Farmers South of Lake Okeechobee Boasts of Greater Accomplishment in Everglades refurbishment

In the Everglades refurbishment effort, cultivators south of Lake Okeechobee registered one more year of fabulous accomplishment through their environmental friendly agricultural activities.

Adopting Best Management Practices (BMPs), cultivators in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) obtained 68 percent phosphorus cutback in the water flowing from area, as revealed by the South Florida Water Management District's yearly announcements on Everglades’s refurbishment feat. IN accordance with the Everglades Forever strategy, cultivators are assigned with cutting back phosphorus levels by 25 percent annually; a task made ever more complex by the growing phosphorus density in the water the farms obtain from Lake Okeechobee. The fabulous accomplishment of the venture has been linked to an average of 54 percent phosphorus cutback in the course of the last 14 years.

"At Florida Crystals, we were heartened by the results of the report," observed Gaston Cantens, Florida Crystals Vice President adding, "This is scientific data that shows sustainable agriculture and Everglades’s restoration go hand in hand."

Even after the endorsement of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) almost a decade before, the lone profitable refurbishment endeavor up to now is the EAA farmers' achievement of Best Management Practices and the storm water management constructed on previous sugar cane agricultural land, which eradicate phosphorus in the water gushing from Lake Okeechobee via the EAA to the Everglades.

Regrettably, devoid of comparable ventures to purify the growing phosphorus contaminated water flowing towards Lake Okeechobee from watersheds extending from north of the lake to Orlando, the much badly treated greater Everglades north of the EAA, the lake along with the St. Lucie as well as Caloosahatchee estuaries will keep on worsening.

Florida Crystals is the top national sugar manufacturer and North America's first completely built-in cane sugar facility. Florida Crystals generates the lone organic sugar created totally in the USA, cultivated and reaped on Florida agricultural land. Florida Crystals(R) Organic along with unprocessed products are the foremost sugar yield licensed CarbonFree(R) (carbon neutral) by Carbonfund.org. Florida Crystals' recyclable power capacity is the biggest of its variety in North America and furnished uncontaminated energy that propels its sugar functions and numerous home requirements, plummeting America's reliance on fossil energy by one million barrels of oil annually and eradicating hundreds of thousands of tons of carbon dioxide yearly. For additional facts one may refer to www.floridacrystals.com.

Novel Venture To Offer Support To California Producers To Be Conservation Stewards

A novel opportunity is obtainable to California farming and forestry cultivators providing fiscal encouragement to take on extra preservation actions on their land. The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a charitable venture that eggs on creators to uphold accessible protection actions and append fresh ones.

"This program is for those willing to do additional conservation activities over and above their current stewardship levels," noted Gayle Norman, NRCS stand-in State Conservationist in California.

The program was endorsed by Congress in the 2008 Farm Bill and will be obtainable all the way through to 2017. It substitutes the previous Conservation Security Program, which Congress relabeled and totally overhauled to facilitate its accessibility and make it attractive to cultivators . It is being governed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Cultivators willing to submit an application are requested to evaluate program facts online at www.nrcs.usda.gov/new_csp/csp.html prior to making a visit to their neighborhood NRCS field agency. Submission must be given by September 30 to be recognized for fiscal support in the opening ranking stage.

Entitled lands comprise agricultural land, grazing plains, enhanced pastureland, rangeland, forestland where no private industry exist, and farming land under authority of an Indian tribe. Entitled claimants comprise private owners of land, Indian ethnic groups, as well as authorized unit.

"The program will reward producers who manage their operations to prevent soil erosion, prevent water contamination, and manage dust from roads," Norman further added

Combined Project Witnesses Rise of First Green Minority-Owned Executive Search Firm

Safflyn Corporation, a green advancement organization along with Minority Executive Search, Inc. have formally consented to setting up the first green minority-possessed executive search company.

Reacting to the tests presented by President Obama to offer a Green Economy, Safflyn Corporation and Minority Executive Search, Inc. consented to make official a combined endeavor to form a novel Green Focus agenda for Green Job Training and appointment. Exclusively created for the Green Leadership Institute, the agenda will focus on furnishing guidance assets, expertise advancement and job appointment help to those looking for work in the new Green industry.

"Green Leadership is the only route we have to keep our economy going in the right direction. This convergence of experience and resources to create a valid talent pool, which can answer more acutely the challenges faced by companies in time of climate change, is a juggernaut solution for President Obama and the American Economy," observed Jason Safford, CEO of Safflyn Corporation.

The aim of the combined project between Safflyn along with Minority Executive Search will create a Green Jobs guidance agenda at the Green Leadership Institute, a charitable association based in Jordanville, NY and established by Safflyn Corporation to react to the tasks for enhanced responsible guidance and ecological accountability.

Mr. Eral Burks, President of Minority Executive Search a company that has existed for 25 years, observed, "The importance of this agreement is to answer the current challenges faced by companies today. The Green Leadership Institute provides a tangible resource that can help business become sustainable and more profitable immediately. We are tremendously excited that we are part of piloting such an important mission that assists the message of our President and may offer great results for the future of our country."

The objective of the agenda will be to recognize and coach flair for entrance to administrative level positions. Minority Executive Search will be in charge of assisting organizations unearth and employ administrative flair with a Green setting, furthermore to assist with guidance of obtainable experts and present experts in changeover with a precious source for attaining prospective appointment.

