Shekhar Dattatri

YEAR OF THE TIGER Courtney Graham

WILDLIFE IN KAILASH G S Rawat

1 september 2010 expressions

 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
I have to admit that I am deeply impressed by the August edition of
“expressions”. It´s a piece of art in terms of graphic design and it contains
very valuable and motivating articles. And all this has been compiled by
such a young team like yours!

That reminds me of the time when I was in your age in the late seventies
...and I was quite active in a similar way and for the same aims like you.
In the meantime quite a lot has happened in Germany in terms of reduc-
tion of air and water pollution, waste management, use of renewable en-
ergy, promotion of the use of bicycles etc., even though still much needs
to be done. This might be good news for you that activities like yours can
be a successful contribution to a necessary positive development, but it
may take centuries …
Coming to the details: Mrs. Annie Singh rightly stresses the importance
of teachers for the life and behaviour of the next generation. By the way,
CO NT A CT US the garbage problem – also mentioned by Yudhishter – is one major
bothersome impression we foreigners dislike in India. It is great to see
Write to us at that a famous actor like Archana Puran Singh could be motivated to write
Expressions such words of love about Doon´s nature and by this surely impresses
51-A Subhash Road her admirers. I really loved “The girl with the green handbag” because
Adj. Damama Super Mart this story nicely focuses on the consumption oriented youngsters (like
Dehradun – 248001 my own daughter), and this kind of story might better address them than
Uttarkhand any scientific study. Vineeta Bhardwaj and Yudhishter Puran Singh give
a comprehensive and really interesting overview on the importance of
For Free Subscription women in the ecological movement. Ishita Khanna´s example finally even
SMS I CARE to +919411114921 motivates me to enhance my activities for environmental protection since
Call +919760614317 I became somewhat more sluggish while getting first grey hairs …
Fax: 011-66173614 Ernst Kuersten

Email at
yudhishter@icarefordoon.org Maria told me about your magazine and sent me the previous issues. I
am very impressed, well done!
Courtney Graham

Hey Yudhishter,
I received your email with the attached issues and WOW!! You guys
really put some heart and soul into those issues. I would love to do an
article for you guys.
www.icarefordoon.org Maria Sedona

Had a pleasant reading of the Aug issue of EXPRESSIONS...

Really loved the article Photographing Doon by Mr. Sandeep Puran
Singh.. The article, sort of provoked me to get my camera in hand, drive
up the streets to Mussoorie and click the most “lucid views” the monsoon
offers...
Ashutosh Pohary

expressions september 2010 2 3 september 2010 expressions
 FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Imagine a world without wildlife.
Imagine a world without trees.
I wouldn’t want to live in that barren place they call earth now.
Welcome to the September issue of Expressions. The support and
encouragement from our readers is indeed overwhelming, thank
Cover Story founder & editor you all!
20 The Truth about Tigers Shekhar Dattatri Yudhishter Puran Singh Stay with us and we promise to deliver more with each edition.

assistant editor “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way

Features Pooja Bhatt its animals are treated.” Mahatma Gandhi

creative editor This issue is dedicated to the ‘WILDLIFE’ and aims to stir the readers regard-
8 Year of the Tiger : It is Time to act Courtney Graham
Akshay Madan ing the same.
12 Panthera Tigris Subhinay Khosla copy & desk editor
“A tiger is a large-hearted gentleman with boundless courage and that when he is exterminated - as extermi-
24 Conservation of Wildlife in India & Shubhodeep Pal nated he will be unless public opinion rallies to his support - India will be the poorer by having lost the finest
Relevant Laws Abhidebh & Ankit news editor of her fauna.”, as Jim Corbett rightly said, our cover story deals with the same subject which is a matter of
national pride for us and is beautifully penned down by renowned wildlife conservationist and film maker who
28 Forest Guards Aditi Bisht Subhinay Khosla has inspired millions with his pioneering work, Mr. Shekhar Dattatri who emphasizes the urgency of saving the
30 Wildlife in Kailash G S Rawat tiger!
photo editor
Sandip Puran Singh Also, we have ‘Year of the Tiger: It is Time to Act ’, making a relevant plea about the tiger, ‘Conservation of
Wildlife in India and relevant laws’ which talks about the imperative need to ‘conserve’ and serve this world, it
Regulars subscription team brings to light the great Project Tiger, Project Elephant and the Shahtoosh case.
6 Conservación de la fauna Yudhishter Puran Singh Harshal Mirchandani, Lavish Bhatia Do we need a wake up call? Perhaps yes!
10 The Girl with the Green Handbag Pooja Bhatt Ashutosh Pohary Let’s fight this together, like any of Earth’s problems; this one cannot be possibly dealt without public coopera-
tion, surpassing goodwill and also prompt government action.
11 Photo Story Saran Vaid advertising The citizens need to be vigilant, question and protest against all necessary evils and the state and central gov-
14 Ways to photograph Doon Sandip Puran Singh Tushar Goel (NCR Region) tushar_icare@live.com ernments must exercise their crucial power and immediately ‘take remedial action’ .
Dr. G.S Rawat, in his edifying article, ‘Wildlife in Kailash’ shows us the wide spectrum of floral and faunal
23 Green Tips Shilpy Goel Agarwal Gaurav Gupta (Rest of India) gaurav_icare@live.com diversity in Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand, but also delves into the fact that the very same is depleting at a rather
alarming rate!
10 The Green Beat Simren Singh special thanks
Suresh C Sharma, Girinath Gopinath The wildlife stands on a fragile edge today, it’s only ‘us’ who can bring about the much desired change, we
should not end up being filled with remorse and resentment later in retrospection, we have the chance in our
Fresh cover design hands ‘right now’
33 Eco-fanatics Speak Akshay Madan Let’s make full use of it.

Have a delightful reading…!! Best,

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES PERMISSIONS ALL EDITORIAL QUERIES MUST BE DIRECTED TO
For subscription queries, For permissions to copy or The Editor, Expressions,
write to reuse material from 51-A Subhash Road,
subscribe_icare@live.in EXPRESSIONS, write to Dehradun 248140, Uttarakhand, India
or call +919760614317 yudhishter@icarefordoon.org M: +919411114921, Fax: 011-66173614 Pooja Bhatt
Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Expressions., its publisher and/or editors. We at Expressions Asst. Editor Expressions
do our best to verify the information published but do not take any responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the information.

