It is normally perceived that eco-friendliness comes at a price. An organic farmer has to invest time and money into solutions to replace quick-and-easy fixes; an upper-middle class conscious consumer scratches her head in the supermarket, to select the cheapest product from the pricey eco-products; a small business man thinks twice before switching to a renewable source of energy.

One explanation that is often given for high prices of  goods is that of “internalisation of externalities”. According to this notion, “cheap things” will not be cheap if the cost of  mining, production, packaging, distribution and disposal is incorporated into the total price, as it harms the environment. However, as it usually isn’t, this creates externalities (negative effects) which the larger community and the biosphere carry, and not the producer and the consumer of  these goods.

However, this explanation is no longer convincing, especially after we see a number of excellent business models built around the concept of conservation and eco-friendliness.

Delta Pure provides clean drinking water to their clients by leasing out water purification equipment, which allows the clients to cut the water-heating costs by half. Another example is that of Next Gen PMS, who set up biogas units, based on the concept of BIOT (Build, Operate and Trade) and charge their clients a fee for waste management and reduction of gas bills. These models show that clients do not care to go green per se, or buy expensive technology; rather, they want accessible and affordable services that allow them to enjoy things at a decent price. And smartly designed green solutions provide exactly that. Having studied the transition of economy into the green economy for the last five years, I have seen some very successful models where saving the environment has been a pragmatic choice.

Even more so, if we go beyond the short-to mid-term profitability, we will see that maintaining your business over time is inconceivable without thinking sustainably. Can you envision your business in 20 years, given the pressure of planetary boundaries?

What about 50 years?

100 years?

And if you cannot, perhaps you should question the nature of what you are doing; and quit, and do something else instead, something that will benefit the generations to come.

And yet, faced with a choice, what will you prefer?

Many have switched to organic food, after realizing that it is better for their health, but not everyone can afford it.

Definitely not the poor consumers, who only want food for survival. But why is organic food more expensive?

From one point of view it should be cheaper, because organic agriculture does not require chemicals, and allows you to produce everything you need (compost, herbicides, etc.), all within the agricultural cycle itself – given that you know how to do it and what to plant.

The other point of view is that, organic food production cannot deliver the economies of scale. In one way, it is true; why would I bother diversifying my crops and creating an organic farm, if I can simply plant cash crops which will require just one type of chemical and one technique. However, this argument outlives itself.

“Small is Beautiful”, a book by E.F. Schumacher, taught us a few decades back that there is an optimal scale for everything. The same thing was predicted by mainstream economics, too: the law of diminishing returns. And yet, everyone wants to expand.

If I receive returns on my money today, I will not be satisfied, and tomorrow I will want to sell more. No matter what the community says; I will strive to expand, increase my market – either by hard selling, or by going far beyond my locality.

This is how we end up with unstable global economic system, where the prices of cash crops in Brazil affect subsistence farming in India and vice versa. This is how we end up with a global system of consumerism where, no matter what, more and more  has to be produced, and more and more demands have to be created, such that if people don’t want to eat my samosas any more, I will have to shove them down their throats – all for the sake of selling, and earning my premium without worrying about the nature and communities that are destroyed in the process.

So, economies of scale only make sense up to a certain optimal level. Organic farming can achieve that level – this is my strong belief – and provide enough food for the local market, given adequate demand and fair prices. And as for externalities – in case of farming they are offset by low input and a relative independence of a farmer from supply sources. Therefore, there is no reason why organic food should be more expensive than conventionally produced food.

The culprit is marketing and distribution costs, but in future, with organic farming becoming a more routine enterprise, and with good mechanisms of creating a trust-based supply chains, these costs will reduce to a minimum.

If we have to make changes in consumer choice, being green should not hurt the pocket.

Real economic miracle for the world lies in being eco-friendly and resource efficient.

New green economy is here.

Let’s start identifying products and business models which work for the bottom line and ecological principles.

We don’t need artificial subsidies; we just need to think long-term, make wise choices, and create a critical mass of the same, so that tomorrow we needn’t think back about what we could have done in a different way.

Rishab Khanna and Tatiana Sokolova

Image Source [http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xdbzzVqGcPU/TjAFC3Y6KPI/AAAAAAAAAEM/3Iqd_HGhKC4/s1600/Globe+in+grass.jpg]

We talk of the Earth Hour but how seriously do we all take it?

We all know how important and meaningful Earth Hour is in some countries. A worldwide event organized by World Wide Fund for Nature, this year was to be conducted from 8.30 to 9.30 p.m yesterday. With the depletion and disastrous impact on nature and resources, such events help bring together people and promote awareness.

But how seriously do we take it?

Delhi participated in this noble event by switching off lights at places like India Gate, Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort, Central Park (CP), and other significant places. People gathered at these places to celebrate the hour, not only to promote saving power but to promote renewable sources of energy. Celebrities promoted the cause and people worldwide joined in.