The agenda will be offered via the Green Leadership Institute and are obtainable straight away for commerce.

For additional facts on the Green Focus Initiative, one may refer to www.greenleadershipinstitute.org or contact via email at greenleaderinfo@gmail.com.

Major Brazilian Associations Combine to Tackle Climate Change

September 9: Fourteen top Brazilian associations on behalf of the planted forests, agribusiness, and bioenergy segments have recently proclaimed the formation of the Brazilian Climate Alliance, with the objective of offering concrete plans for the discussions connected with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The key emphasis is the program that the Brazilian government has been protecting in worldwide discussions, ending with the 15th U.N. Climate Change Conference, the following December in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The Alliance's Position Paper emphasizes on the worldwide type of the tests related to climate change as a major aspect for the associations to bond for a particular endeavor. The document also stresses on the requirement for synchronized and vital measures that prioritize obtainable expertise that are cost-effective and guarantee short-term effect. "In the Alliance's view, the position paper is a work in progress that will evolve as negotiations and other initiatives along the same lines progress," observed the President of the Brazilian Agribusiness Association (ABAG), Carlo Lovatelli.

The forceful role played by the segments that create the Alliance to climate change alleviation is underscored, chiefly since they are suppliers of renewable energy, for example biodiesel, ethanol, planted forests, wood charcoal and additional types of biomass able to replace fossil and highly toxic fuels. Taken in their entirety, the products from the segments showcased in the Alliance comprise more than 20% of the total Brazilian energy environment. Furthermore, the prospective to arrest, preserve and augment carbon stocks among the segments represented in the Alliance is noteworthy.

"It is essential for Brazil to move forward with proposals that increase the possibilities of earning carbon credits, something to which Brazil's access has been unfairly limited. It's as if we are being penalized for being pioneers in various initiatives that clearly help to reduce carbon emissions, but are not recognized by existing mechanisms, such as the large-scale production and use of ethanol," affirmed the President of the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA), Marcos Jank.

The Brazilian Climate Alliance emphasizes that Brazil, a nation with one of the tidiest energy atmosphere in the globe, with above 40% of its composition emanating from renewable supplies, should take a vital part in worldwide environment discussions. "In spite of this number, the image that prevails and has to be changed is that of a carbon-emitting Brazil, particularly because of deforestation and burnings that happen in the Amazon. For that reason, Brazil ends up being included among the villains of global warming," note Elizabeth de Carvalhaes, Executive President of the Brazilian Pulp and Paper Association (Bracelpa).

The Position Paper stresses that the segments represented in the Alliance offer 16% of Brazil's entire overseas sales. These segments are as well acknowledged for advancing and circulating dependable creation procedures that wind up not obtaining appropriate appreciation. This is a condition that straight and harmfully affects entrance to chief purchaser markets, which view these segments as not in keeping with the required standard and as an outcome, fine their products.

Unique Green Citizens Network Launched

October 22: Launched recently GreenCitizens.net is a unique Social Networking Platform on the World Wide Web. It was commenced with the objective to urge persons to transform them into what they label as Green Citizens. The website is based on three ethics which it believes are as well essential to accomplish this endeavor. These are Connect, Get Informed and Take Action.

A green citizen is a person who is conscious of the menace concerning climate alteration, who is conscious of his effect on the environment; one who is prepared to take part in this group by lessening his effect and broaden the message for the advancement of his society.

The website consists of a private carbonmanager for persons to analyze and control their carbon footprints, together with hundreds of guidelines as well as suggestions on how to lessen them, by effecting subtle and uncomplicated alterations to one’s way of life. A carbon footprint for a person is an evaluation of his effect on the atmosphere, the net GHG (Greenhouse Gas) discharges triggered precisely and not directly by him, calculated according to corresponding tones of CO2. The proposal is to take the notion of analyzing and being conscious of one’s carbon trace to the overall populace.

The site has an exceptional segment on GreenLiving with thousands of advices and guidelines for all the people to integrate in their existence. On the whole, it is a social networking website with the topic “Green�; created to embrace goings-on from all over the world and operate as a solitary origin of facts on the net on all green, by way of segments akin to Forums, News, Blogs, and its exclusive green wiki "Ecopedia". It will also act as an online fact list and a networking and marketing media for NGOs as well as Green Businesses offering those interactive means for extending to people and additional groups. The website is as well the single online portal in India with a devoted segment for Green Jobs; connected exclusively with the carbon, environmental, and energy segment.

300 crore to Bengal for safeguarding tigers

November 5: The Centre has made an allocation of more than Rs 300 crore to West Bengal for saving of tigers in Sunderban as well as Buxa sanctuaries of the state.

The finance was offered shortly in the aftermath of the West Bengal Government agreeing to the tripartite contract in mid-October with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) representing the Centre as well as directors of the two tiger sanctuaries.

A top NTCA representative revealed that approximately Rs 260 crores as well as Rs 38.58 crores was granted to Sunderban and Buxa refuge respectively to ensure that the parks remained out of bounds for humans and their enhanced administration.

According to the government's rehabilitation strategy, Rs 10 lakhs is being every family units to shift from the parks to make it secure for the tigers in danger of extinction. The numbers of tigers has fallen to about 1,400 compared to 10,000 only a decade before in accordance with a current official approximation.