expressions september 2010 4 5 september 2010 expressions
 conservación de la fauna
what is wildlife conservation?
why conserve wildlife?
how are we contributing towards
conservation?
can people and wildlife co-exist?
T
hese are some of the questions that I am sure all of us must have
come across over the past couple of months in various maga-
zines, blogs, papers etc. But have you ever wondered what next?
Wildlife conservation is nothing but protection of various life forms
inhabiting the protected areas, be it the national parks or wildlife sanc-
tuaries. We are all aware of the food chain aren’t we? When plants and
animals feed on the other natural life within an ecosystem, they are
a part of a food web. A food chain is a part of a food web and even a
slight disturbance can play major havoc with this web of life. We are ig-
norant of the fact that the flora and fauna is being destroyed at a rather
alarming rate!
Experts estimate that we are losing 137 plant, animal and insect spe-
cies every single day. That equates approximately 50,000 species a
year that are lost forever. Not to forget even species like tigers, snow
leopards, giant pandas, red deer and many more are on verge of ex-
picture by akshay madan tinction.
The perpetual loss of forests all across the world is a ducing the dense area in which most animals reside.
result of many aspects, the most common being the Therefore, the animal habitats are being severely
combination of governmental mismanagement and reduced with each swing of an axe. Gruesome! Not
corruption, economic development by virtue of ever just that, but the cutting down of forests, puts forest
increasing human population, and an ever-widening wildlife at risk and decreases the level of oxygen in
gap between classes continues to cause deforesta- the air. Thus, one realizes the imperative role the
tion across the globe. With the importance of forests forests have to play towards wildlife conservation.
on the decline and also the fact that environmental
protection, yet remains ‘undervalued’, resulting in Off-late, there has been a lot of talk about various
immediate economic gains, deforestation continues wildlife conservation projects, whether they really
to be a devious predator onslaught by the humans contribute towards conservation or not. The most
who need it most! recent one being, the immediate need to limit Tiger
tourism in India, but in my opinion banning tourism
Deforestation has a very serious consequence as will not necessarily contribute towards saving the
far as wildlife conservation is concerned. One of the Tiger, rather on the contrary, it will just hasten its
most damaging effects of deforestation on wildlife extinction.
occurs when ‘forests are split’. Say for example, if
you have a square area of a forest, there is a perim- The tiger, as everyone knows, is in deep trouble.
eter of the forests edge and the dense area inside There were close to 40000 animals in India about a
the square. Most of the animals reside within that century ago and now as per the recent Tiger cen-
dense area and if this area is cut down in the middle, sus in 2008 there aren’t more than 1400 in the wild
two squares of the forest are now formed thus in- which I honestly think is an exaggerated figure.
creasing the perimeter of the forest and severely re- Quite a few sub-species are already extinct. I re-
expressions september 2010 6 7
conservación de la fauna
member a few years back a group of students from
WII had visited Sariska and how they had exposed
the callous nature of the forest officials. Sariska
National Park was forced to admit that close to 30
odd tigers had been killed. These are some of the
reasons why the experts believe that the present
Are tourists the reason for the fall in tiger population?
We have all seen how eager tourists are when it
comes to going to various national parks all across
the country mainly Ranthambore, Jim Corbett etc.
But if you truly ask yourself, are they the reason for
the fall in tiger population? I don’t think so. All those
in favour of banning tiger tourism must understand
that it’s never the tourists who are the real problems
but it is the poachers and illegal loggers that are the
main-culprits and by banning tourism you are all but
going to ensure the tiger is exterminated in peace
and quiet.
Last year, World Bank chief Robert Zoellick said
that the global black market in wildlife products was
worth about $10bn per year, making wildlife the
third most valuable illicit commodity after drugs and
weapons, so now you can very well imagine the
extent of corruption as far as wildlife conservation is
concerned not just in India but all across the globe.
I do realize the fact that there is a problem with
tourism and tigers in our country. Increase in no. of
visitors has resulted in haphazard growth in terms
of wildlife lodges and resorts. But that doesn’t
necessarily mean we can do away with the tour-
ists. There is a need for eco-tourism with proper
emphasis being given to promoting well-managed
eco-parks.
The first place that comes to my mind is Forsyth
Lodge at Satpura, though I have never been there
myself but upon talking to people who have visited,
they all have loved each bit of their time spent at the
lodge.
The lodge advocates that well thought out and re-
sponsible wildlife tourism can be a potent tool in the
business of conservation and stresses importance
Tiger census conducted
two years back may
not depict the real pic-
ture, which could be far
worse.
on the need to provide local employment and trust
me, the ordinary park workers in general possess a
wealth of knowledge which is most often ignored.
But at the same time towards the end, I would like
to raise the alarm bells as far as other species are
concerned be it the snow leopards, rhinos or count-
less birds and insects. At this point of time not many
people in our country are willing to look beyond the
Tiger. The media is ever ready to focus on Tigers as
if to say that other species face no extinction threat,
which is sad. Facts reveal that almost 1/3 of the frog
species are declining at yet no efforts are underway
to save them.
Reading various articles given I am sure you may
wonder why is it that this particular issue of our
magazine is singularly focusing on tigers and that
may prompt you in saying that I am contradict-
ing what I am saying in my own article, but let me
reassure you all that over the next few issues we
are going to try and bring forward various issues
related to wildlife conservation other than merely
focusing on tigers. Be it the Ganges River Dolphin,
Great Indian Rhinoceros, Kashmir Stag, Loggerhead
Sea Turtle, etc.
Yudhishter Puran Singh
Editor, Expressions
email: yudhishter@icarefordoon.org
september 2010 expressions
 YEAR OF THE TIGER IT IS TIME TO ACT
W Tigers as an apex
ith a regal gait and intensely mesmerizing eyes, the
Tiger is one of our planet’s most sacred and char-
ismatic apex species. The Tiger has been a central
figure in Asian culture, folklore, and religion as a symbol of
mysticism, fearlessness, and power. Unfortunately however,
the future of this iconic species is in grave jeopardy as Tiger
population continues to slip closer to the brink of extinction.
Poaching, habitat destruction, systematic eradication, and the
black market trade in Tiger parts have reduced the population
of wild Tigers to less than three percent of what it was at the
turn of the 20th century.
While some government leaders are reluctant to accept such a
staggering population decline, researchers estimate that there
are only 3,200 Tigers left in the wild spread across thirteen
Asian range states. In this, the Year of the Tiger, many conser-
vation initiatives have focused their efforts to reignite concern
and bring awareness to the current “Tiger Crisis.” The central
purpose is to prevent the devastating forecast that Tiger popu-
lations will be depleted to the point of no return before the next
Year of the Tiger in 2022.
saran vaid
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has clas- domestic demand for Tiger parts in traditional Chi-
sified Tigers as an Endangered species as a result of nese medicine. In many parts of China, the wild Tiger
their population declining by more than 50% within population has been wiped out, and thus captive or
the last three generations and an absence of any “farmed” Tiger populations have supplemented a de-
Tiger subpopulation having more than 250 mature mand for their bones, pelts, meat, claws, teeth, and
breeding individuals. Only five subspecies of Tigers other parts used in traditional Asian medicine. Tiger
exist today: the Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), bone is the most widely utilized part in traditional
the Sumatran Tiger (P. tigris sumatrae), the Siberian Asian medicine and has been prescribed to treat
Tiger (P. tigris altaica), the Malayan Tiger (P. tigris a range of physical ailments, including: paralysis,
jacksonii), and the Indochinese Tiger (P. tigris cor- migratory joint pain and stiffness, back pain, spasms,
betti). The South China Tiger is believed to be extinct, and bone pain despite a lack of scientific evidence to
while the Bali Tiger, Javan Tiger, and Caspian or support these uses.
Persian Tiger are extinct.
Since 1975, the commercial international trade in all
As the wild Tiger population continues to struggle, Tiger species and Tiger parts, with exception of the
ironically the world’s captive Tiger population con- Siberian Tiger (received full protection in 1987) has
tinues to increase, as an estimated 20,000 Tigers are been prohibited under Appendix I of the Convention
held captive in zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, traveling on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
circuses, “farming” programs, and in private owner- Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES is the main inter-
ship. In the United States alone, it is estimated that national regulating body for endangered species,
at least 5,000 Tigers are held in captivity, with many it is a voluntary agreement that controls the trade
being possessed by private owners as “pets.” How- of vulnerable flora and fauna in a manner that will
ever, the rapid emergence of China’s captive Tiger ensure their sustainability and preservation. CITES
population is now believed to exceed that of the has no force of law over domestic policy, however,
United States. The Chinese captive Tiger population once a nation becomes a party to the Convention, it
in contrast, has largely been cultivated to satisfy the is responsible for adopting domestic regulations in
expressions september 2010 8 9
YEAR OF THE TIGER IT IS TIME TO ACT
compliance with a protected species designation.
While CITES is an important tool for regulating the international species are at the
trade in vulnerable and endangered species, it has no influence
on domestic trade, much less the illegal trade in Tigers and Ti-
top of the terrestrial
ger parts. Compounding this problem is the fact that majority of
the 13 Tiger range states are ill-equipped to effectively contend
food chain, making
with poaching and illegal trade, which are significant threats to their very exist-
the species. Consequentially, without the ability to successfully
confront these threats, mere regulations alone remain insuffi- ence critical to the
cient to combat the “Tiger Crisis.”
balance of all other
As our global population rapidly increases and society requires
the expansion in infrastructure, the competition between man
animal and plant
and Tiger for dwindling resources has become inevitable. species in that eco-
Unfortunately, Tigers have disproportionately been affected as
a result of habitat destruction as well as extrinsic and intrinsic system.
human interferences. Tigers as an apex species are at the top
of the terrestrial food chain, making their very existence critical to the balance of all other animal and plant
species in that ecosystem. In addition to regulating lower species population dynamics, Tigers help to con-
trol spatial distribution, promote the genetic fitness of other species, and increase species diversity within
ecosystems. If Tigers were wiped out of their ecosystem, the population of their primary prey species
would substantially increase, placing immense strain cascading down the food chain. This would have dev-
astating consequences throughout the jungles and pose potentially crippling consequences on farmlands
and resources that we heavily rely on.
The next decade presents a critical period for the Tiger species. Our destructive practices are a direct
reflection of the respect we have for our future, ourselves, and Mother Nature. In the words of
one of the Western world’s most esteemed thinkers, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: “knowing is not
enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.” It is not necessary that each one of us
makes world-altering contributions; there are numerous ways that compassionate and empowered
individuals can collectively improve the outlook for Tigers. For example, it could be as simple as
contributing to initiatives focusing on villages within Park buffer zones, educating local community
groups and youth about the important role Tigers play in the ecosystem, or volunteering time and
resources to staff working in Tiger reserves. Regardless of the magnitude, each one of us is capable
of making contributions that could help ensure that future generations have the privilege of observing
Tigers in the Wild
Courtney Graham
An environmental lawyer from the United States with a pas-
sion for marine and terrestrial apex predators. She is a con-
tributing writer for Beyond Blue Magazine and an educator
and collaborator for OCEANS Aware located in South Africa
© EXPRESSIONS 2010
september 2010 expressions

