Water hyacinth mess

One of the most invasive weeds and a Park Manager’s nightmare is the ever present water hyacinth. Introduced in India as an ornamental plant by one of the memsahibs because of its bright purple/violet flowers about a century ago, the plant has spread its tentacles to all parts of India and indeed to all parts [...]

Nano and climate change

Last year at the Auto Expo, the Tata Nano was revealed and it was such a huge hit. Now, the bookings have started and deliveries would start within a few months. While it is great news for the middle class who own two wheelers and have aspirations of owning a car, it also raises the [...]

Innovative urban Gardens

In today’s increasingly urbanized world with ever increasing growth of populations, the luxury of  having a garden where one can have some beautiful flowers or seasonal vegetables has become a distant dream.
With the very limited space at one’s disposal one has to come up with innovative ways of  growing things at home. If you have [...]

Harike 2008

This migratory season seems slightly delayed, perhaps corresponding to the delayed onset of winter chill. However, by the middle of December, most of the winged visitors have arrived.
This time around, the Ibises, both black and white are quite common.

Carbon footprint

Most of us are by now aware of climate change and it’s possible impact. One of the most important contributor to climate change is the emission of carbon. Many of our daily activities, things which we normally do not associate with climate change, – are in fact causing a significant impact. Personally I believe that [...]

History of Scientific Management of the Forests of Manipur

Manipur has a rich history of written chronicles which record in detail the different aspects of life prevailing during the time of different kings that ruled the state. Such detailed royal chronicles or “puyas” date back to the time of King Pakhangba who ruled during 33 AD. Forest and Wildlife have always been recognized as [...]

Earth Hour

With growing awareness about climate change, the impact it has on us and the role each one of us can play to make a difference, there has been a lot of activities around the world, focussing on these issues. Earth Hour is once such beautiful thought which owe its origin to the Australian [...]

Dolphins in Punjab

On the afternoon of 14th December, 2007, I was on a routine tour of Harike Sanctuary. The sanctuary has again come under my jurisdiction as an additional charge from the last about two months besides my regular charge at Ferozepur. Due to the extremely tight schedule and difficult situation at Ferozepur, I have not been [...]

US, the Lone Ranger?

The first thing that Mr. Rudd, the new Australian Prime Minister did after assuming office was to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. This leaves the US, ironically the biggest emitter, as the only nation in the world who has not ratified the treaty

Feeling the Heat

It has been unusually hot for this time of the year. Chandigarh, with all the greenery has been relatively spared of climatic aberrations, but somehow there seems to be no exceptions this time around. Already, places like Amritsar, Ambala, Delhi have recorded higher temperature than usual.
Till last month, my wife and I were having discussions [...]