Environment India

The conflict around the Sijimali bauxite mine in Odisha is not happening in isolation. It follows a pattern we have seen before-from Gandhamardan to Niyamgiri Hills, and now Sijimali. Each time, a mining project is approved after an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and each time, protests follow.

On paper, the Sijimali EIA looks complete. It has data, charts, and detailed plans. It says environmental damage will be limited and manageable, and that the project will bring jobs and development.

But if you read it closely, a more important question comes up: What kind of “impact” is being counted and what is being ignored?

1. How “Low Impact” Is Defined

The report concludes that impacts will be minimal and manageable, yet it simultaneously describes:

Large-scale land disturbance due to open-cast mining

Removal of topsoil and vegetation

Creation of excavation pits and overburden dumps

A project that physically transforms the landscape cannot logically be described as having “no major impact.” The contradiction lies in how impact is defined i.e. limited to pollution levels, not land transformation. The report follows a standard pattern:

First, it shows that the current environment is within safe limits

Then, it says the impacts of mining will be small and controllable

It offers solutions to manage those impacts

Finally, it concludes that the project will do more good than harm

At first glance, this seems reasonable but the problem is in how “impact” is defined. The report mainly focuses on things like:

Dust

Noise

Water pollution near the site

These are things that can be measured and controlled. What it does not fully consider are bigger changes, like:

Fragmentation of forests and no discussion of forest type, age, or ecological quality

No mention of wildlife dependence or habitat fragmentation

Long-term damage to soil

Changes in how water flows through the land, its hydrology

In simple terms, the report looks at short-term, visible problems, but not long-term, deeper changes.

2. Forests Are Not Just Land

The Sijimali area is not just empty land, it is a living forest. It supports plants, animals, and local communities. But in the report, forest land is treated as something that can be used and then “replaced.” The main solution offered is planting new trees. This sounds good, but there is a big difference:

A natural forest grows over decades or even centuries. It has many species, rich soil, and complex life systems.

A plantation is just planted trees. It is simpler and cannot replace what was lost, specially when no long-term monitoring of ecological recovery was stated.

So, planting trees is not the same as saving a forest. But the report treats it as if it is. The EIA treats forest loss as a numerical problem (hectares lost vs. planted) rather than an ecological problem (what kind of forest is lost).

3. Water: Managed on Paper, Uncertain on Ground

The report explains where water will come from and how it will be treated. On paper, everything looks under control. But mining on a hill or plateau like Sijimali changes the land itself:

Large areas are dug out

Natural drainage paths are disturbed leading to impact on downstream villages, whose evaluation was not done

Rainwater may flow differently or stop reaching certain areas

Risk of erosion, slope failure, and sediment runoff and potential impact on downstream soil and water quality due to mining waste

These changes affect not just the mine, but the whole surrounding area. Overburden dumps are among the most persistent environmental risks in mining, often lasting decades beyond mine closure. For local people who depend on streams and forest water, even small changes can create big problems. The report talks about tanks and drainage systems, but it does not fully explain what happens to the natural water system as a whole.

4. Air Pollution Framed as Controllable

The EIA identifies dust from drilling, blasting, transport and suggested mitigation through water sprinkling and green belts, but what it lacks is:

No long-term exposure assessment for nearby communities

No cumulative pollution analysis (especially if multiple mines operate nearby)

Dust control measures are temporary and maintenance-dependent, yet the report assumes consistent effectiveness over decades.

5. Biodiversity: Mentioned, Not Analysed

The report typically lists flora and fauna and states no endangered species will be significantly affected but:

No study of species movement or habitat connectivity

No analysis of fragmentation effects

No seasonal or long-term biodiversity monitoring

Listing species is not the same as understanding ecosystems.

6. Were Local People Truly Heard?

One of the biggest concerns is about consent. Officially, it is said that village councils (Gram Sabhas) approved the project. But many villagers claim the process was not fair. Some even say signatures were taken without proper discussion. This is serious, because the people living there many from Kondh tribal communities depend on the forest for their lives, culture, and identity.

We have seen a different example before in Niyamgiri Hills, where Gram Sabhas clearly rejected mining. That was seen as a strong example of local democracy. In Sijimali, the concern is that participation may have been treated as a formality, not a real decision-making process.

7. Jobs vs. What Is Lost

The report highlights benefits like:

Jobs

Better roads and infrastructure

Economic growth

These are important. But the comparison is not balanced.

Jobs are counted clearly

But losses are harder to measure

For example:

People losing land are given compensation, but can money replace their way of life?

If forests disappear, what happens to daily needs like food, fuel, and water?

Cultural and spiritual connections to land are not even properly discussed

So, the gains are clear and visible, but the losses are less visible, and therefore often ignored. Displacement is treated as a financial issue, not a social transformation.

