Archive for August, 2010

The North East Center for Environment Education & Research (NECEER), Imphal in association with Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi Greens and World Institute of Nature, Pune invite concerned citizens to the Enviro Lecture Series, a quarterly lecture series starting from September 2010 in Delhi. Academicians, scientists, researchers and experts/activists will deliver lectures on ... Full story

The Asian Citizens Assembly (ACA) 2010 concluded recently in the South Indian city of Bengaluru and succeeded in bringing together citizens from across Asia to share and discuss the challenges, hopes and aspirations of the people inhabiting the largest landmass on the face of the Planet. The ACA was themed ... Full story

India Cyclothon 2010 is a mass participation cycling event for professional, amateur and casual bikers. The event intends to promote the cause of cycling and its various benefits, namely heightened environment consciousness and health. BSA Hercules India Cyclothon is the only excuse you need to get up and go have fun on ... Full story

We all are aware of the increasing traffic and congestion problem that leads to pollution and needs some quick fix solutions. A high consumption pattern in big cities is also leading to and promoting the climate change phenomenon. Clean, green and realistic efforts towards a cleaner and greener future in the people-planet-profit mode ... Full story

Captured on August 16, 2010, the Commonwealth Express (CWG) train which was flagged off from Delhi June 24 stands at the Secunderabad Railway Station. The train aims at spreading the spirit of the Games and motivates youth across the country to participate in various sports. The exhibition train comprises 11 coaches. While five coaches ... Full story

I-dream is an environment education initiative for schools and school students. Set up in 2008, I-dream works in the field of environment education, energy conservation and waste management. The organisation is currently looking for an environment trainer to conduct environment education courses with students of class VI to X in schools in Delhi. The ... Full story

The monsoon has been surprising the capital with its on and off fall, and yet the people are fully drained in its relieving delight. Delhi is geared up to enjoy the monsoon with a special festival known to many Indians as ‘Teej’. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion ... Full story

The University Community for Democracy (UCD), an independent forum setup to speak out against the shrinking democratic space has initiating a relay hunger strike from 9 am to 9 pm, starting 12th August, 2010. This is taking place at  Arts Faculty Main gate (Opp. Science Faculty), North Campus. Each day ... Full story

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra along with Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, Prannoy Roy and Dr. R.K. Pachauri As the Independence Day comes closer, many Indians are joining the green pledge to make India’s future green. Joining in the green wagon is Bollywood sizzling actress Priyanka Chopra, who has agreed to ... Full story

The recently concluded The Future of the Bengal Tiger, a conference hosted by the Sanctuary Asia, brought together over 150 delegates, speakers and other participants from all walks of life. Held on 6th August 2010 at the Teen Murti House auditorium, the participants were a blend of wildlife conservationist, researchers, media persons, bureaucrats, foresters and many school students and laypersons. Though students represented the majority, the blend of participants reflected the growing interest in tiger conservation among the general public. The conferences entailed talks by the forest department officials, military personnel, politicians, wildlife biologists and journalists. The sessions also dealt with issues like corruption, conflicting mandates among the different bureaucracies, political will towards conservation and other biological, social and political imperatives and challenges of tiger conservation in India. The entire discussion was holistically facilitated by the enchanting and forever enthusiastic Mr. Bittu Sahgal of Sanctuary Asia. The inaugural session saw introductory speeches by some key people influencing tiger conservation in India. The Hon'ble Minister for Environment & Forests Shri Jairam Ramesh, Dr. Karan Singh, former chairperson of Tiger Task Force 1972 and a staunch conservationist began the day with their thought provoking facts and key challenges. Valmik Thapar’s stimulating talk drew attention of the audience and speakers to the grave situation of tigers in India. He spoke at length about bringing reforms in the selection, recruitment, training of the Indian Forest Service officials. He expressed concern towards the precarious state of forest department, staff and stressed on the need of good cadre-building through proper training, remuneration and strengthening them with facilities and arms to improve protection of the reserves. Other speakers in this session included Meera Sanyal RBS, Hemedra Kothari and Dr. Vandana Shiva. The second session was chaired by Ms. Belinda Wright of Wildlife Protection Society of India, Mr. P. K Sen, former director Project Tiger, Ms. Prerna Bindra, the renowned wildlife journalist, and Mr. Biswasjit Mohanty of Simlipal Tiger Reserve. The session included discussions on the protection status of Tiger Reserves, threats posed by poaching and left wing extremism to tiger habitats. Mr. Sen shed light on the inter-departmental conflicts between Indian Forest Service and Indian Administrative Service which is hampering tiger conservation presently. He recalled several instances when forested lands were mindlessly diverted to development projects and other activities by the revenue department that has led to the reduction of forest wealth in India. Ms. Bindra spoke about the rising wildlife crime and vulnerability of the protected areas to different kinds of criminal activities such as Naxalism, underworld, drugs and wildlife trade. The interactive session following the discussions was dominated by the questions raised by the students of various schools in the NCR. The students echoed their sentiments by asking the experts about what they can do to save tigers in India. Full story