Dr Pradip Sikdar: Need to safeguard Kolkata wetlands to avert groundwater catastrophe in metropolis

(In an exclusive interview to Anjishnu Biswas, editor of exoticecho.com, Dr Pradip Sikdar noted hydro geologist explains the significance of the wetlands of Kolkata and the need to safeguard them to prevent ground water contamination and maintaining the ecological balance of “The City of Joy�.)



Kolkata November 30: Wetlands can be termed as transitional lands between terrestrial and aquatic system where the level of water is present at the surface or near it. According to RAMSAR Convention 1971 wetlands have been defined as regions consisting of marsh, fen, peat land or water, natural or artificial in form, temporarily or permanent in nature that can be static or brackish. This also comprises areas of marine water the depth of which does not exceed six meters.



Wetlands play a crucial role in sustaining an environment that is benign and helps in providing a healthy atmosphere for human beings. Wetlands are vital resources that offer eco-system services while at the same time regulate ecological activities that occur naturally. These include water storage, ground water recharge and discharge, flood control and river regulation, water purification as well as sediment retention. Wetlands are significant in terms of provisioning services that entail water supply both for humans and non human beings like birds and animals. Provisioning services of wetlands also include acting as resources for activities related to fisheries, agriculture, forage, craft materials and growth of medicinal plants. The cultural services that the wetlands offer come in the form of augmenting bio-diversity besides acting as cultural sites.



Wetlands act as a sink that absorbs Carbon Dioxide thereby reducing environmental pollution. They also absorb water and thus prevent flooding catastrophes in surrounding regions.



On 19th August 2002, East Kolkata wetlands were declared as RAMSAR site.

East Kolkata Wetlands is spread over an area of 12,500 hectares consisting of 45.93 percent of water bodies and 38.92 percent of agricultural terrain with the remaining area being occupied by urban and rural settlements, furthermore acting as garbage disposal sites.



Speaking exclusively to exoticecho.com Dr. Pradip Sikdar, professor of environmental management at the Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management noted that East Kolkata wetlands are of great significance in terms of maintaining the ecological balance of nature in and around Kolkata. He observed with caution that lax measures to safeguard these vital water bodies could augment the environmental problems already being faced by Kolkata in the form of abnormal weather temperatures recorded in both summer and winter coupled with odd rainfall conditions witnessed in the rainy seasons. Dr Sikdar observed that the existence of these water bodies offered a natural water treatment resource to the city of Kolkata by collecting 800,000 metre cube of water flowing out of the city everyday and subsequently treating it naturally. Expressing his concern about the way in which large stretches of the East Kolkata wetlands have been converted to fallow land, settlements, waste disposal ground and canals between 1965 to 1998, Dr Sikdar warned that attempts were covertly being made to convert parts of these crucial East Kolkata wetlands to enable human settlements to flourish. In this connection he referred to the alarming rise in rampant construction of high rises along the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass of the city, resulting in the destruction of several water bodies in the region. The alteration to the wetlands all through 1965 to 1998 and purportedly beyond the period which has remained unnoticed have resulted in massive exploitation of ground water for drinking, agricultural as well as industrial purposes in the absence of any other alternative source of water. Consequentially there has been a remarkable fall in the ground water level of the affected regions. This has also enhanced the risk of ground water being contaminated.



According to Dr Sikdar the setting up of the leather technology complex on the eastern fringes of the East Kolkata Wetlands in Kolkata have led to the exploitation of large quantities of groundwater for coping up with the activities connected with the procedure of manufacturing leather goods. The current massive utilization of ground water posed a serious threat to the flow pattern of ground water enhancing the threat of pollutants from solid waste disposal grounds in the East Kolkata Wetlands travelling long distances and contaminating the ground water in the zones where the screens of the pumping wells that extract water for human consumption are located. As a result the deep tube wells that extract water for domestic utilisation in Kolkata as well as the adjoining regions may pump out water containing toxic metals and metalloid like copper, nickel, cadmium, lead, chromium and arsenic.



Dr Sikdar clarified that several areas of the East Kolkata Wetlands do not have the top confining layer of clay but consisted of sand that occurred at the top, making these areas vulnerable to ground water contamination through poisonous metals at a more rapid pace.

Dr Sikdar observed that in a bid to lessen the risk of pollution in the aquifers that existed in Kolkata and adjoining regions efforts should be undertaken to minimize interaction between wetland water and ground water. This can be achieved by regulating deep tube well operation time, making available treated water supply system and adopting measures to harvest rain water. Artificially recharging the aquifers by means of harvested rainwater is also vital for safeguarding the ground water level from decreasing alarmingly.



Dr Sikdar warned of the prospective threat to the ecological system of the city if exploitation of groundwater for human consumption and activities linked to the construction of dwelling units continued unabated in the upcoming township of Rajarhat as well as in areas located along the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass of the city.



BY ANJISHNU BISWAS

Renowned Hydrogeologist Favours Judicious Management Of Every Available water resource

In an exclusive interview to Anjishnu Biswas, editor of exoticecho.com,Mr. Subhajyoti Das who visited the USA on UNDP Fellowship for training connected with “Integrated Use of all Water Resources� speaks comprehensively about the requirement for judicious water management to tackle India's water crises. Mr. Subhajyoti Das, one of the eminent Hydrogeologists of India has contributed significantly to groundwater research in the country through his pioneering work and related activities in groundwater studies. Mr. Das who visited the USA on UNDP Fellowship for training connected with “Integrated Use of all Water Resources�, in the Colorado State University (Fort Colins), US geological Survey (Tucson), American Water Foundation and Salt River Project (Phoenix) was also the Regional Director of the Central Ground Water Board of India. Mr. Das is currently the editor of a journal published by the Geological Society of India, Bangalore. In an exclusive interview to Anjishnu Biswas, the editor of exoticecho.com, Mr Subhajyoti Das emphasizes on the need for judicious management of all available water resources to cope up with the perennial water crises of India.