8. Why Protests Keep Happening

The protests in Sijimali are not just about this one project. They are about a pattern people have seen again and again. When reports:

Downplay large environmental changes

Treat forests as replaceable

Ignore how water systems really work

Treat local approval as a checkbox

they create a gap between what is written in reports and what people experience on the ground. And when that gap becomes too large, people protest. From Gandhamardan to Niyamgiri Hills, and now Sijimali, the story is similar.

Conclusion: What Needs to Change

The Sijimali EIA is not empty. It has data and follows rules. But its limits are clear. It:

Focuses on small, measurable impacts

Treats forests as replaceable

Assumes losses can be compensated

Treats public consent as a procedure

If environmental assessments are to be trusted, they need to do more. Like most EIAs, this one evaluates the project in isolation. They must:

Accept that some damage cannot be undone

Odisha already has multiple mining projects

Combined effects on forests, water, and communities are not assessed

Look at the bigger picture, not just one project at a time

Understand how land and water systems are connected

Give real decision-making power to local communities

Until then, reports may look complete on paper, but they will continue to face resistance in reality. And places like Sijimali will remain not just mining sites but reminders that development decisions cannot ignore the people and ecosystems they affect.

Impartant reads:-

Sijimali Bauxite Mine EIA report :- ospcboard.odisha.gov.in/wp-content/plugins/hearing/uploads/files_1694776024_408449905.pdf

Executive summary of the project :- forum.nls.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Executive-Summary-Final.pdf

DTE Report :- Vedanta bauxite mine: Odisha villagers raise concerns at public hearing, accuse company of spreading

Hill in conflict: Eastern Ghats unrest recalls Odisha's Niyamgiri story | Industry News - Business Standard

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खाद का अर्थ होता है, खाद्य पदार्थ (पौधों का भोजन), पौधों को पानी के साथ साथ भोजन की भी आवश्यकता होती है। पौधे अधिकतर भोजन प्रकाश संश्लेषण से प्राप्त करते हैं, लेकिन पोषकतत्व (माइक्रो न्यूट्रेंट) जड़ों के माध्यम से पानी के साथ जमीन से ग्रहण करते हैं। भूमि में जो जैविक कार्बन तत्व होता है वह भूमि में जीवन का आधार होता है। यह भूमि में रहने वाले सभी जीव, जीवाणुओं का भोजन होता है। इससे ही भूमि उपजाऊ बनती है और पौधे पनपते है।

रासायनिक खादों की वजह से मिट्टी में यह जैविक कार्बन तत्व कम होता जा रहा है और भूमि बंजर होती जा रही है। रसायनिक खाद रूपी नशा देकर धरती माता का दोहन, बलात्कार किया जा रहा है। एक इंच मिट्टी की परत बनने में हजारों वर्ष लग जाते हैं। दिनों दिन मिट्टी कम होती जा रही है। कुछ मिट्टी को हमने बिल्डिंग, शेड, सड़कों, फुटपाथ के नीचे दबा दिया है, कुछ से हम खनिज लवण, बिल्डिंग मैटेरियल, रेत, कोयला, निकालकर खत्म कर रहे हैं, कुछ से ईंट, मिट्टी के बर्तन बनाकर उसे हमेशा हमेशा के लिए मार दिया हैं। कुछ को रसायनिक केमिकल डालकर, जहरीला करके मार रहे हैं। कुछ को मलबे, प्लास्टिक के नीचे दबाकर, दम घोंटकर मार रहे हैं। कुछ आग लगने से बंजर हो रही है। भले ही हम धरती को माता कहें लेकिन हम इसकी देखभाल माता की तरह बिलकुल भी नही कर रहे हैं। दिल्ली जैसे शहरों में गमलों में पौधे लगाने के लिए ऑनलाइन से मिट्टी 55 रुपए प्रति किलो तक मिलती है। हम मिट्टी को पैदा नहीं कर सकते हैं, लेकिन खाद बनाना ही एक मात्र ऐसी विधि है जिससे हम उपजाऊ मिट्टी उत्पन्न कर सकते हैं। इसे पोंटिंग सॉइल कहते हैं जो विदेशों में बहुत महंगी मिलती है जिसे लोग गमलों में डालकर पौधे लगाते हैं। इसका (खाद का) एक फायदा और है कि हम जैविक कचरे का सदुपयोग करते है जिससे कचरें के ढेर नही बनते है और वातावरण, भूमि, भूजल को प्रदूषित करने से रोका जाता है, जमीन का दुरुपयोग लैंडफिल के रूप में होने से बचाव होता है और बाहर से खाद खरीदनी नहीं पड़ती है और रसायनिक खाद का उपयोग कम होता है।