H
ello fellow countrymen and everyone else!
This is the second time I shall tell you all about
the crazy life and times of Esha Ved a.k.a ‘The Girl With
The Green Handbag’; actually it’s like having a look at
any other journal of a sparkling 19 year old girl, but
sneak peak into my life and you’ll know what I’m talk-
ing about. Along with my regular activities, the highs
and lows, I make a slight bit of an effort to pen down
my ‘green’ experiences for all of you. It’s so much fun.
It brings a fresh perspective to all that I see and hear
and feel and believe, okay enough, I’ll stop bragging
about it now.
So, I went for this amazing concert to Hard Rock Cafe
last Sunday, but, in spite of knowing the awful implica-
tions of my actions and the potent danger that it ex-
posed me to, I still couldn’t afford to have missed that
one. I returned home at 11:45 p.m that night, and my
‘messier than ever’ room welcomed me, it was all hell
breaking loose. I actually felt like being ensnared by a
spider web: books and papers lying everywhere they
shouldn’t be, clothes strewn about universally but the
closet, pizza boxes, dirty dishes and random stuff on
the bed, on the floor, a clogged table which had little
functional space. My head was already spinning with
all that head banging I had so generously indulged in,
and all I craved for at that living moment was that de-
lightfully delectable cup, oh wait no *mug* of that bit-
ter sweet enchantment that youngsters live on- yes,
I’m talking about Coffee- the caffeine that helps us
get through unforgiving nights, gives us our energy
surplus, something we must abstain from since too
much of it isn’t good for health they say, but honestly,
I didn’t care at the moment though I still feel we could
look for herbal or green tea/ milk/ juice as a substitute
(Later). But coffee is harmless, WAIT !!! haha WHAT?!
*sob-sob* Empty coffee jar!! How could you do this
to me Lord? And my electric kettle seemed to have
found perfect timing for a breakdown. Wow, I had a
expressions september 2010
Spanish test in the morning and I barely knew any-
thing and sleep also found its way through, my eyelids
turned heavy and longed for those dewdrops of divine
sleep, but I became a worrywart, but amusingly :P that
lasted for only 10 minutes and all I remember of it is
me quickly clearing up the bed to make some space
to park myself over there. My eyes snapped open and
I saw Mitali’s beautiful gold rimmed specs and she
said, “Morning sweetie, it’s eight, and we have a test?!
OBLIVION? *silly grin*”
I jumped out of bed and then crept in back again… ur-
rrgh, seeing the noxious sight my room was, but no
use trying to fight Mitali. I rushed in for a shower, got
dressed in like ten minutes (record-breaking feat) and
picked up the essentials and rushed for class.
My test. Don’t you want to know what happened to
that?
It was cancelled! YEssSSss :) My happiness was unde-
niably beyond explication. But you’ve got to be careful,
this time around, I got lucky and escaped the noose by
a whisker but banking on luck can end you up in muck
sometimes. Anyway, I decided to go home, but was
greeted by a gory sight on my way.
It was a sewer we passed by everyday and its charac-
teristically unpleasant smell that made us clip our nasal
doorways, had a different effect today... very close to
the drain I witnessed an ocean of plastic bags hoarded
there, a dead dog and scavengers. Sweet Lord! What?
Huh! *gobbledygook*
That dog was our community stray dog ‘Brutus’ with
whom I had shared fine memories, lying lifeless like a
martyr, torn apart. Pollution and dismay had reached
a new level now. ‘That’ stench overpowered my olfac-
tory senses and I felt wobbly.
I came home and the first thing I did was to get rid of
ALL the clutter in my room and it helped me to clear
away the clutter in my head considerably, it’s good to
be in our comfortable cozy mess but sometimes we
‘must’ clean up for hygienic purposes! Mom says that
not me but she’s right I feel, hehe, okay still that grue-
some spectacle remained stuck in my mind forever
and just refused to go away. I told Mitali about it later,
10
THE GIRL WITH THE GREEN HANDBAG
won’t have to lose their lives! I am pretty content with
how things have come along, the week passed by and
it was a radically different experience for me, but not
and as a personal homage to Brutus, I decided to take
completely alien, there would have been a time I’m
up the ‘NO Plastic Bag Week Challenge’, which meant
sure when there were no plastic bags and their use
that any place I go to, I had to make a conscious ef-
was initiated in the first place to fulfill a functional re-
fort to minimize the use plastic bags. It was hard ini-
quirement that was to basically make carrying stuff
tially, but I conquered it, some people laughed at me,
around easy, over time.. Like now, they’ve grown to be
mocked at me, [mean souls inhabiting the earth :\ ] but
a real menace to society!
surprisingly some gave me the ‘look of awe’ which I
We need to fight it, you can be quirky, erratic, mad,
secretly loved and enjoyed so much!
a geek or fun-loving just whatever, be whoever you
want to be, but just be sensible and that will make you
I carried my green cloth bag when I went to college,
happy!
or the grocer, or the departmental store, or any other
And believe me it is cool to be.
place. Sometimes I carried two. Ha, Beat that! That’s
how they named me the girl with the green handbag,
Like Art Buchwald once said,
funny thing! But let me make this clear to you, I have
many bags okay, that name’s just an epithet.
“And Man created the plastic bag and the tin and alu-
minum can and the cellophane wrapper and the paper
Now, what to do when you visit the mall to buy some-
thing? How can you refuse those plastic bags, the
plate, and this was good because Man could then take
his automobile and buy all his food in one place and He
beautiful ones? Or when you’re at McDonald’s or KFC
or somewhere getting food parceled? Or when you’re
could save that which was good to eat in the refrig-
at the market place and you have too much stuff to
erator and throw away that which had no further use.
And soon the earth was covered with plastic bags and
carry. I suggest then, we can make use of ‘the bag’, but
whenever possible, restrict its use please, like taking
aluminum cans and paper plates and disposable bot-
tles and there was nowhere to sit down or walk, and
one packet instead of more.
Man shook his head and cried: “Look at this Godawful
mess.”
SCRAP the BAG! HOW?
SO PLEASE Turn eco-friendly my friends! :: ASAP::
SIMPLE- Whenever you’re picking something up from Take up the challenge like I did.
the market or anywhere, MAKE SURE you’re carrying
a foldable cloth or jute bag inside your purse, which Stay green until next time!
would perfectly slash ‘the need of using a plastic bag’ Love, Esha.
in the core, and you’d see how much that’ll help!
But in skewed circumstances when you just don’t have
a choice and you don’t have to go a long distance or it
isn’t raining, be good and look out for paper bags first;
okay?
Only and ONLY if you have NO alternative left and it
seems truly difficult to manage, *sad sigh*: give in to a
plastic bag but make sure you re-use it multiple times.
Forget the rest, at least at an individual level you are Pooja Bhatt
absolutely eco-friendly, you’ll know well that you’re Asst. Editor,
chilling in life and making the most of it but the proud Expressions
fact here is that you are also harmless to other living pooja_icare@live.com
beings and so little girls won’t cry and innocent dogs
11 september 2010 expressions
 PANTHERA TIGRIS PANTHERA TIGRIS

I
that is waiting to happen. From tiger pelts to ivory,
t is estimated that in circa 1900, India was home to around 40,000 of the most numerous tiger subspe-
from timber to Sandal wood, from unplanned rail
cies: the Royal Bengal Tiger. In 1972, however, the official records showed the presence of only 1827
tracks to illegal mining, from swindling funds to
tigers in India. As a result, the next year saw the launch of Project Tiger, a government-initiated effort
human encroachments, humans continue to dig
to conserve a dying population of tigers. This effort clearly paid off as the number rose to 3642 tigers
graves in these shapes and sizes for our tigers,
in 2002. However, the 30-year effort seems to have gone waste as the latest figures released by the
our elephants and all those magnificent creatures
National Tiger Conservation Authority claim, shockingly, that only 1411 such tigers remain in India. The
we once called wild”, says a sentimental Pablo
authority, which used an improved methodology to estimate the tiger population, also suggested that
Tachil, wildlife crime inspector in Bangalore.
previous counts might have overestimated the numbers.