A small percentage amounting to 2.53 comprises global fresh water compared to 96.5 percent being salty in oceans. India with its populace of one billion has access to only 4 percent of the world’s freshwater reserves. Therefore barely a minute percentage is obtainable for consumption and food production, which too is thinning with the passage of time together with escalating expansion of populace. In 1947 the per capita accessibility to freshwater in India was 5000 cubic meter yearly while in 2000 it was 2000 cubic meter annually and is expected to slump under 1000 cubic meter annually by 2050 and in the process attaining the threshold value for water shortage. Global warming along with seasonal rainfall alterations is additionally worsening this vital condition with alterations in hydrologic cycles. The Himalayan Rivers are diminishing in surges with reducing glaciers. Presently, 150 cm of yearly average rainfall in the nation, drought vulnerable semi-arid regions comprise over one third of the geographical region, which forms a sizeable component of Peninsular hard rock regions of India. At these places, while accessibility to surface water is not guaranteed, the groundwater supplies, too, available in the secondary porosity of fractured and weathered hard rocks is restricted, with low-yielding aquifers. Subsequent to extreme surface water paucity groundwater is frequently over utilized leading to constant decrease in groundwater level, aquifer desaturation, lessening of well yield, reduction in levels of wells and other related unfavorable ecological as well as environmental consequences. This results in widespread water shortage in these areas disturbing the drinking water accessibility to a great extent. Agriculture cannot flourish and the rural economy too fails to develop. Strangely though whatever rainfall takes place, a considerable component is lost as flash floods or runoff to the sea. Therefore what is required is the careful management of all obtainable water resources.

Traditionally management of water has been prevalent in India, which mostly consisted of building of tanks, ponds, kunds, and johads to store rainwater to cope up with the requirement for drinking as well as restricted irrigation for food production, in spite of scanty rainfall in two to three seasons successively. These uncomplicated water garnering structures became useless with the passage of time because of total apathy and dearth of protection, complicated expertise of dams and large reservoirs occupying their position. At the start this led to numerous advantages comprising flood control and growth of irrigation with augmented food grains production, changing the nation from food shortage to food surplus in the seventies. But flow irrigation is not apt for every territory. Gradually perils of extensive water logging, and soil salinisation commenced, resulting in gradual decline in soil fertility. Surface water reservoirs as well as the canal structures; too remain susceptible to uncertain precipitation. Big stretches, comprising over 60 percent of the cultivable regions in the nation are still fed by rain and rely on groundwater. With a burgeoning populace the demands for water are constantly on the rise. The ecstasy over the green revolution has diminished with stagnating food grains output. Ever since the terrible drought of 1967, the significance of groundwater as a tool to cope up with drought has gained thrust. It has been acknowledged that integrated management of surface water, groundwater as well as soil together with apt choice of yield is the greatest means to wipe out water shortage. Fresh studies have been revealing new development in water management which may be summarized as follows:

1.Conjunctive utilization of surface water together with groundwater augmentation for total obtainable water resources for utilization, guarantying best possible exploitation of water and its superior management.

2.Artificial recharge or rainwater garnering – a method of expanding groundwater supplies making use of surface overflow, which surges to the oceans if not utilized.

Conjunctive Use Conjunctive use or integrated use of surface water and groundwater is the most proficient technique of water management, which permits most favorable utilization of the total obtainable water supplies, getting rid in the procedure the unfavorable effect on ecology and environment because of use of these sources in segregation. It offers supplemental irrigation at periods of water strain or drought, corrects accumulation of water in head reaches and water scarcity in tail end regions of the canal network, augments irrigation power, allows numerous cropping, augments agricultural output, together with drinking water accessibility, gets the most out of yields per unit volume of water utilized.

Artificial Recharge and Rainwater Harvesting Artificial recharge is a technique to augment natural recharge rate by various set-ups, preventing runoff, extending penetration time, augmenting contact with the penetrating surface, thus paving the way for groundwater accumulation, refilling the exhausted aquifiers or forming subsurface storage under encouraging hydrogeological circumstances, which can be utilized at times of requirement. The vital aspects are accessibility to subsurface storage space and excess runoff, encouraging geomorphic and hydrogeological system, penetration traits of soils, hydraulic conductivity and replacement ability of the geological structures. It comprises garnering or accumulating rainwater during monsoon, and collecting the same in artificial man-made reservoirs, or in natural reservoirs (aquifers). Therefore water harvesting is attained in three diverse techniques:

1.In situ rainwater harvesting: tanks, kunds, nadi, ponds, rooftop collection of water. 2.Artificial recharge: percolation tanks check dams, groundwater dams, injection wells etc. 3.Indirect augmentation of groundwater through soil conservation practices, afforestation, gully plugging, contour bunding, contour trenching, terracing etc.