पत्तों को जलाना या कचरे के रूप में विद्यालय परिसर से बाहर भेजना एक पर्यावरणीय और नैतिक अपराध, पाप होता है, जिससे बचना चाहिए। पत्तों को जलाने से वायु का प्रदूषण बढ़ता है जिससे फेफड़ों की बीमारियां होती है। कचरा सड़क किनारे डालने से बदबू, मक्खी, मच्छर, कॉकरोच, चूहे, बीमारी पैदा करने वाले कीटाणु पैदा होते हैं। लैंडफिल में फेंकने से उपयोगी जमीन खराब होती है, बहुत धन खर्च होता है, हानिकारक गैसें उत्पन होती है। अगर हम विधालय से ब्लैक गोल्ड रूपी इस धन को कचरे के रूप में बाहर भेजते हैं या जलाते हैं तो फिर हमारी पर्यावरण संरक्षण की बातें खोखली ही कही जायेंगी। पत्तों की खाद को मिट्टी या ग्रोइंग मीडिया की तरह प्रयोग में लाया जा सकता है। यह बहुत हल्की होती है इससे छत, बालकनी में लगे गमलों में भार कम होता है और इसकी वाटर रिटेनिंग कैपेसिटी (जल धारण क्षमता) अधिक होती है इससे पानी की आवश्यकता कम होती है। इसमें पनपे पौधों को अलग से खाद देने की खास आवश्यकता नही होती है और पौधों की रोगप्रतिरोधक क्षमता बढ़ती है जिससे उनमें बीमारियां नही लगती है। इसमें मिट्टी वाले रोग नहीं लगते है।

खाद कई प्रकार की होती है जैसे कि पत्तो की खाद, केंचुआ खाद, रूड़ी की खाद, किचन वेस्ट से बनी खाद, रसायनिक खाद इत्यादि। सभी खाद बनाने का तरीका अलग अलग होता है। खाद बनना एक बायोलॉजिकल प्रक्रिया होती है, विज्ञान होती है इसलिए इसके सिद्धांतो को, विज्ञान को समझना बहुत जरूरी होता है। पत्तो की खाद को अंग्रेजी में लीफ मोल्ड भी कहते हैं क्योंकि यह मोल्ड यानि फंगस, फंफूदी बनाती हे। जबकि किचन वेस्ट खाद जीवाणुओं से बनती हे। और केंचुआ खाद केंचुओ से बनती है।

पत्तो की खाद (Leafmold)

पत्तों की खाद बनाने के लिए चार तत्वों की आवश्यकता होती है। १ जैविक कार्बन (पत्ते, फसल अवशेष), २. नमी, ३. ऑक्सीजन, ४. फंगस। विद्यालयों में इसे जमीन में 3,4 फीट गहरा, 3,4 फीट चौड़ा और 5,6 फीट लंबा गढ़ा या नाली खोदकर बनाया जा सकता है। अगर विधालय में जमीन नहीं हो तो ईंटो, लकड़ी, जाली, कपड़े की 4 फीट ऊंची बाड़/दीवार बनाकर या ढेर बनाकर भी बनाया जा सकता है। रोजाना जो भी पेड़ों के पत्ते नीचे गिरे उन्हे गड्ढे या ढेर में डाल देना चाहिए। लेकिन इसमें नॉन जैविक पदार्थ जैसे कि प्लास्टिक, कांच, ईंट पत्थर, मलबा, तेल इत्यादि नहीं डालना चाहिए। जब लॉन की घास कटे तो उसे भी इस गढ़े या ढेर में बिछा देना चाहिए। पौधों की कटाई, छंगायी से प्राप्त पत्ते, छोटी टहनी, खरपतवार, मरे, सूखे हुए पौधे, जड़ें भी डाले जा सकते है, बचा हुआ खाना, फल, सब्जियां, ज्यूस, छाछ, आचार इत्यादि भी इसमें डाले जा सकते है। ऊपर से पत्तों से ढक देना चाहिए ताकि मक्खी मच्छर उत्त्पन ना हो। टहनियों को छोटे टुकड़ों में काटकर (श्रेड करके) डालने से जल्दी खाद बनती है। सप्ताह में एक दो बार इसमें पानी छिड़ककर गीला कर देना चाहिए। गड्ढे या ढेर की लंबाई जगह अनुसार हो सकती है लेकिन चौड़ाई और गहराई/ऊंचाई कम से कम तीन फीट होनी चाहिए। जब एक गड्ढा भर जाए तो दूसरे में शुरू कर देना चाहिए। जब तक दूसरा गड्ढा भरेगा तब तक पहले गढ़े की खाद तैयार हो जायेगी। जब यह खाद पूरी तरह तैयार हो जाती है तो इसमें सोंधी मिट्टी की खुशबू आती है। और यह भूरे, काले, ग्रे रंग की हो जाती हे, साइज छोटा हो जाता है। इसे छानकर या बिना छाने भी प्रयोग में लाया जा सकता है। इसे पूरी तरह बनने में 6 महीने लगते है लेकिन उपयोग में लाने के लिए 3 महीने में तैयार हो जाती हे। गांवों, खेतों में पत्तों के साथ साथ फसल अवशेष भी इसमें डाला जा सकता है। घरों में जमीन नहीं होने पर पत्तों की खाद छेद हुए 200 लीटर वाले ड्रम या बोरों में भी बनाई जा सकती है।