But personally, I did not see a real commitment to the cause.

I myself was roaming around in one of the most popular mall-chain area in Gurgaon at the time of the Earth Hour. The metros were running, the malls were lit up, and there was not a single mention of the Earth Hour. House lights were on, shop lights were on, and everything that should have been shut down to promote the cause was on.

Looking at it personally, I myself would find the hour quite inconvenient. No person would want to admit it, but let’s face it, we all use this excuse “we had more important things to do”. My life is so dependent on electricity and such forms of resources that make it “impossible” to take part.

Why would I stop my work when my neighbors are still using electricity?

Why would anyone pardon interruption in any form of work flow on the basis of much-hyped trend?

How will my contribution make any difference?

Sadly, these are the thoughts of many. Anyone can very easily call themselves environmentalists and nature lovers but ask them to sacrifice an hour and it becomes panic city. We have convinced ourselves that we are so empty without these things that an hour is too much.

Another big problem, many didn’t even know about it. If you go out and ask about everyone’s contribution in the worldwide event, many would give you blank expressions.

“That was today?”

“Oh man, if I had known about it, I would have done something!”

It’s just like the story I read when I was younger, where Birbal had a gathering arranged, where all the villagers were asked to pour a pail of milk in a pot at the entrance. The whole village showed up at the party and celebrated, but at the end of the day the pot was full of water. Everyone thought that the others would bring the milk so their pail of water won’t make a difference.

Same is the case with people. We believe that so many people are putting their efforts in; our absence will not be noticed. This attitude is a common thing with many, which results in no productivity at all.

When most of us are ignorant and rely on others, how will anything good happen in our society or lives?

We need to start taking individual responsibility for our surroundings. Even a single person’s action makes a difference. If we don’t have someone to be inspired from we can always be the inspiration.

Why do we need the sheep-following technique to execute our actions?

Why do we need the bribe of a celebrity interaction or big labels attached to catch our attention for such a good cause?

When the rest of the world can take it seriously, why can’t we?

Cities like Delhi might have conducted these events with good intentions, but small scale events and awareness are just as important as the large, popularized ones.

Ambika Chauhan

Image Source [http://www.wwfblogs.org/climate/sites/default/files/Delhi_EarthHour.jpg]

Another Kind Of Blame Game

As I think of what I want to say about the drought that the Marathwada region of Maharashtra is experiencing right now, I draw a blank. Generally, I’ve always got an opinion about something, but in times like these, what can be said that hasn’t already been said?

Natural disasters and calamities cannot be controlled. Global warming is taking it’s toll, and it can’t be stopped, just reduced. In any case, when such occurrences decide to occur, we need to provide relief to those who need it.

Right? Right.

This relief is supposed to come indirectly in the form of our money, which is collected as tax by our government, and it’s supposed to use it judiciously for the welfare of the country…all that. We all know that, and I don’t want to reassert that.

We also know that our government is doing a generally pathetic job of providing welfare to its citizens, and it’s really corrupt.

Everyone has expressed their disappointment in our sad excuses of “leaders”, and the people in question have seen the effects of their actions – or rather, inactions – but nothing stirs them.

And it really makes me wonder if they gave a f**** about this (five points to you if you figured out the Maroon 5 reference).

You’d think that after hundreds of protests, thousands of petitions, and millions of scathing voices, there’d be an attitude shift. Who would have thought that after seeing the consequences that their work has on over a billion people, there wouldn’t be a drastic change?

This time, I don’t have anything mordacious to say. There are many others who’ve been echoing what we all feel.

When it comes to me, there are other thoughts echoing in my head, too. They’re questions.

How? And why?

In politics, why is everything a blame game? The Opposition is using this as a chance to throw around all kinds of accusations that may or may not be true. Apparently, this drought is “artificial” because water which should have been used by the people was directed to breweries. It’s horrible to use a calamity as a chance to strengthen your hold over the seats of the ruling class, and it’s even worse if these allegations are true. Maybe the Opposition is doing us a favour.

According to an investigation by Headlines Today, this drought is “man-made” because the government was corrupt, and it did not complete its irrigation projects properly.

Now, the government plans to make it mandatory to have drip irrigation in the region, so that up to 60 percent of the available water is saved. Der aaye durust aaye? (Better late than never.)

Arre, der se kyun aaye? (Why late?)

If you know what conditions are like in your region, which, as the government, you’re supposed to know, how hard is it to introduce such a bill in the Parliament before things get out of hand?

Is this an attempt by those who caused the drought to appease their consciences?

Because I don’t see how anyone can live with themselves after knowing that what they do have repercussions for over a billion people, and still let them down. That has got to take some serious skill.

I wonder how much effort it takes to pass off a situation such as this, solely upon “nature’s will”. Doesn’t the weight of all the suicides committed by people who can’t see a way out feel like murder?