During the 70’s and mid-80’s, a number of pro-
tected areas (66 national parks and 421 wildlife
sanctuaries) were established so that the tigers in
India could thrive. These areas eventually rose in
number to 99 national parks, 514 wildlife sanctu-
aries and 43 conservation reserves. The outcome
was a serendipitous increase in the tiger popula-
tion over the years. Sadly, these conservation
efforts are being threatened today by the poach-
ing of tigers for trade in tiger parts, most of which
are in high demand in profitable markets beyond
India’s borders.
Present conservation efforts have been slow to
address new threats. Better protection strategies
such as heightened law enforcement, better train
saran vaid
ing and support have been lacking. A number of
excellent protection measures have been pro-
posed but none have been implemented. Hardly
any of the tiger reserves have established an
intelligence network and nearly 80% of our tiger
reserves do not have the basic infrastructure, such
as armed strike forces and surveillance equip-
ment, to combat poaching. Forest guards are
often out-gunned and out-manned by poachers.
“As the poachers continue to erase the jungles
of its stripes, our tigers growl in anger at us, at a
system that has repeatedly failed to address the
grave concerns our jungles are facing, at those
who ignore the signs of an impending disaster
saran vaid
Large developmental projects, such as mining and
hydroelectric dams, are also taking their toll on
the tiger’s natural habitat. In the past ten years,
thousands of square kilometres of forest land This picture of a young male tiger, called Kalua was taken
have been captured or destroyed to facilitate such in Bandhabgarh National Park
projects. Though mostly outside the protected net-
work, the loss of this vital habitat will have serious lems abound, India might still succeed in sav-
repercussions for tiger conservation in India. ing its remaining tigers. A number of motivated
organisations are involved in the tiger conserva-
Forests, ranging from shrub forests, to dry decidu- tion effort. Current efforts, though paltry, have
ous forests, rainforests, wetlands, Shola ecosys- ensured that a relatively large number of tigers
tems, mangrove forests and pine forests belong to still exist in some of the vast tracts of protected
the tiger’s real estate in the Indian sub-continent. land. However, in the immediate future, adequate
Climate change has now induced the tiger to scale funding, international pressure, political will and
new heights, literally. However, it bodes ill for the active participation will be required to spur greater
Royal Bengal tiger which is at home in the tropics. conservation efforts.
The typical food of the Royal Bengal Tiger includes The tiger is the sentinel of the ecological destiny
the ungulates (e.g. deer) of the tropics. Even of the whole Indian subcontinent. The least we can
though the higher reaches are warming up, there do is recognise and assist the enormous respon-
might not be enough food for the tigers there. This sibility that the Royal Bengal Tiger bears on its
could lead to territorial fights for prey base and fragile shoulders in an even more fragile earth.
terrain in higher reaches; besides, there might not We are not defined by the things we can replace,
be an adequate management perspective for for- but by our concern for the things we cannot.
est conservation in the higher reaches. Scientists
are watching with increased nervousness as to
what might be the fallout of this new anthropogen-
ic conflict on wildlife and tiger behaviour.
Since the humans have encroached upon the
tiger’s natural habitat, some tigers have recently
started invading human settlements and causing
unprecedented havoc. In 2010, 21 “tiger deaths”
have already been recorded. Even though prob-
Subhinay Khosla a 19-year-old student of English in Delhi
University is a passionate nature lover. He loves to write in his free time
and this article, in his words, “is dedicated to my father for all he has
done for me. Love you dad!”

© EXPRESSIONS 2010

expressions september 2010 12 13 september 2010 expressions
 PHOTO STORY PHOTO STORY

L eave me alone

A thing of beauty is a joy forever

The author is a wildlife enthusiast who pursues wildlife photog-
raphy as a serious hobby. He loves visiting the Ranthambore and
Bandhavgarh National Parks in India. Outside of India, he recom-
mends Masai Macra in Kenya as must-see place for all wildlife
lovers. Even though he loves
wildlife per se, he finds his
“wild cats” the most fascinat-
ing part of it. More of his
work can be found at
www.saranvaid.com
L ooking towards heaven

expressions september 2010 14 15 september 2010 expressions
 PHOTO STORY WILDLIFE ILLUSTRATED

A leap of faith

I started off with a Tiger which I had in mind and wanted to create

A road less travelled like a ‘Thinking Tiger’ image when one looks at it. It had a thought of
‘roar’, which for some reason remained a thought like his many other grim
thoughts. Next, there’s a Clown fish, the first time we had met in ‘Finding
Nemo’, emerging out of the water. There’s also the Intelligent Giraffe, Cu-
rious Baboon and the hard working Ant, just a few of our friends we can
learn a lot from! The wildlife, I feel is quite enriching and we must not
harm them in anyway.

Girinath Gopinath was born in Cochin, Kerala.He worked

as a designer for a leading fashion accessory brand, besides pursuing
his school days passion for doodling. People and things morphed in his
imagination into characters and ideas and he has ever since continued
his expression. At present, he is a faculty in NIFT Bangalore and can be
reached at girinathg@gmail.com

by SARAN VAID © EXPRESSIONS 2010

expressions september 2010 16 17 september 2010 expressions
 WAYS TO PHOTOGRAPH DOON VALLEY WAYS TO PHOTOGRAPH DOON VALLEY
3 LOOKING for
PATTERNS
Subjects like landscape often need something to give the image some
cohesion and to draw the viewer’s eyes into the picture. A pattern can do
this very effectively. It does not need to be a pattern in a literal sense, just
a suggestion of a repeated shape is often enough to create a focus of at-
tention and give the image a balanced and harmonious quality.

T
he key to all creative photography lies in developing the ability to see beyond the
subject itself, and to recognize the essential visual elements that will give an image the
structure and impact it needs to succeed. One of these visual elements is the impres-
sion of a pattern, created by the repetition of lines or shapes in a scene. THE TERRACE PADDIES sandip puran singh

DRIFT WOOD

Whenever you are in a hilly countryside even the smallest ‘flats’ seem
to stand out by themselves and attract the eye. The Doon valley is like
a huge amphitheater surrounded by hills on all sides with ridges dotted

sandip puran singh

with quaint hamlets linked by goat tracks making for a picturesque sight.

seemasandeepsingh@gmail.com
One of less visited cantonments in the neighborhood is among the hills of
Chakrata. The view from here is also one of the best in the region, and I
was lucky enough to be there on a day when the sunlight was undiffused

Sandip Puran Singh

Nature has a wonderful knack of creating patterns
and once you start to look you can see them eve-
rywhere. This shot was taken at a remote location
in the valley. An old tree-trunk had been left by
roadside on the way to the Tiger Falls Arun Pratap
and I were out photographing butterflies when I
noticed the fallen tree. The bark had dried up and
fallen off revealing a whirlpool of wrinkles and old
age had created large knots worn smooth with time.
It looked to me a gnarled face of a goblin come out
from some dark underground cavern to admire the
beauty of a setting sun. I tried some shots from
various angles but, although initially quite striking,
there was not enough variation in tone or colour to
maintain interest. To overcome this problem I looked
for a viewpoint where there were some well-formed
circles in almost a face like symmetry. The slant-
ing rays of an evening sun deepened the solemn
wrinkles. Since I was without a tripod I had to hold
my breath to steady my hand, a Singh-Ray Colour
Intensifier added a bit of saturation to the 18-70mm.
kit lens of the Sony Alpha 100.
and the atmosphere clear. There was an almost 360 degree view of
the hills and valleys from where I stood and I chose a viewpoint which
enabled me to use a small village with their paddy terraces winding
away into the distance as a focus of attention, framing the image so that
the hamlet was to one side of the centre.
The forest was lush and vegetation dark green, but by itself not very
interesting, I’d framed the image to include only a small area of it in
such a way that it ran in a fringe on both sides of the village making the
emerald of the paddies stand out almost phosphorescent. To complete
the picture a few of the village huts were included at the top left of the
frame to give it a human reference and meaning.

expressions september 2010 18 19 september 2010 expressions
 COVER STORY
The tiger is protected under Schedule I of the Wild-
life (Protection) Act and killing one (except in a clear
case of self defense) is punishable with a maximum
penalty of 7 years in prison. However, few poach-
ers are caught and even fewer are successfully
prosecuted and convicted.
So what can we do to save our National Animal?
COVER STORY
Protection of wildlife is the responsibility of both
the Central and the respective State Governments.
While the Centre provides substantial funding for Ti-
ger Reserves, the onus of on-the-ground protection
rests entirely with the State Governments. Unfor-
tunately, most State Governments accord very little
priority to wildlife conservation. As a result, there
are many shortcomings in the protection of our

A
forests and wildlife. These include severe short-
Saving tigers isn’t rocket science. The tiger is a age of frontline field staff, lack of proper equipment
t the end of a recent screening of my documentary, ‘The Truth about Tigers’, an elderly gentleman resilient species that breeds well and has the ability such as wireless sets, firearms and even footwear
raised his hand and asked me, “what will happen if the remaining tigers in India disappear? Why to bounce back given adequate protection. All we for the staff, inadequate training, and lack of finan-
must we spend time and money saving tigers?” I’m sure these are questions that occur to many peo- really need to do is provide adequate protection for cial incentives. Some of these problems are being
ple. Some related questions might be, “isn’t saving tigers a luxury when so many people in our country are wild tigers, their prey and the habitat, and nature addressed presently and, hopefully, the situation will
dying of hunger?” Why do we pay so much attention to tigers when there are many other species that are will do the rest. We do not need to breed them in improve in the future.
equally or more endangered?”. captivity or clone them or do any such thing.