किचन वेस्ट से खाद (compost)

घरों में किचन वेस्ट से भी अच्छी खाद बनाई जा सकती है। इसके लिए पांच तत्वों की आवश्यकता होती है। १. कार्बन युक्त पदार्थ (सूखे पत्ते, फसल अवशेष, कोकोपीट, गत्ते, लकड़ी का बुरादा, इत्यादि), २. नाइट्रोजन युक्त पदार्थ (हरे पत्ते, हरी घास, किचेन वेस्ट, फूड वेस्ट, चाय पत्ती, कॉफी पाउडर, गाय का गोबर,मूत्र इत्यादि), ३. नमी (55%)। गीला: सुखा कचरा 1:1 से लेकर 1:2 अनुपात में डालने से नमी की पूर्ति हो जाती हैं वरना पानी ऊपर से छिड़कना पड़ता है। ४. ऑक्सीजन - खाद बनाने वाले जीवाणुओं के लिए ऑक्सीजन/हवा की आवश्यकता होती है। जमीन में गड्ढे में खाद बनाने से मिट्टी के छिद्रों में उपस्थित हवा स्वत ही प्राप्त हो जाती है। ड्रम या बाल्टी में खाद बनाने के लिए छेद करने पड़ते है। ये छेद 3 एमएम डायामीटर के 6 इंच परस्पर दूरी पर किए जाते हैं। ५. जीवाणु : जीवाणु ही जैविक कचरे को खाद में परिवर्तित करते हैं। वैसे तो भोजन की तलाश में जीवाणु वातावरण से अपने आप ही आ जाते हैं लेकिन वातावरण में तो अनेकों तरह के अच्छे बुरे जीवाणु हो सकते हैं जैसे कि बीमारी या बदबू पैदा करने वाले भी। इसलिए अच्छे जीवाणुओं को कल्चर या जामन के रूप में मिलाने से खाद अच्छी और जल्दी बनती है। क्योंकि अच्छे जीवाणु अपनी कालोनी में बुरे कीटाणुओं को घुसने नहीं देते हैं।

विधि १ :

विधि २ :

विधि ३: घर में ड्रम नहीं होने पर इसे बड़े खाली गमले या बड़े मुंह वाले मिट्टी के घड़े या जूट बैग में भी बनाया जा सकता है।

विधि ४: अगर बड़े गमले में पहले से ही मिट्टी भरी हो तो उसकी आधी मिट्टी निकालकर उसमें किचन वेस्ट और मिट्टी के परत डालकर भी खाद बनाई जा सकती है।

विधि ५ : पेड़ों, बड़े पौधों के चारों और कैनोपी के क्षैत्र में मिट्टी खोदकर, 1 फुट चौड़ी और 1 फीट गहरी नाली बनाकर, किचन वेस्ट को सीधा ही डालकर, मिट्टी से ढककर भी खाद बनाई जा सकती है, जो पौधे की जड़ों को मिलती रहेगी।

अच्छी खाद बनने की निशानी यही है कि उसमें सोंधी मिट्टी की खुशबू आनी शुरू हो जाती है। अगर खाद में बदबू आ रही हो तो इसका मतलब गीले कचरे की मात्रा ज्यादा है, हवा नही लग रही है या नीचे लिक्विड/ पानी इक्ट्ठा हो गया है। उसमें पानी निकालकर और सुखा कचरा मिलाकर फिर से बनाया जा सकता है।

नोट : किचन वेस्ट में सब्जियों, फलों के छिलके, सब्जियों के पत्ते, डंठल, चाय की पत्ती, काफी पाउडर, रोटी, चावल, सुखी सब्जी, आचार, सड़े हुए फल, सब्जियां, नाखून, बाल इत्यादि डाले जा सकते हैं। इसमें मिठाई, दूध, डेरी प्रोडक्ट, तेल, तरी, तरल पदार्थ, नॉन वेज आइटम इत्यादि नहीं डालने चाहिए।