These water harvesting networks or techniques may be designed and put into service as component of integrated watershed expansion and management. It favours the technique of situ use of obtainable monsoon overflow spread all through the watershed. Creation of apt structures at hydrogeologically suitable sites may successfully save excess monsoon runoff, cause groundwater recharge, as well as lessen soil erosion and deluge. These recharge arrangements and practices are uncomplicated, gainful, with no unique talent or great spending needed, and the materials required are obtainable in the neighborhood.

Community participation in rainwater harvesting Community managed integrated watershed development has turned out to be a vital progress in water management in the nation. Arvari river basin in Alwar district of Rajasthan, is a glorious case in point of community propelled decentralized water management utilizing local awareness of rainwater harvesting. Under the guidance of Tarun Bharat Sangh the conventional rainwater harvesting systems like johads, ponds etc have been rejuvenated and almost 8600 such water harvesting networks have been formed in Alwar district in Rajasthan with the people taking part. The dead river Arvari was revived with recurrent flows because of discharge from groundwater after creation of johads and watershed treatment in the river’s catchments. The villages within the watershed are currently enjoying thriving agricultural as well as economic activities. Even after 2-3 successive droughts, there is no lack of water in this arid desert land. Accessibility to water has revitalized ecology as well as environment. The villages in the valley have created their own structure of water control. Arvari is currently a milestone in the records of water management in the nation.

Conclusions Almost 4 lakh habitations in the nation consisting of 22 crores of people are still suffering for lack of good drinking water supplies. Though government reports assert nearly complete coverage of villages in the nation with secure water reserves, a significant number plunges back to no-source group annually, leaving a chronic balance of no-source villages. Approximately 220 million people belonging generally to the weaker segments, - minors, children as well as women, - many existing in the semi-arid as well as arid hard rock regions, are underfed without suitable intake of food. This requires critical techniques to bring in equity as well as sustainability in water reserves. Water management and expansion by means of rainwater harvesting, artificial recharge, and conjunctive utilization are the requirements of the contemporary times. Being components of the similar hydrological cycle, both surface water as well as groundwater should be expanded in combination with each other for optimization of the resources and with a view to prevent ecological adversity. The conventional awareness of water harvesting with contemporary scientific contribution is greatly appropriate in the hard rock terrains.

Almost 70 per cent of populace of the nation exists in rainfed regions. Land, water as well as soil management has turned out to be extremely competent technique for sustainable cultivation, food as well as drinking water protection. It is just by means of these enthusiastic contributions of the society and stakeholders that this common pool supply can be sustainably augmented and controlled.

Frost & Sullivan- Share Car and Ensure Safe Environment

February 18 -- With the population burgeoning at a fast pace and people moving in large numbers to urban regions, people tend to ensure their private comfort as a result of which the environment is badly affected. Vital requirement to deal with resulting topics related to growth in population and crowding of urban centers, and chiefly the vital necessity to alleviate climate change, have generated enthusiasm to find out substitute ways of travel. One of the most novel and acceptable among these is car sharing. This entails a private transport solution anchored on mutual, pay-as-you-use, self-service, on-demand, and brief – tenure automobile utilsation. This type of car rental reduces the preset expenditure of automobile possession; controls fuel expense, lessens automobile overcrowding and releases, and, notably, offers a solid stage for the expansion and approval of EVs.

Recent evaluation by Frost & Sullivan (http://www.automotive.frost.com/), Sustainable and Innovative Personal Transport Solutions - Strategic Analysis of Car sharing Market in Europe, reveals that the market attained profits to the tune of 217.00 million Euros in 2009 and anticipates this to be some 7.00 billion Euros by 2020 chiefly because of the materialization of new schemes for example integrated mobility solutions, peer-to-peer car sharing, cars-on-demand, and the customer tendency towards carbon mobility that is low.

"The introduction of these innovative services and increasing commercialization, car sharing is expected to garner more than 5.5 million members sharing around 77,000 vehicles in Europe by 2016," envisages Aswin Kumar, Senior Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan's Automotive & Transportation Group.

UN World Water Day to Emphasize on Clean drinking water

March 22: With the objective of enhancing the awareness of the people about the valuable role that water plays in the daily lives of the populace and to thwart the wastage of nature’s valuable element that sustains life on earth, the United Nations has chosen March 22 as the world water day. This is a major attempt by the United Nations to emphasize on the significance of fresh water and the need for competently utilizing available water resources. The topic which has been chosen this year is 'Clean Water for Healthy World. The overall quantity of water on the globe is approximately 1.4 billion cubic kiloliters.

Nonetheless, just less than one per cent of the fresh water obtainable in the globe is readily available for human consumption. Over one billion people in the world at present not able to obtain clean water. A number of functions are being been organized all over India to observe the day.

Environment Minister Stresses on the Need to Safeguard Tigers

April 2: Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh on Friday cautioned that if adequate measures were not adopted tigers would no longer exist at the 18 sanctuaries which acted as protective areas for the animals in the nation. He warned that a condition similar to Panna as well as Sariska areas meant for the preservation of the endangered animals from where tigers vanished, could take place at 18 tiger sanctuaries all over the nation if they were not safeguarded in a right way. He made this observation while addressing newspersons in the aftermath of the seventh convocation function at the Indian Institute of Forest Management in Bhopal.

