Environment

In his report placed before the Karnataka High Court on 23 June 2008, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Karnataka Dr P J Dilip Kumar has observed that the privatisation of lakes in Bangalore would be detrimental to the eco-system, the fallout of which would most affect communities living in the surrounding areas. Kumar heads the state's forest department and is the state's highest ranking forest official. The 91-page report was compiled at the order of the High Court in response to a writ petition filed by the Environment Support Group and others against the privatisation of lakes. Notice Board…

Ever wondered what happens to the used batteries, CDs and outdated television sets that we throw into the garbage bins? These are hazardous e-waste, containing substantial quantities of lead, cadmium, chromium and flame-retardant plastics. They reach scrapyards on the outskirts of the city - such as the ones at Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Jnana Bharathi railway station -- where children are made to work. Pic: Saahas. Inhaling or handling such substances and being in contact with them on a regular basis can damage the brain, nervous system, lungs, kidneys and the reproductive system. According to the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Bangalore…

The Bannerghata Nature Camp is ideal for a short break, especially if you don't want to drive out too far from the city. The pond in front of the Bannerghata Nature Camp Long time Bangalore residents may remember this road past IIM Bangalore as a pot-holed drive into a fairly verdant area. Now it is a concrete mess right up-to the zoo. The resort is situated a few kilometres beyond the zoo, and we parked the car near the Jungle Lodges' new restaurant and were driven inside in the camp's vehicles.The resort itself consists of a half a dozen tents,…

It's a prickly, 15 acres of prime land that stretches through shrub and wild grass, unaware of the legal battles that have been waged over it for the past 20 years. Part of the Jakkasandra Lake (Meistripalya), it stretches a few yards away from the BDA Complex in Koramangala, adjoining the 7th Cross Road and Telephone Exchange. The bone of contention has been its identity. Is this undeveloped land, belonging to the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) earmarked as a civic amenity, or is it meant for construction with commercial intent? The troubled land in Koramangala fourth block citizens are fighting…

The Lalbagh Botanical Garden is one of the most wellknown parks in this part of the country and is particularly treasured by Bangaloreans. Visit the park early in the morning and you'll see a range of people -- from expert naturalists and amateurs to just plain nature lovers and walkers. Mahesh Srinivas, a Bangalore based amateur photographer has captured a range of pictures of Lalbagh's vibrant wildlife early in the morning. Here's a glimpse. The elusive Golden Oriole on a Peepul Tree, at Lalbagh Gardens. Pond Herons squabbling over fishing rights at the Lalbagh Lake. Checkered Keelback snake breakfasting on…

The name itself summons up visions of many of us, dressed in goatee beards, flowing white robes with burnouses, lined up with those thick leather gloves and magnificient-looking, keen-glanced birds of prey, racing them. It also conjures up fancies of some of us, astride birds with tiny reins and tinier saddles, flying through the air competitively, driving our birds on with worms dangled before their beaks.  A Black-Shouldered Kite, handsome in the monsoon wind. Pic: Deepa Mohan. Source: INW gallery. Wake up, wake up. This is a bird-watching race, actually. People should form teams of four and they will be…

Once a pleasing part of the landscape, Bangalore's lakes have now become scarce and valuable commodities in a burgeoning metropolis. Hebbal lake, which was in the eye of a storm last year over its acquisition by the Oberoi Group of Hotels, mirrors the changing mores of a city in transition. Created in the 16th century to function as a reservoir, the lake's extent is 150 acres. It has since sustained scores of local and migratory birds. The lake along with neighbouring Nagvara lake (which has already been turned into an amusement park) is part of extensive wetlands system in the…

The advance of the Internet, and the technological advances in digital photography have come together to impact our lives in many ways; but few would have thought, a few years ago, that it would result in a major innovation in a field - wildlife -- where until now, enthusiasts were never near a net connection. Yet a team of four people, all from Bangalore, have, in a short time, managed to build up a strong association and bond between diverse people, by starting India Nature Watch (www.indianaturewatch.net), an online resource for Indian wildlife and photography lovers. Seven Spot Burnet Moth…

Which one of us has not seen the abandoned hack-horse, the milch-cow left on the streets, the pet dog bought on a whim and ignored or starved once the novelty wears off? Which one of us has not seen a sloth bear being made to dance by the "madari", been concerned about the parakeets that fortune-tellers put in tiny cages, or seen the plight of circus animals? Add to these the animals that are routinely injured or tortured in the name of festivals or religion, and you begin to see a sad picture of survival against the odds. Brahminy Kite…

Till about a year back, many residents of Jayanagar used to be troubled by the spot adjacent to 3rd Block post office being used as a public urinal. Even though there is a Nirmala Shouchalaya right next to it, people would relieve themselves right in the open, as they were unwilling to shell out a rupee to use the clean facility next door. Many commercial establishments like fast food joints, garment stores, offices, grocers, chemists etc. are located within a few yards of this place. Before: a public nuisance (pic: Hamsa) This is typical of many places in Bangalore; yet…