I guess being extremely detached is a special quality that only a very few have.

Sanya Sharma

Image Source [http://www.madhyamam.com/velicham/en/sites/default/files/imagecache/w604/drought%201.jpg]

Now the fifth largest killer in India

According to a study by a US-based health institute, Air pollution is now the fifth largest killer in India, taking 6.2 lakh lives per year. And Delhi is among one of the five most polluted cities in the country.

The other four most polluted cities in the country are Ghaziabad, Gwalior, West Singbhum district in Jharkhand and Raipur. The study has claimed that premature deaths in India occur due to air pollution-related diseases, which has seen a six-fold increase as compared to that in the year 2000.

To say the least, the report that air pollution in cities is the fifth major killer in India is alarming. And the fact that it is based on a study of government data and the Global Burden of Disease report, lends it further credibility. In addition to air pollution, the other causes of death are high blood pressure, indoor air pollution, tobacco smoking and poor nutrition. The disturbing thing is that unlike some of these causes, breathing in polluted air is unavoidable, especially in a city like New Delhi or Mumbai.

In a country with a growing population, constant urbanisation and uncontrolled industrialisation, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to know that the air quality in India has deteriorated to a very large extent. From vehicle emissions to untreated industrial smoke, from acid rain to indoor air pollution (using solid fuels like coal), rapid growth in urban areas and upcoming industries have led to this disastrous situation.

Sadly yet predictably, the air quality in New Delhi is highly poor, with the airborne matter levels being ten times above India’s legal limit. And other metropolitans like Mumbai and Kolkata aren’t far behind either. Now, imagine millions of people breathing that fresh “polluted” air unknowingly.

It’s a general belief that rural areas are cleaner and in a way, you’d be right. But with out-dated techniques of consumption, especially burning coal and wood indoors, people in rural areas aren’t so safe either. They may be blissfully ignorant, but they’re still breathing contaminated air. All this eventually leads to weakened respiratory functions, use of medication, poor physical performance, more hospital admissions and consultations and even death in certain cases.

After independence, the population explosion in the country led to unplanned urban development, leading to higher consumption of energy and higher transport demands. With people buying more and more vehicles instead of preferring to carpool or use public transport, the day when the number of vehicles in New Delhi will be equal to its population number isn’t far. And just FYI Delhi has a lot of people- more than twenty million or two crores. Increase in industrial activity and use of thermal power are also one of the few major factors contributing to air pollution around the country.

To combat all this, the formation of “The Environment Protection Act of 1986” was passed. By enforcing environmental laws and policies like these, the Ministry of Environment and Forests established the importance of integrating environmental strategies into any development plan for the country.

That’s not all, vehicle owners are not allowed to drive cars which are more than 15 years old, due to the out-dated and polluting engine designs. Vehicular sulphur emission standards have also become stronger than before. And that’s a good sign.

With air pollution having become a serious threat for quite some time now, people have become more aware than ever before. And we as citizens need to extend that message of awareness by informing as many people as we can, but also implementing little changes on our personal front as well.

From carpooling to using public transport, from proper waste disposal to using cleaner energy sources, every little bit will make a difference.  With increased awareness and self-implementation of atmosphere-friendly actions, a change is possible. So, spread the message.

Akhil Thakur

Image Source [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qj5J9_8ux60/UJdphkXzb2I/AAAAAAAACL4/GMtAXAqkn-k/s1600/Delhi+Air+Pollution+Picture+from+IIT+2012-November.jpg]

“Lighting a Billion Lives”

“Sweet dreams are made of this, who am I to disagree, I travel the world and the seven seas, everybody’s looking for something…”

The lyrics of Eurythmics’ brilliant track were pumping through my earphones as I sat behind Sanjay (an employee of TERI’s local partner organization in Uttar Pradesh) on his vintage Hero motorbike, heading to a tiny village on the border of India and Nepal to conduct a photo shoot.

I’d been on a field trip to Jharkhand before, for an impact assessment, and having navigated my way through the Naxalite infiltrated forests, this particular journey seemed like a breeze. I could never, in my wildest imagination, augur what lay ahead. A little less than 15 minutes into our expedition and we were greeted by hard hitting – or at least they seemed so – army personnel. Sounding a bit like a boisterous kindergarten choir (quite a contrast I’d say), all I could construe was that our path ahead was fraught with difficulty and that we should turn around at once. Thanking them, Sanjay rode on, unperturbed. I guess he knew exactly what was in store for us and I naively put my faith in him, sitting behind, content.