He revealed that there were 39 Project Tigers Reserves in the nation and amongst them, the situation of only nine was fine, 12 required enhancement and 18 were in a poor condition. Both Panna as well as Sariska drew a great deal of attention after tigers could not be traced at the sanctuary. Ramesh warned that there was definitely a plot by those connected with mining and poaching activities to slaughter tigers with the view to get the land denotified so that they could alter it for real estate development or utilize it for mining. When the minister was questioned to pinpoint several of these reserves, he revealed that apart from Panna in Madhya Pradesh such a danger also prevailed in Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh as well as Maharashtra along with several other protected areas for tigers.

Renowned Hydro geologist, Subhajyoti Das warns of water crises reaching alarming proportions in Bangalore

In an exclusive interview to Anjishnu Biswas, editor of exoticecho.com, Mr. Subhajyoti Das who visited the USA on UNDP Fellowship for training connected with “Integrated Use of all Water Resources� expresses his deep concern over the growing water crises plaguing Bangalore, referred to as the software hub of India. Mr. Subhajyoti Das, one of the eminent Hydro geologists of India has contributed significantly to groundwater research in the country by means of his revolutionary work and connected activities in groundwater studies. Mr. Das who visited the USA on UNDP Fellowship for training connected with “Integrated Use of all Water Resources�, in the Colorado State University (Fort Colins), US geological Survey (Tucson), American Water Foundation and Salt River Project (Phoenix) was also the Regional Director of the Central Ground Water Board of India. Mr. Das is currently the editor of a journal published by the Geological Society of India, Bangalore. In the interview to Anjishnu Biswas, the editor of exoticecho.com, Mr. Subhajyoti Das warns that if corrective steps are not taken Bangalore could witness problems of extraordinary nature in terms of non availability of water to the required extent. The following is an excerpt of the interview with Anjishnu Biswas.

Bangalore, the software hub of India, also referred to as silicon city, is a rapidly expanding territory with a populace of 8 million people and dotted with numerous multistoried buildings, housing and commercial complexes along with Malls and Multiplexes The IT boom has resulted in unparalleled commercial activities together with the need to keep the sector going . As a consequence the demand for the city’s water supply has augmented considerably. Water is a major component of the infrastructure of a city where varied forms of activities takes place. However Bangalore does not enjoy the privilege of having a perennial river in close proximity. The city has to rely chiefly on the waters of Cauvery River, transported from a distance of roughly 100 km and raised to a height of 500 m from the source. But in comparison to the water supply requirement of 1200 million litres per day (MLD), the water that the river Cauvery provides to the city is to the extent of only 870MLD, thereby leaving a difference of 330 MLD. Apart from this demand for water is the industrial necessity of nearly 60 MLD, thus, increasing the deficit further.

A considerable quantity of Cauvery water is also lost in transmission creating additional stress in the accessibility of water for consumption by the city dwellers. Following an upsurge in population growth, expansion of industries, as well as commercial activities, the difference between demand and supply by the year 2025, will be tough to fulfill. Rampant urbanization has created an adverse impact on a number of the surface water bodies, with much of the precipitation water lost as runoff with the resultant reduction in groundwater recharge and decrease in water supplies. This dwindling water supply has resulted in the city’s growing reliance on bore wells, of which there has been no appropriate evaluation so far, - 1.5 lakh to 3 lakhs by a number of assessments made so far. This has led to groundwater overexploitation, deepening of groundwater levels, jeopardizing the ecosystem in the process. This problem becomes severe every summer as reservoir levels are at the lowest. This affects the water supply, and growing stress on groundwater. Under these circumstances of dwindling water supply trade in commercial marketing of water is thriving. The burden of the suffering is endured by the low income group or the deprived as they are compelled to pay a number of times extra on water tankers than their wealthy counterparts, who live in luxurious apartments or buildings, furnished with safe BWSSB water supplies at subsidized charges.

Till the first half of the 20th century Bangalore did not encounter any water shortage with numerous flowing lakes and stream around the city furnishing continuous supplies of water to the city. Currently the city’s water supply network encounters two-pronged difficulty of dwindling surface water resource because of drying up of lakes and reducing ground water because of excessive utilization. To discover an enduring solution to the water shortage, the origin of water crisis has to be comprehended in the correct angle. Mr. Das backs the refurbishment of waste land and lakes, rainwater harvesting, and water conservation actions to cope up with the dual crisis of surface water and groundwater.

Dr. Das points to the exercise of water conservation as the only crucial answer to the uncontrolled water crisis. He envisages retrieving considerable amount of water by means of domestic level wastewater treatment and recycling as well as recovery of enormous transmission wastes through suitable actions.

The Great Environmental Threat

The recent facts revealed by the civic authorities in Kolkata and the added areas of the city that a large number of water bodies are filled up illegally by unscrupulous land sharks is quite astonishing considering the fact that such acts have immensely impacted the environment of the city. Not only small time players in the real estate business but also those who are well known for their enormous housing projects are also guilty of this crime reports indicate. The modus operandi of those involved in construction activities is simple. They encourage the local residents where small water bodies like ponds are situated to throw garbage in such a way that in due course all traces of water vanish and no one can make out if there was a water body at all in that very place. At times local goons are employed to achieve the objectives. Civic body authorities have also pointed out to the fact that nearly 8,000 water bodies in and around the city have been destroyed in a bid to promote constructional activities in Kolkata. It is also very shocking that massive deforestation to pave way for land being used for construction of buildings has also adversely impacted the environment. The water bodies alongwith trees have a cooling effect on the atmosphere thereby bringing down the temperature as observed by environmentalists. This scenario is almost the same in all the key cities of India which have seen a great deal of construction activities as part of expansion plans to enhance growth and development. It is very surprising that no concerted attempts are made to stop these activities which are detrimental to environmental safety. In a country where corruption is prevalent and one's goal for individual profit can be easily accomplished at the cost of others with the assistance of undesirable elements in certain government establishments as suggested by reports it's not uncommon that such reprehensible actions will continue to flourish in India for years to come putting the life of the common people in jeopardy. By Anjishnu Biswas