गांवों खेतों में गाय- भैंस के गोबर और फसल अवशेष से खाद

गांवों में लोग गाय ,भैंस, बकरी, ऊंठ ,घोड़ा इत्यादि के गोबर से तो खाद बनाते हैं लेकिन पत्तों, फसल अवशेष, लकड़ी, खरपतवार, खराब हुए भूसे को जला देते हैं। गाय भैंस के गोबर से जो रुड़ी की खाद बनाते है उसमें भी सिर्फ गोबर ही डालते हैं जिसमें नाइट्रोजन की अधिकता होती है, और उसमें ऑक्सीजन नहीं मिल पाती है इसलिए खाद बनने में लंबा समय लगता है, खाद कम बनती है और वह खाद पौधों को जला भी सकती है। अगर खाद बनने के सिद्धांतो (पांच तत्वों : कार्बन, नाइट्रोजन, ऑक्सीजन, नमी, जीवाणु) के अनुसार खाद बनाई जाए तो खाद जल्दी, अच्छी क्वालिटी की और ज्यादा मात्रा में बनती है और इससे मिट्टी में भी सुधार होता है।

विधि :

कृपया आप खाद बनाना अवश्य शुरू करें। कोई भी दिक्कत या जानकारी , मार्गदर्शन के लिए मुझसे कभी भी संपर्क कर सकते हैं। मैं 25 से अधिक लोगों के लिए ऑनलाइन मीटिंग/वर्कशॉप भी करने के लिए तैयार हूं।

खाद बनाएं, जैविक कचरा निपटाएं खाद बनाएं, धरती माता को बचाएं खाद बनाएं, पर्यावरण बचाएं खाद बनाएं, धन बचाएं खाद बनाएं, जैविक भोजन उपजाएं खाद बनाएं, सुंदर बगीचा लगाएं खाद बनाएं, पानी बचाएं

Imagine a world where forests aren't just pretty backdrops, but vital life-giving forces. A recent study from Jawaharlal Nehru University has revealed a fascinating secret: the type of forest can significantly impact the health of nearby farmland. Researchers found that broadleaf forests, with their wider leaves, are more beneficial to soil health than coniferous forests. These forests promote the growth of beneficial microbes, increase organic matter content, and release essential nutrients, leading to healthier and more productive farms.

The research, led by Shankar and Garkoti (2024), published in journal Science of The Total Environment, highlights the pivotal role of Nepalese-alder (Alnus nepalensis) forests in enhancing soil quality and nutrient availability. This remarkable improvement is largely attributed to the alder’s nitrogen-fixing capabilities and higher microbial biomass, which contribute to better soil structure, increased organic matter, and enhanced microbial activity. These findings underscore the critical role of forest vegetation in maintaining soil health and productivity in agroecosystems, highlighting the need for strategic forest management practices.

The findings indicate that integrating alder forests into agricultural practices could be a sustainable strategy to maintain long-term soil health and productivity in the region. So, how can we harness this forest power? The answer lies in integrating trees into our agricultural practices. Agroforestry, alley cropping, contour planting, and intercropping are just a few techniques that can bring forests and farms together in a harmonious partnership. Here are some practical steps for farmers:

But the benefits don't stop there. Restoring degraded lands with oak and alder trees can revitalize entire ecosystems. These trees provide habitat for countless species, help prevent soil erosion, and even play a role in combating climate change. Oak forests, known for their rich biodiversity, can help restore native plant and animal species, creating a more balanced and resilient ecosystem. Alder trees, with their ability to improve soil quality, can play a crucial role in stabilising soil, preventing erosion, and enhancing water retention. Additionally, these trees can contribute to carbon sequestration, mitigating climate change by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. By incorporating these species into restoration efforts, project initiators can create more sustainable and resilient landscapes. For policymakers, the message is clear: investing in forest conservation and restoration is not just about protecting nature; it's about ensuring a sustainable future for our communities and our planet. By promoting the conservation and restoration of nitrogen-fixing forests like Nepalese-alder, they can enhance soil fertility, boost agricultural productivity, and support long-term ecological balance in the region. This approach aligns with broader environmental goals, including biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. Furthermore, policymakers can develop educational programmes to raise awareness among farmers and local communities about the benefits of sustainable land use practices. Implementing incentive programmes for farmers and landowners who adopt sustainable practices can encourage wider adoption. By promoting nitrogen-fixing forests and supporting sustainable land use practices, we can create a healthier, more prosperous India.

By leveraging these findings, policymakers can develop and implement strategies that promote sustainable land use practices, enhance agricultural productivity, and support ecological restoration. The focus on planting oak and alder trees in restoration projects can lead to more resilient and sustainable landscapes in the Indian Himalayan Region. This integrated approach aligns with the goals of biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for the region. So, let's embrace the power of trees and unlock the hidden potential of our forests. Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Source 👉Shankar, A., & Garkoti, S. C. (2024). Influence of forest types on soil physicochemical and biological characteristics of associated agroecosystems in the central Himalaya. Science of The Total Environment, 906, 167731.