We traversed the winding road along the humungous dam near Khatimaen-route to Ramnagra (an obscure village on the outskirts of Uttar Pradesh where the “Lighting a Billion Lives” programme had been implemented). It was great. Gorgeous green fields on one side, the calmness and serenity of the clear blue water on the other; the tranquility of the picture perfect moment had engulfed me giving me major goose bumps, much like the cooties I got back in junior school. Except, this time it was out of a state of mental clarity thereby bringing out my true disposition, a feeling unmatched. Or was I simply hallucinating? At that point, I just couldn’t tell. Much too drowsy to fathom my current condition, I leaned against Sanjay, feeling safe and secure.

Kashiram, the Gram Mukhiya (village head) of Ramnagra, greeted us at Sundarpur, another village just short of our destination. Much to our dismay, he reiterated the warning we’d received earlier. He explained how the river had filled up a little and that the only way to cross it to get to the village, would be to walk through waist high water at first, and then hop onto a makeshift boat that would help us get to the other end. He did mention however, that it wasn’t so bad and would require us getting muddy and wet, and that’s about all. Didn’t sound too bad. I slyly cursed those fellas from the army under my breath.

On reaching the shore we understood the monstrosity of the task. Ramnagra was a good three kilometers away by foot and another five hundred meters by boat. The vista seemed like a description out of a Robert Frost poem. The river had branched out into a number of tributaries, some shallow some deep, dissected by bits of land in various pockets scattered throughout. And there, in the midst of my own sought after adventure, I stood, eager to experience its unfolding. Luckily I had my cargo cum three fourth pants on, an ingenious piece of clothing. Quickly unzipping, I pulled off the bottom half and waited while Sanjay and Kashiram rolled up their trousers. They seemed envious of my attire so I promised I’d get them one each the next time I visited.

The water was ice-cold. Three kilometers of walking in and out of it, a task I was dreading as soon as we dipped our feet in. Sanjay didn’t seem to mind though, I guess he was used to it. Nor did Kashiram. Whining, complaining, oohing, aaahing, I felt like a sore loser. But hey! I can’t help it; the water was much too cold. I mean, I remember running after an adventure and all, but not one in which I experience sensations of being feet-less. In that sweeping moment, I remembered my mother’s profound yet condescending words: “You only know how to talk”. Was she right? Was it actually so? Ah, the dread! NO! I had to prove her wrong. I had to prove myself. Mustering up enough determination, I zipped my incessant complaining. By now, the water had reached our bellies. As I looked up, I could see a faint line of the shore ahead. “One kilometer more”, Sanjay prodded.

We weren’t the only ones there though. There were others dotting the landscape, although for them it was just a daily chore. Holding their bags of vegetables and rations in one hand and lugging their bicycles with the other, they seemed to maneuver themselves through the freezing water with such ease; gliding along swiftly, laughing and chatting each other up, with not a care in the world. They were inhabitants of Ramnagra. And right in the middle of that vast expanse, the profundity of the situation vis-à-vis their lives dawned upon me. These people – most of them labourers – make this grueling trip everyday to find work in order to sustain themselves and their families. Generations after generations have lived here in a stasis, cut-off from the outside world, with the river as the only form of accessibility, without any proper mode of transportation, without any electricity and with no help from the ones that are formally accountable for their development.

However, as put aptly by Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight, “The night is darkest just before the dawn.”

Dawn arrived, shining brighter than ever before, and this time in the form of solar lanterns. It took us a full two hours to get to the village and finally, we reached Raj Dhar’s house, the entrepreneur at whose residence, the solar charging station had been installed. All I could think of, standing outside his kaccha dwelling, was how, HOW, did they manage to scope this village and successfully implement LaBL in it.  Hats off to the entire team that made this possible!

Amidst the misery and chronic destitution that plague the people of Ramnagra, it’s these solar lanterns that have instilled in them fresh zeal and an emphatic sense of purpose. Their daily routines still comprise of the cruel burden of crossing the river twice a day but it definitely isn’t the same. Hope, life and an ardent set of children await those that head out in search of work. The village transforms itself post sunset. What we saw was incredible.

A magnificent white glow emanated from each house, just like the vivid image of heaven our imaginations have often conjured up. Spellbound by the quiet and peaceful ambience – a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life – I decided to take a stroll around the village. Kusum, Raj Dhar’s five-year-old nephew accompanied me, providing her youthful insights every now and then. The solar lantern’s varied colours across the entire visible spectrum of development were crystal clear. It had been incorporated into almost all activities that were difficult and perhaps impossible to indulge in without the clean lighting. Studying, knitting, field patrolling, cooking, cleaning, discussions, debates, gossip, singing, dancing and numerous other personal, social and cultural activities were thriving with aid of the lanterns’ wonderful illumination.

Young Kusum’s wide-eyed face beaming with joy, as she held her solar lantern high up in the air, was etched into my memory that day. But more so was the demanding journey we undertook in order to get to the village. It opened up a whole new dimension of realization and has corroborated my vision and resolve; of playing the part of a tiny pawn in helping TERI light up a billion lives.

