreekumar from the Tamil Nadu University of Veterinary Sciences, K. Gopal, president, Nilgiris District Drug Dealers Association, Sridhar, a wildlife zoo veterinarian, as well as volunteers from Arulagam.
New Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Forest Minister Saseendran stresses ethical, sustainable solutions to human–monkey conflicts in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Stressing the need for approaches that are not only effective but also ethical and sustainable, Forest Minister A K Saseendran has said any plan to deal with macaques must ensure the protection of both farmers and wildlife. He was speaking at the inauguration of a workshop organised by the State Forest Department at the Forest Complex at PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram, on Wednesday. The workshop, Mission Bonnet Macaque, aimed to reduce human–monkey conflicts across the state by focusing on long-term and humane solutions. The workshop brought together wildlife experts, scientists, and senior forest officials to discuss practical ways to manage the growing problem. Officials said the conflict has become more common due to factors like urban expansion, destruction of natural habitats, and changes in farming practices that attract macaques to human settlements. Experts from institutions such as the University of Mysore, SACON in Coimbatore, CCMB Hyderabad, and the Himachal Pradesh Animal Husbandry Department shared their studies and suggestions. They spoke about macaque population trends, the need for reproductive control, and region-specific strategies to prevent crop damage and property loss. Veterinary officers from Kerala also presented field experiences, including the challenges faced in tourist areas like Thekkady, where monkeys often come into contact with people. Discussions included scientific population management techniques like sterilisation and guidelines for monitoring and reducing conflict. After detailed sessions and discussions, the Forest Department decided to submit a comprehensive proposal to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This proposal will include steps to assess macaque populations, implement reproductive control in selected areas, and adopt region-wise mitigation methods based on specific needs.
The Hindu
27-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
It is time to stop ritualistic hunting
Since the 1980s, West Bengal's Joint Forest Management committees, which are local community organisations that work with the State Forest Department to protect and manage forests, have fostered community cooperation, improved forest cover and biodiversity, and local livelihoods. However, south-west Bengal continues to face significant challenges related to wildlife protection. One of these challenges is ritualistic hunting. Sikari Utsav is a regional festival that celebrates the hunting tradition. It is held during the dry season (March- May) in the districts of Jhargram, Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Purulia, and Birbhum. During this time, thousands of villagers, along with people from neighbouring districts and States such as Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bihar, enter the forests to hunt small wildlife species, such as wild boars and wild hares. This practice affects wildlife and adds pressure on already under-resourced forest authorities. As the festival also coincides with the peak period of forest fires, it causes further damage to the environment. The forests of south-west Bengal are vast, open, and easily accessible. Human settlements can be found around forest areas. While many villagers use the forests in an ecologically sustainable manner, some others exploit the resources for personal gain, without regard for the long-term consequences. The Forest Department, with limited manpower, finds it increasingly difficult to guard such a vast and interconnected ecosystem. Forest staff in the field are overwhelmed by the sheer number of hunters during the Sikari Utsav. As a result, the efforts to stop this destructive activity are often thwarted, and the forest staff are unable to fully enforce conservation regulations. The practice of hunting during the Sikari Utsav is often justified by its cultural significance. Many of those involved in these hunts view the event as a traditional celebration harking back to the time when archery and shooting were celebrated. They see it as a practice that has been passed down generations. However, the biodiversity and environmental consequences of these actions are undeniable today. While it is crucial to respect tradition, there is equally an urgent need for awareness and change. Wildlife faces unprecedented threats from overexploitation and human encroachment. The actions taken today will directly affect future generations, potentially leaving them with a world devoid of the biodiversity we now take for granted. There is no time to waste when it comes to protecting our ecosystems. The current trajectory of environmental degradation, fuelled by human activities, could lead to the extinction of many species, making them only visible in photographs or books, but not in the wild. This stark reality should be a wake-up call for all. It is not too late to take action, but the time for doing so is rapidly running out. The effort to restore the forest vegetation and wildlife diversity in this terrain through participatory forest management has been substantial. It has taken nearly four decades to witness the return of high-quality vegetation alongside its native wildlife species. The need for cooperation between local communities, government authorities, environmental organisations, and other stakeholders is greater than ever. The Joint Forest Management model has shown that people can play a positive role in forest conservation. But this model needs to be expanded and strengthened. We must invest more time and energy in building awareness campaigns, ensuring law enforcement and forest protection, and strengthening infrastructure to prevent destructive practices from continuing. There must also be a concerted effort to engage with local communities and educate them about the long-term benefits of sustainable living and the importance of preserving biodiversity. The narrative needs to shift from one of exploitation to one of coexistence. This can only happen through dialogue, education, and the active involvement of all stakeholders. The world we leave for future generations depends on our actions today. Protecting forests and wildlife is essential not for nostalgia's sake, but for the well-being of future generations. It is the only way of ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humans and the environment. Singaram Kulandaivel is Chief Conservator of Forests, Central Circle, West Bengal