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🛑 The residents of the village of Phey near Leh in Ladakh are cultivating a crop that is usually not grown in the fragile, water-scarce cold desert region. Using a technique known as mulching, the village in Leh district has emerged as the hub of organic watermelon cultivation.

🛑 A retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, VP Mohan, sought the immediate intervention of Prime Minister in stopping projects being undertaken under the Shimla Smart City Mission. He also sought efforts to tackle the alleged environmental corruption in the town, besides action against anyone found guilty in this practice. Addressing the media, Mohan said the projects being undertaken under the Smart City Mission were not making the town smart, but converting it into a slum.

https://www.uniindia.com/~/former-wildlife-official-blames-congress-govt-for-ignoring-shimla-s-receding-green-belt/States/news/3174015.html

🛑 A new report by campaigning organisation Greenpeace International revealed that close to 90% of Indians support reducing plastic production to tackle pollution and combat climate change. This widespread public backing comes ahead of a crucial meeting in Ottawa, Canada, where a global treaty to regulate plastics will be discussed.

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/pollution/almost-90-indians-support-cutting-plastic-production-to-tackle-pollution-and-combat-climate-change-greenpeace-95384

🛑 Spread over more than 41 acres and with a capacity of 33,000, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium at Mullanpur, Punjab is on the legal turf, with the filing of a petition in public interest for restraining the BCCI and other respondents from conducting cricket matches and tournament there.

🛑 Assam govt submitted before the Gauhati high court on Wednesday that even though the state cabinet has decided to denotify the Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary, the formal notification has not been issued till date.

In the ever-evolving saga of nature's mysteries, scientists have uncovered a captivating twist in the age-old tale of plants and their soil companions. A recent research by Clark, K. M. et. al., has delved deep into the intricate relationship between these two entities, shining a spotlight on the role of genetic relatedness in shaping their dynamic dance.

With Solidago altissima (North American species of Goldenrod) as their muse, researchers embarked on an enthralling journey to unravel the secrets hidden beneath the earth's surface. Seedlings from a diverse array of parent plants were carefully nurtured, their destinies intertwined with the soil they grew in. Would kinship prove to be a blessing or a curse?

The results of this groundbreaking experiment were nothing short of astonishing. Seedlings nestled in soil from their genetic relatives found themselves in a struggle for survival, their growth stunted by the very earth that bore their lineage. Meanwhile, those planted in soil from unrelated sources flourished, basking in the nurturing embrace of unfamiliar terrain. In a revelation that echoes the complexities of human relationships, it became clear that genetic relatedness holds the key to unlocking the mysteries of plant-soil interactions. Much like a family reunion gone awry, sticking with familiar soil may not always be the best course of action. Sometimes, it's the unexpected encounters with strangers that lead to the most bountiful growth.

As we gaze into the intricate web of life beneath our feet, this study serves as a beacon of insight, illuminating the nuanced dynamics that govern our ecosystems. From the depths of the soil to the heights of the canopy, the interplay between plants and their underground allies continues to captivate and inspire, reminding us of the boundless wonders that lie waiting to be discovered.

Source 👉 Clark, K. M., Gallagher, M. J., Canam, T., & Meiners, S. J. (2024). Genetic relatedness can alter the strength of plant–soil interactions. American Journal of Botany, e16289.

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The interaction between humans and wildlife in India’s Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) offers valuable insights into the dynamics of coexistence and conflict. From leopard-induced livestock losses to elephant crop raiding, the patterns of these interactions reveal a complex interplay between predators and prey. The financial repercussions of these wildlife encounters have spurred communities to adopt various coping mechanisms. Traditional approaches have proven ineffective, prompting the implementation of innovative solutions. Moreover, socio-economic factors significantly influence the intensity of wildlife incursions. In order to gain a deeper understanding of these complex interactions, it is essential to expand the scope of these type of research. These researches are crucial for developing effective conservation and conflict resolution strategies that address the varied challenges faced by communities living alongside wildlife.

A recent study by researchers Anand, S., & Radhakrishna, S. (2024) delve into the impact of mining on human-primate conflict in southern India. Through a blend of household surveys and geospatial analysis, they explore how alterations to the landscape due to mining activities shape the dynamics of conflict between humans and primates in coal mining regions.

In a coal mining region of southern India, researchers delve into the intricate interplay between human activities and wildlife dynamics. Through a meticulous blend of household surveys and geospatial analysis, they unravel the impacts of mining-induced landscape changes on human-primate conflict. Unlike traditional conflict scenarios, where crop damage often takes center stage, house-raiding emerges as the predominant form of conflict. The study took place in Ramagundam Coal Belt region, situated in the Mancherial and Pedapalli districts of Telangana state, southern India, is part of the expansive Godavari Valley Coalfields (GVCF). Initially explored in 1886, the mining region has steadily expanded to encompass an area of 17,000 km2 across several districts. The Ramagundam area, in particular, has been a focal point of intensive mining activities since 1974.