Bawa Sahibjeet Singh

Sahibjeet is a Research Trainee at The Energy and Resources Institute and is involved in TERI’s “Lighting a Billion Lives” programme (LaBL,http://labl.teriin.org).  The LaBL campaign aims to bring clean light into the lives of one billion rural people who lack access to electricity, by displacing kerosene/paraffin lanterns with solar lighting devices and has adopted a localized bottom-up approach to addressing it.

Image Courtesy [Bawa Sahibjeet Singh]

Live like it is your last day on earth. This is not a nice, light-hearted line meant to cheer you up. It is dead serious. While we are sitting here, all fit and rested, zombies might be preparing to rise from the graves. There might be a pressure building underground, between the tectonic plates. Nature might be planning another earthquake, or a tsunami.

The present levels of haphazard development and over-consumption have invited death and destruction. Each time we have modified nature’s balance, it has reacted furiously. Nature has sent death to our doorstep numerous times.

Each time we cross our boundaries, the villain comes in the form of disastrous earthquakes, floods, tornadoes and storms on both land and sea. The Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami managed to reach the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant. It led to equipment failures and many consequent heavy damages.

The radioactivity released into the atmosphere has caused ailments and is set to cause cancer-related deaths in the future. The health standards are totally morbid. The survival of all species – plants, animals and humans is endangered.

The world’s earliest and most prominent species, dinosaurs, could not adapt to environmental changes and finally became extinct. The only knowledge we have of them is from fossils.

One of the world’s first urban civilizations, the Harappan Civilization, died out abruptly. The Indus script is undeciphered till date, and the reasons given for the decline of the Harappan Civilization are utterly vague. If such wide spread civilizations can be wiped out under mysterious conditions, then why can’t the whole world?

In fact, the doomsayers are backed by solid reasons. The Mayan calendar is the most credible rationale. The Mayan people had a unique knack for measuring time. Their planting and harvesting cycles all depended on their accurate astrological predictions.

December 21, 2012, marks the end of the 5125-year, “Long Count” Mayan calendar. The Mayans were fairly good astrologers and their predictions have been often correct.

The two interpretations that can be drawn from it are that either something very bad or something very pleasant will occur on the 21st.But an important event is going to take place nonetheless.

We would be over-interpreting if we say that the sun would entirely explode. However, solar flares might be a possibility.

There are some extraordinarily rational minds (those of NASA), who think they have conquered the world and the space. They have been pulling no punches to rubbish the prophecy.

But didn’t some of these same rational minds, based on their so-called experiments, admit that god actually exists?

The expected events can be of any of these:

Floods

Earthquakes

Solar Flares

Rise of the dead or “The Resurrection”

Storms

Droughts

We must be ready with our safety gears. On December 21, when you wake up, there might be no sun (leading to a dark age or an ice age). There might be no water (drought-like conditions) or there may be an abundance of water (floods or tsunamis). Nature can show its fury in countless ways. So we, the earthlings, must get all-purpose safety gear for ourselves (like the ones warriors wore in the past).

We must gear up our minds to face extreme forms of torture. It would be more of an emotional trauma than physical hurt. That is a bit of an exaggeration, but we might see each other dying. If the evil forces are planning to attack the earth, hell is awaiting for us. It would be a scene similar to, or much worse than, a prisoner of war getting tortured by the dreadful interrogators.

Say your prayers. God might be transferring us all to an entirely different liveable planet. We, the inhabitants of Kalyug (the “Age of Downfall”), haven’t really committed much good deeds. However, as it is believed, “God is Kind”. He might have plans to transfer us to an inexplicable world. We have deteriorated the earth for enough time. It is time we spare the planet from our reign of terror.

While we are only discussing this; wiser people around the world have started to make the most of the time we have left. The last minutes on the clock are precious. There is nothing to fret over, when it is all pre-decided.

A few days ago, the Australian Prime Minister, Jullia Gillard, acknowledged that “The end of the world is coming.” Whether the final blow comes from flesh-eating zombies, demonic hell beasts or from the total triumph of K-Pop, if you know one thing about me, it’s this: I will always fight for you to the very end. Presumably, the lovers must also be giving the same assurance to each other

Even if you don’t believe in it, take the news as an excuse to enjoy carelessly, once and for all. Keep on dancing till the world ends…..

Sakshi Tirthani

Image Source [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hC2BTy7iDeg/UAvuqAo85DI/AAAAAAAABCg/PzViQ-qZAu0/s1600/BadClown.jpg]

Water is a Need…

Water is a basic and chief resource. Therefore, even after possessing the most simplistic qualities (pure water has no particular taste and color of its own), its importance is tremendous.

A country might produce any number of commercial and high value crops, but its requirement for food crops like wheat, rice or other grains cannot die out.

Water can be flexibly put to many uses. From converting water into flavored water that is marketed as beverage, it can be used for activities as complex as deriving hydro electricity from falling water.

