Climate change is impacting the world. It is the poorest who suffer the most. Yet often rural Indians are leading the way in sustainable advances and trialling schemes that – if rolled out on a macro scale – can create real change in the environment.
Environment
Forget logging or hunting – two Assam villages embrace ecotourism
Giving up hunting and tree felling, two Assamese villages are conserving their forest habitat rather than let their natural resources erode. With their villages now on the eco-tourism map, they are embracing alternate livelihoods.
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.
Ferocious river threatens potters’ livelihood
The 500-year-old legacy of Majuli Island’s potters is at risk as the River Brahmaputra slowly swallows their land and, ironically, measures to prevent erosion only add to the potter’s woes, never mind the next generation’s lack of interest in the art.
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.
Kashmiris turn to eco-treks
The pandemic-induced reflectiveness means more Kashmiris are taking to the hills – becoming eco-conscious trekkers of the mountains they were once content to just look at.
Incessant rains bring flood of emotions
As India’s monsoons increase in intensity, anxiety and fear – of even a small shower – are becoming common. While everyone responds differently, professionals offer tips to cope.
Eco-activists root for bamboo
Bamboo could be the answer to Kerala’s persistent soil erosion and deadly landslides, say passionate environmentalists who plant hundreds of saplings and sing songs rooting for greater spread.
Home insurance ignored by market and government
Natural disasters cost India dearly. Home insurance could be the answer, yet uptake is abysmally low. Who is missing a trick – home owners, the insurance industry or the government?
Kerala floods trigger more migration
With erratic and intensifying rainfall, Kerala is witnessing more deadly floods and landslides in recent years, leading to an exodus of people from vulnerable areas.