There are several ironies in these questions that we should think about. Why are tigers endangered in the
first place? Because we have destroyed most of their forests and exterminated them. Having driven them
to the brink of extinction, is it not our duty to save them at least at this late stage? Do they not have an equal
Saving tigers isn’t rocket science !
We do not need to breed them in captivity or
right to exist? We, in India, have chosen the tiger as our National Animal. Will it not be a national disgrace if
we cannot even save our National Animal? And if we cannot save the tiger, the most charismatic and iconic clone them.All we really need to do is provide
of all animals, will we have the sagacity to save ‘lesser’ species? adequate protection for wild tigers, their prey
and thehabitat, and nature will do the rest
As for the starving people in our country, will their situation improve if all the tigers disappear? I think not!
In fact, it is certain that in the long run more people will suffer if tigers disappear. Let me explain. There are
39 Tiger Reserves in India. This means that 39 large blocks of forest have been protected in the name of the Another major problem is the lack of leadership.
tiger. Over 300 rivers have their origins in these Tiger Reserves, and these rivers support the lives of hun- In fact, in a few reserves, such as Kaziranga in Barring a few dedicated and capable individuals,
dreds of millions of people in our country. I think we can therefore say without exaggeration that the tiger is Assam, Corbett in Uttarakhand and Nagarahole in most senior Forest Officers in the country are out of
the guardian of our rivers and thus of our national prosperity. Karnataka, where a proper system of protection, touch with field realities since they spend very little
with anti-poaching camps and regular foot patrols time in the forest. This has a cascading negative
It is true that the tiger gets a ‘royal share’ of attention. But let’s remember that when a forest is by field staff, has prevailed for a few decades, tigers impact. After all, if the superiors in any institution
saved in the name of the tiger, thousands of other species that share the tiger’s habitat also get and other wildlife continue to flourish. But such do not lead from the front, one can hardly expect
saved! For this reason, the tiger is rightly regarded as an ‘umbrella’ species. reserves have become the exception rather than their juniors to do their jobs with zeal and com-
the rule. According to the Government’s own admis- mitment. It is therefore extremely important that
Why are tigers disappearing? India, travel to wildlife reserves across the country sion, at least 18 of the 39 Tiger Reserves in the officers who show a true commitment to protect-
on poaching expeditions, and are wiping out entire country are in an extremely bad state of neglect. As ing forests and wildlife should be handpicked and
Tigers once roamed fearlessly across the length and populations. of 2010, only 11 Reserves are acknowledged to be posted to wildlife reserves, and given all the support
breadth of our country. Today they are confined to a doing well. they need to protect our ecological heritage.
few wildlife reserves. There are three fundamental 2. The rampant illegal hunting of the tiger’s prey by
reasons why the status of tigers in India is so pre- local people, which is creating empty forests where it We now have all the knowledge we need to save We, the people, are also to blame for the current
carious today: is impossible for tigers to survive, let alone multiply. the tiger, thanks to decades of research by top- state of affairs. Most of us are content to go to
notch wildlife biologists; and there is no dearth of forests for holidays and just enjoy ourselves. It
1. The insatiable demand for tiger skins, bones and 3. The abysmally low level of protection in most of money either, since India is no longer a poor coun- is time to realize that if we do not take an active
organs - primarily from China – that fuels poaching our protected areas, which allows poachers to have try. What is urgently needed is a determination to interest in protecting forests and wildlife, they will
by organized and well-networked criminal gangs. a free run. India has some of the strongest wildlife do away with the ‘business as usual’ approach and disappear before our very eyes. We also need to
These gangs, mainly members of highly skilled hunt- laws of any country, but extremely poor enforce- tackle the problems head on. realize that our natural heritage is not the property
ing tribes like the Baheliya and Bawaria from Central ment. of the government. This is our collective heritage

expressions september 2010 20 21 september 2010 expressions
 COVER STORY
and we are all its joint owners. As patriotic citizens
we must be ever vigilant against the destruction of
our remaining forests, and continually demand that
our governments do a better job of protecting this
priceless legacy. Only when our voices are heard
loud and clear will the political establishment take
matters seriously. So, a great deal rests on our
all pictures by Ramki Sreenivasan
Shekar Dattatri is a wildlife and conservation filmmaker,
whose films have won numerous national and international awards, and
aired around the world on channels such as National Geographic and Dis-
covery. In 2004 he received a Rolex Award for Enterprise for his conser-
vation filmmaking, and subsequently, the Carl Zeiss Award for conserva-
tion and the Edberg Award from the Rolf Edberg Foundation in Sweden.
More information on my work can be found at www.shekardattatri.com
expressions september 2010
GO GREEN TIPS
H
shoulders. Our planet is in a crisis, and we can no i folks! Here we are, back again with yet gardening without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides
longer afford to remain passive in the face of the another green tip of the month. In this is- on the plants. Organic gardening is creating a whole
rampant destruction of nature, which is affecting sue we primarily focus on ‘Wildlife and its natural system encompassing plants, water, soil,
all life on earth. Everyone has to get involved and conservation’. wildlife and insects. An organic gardener aims to
each individual has the potential to bring about a The Indian subcontinent boasts of serving as the work in harmony within the system while minimiz-
akshay madan
positive change. natural habitat of a large and varied wildlife. We ing and replenishing the resources used.
can find some of the most magnificent as well as
the rarest wildlife species of the world in our coun- The soil is the starting point in the or-
According to Dr. Ullas try. The beauty and variety we see in the jungles of ganic garden. Gardeners continuously add local
Karanth, one of the world’s India is difficult to be expressed in words. organic matter to the ground such as grass clippings
leading tiger biologists, India However, the past few decades have seen the and vegetable kitchen scraps. These items help
still has enough potential tiger greed and negligence of human beings working add nutrients to the soil important in growing your
habitat to support over 10,000 to the detriment of ‘this’ rich wildlife. Large-scale plants.
tigers. But right now, accord- poaching, habitat destruction and conflict with hu-
ing to Government estimates, mans have resulted in a rapid decline in the popu-
Encourage natural predators of harm-
there may be less than 1500 lation of most of the wild animals and birds. The
ful garden bugs to roam freely in your plot. Frogs,
left. We have a long way to major threats being faced by the wildlife in India are
birds, lizards and even ladybugs will help control
go, but if we all work together the problem of overcrowding ,increase of tourism in
pests. Make your garden an environment for these
sincerely, I’m confident that national parks, climate change to name a few.
creatures. By doing this you’ll help eliminate the
we can double the present But just by following these simple techniques and
need for pesticides and further harm to the environ-
number of tigers within the remaining cautious about some other things, we
ment.
next 10 years. To learn more can actually lend our hand in helping conserve our
about tigers, their conserva- wildlife and saving ourselves from disgrace.
tion and your role in making a The first step could be taken by any ordinary human Water the garden only when needed
difference, please visit being from their very own backyard or garden. YES and preferably use sprinklers or mugs to wa-
www.truthabouttigers.org YOU CAN! ter plants rather than just letting the water drain
through the pipe, you can prevent water wastage to
By following a few of these tips, you could watch all a great degree that way. Over watering can dam-
the wildlife you want right in your backyard! age plants. Collect rainwater to use. This is a great
way to recycle natures showers.
Plant native plants. Native plants will at-
If you’re really interested in making a habitat out
tract and provide food for native animals. Make
of your backyard, please don’t wait just go ahead
sure your plants provide a mixture of nuts, berries,
Ramnath Chandrasekhar
and kick start today and it’s not just your backyard,
seeds, pollen and nectar for all the different kinds of
but you can also keep these things in mind for any
animals that will be stopping by. Provide water. Try
green space in your homes, potted plants inside,
putting it in a birdbath, or even go so far as build-
the gardens, terrace gardens and so on. Take care
ing a pond. Animals need clean water to drink and
of your gardens, love the plants and trees, nurture
bathe, so make sure you change the water fre-
them and welcome those tiny creatures, those bugs,
quently. Let it grow. A little overgrowth will provide
those frogs and flies that reside in there. Let them
cover for animals, giving them the ability to hide
buzz around and spread the cheer. I hope you do.
and feel more comfortable. They might even use
They’ll be grateful for it I’m sure.
the cover as a home to raise their young.
Avoid chemicals. Avoid using chemical ferti-
lizers to beef up your garden. Instead, try to make
Shilpy Goel Agarwal
the area as natural as possible by composting,
letting wild grasses grow and removing invasive
and foreign species. Go for Organic Gardening.It is
© EXPRESSIONS 2010
22 23 september 2010 expressions
 CONSERVATION OF WILDLIFE IN INDIA CONSERVATION OF WILDLIFE IN INDIA
AND RELEVANT LAWS a judgment forcing the government to enact and enforce its
wildlife law. In 2002, the manufacture of Shahtoosh shawls
was finally banned in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

