Author: Deepanwita Gita Niyogi
Win-win for women working in eco-tourism camp
While five eco-tourism camps in Odisha’s picturesque Satkosia Tiger Reserve offer a nature retreat for tourists, they also boost both the confidence and income of the women workers.
Scenic Bastar’s instagrammable art cafe
Situated in Jagdalpur, Bastar, this art cafe is famous for its delicious regional cuisine such as chillla (made of rice), tribal wall-art, and gorgeous sunset visible from its terrace.
Safaris drive up Bastar tourism
A group of Chhattisgarh youth invest in sports utility vehicles to offer safari rides inside the Kanger Valley National Park, gaining an income and boosting tourism in Bastar.
“I realised I couldn’t live without jungles”
Wildlife biologist Prachi Mehta has been attracted to jungles and wildlife since her school days. The jungles, where many women hesitate to tread, are her passion, where she does her own wildlife research and conservation work along with her husband, through their Pune-based organisation, Wildlife Research and Conservation Society.
Rural youth turn to cool eco-tourism jobs
Converted into an eco-tourism facility, the scenic spot near Kodar Dam in Chhattisgarh offers a perfect weekend get-away, while ensuring local employment for rural youth and better income.
Ancient Mayurbhanj Chhau dance steps up revival
The dramatic 19th century martial arts Mayurbhanj Chhau dance is stepping up its revival thanks to renewed patronage of an erstwhile royal family and government support.
Tracking endangered northern river terrapins
Released and tracked - endangered northern river terrapins, bred in captivity, are closely monitored after being released into their natural mangrove habitat in the Sundarbans - thanks to India’s first-ever GPS tagging and tracking programme.
Weavers keep Bastar’s pata saree tradition alive
Artisans are hopeful traditional handloom weaving will get a much-needed boost in Bastar, Chhattisgarh - home of the pata saree - as the government plans to start a weaving hub.
How a school parliament grooms Bastar tribal children
In a remote tribal village in Chhattisgarh, a government school takes initiatives to make learning interesting, using a bal sansad to build children's problem-solving and leadership skills.
Meet Similipal’s young forest “Protection Assistants”
Meet the youths working with the forest department – designated as “Protection Assistants” – to prevent poaching, stop illegal timber logging in Similipal National Park and spread the word about the benefits of park protection.
Small wetlands are being neglected
While larger wetlands are being protected and restored, smaller ones of vital importance to villagers are being ignored at best, encroached upon at worst.
“My pupils will one day play at the Olympics”
Karuna Purty beat poverty and prejudice to become a national hockey player. Now she coaches girls who have the same dream in their eyes that she had many years ago. Karuna Purty from Khunti district of Jharkhand talks about her journey in her own words.
Life skills videos are a lifeline
For India's most marginalized, getting access to information and basic life skills has never been more important than during the pandemic. Dramatized videos and tech are bridging the gap.
Tribes welcome revival of traditional cultural centers
Ghotuls, traditionally where youth learnt to take on responsibilities, fell into decline for many reasons. Tribes believe the government’s plan to revive them would uphold the tribal culture
Women get trained for employment and starting enterprises
Second Chance program helps girls who had quit education take up jobs after a short training, and helps women farm and set up small units
Revived shallow springs fulfill water needs of villages
Once a perennial source of drinking water, natural springs called jhirias started vanishing. Revived and conserved, the springs’ water is now filtered and supplied through hand posts
American saffron emerges as an alternative crop to opium
In Jharkhand’s remote villages where opium has been cultivated illegally for many years, forest department promotes American saffron as an alternative crop of commercial value
Villagers conserve sacred groves as cultural and religious symbols
Sacred groves, an integral part of tribal life have been declining. Villagers are restoring the groves to ensure preservation of their culture and to address malnutrition
Community restores private forests for sustainable future
Private forest owners have been restoring degraded lands, improving green cover and livelihood opportunities. The initiative helps in biodiversity conservation and maintenance of wildlife corridor as well
Elephants establish new habitat in Andhra Pradesh
Farmers suffer crop damages as elephants re-colonize the state after centuries. While Wildlife Week celebrations are on, experts advocate long-term planning to minimize conflicts