The East Kolkata Wetlands:Need to protect site from unscrupulous elements

The East Kolkata Wetlands, a unique ecosystem and a lifeline for millions, are under severe threat. This Ramsar site, globally recognized for its natural wastewater treatment capacity and rich biodiversity, is facing a multitude of challenges that could irrevocably damage its delicate balance. Urban Encroachment: A Growing Menace The relentless expansion of Kolkata has encroached upon the wetlands, shrinking their area and fragmenting their ecological integrity. Illegal constructions and land grabbing have become rampant, posing a significant threat to the very existence of this vital ecosystem. Pollution: A Deadly Threat The discharge of untreated sewage and industrial effluents into the wetlands has led to severe water pollution, affecting aquatic life and degrading water quality. The accumulation of solid waste further exacerbates the problem, hindering the wetlands' natural filtration processes. Climate Change: An Added Challenge Climate change poses additional threats. Rising sea levels and altered rainfall patterns can disrupt the hydrological balance of the wetlands, impacting their ability to function as a natural wastewater treatment system. Extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, can further stress the ecosystem and its inhabitants. Socio-Economic Implications The degradation of the wetlands has far-reaching socio-economic implications. The livelihoods of thousands of people, particularly those engaged in fisheries and agriculture, are directly dependent on the health of the wetlands. The loss of this ecosystem would not only deprive them of their livelihood but also impact the food security of the region. A Call for Action To safeguard the East Kolkata Wetlands, immediate and concerted action is essential. Strict enforcement of environmental regulations, effective monitoring, and community participation are crucial. Sustainable development practices must be adopted to minimize the impact of urbanization on the wetlands. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can help foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among the local population. Renowned environmentalist and former Director of Central Ground Water observed, " The East Kolkata Wetlands are a testament to the intricate balance of nature. Their preservation is not merely an environmental concern but a matter of social and economic justice. By taking decisive action, we can ensure that this invaluable ecosystem continues to thrive for generations to come. ANJISHNU BISWAS

The Adventurous Journey of a Wild Cat A Tale of Conservation and Coexistence

The recent saga of tigress Zeenat, who embarked on an unexpected journey across state borders, underscores the delicate balance between human habitation and wildlife conservation. While her temporary foray into human-dominated landscapes caused anxiety and disruption, it also highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding our natural heritage. Zeenat's journey serves as a stark reminder of the increasing pressure on wildlife habitats. As human settlements expand, natural corridors for animals are fragmented, forcing them to venture into unfamiliar territories. Such encounters can lead to conflicts, as seen in Zeenat's case. However, it is crucial to recognize that these animals are not intruders but rather victims of habitat loss. The successful return of Zeenat to Similipal Tiger Reserve is a testament to the dedication of forest officials and wildlife experts. Their coordinated efforts, spanning multiple states, exemplify the significance of inter-state cooperation in wildlife conservation. It is heartening to see that despite the challenges, authorities were able to prioritize the well-being of the animal and ensure her safe return to her natural habitat. As we move forward, it is imperative to invest in habitat restoration and corridor development to minimize human-wildlife conflict. Additionally, community engagement and awareness programs can help foster a sense of coexistence and respect for wildlife. By understanding the needs of both humans and animals, we can create a future where humans and wildlife can thrive together. Zeenat's journey has captured the public's imagination and sparked conversations about wildlife conservation. Let us use this opportunity to learn from her experience and work towards a more sustainable future for our planet.

A Step in the Right Direction: Groundwater Recharge Shows Promise in India

The recent report by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) on groundwater resources in India brings a glimmer of hope. The significant increase in annual recharge, coupled with a decline in groundwater extraction, indicates that concerted efforts towards sustainable water management are yielding positive results. This improvement in groundwater conditions is a testament to the hard work of various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and non-governmental organizations. Initiatives focused on rainwater harvesting, the revival of traditional water bodies, and the promotion of efficient irrigation techniques have played a crucial role in enhancing groundwater recharge. However, this positive trend should not lull us into complacency. The report also highlights persisting challenges, particularly concerning groundwater quality. Contamination from various sources, including industrial effluents and agricultural runoff, poses a significant threat to public health and the environment. Furthermore, while the overall picture may be improving, regional disparities remain. Certain areas continue to grapple with over-exploitation and declining groundwater levels. Therefore, a localized approach to groundwater management is crucial, with tailored strategies for different regions based on their specific hydrogeological conditions and water needs. Moving forward, it is imperative to maintain the momentum gained in groundwater recharge. Continued investment in water conservation infrastructure, the promotion of water-efficient agricultural practices, and strict enforcement of regulations to prevent groundwater contamination are essential. Moreover, robust monitoring and data analysis are critical to track progress, identify emerging challenges, and refine management strategies. The annual report of CGWB's serves as a valuable tool in this regard. The recent findings on groundwater recharge offer a ray of hope. However, sustained efforts and a multi-pronged approach are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital resource. By embracing a holistic and integrated approach to water management, India can safeguard its water security and ensure a sustainable future for all.