I
Project Tiger
Project Tiger, an initiative by the Government, launched on
ndia, our vast and beautiful country, with its many
April 1, 1973, has become one of the most successful con-
coasts, deserts, rivers and mountains, is the home
servation ventures in modern history. The project aims at
to an amazing variety of fauna and flora. There are

akshay madan
tiger conservation in specially constituted ‘tiger reserves’
about 75,000 species of animals, of which 340 species
which are representative of various bio-geographical re-
are mammals, 1200 birds, 420 reptiles, 140 amphib-
gions falling within India. It strives to maintain a viable tiger
ians, 2000 fishes, 50,000 insects, 4000 molluscs and
population in their natural environment. Today, there are 27
several other species of vertebrates.
Project Tiger wildlife reserves in India covering an area of
37,761 km.
Need for Conservation A 2008 census held by Government of India revealed that

anant aggarwal
The emergence of human beings as the dominant species on earth and their attempts to stamp their the tiger population had dropped to 1,411. Since then the
dominance on everyone and everything around them has laid the foundation for our current environmental government has pledged US$153 million to further fund the
problems. Increasing deforestation, poaching and negligence towards animals are some of the dangers project, set-up a Tiger Protection Force to combat poachers,
posed to our wildlife and the ecosystem in which it survives. Present estimates state that 81 species of and fund the relocation of up to 200,000 villagers to minimize
mammals, 38 species of birds and 18 species of amphibians and reptiles are endangered in India. human-tiger interaction.
India is keen to do its best to protect its wild life and change the current gloomy state of affairs. In recent Project Elephant, though less
years, the media, environmental groups and NGOs have also given wildlife conservation efforts an addi- known, started in 1992 and works for
tional boost with their zeal and intolerance of environmental degradation. elephant protection in India.
CONCLUSION
Despite these laws and efforts, destruction of wildlife, il-
Wildlife laws legal trade, and poaching continue. Laws and the govern-
Wildlife laws in India can be traced to the Third Century BC, when Ashoka the Great codified a law for the
ment alone cannot ensure successful conservation efforts.
preservation of wildlife and environment. The first of modern wildlife laws came into existence with the
We, the public, need to understand the gravity of the
Wild Bird Protection Act which was enacted by the British Government in 1887. However, the first com-
situation. Conservation efforts can only succeed when we
prehensive set of laws was established in 1972 under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA). Furthermore, to
all do our bit to conserve wildlife. This can be achieved by
protect wildlife, the Government of India also became a signatory to the Convention on International Trade
increasing our own awareness as well as making others
in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1976.
aware. We must speak to those in power and take a col-
A number of other laws act in tandem with the WPA to protect wildlife in India by punishing offences such
lective stance not to lose our national treasures in the rat
as trading, hunting and poaching. Among the most prominent are the Customs Act, 1962; Indian Forest
race of modernization
Act, 1927; Forest Conservation Act, 1981; Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
The WPA which is the most important of these laws provides for the protection of wild animals, birds
and plants. It extends to the whole of India, except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. While the act clearly
defines hunting it also prohibits the usage, supply etc. of animal articles. Punishment for offences under the
WPA can include imprisonment of up to six years, a fine of Rs.25000 or both for hunting animals and birds.

Case Studies with respect to Wild Life Conservation

Shahtoosh case Adhideb Bhattacharya and Ankit Srivastava
are final year students at the University of Petroleum Studies
Shahtoosh wool is derived from the soft undercoat of the Tibetan Antelope (also known as Chiru), which
(UPES), Dehradun. They harbour a keen interest in Indian Wild-
has to be killed before its fleece is removed. Three to four Chiru have to be killed in order to weave a sin-
life and Environmental Laws as well as Oil and Gas Laws.
gle shawl. Each shawl can cost several thousand dollars in the international market.
In 1977, the Government of India had declared the Chiru as protected under Schedule I of the WPA. Also,
killing of the Chiru is also prohibited under the CITES.
A Public Interest Litigation(PIL)was filed in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court seeking implementation of © EXPRESSIONS 2010
the provisions of the WPA as well as CITES in the state. On May 1, 2000, the Honorable High Court issued

expressions september 2010 24 25 september 2010 expressions
 theGREEN BEAT
akshay madan
“Rain is grace; rain is the sky
condescending to the Earth;
without rain, there would be no
life”
John Updike quences of climate change.
expressions september 2010
E
ver wondered how our life would be if it did not rain at all?
We are blessed to be in a place like Dehradun where it pours
incessantly! But there are many places in the world where
there is acute shortage of water and people are not blessed with
such a pleasant climate like ours. All this is what? Global warm-
ing?? Yes!! Global warming is a result of human activities and it is
we who have to face the consequences. But, we can surely miti-
gate the impact of climate change if we change our living styles a
bit.
Green Beat is a platform for me where I can inform and make
readers aware of such a universal issue and ways to deal with it.
After doing a bit of research I found out that there are measures
being taken by people around the world to reduce the ill conse-
Since climate change and environment conservation is of primary
concern today there is an urgent need to take suitable eco-friendly
measures to compliment development efficiently and responsibly.
Spain is one such nation which has successfully adopted strate-
gies of sound environment planning to mitigate the effects of
climate change. The Spanish Network Of Cities For The Climate is
a section of the FEMP which joined hands with the Ministry for the
Environment (Spain) aiming at urban sustainability and reduction
in green house gas emissions in municipalities. It was an initiative
taken by the local governments of Spain to fight against climate
change. The key sectors under the program were- Transport, En-
ergy, Building, Town-planning and Eco-technology.
Development in India is taking place on a daily basis. It is an
emerging economy and it needs to adopt sustainable development
measures to face the brunt of climate change. India can also adopt
such models as solutions to prevent the negative impacts of human
activities carried out in the city with the use of strategic environ-
ment planning and involvement of local governments.
For this, India needs to
• Prepare sustainable mobility plans aimed at promoting
non-polluting means of transport. ( For eg : CNG).
Dehradun too can do away with diesel run vikrams and three
wheelers. Its high time that CNG run autos should come on
Doon roads.
• Take actions aimed at reducing end energy consump-
tion. Produce energy from renewable sources like wind, solar,
etc.
26
theGREEN BEAT
India is endowed with abundant natural resources and we need to conserve
them for our next generations. Therefore, we should make efficient use of other
sources of energy like bio-gas.
Rain water harvesting techniques should be promoted and guided so that
we can conserve as much as we can!
• Incorporate renewable energies in designing buildings. ( For eg : CII-Godrej
Green Business Centre in Hyderabad.)
• Keep cities compact, multi-functional and efficient.
• Urban mushrooming is not bad but it should be done in the most eco-friendly
way possible. Green investment is possible only when there exists awareness.
But why wait for the Govt. to do that? When will our environment education
come in use? Go ahead ! Each one tell one about the problem and the solution!
Like India, Spain too lacked awareness of the problem of climate change but conduc-
tion of regular seminars/conferences and participation at the local level were the
most helpful tools to ensure the success of the program.
India no doubt is a country with huge population and coordination is difficult yet ef-
forts can be made to frame policies at local levels, green house gas emissions can be
calculated from various sectors, waste handling and management can be practically
guided, awareness can be spread through regular seminars not for the bureaucrats
but for the local people.
Public awareness, adoption of sustainable habits at personal level, friendlier
agreements amongst the authorities and its implementation is what we need
today. Spain is thus one such example from which we can learn a lot and
incorporate.
Happy Conserving!
Simren Singh
A 2nd year graduation student at Lady Shriram College For
Women, New Delhi. Passionate about environment and an
ardent nature lover, I am currently the secretary of my col-
lege’s environment society - Prakriti
© EXPRESSIONS 2010
27 september 2010 expressions
 FOREST GUARDS FOREST GUARDS