The modern world’s high-end technologies can also not overcome the utility of this natural resource.Huge reserves of coal or timber cannot beat water in value and utility.

It is beneath the sea bed where oil reserves are found. Ocean water, if navigable facilitates the cheapest mode of transport. Besides, it is also a rich source of fish, crustaceans, sea weed, and other sea food.

Well, a country can derive abundant salt from sea water (though it is this curse that makes sea water unfit for drinking and many other uses).

But This is Greed…

It is quite understandable that why the world’s second and third largest economies, China and Japan, respectively are fighting over uninhabited islands that actually are just petty rocky outcroppings, surrounded by the shark-infested waters of the East China Sea.

Besides the emotional significance of the sea (as they claim), behind the scenes story strongly says that the sea beds around the islands called as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, in East China Sea might hold rich oil and natural gas deposits.

Only a day ago, China conducted “routine patrols and law enforcement in the territorial waters around the Diaoyu Islands”; followed by a momentary encounter between ships from the Japanese Coast Guard and China Marine.

Neither side is likely to back  out from the latest round of tensions over the islands.

Beijing deems territorial issues as “core issues” on which it will not waver. True, who would know it better than Indians?

Because China is not just water-thirsty, it is land hungry too.

The Kashmir issue has been troubling us for years.

On the other hand, Japan has the support from rich lobbyists like the Unites States of America to beat China off.

According to a report ,the growing tensions have even held the tiny but still worrisome prospect of dragging the United States of America into a military confrontation with China.

The matter is all about power demonstration that’s why the third potential stakeholder, Taiwan being a soft nation is almost out of the scene.

Water for Life

Water disputes occur not just internationally; even states within a nation can fight over sharing water.

After long debates and discussions, the Supreme Court ordered Karnataka to release 9,000 cusecs water to Tamil Nadu from September  20th to October 15th as per the instruction of Cauvery River Authority (CRA) headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The Tamil Nadu government immediately filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court against Karnataka, when long before the term completion it stopped releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

This might not be a severe case of rivalry like the dispute of East China Sea or South China Sea because the states have limited choices.

It has to be a battle for sustenance and livelihood for both the sides.

Karnataka received drought this year, it needs water. And so does Tamil Nadu.

This dispute still has had a very caustic effect on relationships between the two neighbouring states.

Fighting the Lost Battle?

Besides that, water sharing can foster love between two countries too.

The central Government tried hard to convince Mamata to let the proposed Teesta river treaty pass, so that it could pacify Sheikh Haseena, Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

But Mamata Banerjee’s stubborn stand that sharing Teesta waters by a 50-50 ratio with Bangladesh would affect the livelihood of the people in West Bengal didn’t let it happen.

And now, the final breakup between the West Bengal Chief Minister and the centre means no Teesta agreement in near future, at least not until Mamata’s term as Chief Minister ends.

Mamata Banerjee opposed the proposed treaty on the grounds that centre is ignoring state’s needs.

Environmentally-Unconscious

It is miserable that no one reckoned what effect such water disputes have on the environment. Damming of river for water sharing affects the flow of water and various patrol ships in oceans frequently generate oily bilge water from engines that eventually leaks into the oceans.

Water affecting Diplomatic and Trade Relations

Recently, USS George Washington entered South China Sea as a display of naval strength to China, and in the support of smaller Asian nations like Republic of China (Taiwan), Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia that also have the claims on the sea.

During a public demonstration, the people of China had unfurled banners reading “Kill Japanese Robbers” and “Boycott Japanese Goods” after  the Japanese Government offered to purchase the East China Sea Islands.

On the other hand, agitated farmers had demonstrated at several places in Mandya and Mysore districts in Karnataka raising slogans against the Central and Tamil Nadu governments over Cauvery River Dispute.

Looking at the intensity of the situations, the theory predicting that the third World war might be over water stands plausible.

Water is rapidly diluting the bonds of love and friendship.

The disputes in small pockets of the world would culminate into major rivalries, and the war might just break out.

Sakshi Tirthani

Image Source [http://vickynanjapa.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/krs_dam_jpg_1231882f.jpg]

In the last couple of years, there have been numerous reports and news stories of “leopard scares” in and around the forests of Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai.

Leopards have intruded upon the residents of Royal Palms and their children are now afraid to move out alone. Forest officials have constantly tried to pacify residents by making them understand that they are living near a forest; they have to be more tolerant of the wildlife in the area because after all, it is their home too.

On the other hand, between the years 2002 and 2004, nearly fifty people have been killed by leopards, twenty of them killed just outside the park.Forestofficials have tried patrolling the areas but it is not enough in a city as vast as Mumbai. Slum-dwellers have encroached on nearly two hundred hectares of forest land because they lack homes. While some have been rehabilitated, there are many who still live within the forest.