The Scourge of Encroached Waterways in Kolkata

Kolkata, a city historically intertwined with its rivers and canals, is slowly succumbing to the insidious threat of encroached waterways. The illegal filling up of these vital water bodies – once lifelines of the city – has reached alarming proportions, jeopardizing the city's ecological balance, exacerbating flooding, and threatening the very existence of its unique character. Dr Pradip Sikdar a renowned environmentalist of Kolkata stated that the motivations behind these encroachments are multifaceted: land hunger, unchecked construction, and a blatant disregard for environmental regulations. Unscrupulous builders, driven by profit, often illegally fill up ponds, canals, and even portions of the riverbed, creating space for high-rise buildings and commercial complexes. This rampant construction not only destroys valuable ecosystems but also disrupts the natural drainage system, leaving the city vulnerable to devastating floods during monsoon seasons.
The consequences of this unchecked encroachment are dire. The city's once-extensive network of waterways, crucial for flood control and maintaining a healthy environment, is shrinking rapidly. This loss of water bodies leads to increased surface runoff, exacerbating flooding and causing immense suffering to the city's residents. The ecological impact is equally devastating, leading to the loss of biodiversity, pollution of remaining water bodies, and a significant decline in air quality. Addressing this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, strict enforcement of existing laws and regulations is paramount. The authorities must crack down on illegal construction and impose hefty penalties on violators. Secondly, a comprehensive city-wide survey of all water bodies is crucial to identify encroachments and devise strategies for their restoration. Thirdly, public awareness campaigns are essential to educate citizens about the importance of preserving waterways and the consequences of their destruction,Dr Sikdar added.
Furthermore, the government must prioritize the development of alternative land-use strategies that minimize the need for encroaching on water bodies. This could include promoting vertical growth, redeveloping brownfield sites, and encouraging sustainable construction practices. Finally, involving local communities in the decision-making process and empowering them to protect their local water bodies is crucial for long-term success, the environmentalist further observed.
The time for inaction is over. The continued encroachment of Kolkata's waterways poses an existential threat to the city. By taking decisive action now, we can safeguard the city's ecological health, mitigate the risks of flooding, and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the unique charm and character of this historic metropolis, Dr Sikdar commented. By Anjishnu Biswas

India Champions Wetland Preservation on World Wetlands Day

India's celebration of World Wetlands Day 2025 at the Parvati Arga Ramsar Site in Uttar Pradesh demonstrates a strong national commitment to protecting these vital ecosystems. The event, featuring key government officials, underscored the importance of wetlands for biodiversity, livelihoods, and climate resilience. With the timely theme of "Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future," India is emphasizing collaborative efforts to conserve these crucial natural resources. The country's growing network of Ramsar sites, now numbering 89, reflects this proactive approach. Beyond simply designating protected areas, India is actively promoting sustainable development around wetlands, as evidenced by initiatives like the nature-culture tourism corridor and partnerships to empower local communities. By integrating conservation with economic opportunity, India is setting a positive example for balancing human needs with environmental stewardship. The focus on local communities, as seen in the Amazon partnership to support women entrepreneurs, is key to the long-term health of these important ecosystems.

Delhi Air Quality Triumph: A Moment of Clean Air Amidst Rising Temperatures

Delhi's air quality hit a remarkable milestone on March 15, 2025, when the city breathed its cleanest air in the last three years, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of just 85. For a capital frequently burdened by toxic pollution levels, this was a long-awaited sign of improvement. The achievement was further validated when the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) officially lifted the restrictions under Stage 1 of the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP), attributing the positive change to favorable meteorological conditions, including light rain and favorable winds.
The AQI, now categorized as "satisfactory," had not dipped below this threshold since 2020, underscoring both the severity of past air pollution issues and the encouraging turn for the better. As of 7 pm on that Saturday, Anand Vihar’s air quality recorded 80, with Alipur boasting an even more impressive 48, reflecting a rare and refreshing period of clean air in Delhi.
This clean-air episode, though momentarily uplifting, does not signal the end of the city's battle with air pollution. While Delhi residents celebrated the clean air, a far more pressing issue lies in sustaining these improvements. The CAQM has issued directives to ensure the AQI stays in the satisfactory range, avoiding the slippage into the "poor" category, which has plagued the city for years.
Simultaneously, the weather forecast has also been cooperative, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting light rain for the following days, which could further improve the air quality. However, the looming heatwave warnings for parts of India serve as a stark reminder that rising temperatures could soon challenge air quality levels once more, especially with northern regions experiencing a significant spike in temperatures. For example, Ainapur Hobli in Karnataka recorded a sweltering 42.8°C, signaling the early onset of summer heat.
This rare clean-air period should prompt a deeper reflection on what can be done to permanently address the underlying causes of Delhi’s air pollution. As the capital moves forward, the real question remains: can these cleaner air days become the new norm, or will the city soon return to its historically polluted state?
The recent improvement in Delhi’s air quality should not be seen merely as a temporary reprieve, but rather as an opportunity for long-term planning. With a combination of weather cooperation, sustained efforts, and stringent air quality management, Delhi can continue to offer its citizens cleaner, healthier air, paving the way for a more sustainable future. The message here is clear: the fight against air pollution is long-term, and this small victory should serve as a reminder of the ongoing work that lies ahead.