F
orest guards are the protectors of wildlife. In sanctuaries, wildlife reserves or
national parks, these people constitute the bottom rung of the ladder, which, as The guards are often hampered in their duties by animal attacks. The problem is
we know, is undoubtedly the most important. Even though forest guards have a aggravated due to a lack of equipment that can mitigate such attacks. In May 2005,
different recruitment system, sometimes ex-servicemen choose to become forest Madan Pandey, a snack-store assistant, was attacked and badly mauled by a tiger
guards as well. that had strayed into the Dhikala tourist lodge area. He is still recovering from the
shock of the attack which is firmly etched on his body in the form of permanent
Two years ago, the then finance minister P. Chidambaram had allocated a budget of Rs scars. However, the government reimbursed him only a third of the amount he
50 crores for the ‘Tiger protection force’. This force across India’s tiger reserves was to spent on surgeries. The promise of a job awaits fruition.
comprise ex-servicemen given their experience of fighting insurgencies. But they haven’t Last year, a very popular TV show comprised a storyline wherein celebrities were
been used to the best of their abilities. put in a jungle with only bare necessities. Much sensation, chaos and controversy
ensued. Even though the storyline
These folks embark on their lonely forest was admittedly exaggeratedly, we
patrol braving both harsh weather and un- did get a peek into how difficult it is to
predictable wildlife without any supporting live in the wilderness. Isn’t it time we
gadgets. Most of them work in appalling give the forest guards their share of
conditions wearing open-toed footwear, respect for living such a difficult life
lacking basic equipment like torches, jeeps, and doing such a dangerous job?
wireless sets and guns. However, they
courageously carry on with their difficult Those who bear everything silently
job. These guards are quite literally heroes are not weak but often have the ability
who wear the forest on their skin, even as to change the world. So before the
they learn to respect animals and wildlife cries turn into roars, the government
in general. They are sharp at spotting an should implement radical reforms that
animal from afar and whistle to warn the improve the living conditions of forest
animals of their approach. guards and provide for their well-
being. It is in our best interest that
Almost a year ago, several thousand for- these guardians of our wildlife are not
est guards marched 460000 kms through compelled to look for other sources
India’s jungles to count India’s tigers for the for living.
tiger census. Forest guards not only pro-
tect the forests but also man rest houses.
During the monsoons they repair the hill
roads which often become pot-holed in the
wet weather.
saran vaid
Let’s take a look at the life of a typical forest guard: They are forced into leading a bache-
lor-like existence for most of their lives even though they may be married. They visit their
homes for hardly 3-4 days every 4 months or so. The younger guards share tiny rooms,
a kitchen without slabs and a washroom. To save money they cook their meals together
every evening in a makeshift mess.

In 2004, the Supreme Court ordered the Forest Department to absorb dozens of labour- Aditi Bisht
ers who had been working for it for many years on a daily wage. One of them, Anand A graduate student at MCM College Chandigarh, is a vora-
Ballabh Pandey, had spent nearly two decades as part of the temporary staff, handling cious reader and a concerned inhabitant of earth and can
all the responsibilities of a forest guard. Mr Pandey was being paid only Rs 1600 per be reached at bestbuddy4u@gmail.com
month when the Supreme Court ruling came. Today, he divides his “princely” salary of Rs
7000 between himself and his wife who lives in a village with his grown-up sons. For all
his years of dedicated service, Mr Pandey can claim a paltry sum of Rs 30,000 as insur-
ance from the Forest Department. © EXPRESSIONS 2010

expressions september 2010 28 29 september 2010 expressions
 CONSERVATION OF WILD LIFE IN KAILASH CONSERVATION OF WILDLIFE IN KAILASH
Wildlife in Lord Shiva’s own landscape: all’s not well! has been a rapid decline in traditional knowledge
and cultural values in the hills. Better access to
The prophecy of Buddha says most truly, education and modern amenities has led to more
That this snow mountain is the navel of the world, greed and inequity in the society. In the absence of
A place where the snow leopards dance. adequate employment opportunities and livelihood
options, many people in the remote areas have
The mountain top, the crystal-like pagoda, resorted to unscrupulous means to earn money.
Is the white and glistening palace of Demchog The exploitation of high value medicinal plants is
This is the great place of accomplished yogis; common and the business in wildlife products,
such as musk pod, bear gall, skin and bones of
Here one attains transcendent accomplishments. various animals, which are smuggled outside the
There is no place more wonderful than this, country, is thriving. In recent years, Cordyceps
There is no place more marvellous than here! sinensis, a wild mushroom of the alpine region has The caterpillar mushrooms of the Kailash
gained limelight. Locally called Keera Jari or Yartsa pictrues by G.S.Rawat
- Milarepa, the Great Buddhist Saint Gombu, this commodity fetches as much as Rs.
3-4 lakhs per kg in the local market. Also, known (Vulpes vulpes) and a variety of pheasants. There