Location of study area and selection of survey locations

Results revealed that, unlike typical rural conflict scenarios, house-raiding emerged as the predominant conflict form, with minimal crop damage instances. Primates exhibited avoidance behaviors towards mining areas, with conflict incidents escalating further away from mines. Landscape features, particularly monospecific plantations correlated with reduced crop damage but increased likelihood of house-raiding incidents. Analysis of long-term land cover changes highlighted the correlation between the expansion of built-up areas and increased human-primate conflict interactions, particularly with rhesus macaques moving towards human settlements. The research sheds light on the intricate connection between mining operations and human-primate conflict, highlighting how human-induced changes to landscapes significantly influence wildlife behavior and conflict patterns.

◆ Arun Krishnamurthy, the founder of Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI), which works in the field of wildlife conservation and habitat restoration, and Saalumarada Thimmakka, the 112-year-old climate warrior from Karnataka’s Tumkur district known as the “Mother of Trees" for planting 8,000 trees, on Wednesday won the CNN-News18 Indian of The Year 2023 in the Climate Warriors category.

◆ The oldest tigress in the country, ST-2 (19), undergoing treatment at Sariska Tiger Reserve, died on Tuesday. Often termed the Rajamata of Sariska, it gave birth to ST-7, ST-8, ST-13, and ST-14.

◆ The Tripura Forest Department, in collaboration with Aranyak, Guwahati, and Tripura University, commenced a three-day consultative workshop for wildlife managers on Wednesday to ensure the sustainable survival and thriving of hoolock gibbons in their natural habitats.

◆ Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said the government has cleared 8,000 hectares of forest land, encroached by suspected Bangladeshi people.

◆ Five forest department personnel, engaged in the early morning patrol, escaped unhurt after suspected members of sand mafia allegedly hit their car with a sand-laden tractor trolley in a bid to avoid interception in the forest area in Tekulapally mandal of Bhadradri Kothagudem district in the early hours of January 9, 2024.

◆ The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has called for an inter-state coordination committee meeting between Telangana, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh, challenging the standard explanations provided by the Telangana forest department for the disappearance of tigers from forest corridor areas in KB Asifabad district, especially the Kagaznagar forest area.

◆ Numerous organizations intensified their protests Sunday at Hariharpur village in the state of Chhattisgarh in India, raising demands to cancel the Parsa coal mine as it threatens large-scale deforestation of the Hasdeo forests of Chhattisgarh, also known as the lungs of Chhattisgarh.

◆ In a concerning revelation in the Kerala Forest department's annual administrative report of 2021-22, over 5,000 hectares of forested land in the state has been encroached upon.

◆ According to the state’s Chief Wildlife Warden Samir Sinha, the tiger population density in Uttarakhand is among the highest in the world. The tiger population, which stood at 178 in 2006, rose to 560 in 2022, recording a rise of 314%.

◆ According to data compiled by the Wildlife Protection Society of India, a staggering 206 tigers and 565 leopards lost their lives during the year. Notably, Maharashtra recorded the highest tiger mortality with 52 deaths, closely followed by Madhya Pradesh with 45.

◆ Bird species in northeastern India have started shifting to higher elevations due to increasing temperatures owing to deforestation, a new study showed.

◆ In a landmark achievement for reptile conservation, Wildlife SOS, a leading wildlife conservation NGO, has successfully rescued over 2,300 reptiles in India throughout the year 2023.

◆ Uttarakhand is witnessing a rise in winter wildfires, with 1006 fire alerts from November 1 to January 1.

◆ As large swathes of India gasped for breath, choking on air laden with contaminants, the National Green Tribunal grappled with a wide range of environmental issues, including pollution of the Ganga and quality and quantity of groundwater and air pollution in 2023.

https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/2023-ngt-cracks-whip-to-spur-officials-to-strive-for-cleaner-air-water-124010100496_1.html

◆ Forest department officials recently seized a consignment of rare fishes worth millions of dollars in the international market from the Mohanbari Airport in upper Assam’s Dibrugarh district, north eastern India.

◆The Maharashtra state government has made virtually all of Aarey Milk Colony a “green zone”, which activists say accords one of the last remaining green lungs of the city the highest level of protection for any area here.

A thrilling discovery made by Mohan, S. K., and team in 2023 reveals something incredible! They spotted the elusive Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) right here in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary within our beautiful Western Ghats. Two of these otters spotted in a rocky-torrential stream back in March 2020. These little fellas were on a frenzy, darting among submerged rocks, exploring nooks and crannies, and sometimes taking playful dives. What’s fascinating is their preference for spots where the water roars with energy, avoiding the calm and shallow areas.

Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra depositing spraints

Now, here’s the real scoop on where they were found – it's a paradise up there! At 1,275 meters altitude in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, there’s lush greenery, these halfway-between forests (called transitional sholas), and patches of green along a speedy stream with big rocks and fallen trees. And get this – this place isn’t just for our Eurasian Otter friends; it's also a sweet spot for the Asian Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus). Looks like they're sharing the space wisely!

Recorded site of Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra from Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

But here’s where it gets interesting: this discovery shakes up what we thought we knew about where these otters like to hang out in the Western Ghats. It's shouting out loud that we need to dive deeper into understanding these otters – their types, where they live, how many there are, and what they’re up to. Knowing all this stuff is like giving them a shield from the things that threaten them – losing their homes, sand mining, being hunted, and their numbers going down. It’s clear as daylight that if we want to keep these otters safe and sound in our precious Western Ghats, we’ve got to take care of the greenery by the streams. It’s like giving them a big, leafy hug and saying, “We got you, little buddies!”

◆ The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in India has raised eyebrows with its latest decision to consider ex-post facto clearances for non-forest projects in the Aravallis. This move effectively opens the door for regularization of constructions previously deemed illegal on this ecologically sensitive land.

◆ District Level Forest Rights Committee has given forest clearances to six roads in Gummalakshmipuram and Kurupam mandals.

◆ Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath proposed to start helicopter services and the establishment of four-lane road connectivity to facilitate seamless transportation to eco-tourism destinations such as Dudhwa National Park, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, and Chuka of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve.

◆ Hailed as a legend with three world records to her name, Rajmata, an Asiatic lioness who died in 2020 in Amreli, has been given a befitting tribute by wildlife enthusiasts and residents of Krankach village in the district. A memorial in the form of a lifesize statue has been installed in the village with a plaque that reads, "World's most legendary lioness."

◆ The Nandankanan Zoological Park will receive two male chimpanzees and one male and one female cheetah from Dubai Safari Park, in exchange for a hippopotamus and six sangais. It will also receive African lion, red-necked wallaby, ring-tailed lemur and Hamadryas baboon in exchange of blackbuck, hog deer, gaur, red jungle fowl and gharial.

◆ Tarak Chandra Paul, an 52-years-old environmentalist from Kanchrapara, North 24 Parganas of Kolkata, West Bengal had arrived at Bongaigaon on Tuesday after 16 day-long bicycle trip from Kolkata.

◆ The department is not leaving any stone unturned in protecting and popularising Kappatgudda forest. The department has now come out with a one-page calendar for the year 2024. It is a special calendar focusing on the wildlife of Kappatagudda.

◆ Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR) director Ramesh Kumar has recommended to the Chamarajanagar and Mysuru district administrations to ban all kinds of New Year celebrations around the tiger reserve. He has made the recommendation to keep the wild animals unaffected during the New Year celebrations at the homestays and resorts around the reserve.

◆ At least 25 people were hospitalised after they complained of uneasiness following an incident of ammonia gas lea at a fertiliser manufacturing unit in north Chennai's Ennore on Tuesday night.

◆ The Japan International Cooperation Agency's (JICA) Forestry Project will revive ‘bhojpatra’ in Himachal Pradesh in collaboration with the Himalayan Forest Research Institute to empower forest-fringe communities, particularly women, through sustainable livelihoods, government officials said on Wednesday.

◆ Two people were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the death of a female leopard after its head got entangled in a clutch wire fixed in the fencing of a private school at Theetukal near Ooty on December 21.

◆ At least 202 tigers died in the wild in India in 2023, with the western state of Maharashtra crossing the half-century mark for the first time. According to the All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE)-2022, the country houses 3,682 big cats in total.

◆ The Kaziranga Bird Conservation Festival will take place from January 9-10, 2024. The festival will include the 5th waterbird census, which is a citizen science initiative. The festival is a collaboration between the Kaziranga National Park and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).

◆ Opposing a proposal with regard to construction of a stadium in the green belt and peacock habitat at Longowal village (Sangrur), an environmental activist from Sangrur, Jasinder Sekhon, has urged Sangrur Deputy Commissioner (DC) to consider an alternate location for the proposed sports stadium.

◆ Three men have been booked for allegedly poaching a deer at Hajipur village in the forest area of Garhshankar subdivision of this Punjab district, police said on Monday.

◆ Forest department personnel arrested four poachers and two timber smugglers from Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Mayurbhanj district during patrolling, an official said on Sunday.

◆ The forest department will create a new range for the Tortoise sanctuary, which will come on the banks of Ganga in Kothari village of Uruva area of Meja. “A proposal for the same has been prepared and will be sent to the government soon following which a team of officials and other supporting staff would be deployed at the sanctuary for its development”, said district forest officer (DFO), Mahavir Kaujalgi.