The park authorities are carrying out their responsibilities by constructing a boundary wall that will prevent wild animals from straying into residential areas. However, forty four kilometers of boundary wall still needs to be erected. But up until then, the only way to resolve the human-leopard conflict is by spreading awareness among the people.

These news stories have made me question our own standing as humans?

Who are the real intruders – the animals or us?

Why are real-estate developers building more and more residential buildings and villas near these forest areas?

Wildlife conservation is not just about protecting the wildlife within the confines of their habitat but also to ensure that we do not encroach on their land and wreck their habitat. With the rapid growth in infrastructure development and the rising demand for prime residential properties in the scenic hills of the National Park, we are gradually heightening the risk of us being attacked by leopards and other wild species.

By nature, animals tend to avoid humans. They only attack if provoked. Families willing to purchase properties in such forest areas should be aware that only they are responsible for endangering their safety.

Children should be made aware. They should not try to scare the leopard away by making loud noises or bursting fire crackers. Residents should not form a crowd around the leopard and try to corner it. This only frightens the animal and it responds in the only way it knows. It attacks. Not to mention that residential areas should also be devoid of any garbage and filth.

Most of these are temporary solutions for the problem. The real solution would be to legally stop construction activities in surrounding forest areas. The area should be sealed off as a wildlife conservation zone. Slum-dwellers who live within the forest should be given alternate accommodations by the government.

National Parks in our country are our heritage – a legacy that needs to be preserved. If remedial steps are not taken soon then that day is not far when the leopard will go the way of the dodo, a now extinct bird.

Kritika Pramod Kulshrestha

Image Source [http://nimg.sulekha.com/others/original700/india-leopard-attack-2011-7-20-17-21-39.jpg]

“Say Trees” with Kapil Sharma

A software engineer by profession, his heart belongs to the environment. Kapil Sharma, one of the founders of “SayTrees” (a non-profit organization dedicated to saving the environment), shares his passion and journey in paving an eco-friendly path before it is too late. He is an inspiration for the youth, who struggles to create a balance between the real and virtual worlds, by connecting them to nature and re-igniting its importance.

We all know how our resources are depleting each day and people are becoming apathetic towards the environment. In times like these, how was “SayTrees” conceptualized? Tell us about the beginning of this very noble journey of saving the planet.

I have been living in Bangalorefor 11 years and within the span of these 11 years, I have seen a drastic change in Bangalore’s climatic condition owing to a reduction in the green cover. So, five years back, I decided to start an initiative that will help in increasing the green cover. Initially, I started with few saplings and then I started approaching Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike [BBMP] (Greater Bangalore Municipal Corporation) officers to get more information on places where we can plant saplings. Since I am a software engineer by profession, I used to visit BBMP offices on Saturdays to get hold of someone who is equally passionate about trees. I also started approaching various companies and organizations that wanted to do something for the nature and this has been continuing since then. Now, I am approached by many companies each year and numbers of trees that are planted have also increased annually.

So, this is how “SayTrees” came into existence?

Yes. I feel bad when I see a tree being brought down. That is why I am passionate about this cause and it drives me to plant an increasing number of trees every time.

Do you work alone on this or you have a dedicated group of people?

I started alone and, in 2010, I came across equally passionate people who were doing similar things. So we got together, and now we have around five people who I can say are very much dedicated to the cause. Also, there are many volunteers who always join us in our plantations and the count of such people increases after every plantation that we do.

You said you are a software engineer, how do you manage work and “SayTrees”?

Sometime it becomes tough during weekdays, otherwise, I do all plantation related work over the weekend. On weekdays, I manage all of the things which can be done over the phone.

Is it difficult to get volunteers considering people are prone to apathy?

At times, otherwise we get a decent number of volunteers. I try to promote events in unique ways, which makes people join us.

Can you give us any example of your unique ways of promotion?

Last year we wanted to do a plantation in Gunjurpalya forest.  It’s a little far from the center of the city, and I had doubts about whether people would join the event or not. So, I first went to see the place and captured the location through my lens. Since I have an eye for photography, I took some really nice pictures which I started spreading on Facebook to all photography lovers, asking them to attend the event, take pictures and plant saplings as well.

I also shared another picture, where I asked parents to get their kids to this forest and let them feel nature at its best. A lot of kids joined us along with their parents in that event.

Another picture was sent to biker groups as there was a nice trail for bikers, and the result was such that many bikers also joined us and we had a successful event.

Apart from tree plantation, what are the other steps that “SayTrees” is taking to get the green back?

We are trying to spread the message to as many people as possible, asking them to take care of saplings which are already planted. I have also attended seminars in various colleges and gave presentation in colleges like SIBM, Welingkar etc. I also participated in a marathon for two years wearing a tree bark costume. Basically we want to create awareness in such a way that people take initiative, plant saplings each year and take care of them.

Once the plantation is done, what are the measures that you take for the stable growth of the trees?

Many measures are taken during plantation which ensures high survival rate. For example, we choose a place where we know saplings are safe from human beings and animals. Then, we plant huge saplings which are 8-12 feet tall and 2-3 years old. This also ensures high survival. After plantation we water the saplings when needed and, whenever it is possible, we visit the plantation site to make sure that the saplings are surviving.

How often are “SayTrees” activities organized? How can people be a part of this organization?

We do major plantation during monsoon, May till October. This is the best time for plantation. To be a part of “SayTrees”, people can join our Facebook page – SAVE TREES (http://www.facebook.com/pages/SAVE-TREES/237779238788), Facebook group -Bangalore tree planting (http://www.facebook.com/groups/bangaloretreeplanting/), Google group - saytrees@googlegroups.com.They can also visit our website - saytrees.org.

When you organize these activities where anyone can participate and understand their responsibility as a resident of earth, what are the challenges that you face while organizing and executing these activities?

The biggest challenge is getting permission to plant the saplings in any premises and then, getting the pits done for the saplings.

Are there any provisions from our government?

Many BBMP officers help us in suggesting the place and the saplings. Sometimes, they provide us with saplings as they have to keep their plantation numbers in mind otherwise we buy them from private nurseries or even purchase them from BBMP nurseries.

Tell us an interesting anecdote that happened during these activities, something that got you motivated.

Last year during our plantation on Dickenson road, people passing by were shouting “thank you” for our work. It was an amazing feeling.

What are the future projects?

We are planting 300 saplings next week with Hindustan Petroleum, 100 saplings with Capgemini. I also got a call from Mcafee today for plantation, so hopefully that will be on our list too.

As of now “SayTrees” activity happens in Bangalore. Would you be expanding the “SayTrees” territory to other cities/states?

I always wish to expand this initiative in other cities. I keep talking to my friends in other cities about the idea. It will happen someday.

What are the small steps that each one of us can take in our day-to-day life for saving our environment? Would you like to give a message to our readers?

I just want people to imagine how our surroundings would be if there are no trees around us. I am sure everyone will be scared. With an increase in the number of vehicles every day and a decrease in the number of saplings, we have to protect each sapling. So I would like people to plant one sapling each and every year. It’s not a rocket science, just plant one sapling each year on birthdays, or any such occasions. People have started attending tree plantation parties. We ourselves have organized two such plantation parties on birthdays, where people were invited to plant saplings. So, plant trees to save our planet before all the green is lost and it is too late to recover.

Isha Sinha

Image Source [http://www.saytrees.org/bangaloreMarathon2011.html]

Another necessary evil that we can’t think of living without. While the world revelled in its practicality and myriad forms, it kept growing by leaps and bounds. No one could stop himself from gaping at its amazing qualities. The dark, rather, stark side of the story, kept its profile low and blossomed only at the junction when it hurt the most. Acknowledging the scourge attached to it, we have shown willingness to avail it. Such is the aura of this entity.    

                WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF PLASTIC…..!!!!                                                                         

This substance is special – undoubtedly. In fact, the other night, I was having a blast with my gang, at the terrace of my friend’s place. Thanks to my carelessness, a bottle of Pepsi slipped out of my hand and triggered towards the road that hardly gets a breather. Though the bottle was empty, but what exactly went in my favour was it being a PET bottle. All along its entourage, I kept imagining my state, had it been a glass bottle scurrying down to smash the bonnet of some fast moving vehicle.

The incident may not sound convincing enough to idolise plastic, but it certainly came to my rescue. The idea is to highlight the virtue of this substance. There is no point canvassing it, as its ominous widespread presence speaks volumes about it.

Today, plastic is omnipresent. We just can’t conceive of our world without the Midas touch of plastic. It has crept into our lives silently but emphatically.

But as we know, all good things must come to an end. So, the feel-good factor must give way to the evil aspect. It is the stark side of the story that threatens to malign the reputation it earned.

This stark side compiles the data of costs incurred to enrich our lives with the plastic grandeur. Plastic in today’s world stands out as an eminent pollutant for our environment. Its notorious attribute of not getting decomposed adds to its disrepute. It bothers very few that plastic is non-biodegradable. It can only be downgraded and remains in one form or the other in nature, oozing ferocity.

So the stage is set. On the one hand, we know what plastic is made up of, while on the other, we also know that it has some score to settle. The reality is that we can’t have a  plastic free world. Eradicating plastic is just a fantasy; in fact anything that has seen the light of the day cannot be weeded out, whatever its ill-effects may be.

Its emancipation may be hampered, owing to the condemnation it has to face. But it would just be an evanescent phase. Because one can simply not annihilate its existence.

Kopal Dhawan

Image Source [http://www.theglobalintelligencer.com/images/plasticbottles3.jpg]