I
was born and brought up in a small village located
at the base of Panch Chuli peaks in eastern Uttara-
khand. Like most of the hill folks of yester-years,
I spent my childhood in the lap of nature. With no
electricity or television, we used to be mostly out-
doors playing Kabaddi, Gilli-danda and other games.
The trip to school and back used be full of fun and
adventure – climbing trees and swinging from the
branches, looking for birds and their nests, collecting
and eating wild fruits, pelting wasp nests with stones
and what not.
Come winter, the family would gather around a fire
and listen to fairy tales, adventurous accounts of
Faujis posted at the borders and often ‘shikar’ stories
of erstwhile hunters. My favourite story teller was
Uncle Sheru, an acclaimed hunter in his days (before
hunting was outlawed).
Of the numerous jungle stories which included his
encounters with black bears and wild boars, one is
vivid in my memory. One autumn, Uncle Sheru was
alone on a hunting trip to upper basin of Panch Chuli.
This area used to be rich in wildlife including Himala-
yan tahr, serow, goral, Himalayan musk deer, Bharal
(blue sheep), monal and various other pheasants.
One morning, much before dawn, he had positioned
himself on a vantage point overlooking a rugged
slope hoping to get a big game. He had hardly waited
for an hour, when he saw a majestic herd of around
70 Bharal slowly walking in his direction. Confident of
his double barrel gun, he aimed at a big male Bharal.
None of the triggers worked. He
expressions september 2010
changed the cartridges quickly and fired again. This
time one trigger worked but to his surprise the bullets
touched the body of the Bharal gently, as if someone
had thrown grains of gram at the animal. He fired at
least 3-4 rounds of bullets on other male but in vain.
As the flock moved towards the higher slope, he
was awestruck by the sight of a tall ‘shepherd-like’
figure following the beasts closely. Frightened, Uncle
Sheru uncle descended to the lower valley where he
had been camping. “After all, the Bharal were being
guarded by their owner and I did not have permis-
sion to take any animal that day.”
Most of the villagers in our area believe that Panch
Chuli and the adjacent high ranges are contiguous
with the Holy Kailas and that the entire range belongs
to Lord Shiva and people disrespectful of it are pun-
ished by supernatural powers. Moreover, the flora
and fauna of these hill-ranges are guarded by deities
and spirits who follow Shiva’s bidding. According to
the elders in the village, the high alpine meadows,
which harbour holy plants such as Brahmakamal,
Phenkamal and Jatamansi, are sacred sites and one
should take permission of the ‘guardians’ before har-
vesting anything here. Over the years I have heard
many tales and myths associated with higher Hima-
laya including those of abominable snow man (Yeti)
and mythical resurrection herb (Sanjeevani booti).
Being a staunch believer in Darwin’s Theory of Evo-
lution, I don’t believe that the Yeti exists. However, I
am fascinated by innocent hill folks and their folklores
that concern nature. Sadly, in recent decades, there
30
as the “caterpillar mushroom”, as it grows on the are as many as 22 different forest types and a
head segment of an underground caterpillar, it is in number of endemic species in the area. The sanc-
great demand in China and Korea as an ingredient tuary also encompasses a large number of sacred
in oriental medicines. When the summer arrives sites such as Chhipla Kedar, Panch Chuli, Chhota
and the snow thaws, the mushroom, in its fruit- Kailas, Parvati Tal and Kharangdang among oth-
ing stage, emerges from the ground. This is the ers. Difficult terrain, harsh climate, a long and po-
time when thousands of people throng the alpine rous international border that is difficult to patrol,
meadows and search for this mushroom, not spar- are the major challenges for the management of
ing even the most rugged and dangerous slopes. this sanctuary. Adding to the problem is the acute
Harvesters look for the tiny, horn-like body of the shortage of a trained and motivated staff plus
mushroom jutting out of the ground. They proceed negligible infrastructural and logistical support.
to dig it out with caterpillar because the mushroom There are conflicting demands for development
is not accepted without the caterpillar. During and conservation in and around this sanctuary. In
collection, human casualties and serious conflicts spite of general awareness of the laws pertain-
often occur. ing to wildlife protection, there is a general apathy
towards dwindling natural resources since local
Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is rich in floral and faunal communities feel largely neglected.
diversity and the state, compared to several oth- What can be done to ensure the conservation
ers, has done a fair job of conserving its wildlife. At of the high-altitude ecosystem and its wildlife in
present, we have 14 protected areas that include Askot? How can we meet our current needs with-
six national parks, six wildlife sanctuaries and two out compromising the needs of future generations?
conservation reserves. However, only a few parks There are no simple answers. The issues of con-
such as Corbett and Nandadevi get adequate funds servation and development are equally involved
and man-power for effective management. on the other side of the border (Nepal in the east
Askot wildlife sanctuary is one such protected area and Tibet in the north). Recently, the Governments
that has been largely neglected by the govern- of India, Nepal and China have signed a tripartite
ment. The sanctuary, 1400-6700m above sea level, agreement to develop a trans-boundary coopera-
supports a diverse but dwindling population of en- tion for the conservation and management of natu-
dangered species such as the snow leopard (Pan- ral resources, threatened flora and fauna, and to
thera uncia), Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemla- strengthen the cultural ties around the junction of
hicus), blue sheep or Bharal (Pseudois nayaur), these three countries. This junction covers an area
Himalayan musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), that spans around 500 km in radius from Holy Kai-
Asiatic black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus), red fox las and has been designated as the Greater Kailash
31 september 2010 expressions
 CONSERVATION OF WILDLIFE IN KAILASH
Sacred Landscape (GKSL). This junc-
tion also provides a contiguous habitat
to many threatened animals such as the
snow leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan
tahr and a number of pheasants. Un-
der the agreement, the three countries
will develop landscape level conserva-
tion plans which will be facilitated and
coordinated by the International Centre
for Integrated Mountain Development
(ICIMOD) in Kathmandu. For the India
part of GKSL, a conservation plan would
be prepared jointly by the G.B. Pant
Institute of Himalayan Environment &
Development, Almora; Wildlife Institute
of India, Dehra Dun; and Uttarakhand
Forest Department. Preparing such a
plan would require the involvement of
the local communities, who are major
stakeholders in the area as well as vari-
ous line departments including security
personnel. The plan would address
long-term monitoring of threatened
species, developing enterprise-based
livelihood options for poor communities
and adaptations for vulnerability due to
climate change.
The long term conservation plan for
the GKSL should include strengthening
community-based organizations such
as Van Panchayats, Yuvak Mangal Dals
(youth society) and Mahila Mangal Dals
(women’s welfare society) and edu-
cating the locals in the managemet of
their own natural resources and also, in
restricting theft of high-value plant and
animal products. Coordination between
different line-departments would be
essential for achieving the long-term
conservation goals in this landscape.
Essentially, the only way to sustainably
develop this landscape and conserve its
biological, aesthetic and cultural val-
ues would be to declare the erstwhile
Askot sanctuary and its surroundings
as a Biosphere Reserve. This has the
benefits of allowing traditional resource
expressions september 2010
use by the local communities while conserving the threatened
species in their natural habitats. Although easier said than done,
the successful implementation of such a plan will require im-
mense political will, support from local institutions, commitment
from the conservation agencies and respect for the landscape in
which our roots lie.
Can Lord Shiva’s landscape return to its primordial and
time to care
pristine verdure? Only time can tell. Everyone is living, If this heartlessness lingers,
Living a wonderful life Rock-like rhinos and ferocious tigers
G. S. Rawat The author is a Senior Professor at the Wildlife Institute But what about our forests, rivers and wildlife? We’ll never be able to adore,
of India, Dehra Dun. His areas of specialization are Angiosperm Taxonomy,
The elephant’s trumpet and the lion’s roar
Wildlife Habitat Ecology and Mountain Ecosystems Ecology. He is a Fellow
of National Academy of Sciences, India; member of IUCN (SSC) Orchid and
Wildlife is God’s most striking creation, Will not be heard anymore....
Medicinal Plant Specialist Groups and Life Member, Association for Plant
Then why are we pushing it to extinction?
Taxonomy. He has published over 150 scientific papers and popular articles
We are the culprits, we are the cause: That awful moment is very near
in various national and international journals.
Nature has become what it never was! When the jungles will be torn with sounds of strife.
But we can still save our dying wildlife
Hunting and killing, By standing for them and saying “icare”.
Poaching and selling:
© EXPRESSIONS 2010 All such deeds have taken their toll.
We are so inhuman and lost in callousness,
We cannot see our wildlife’s helplessness. Aanchal Tamta
XIIth std, Touchwood School
This small scribble of a young mind has a lot to say!
It depicts 2 tigers, one of them is a sad one which makes one notice
how far and wide man has gone to disrupt the life of animals and
how we must all make an
effort to ‘save the wild’!
We must give them a
chance to be happy and live
peacefully and it’s essential
to care for the environment
like little children do in their
innocence!
Keshav Roy
4yrs
32 33 september 2010 expressions
 eco fanatics speak IN THE NEWS
Tiger census promises good news
The Pioneer New Delhi 7 Aug 2010

POACHING Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has hinted that the upcoming tiger census expected in November “will
make us all happy”.
“Animals never kill for sport. Torturing and killing fel-
low creatures amuses only Man.” Though the increase may not be that phenomenal, but it would be encouraging. He was speaking at a seminar
akshay madan

on “The Future of the Bengal Tiger”, organised by Sanctuary Asia in association with other partners.
Poaching refers to the illegal capturing or killing of wildlife.
It can occur in the wild or even in protected areas such as As part of his effort, Ramesh spoke of wooing the state government with “green bonus” and rewards, based
wildlife sanctuaries. People have different reasons for poach- on their performance in this regard. A sum of 5,000 crores has been set aside for the next five years.
ing. Some poach animals to satiate their hunger for animal
flesh while some others believe that some animals or plants Further, rewards worth 900 crore would be introduced from the next fiscal. He admitted that reforms as these
have medicinal value. Poaching is also done to sell and trade in were necessary to tone up and galvanise the Indian Forest Service.
the parts of an animal which have economic value. Hunting, which
involves killing animals for sport, is also a form of poaching. The Minister also claimed to bring in more participatory measures to involve the local communities in the
The fault lies in us. Despite reaching great heights, we humans lack reserve areas.
humanity. We have reached the moon but still hanker for more. We
have turned into selfish fiends who stop at nothing to achieve our First, the revenue generated out of tourism would flow back for the benefit of the local communities, instead of
ends. There are instances where we are callous even towards our the respective State exchequers. Nearly 3 crore in Kanha and 1.5 crore in Tadoba reserve.
relatives; it isn’t surprising then that we treat animals so insensitively.
“We have also begun aggressive recruitment of local communities in the reserve,” he said, adding 400 youths
Ironically, when man kills animals it is called sport but when from chenchu tribes have been employed as forest staffs in the Nagarjuna reserve, 40 Van Gujjars in Corbett
animals kill man it is called ferocity. However ferocious an besides Kurumba tribes have been employed in the Nilgiris.
animal may be, it has a life, a heart and perhaps even a language.
But we see animals as inferior creatures born to do our bidding and Present on the occasion were tiger expert Valmik Thapar, Bittu Sehgal and Belinda Wright amongst others.
to serve our needs. According to me, no distinction should be made
between the life of an animal and the life of a man. After all, life is
life. And everyone should have the right to live. The only thing that
separates a man’s life from an animal’s life is his perception which
is shaped by his ego. This perception sometimes becomes so cloud-
ed that it does not even consider upholding the ultimate authority:
the law. Laws in our country ban poaching but are often ignored.
Poaching occurs throughout the world as people continue to ravage
wildlife and the environment.
We seem so eager to exploit our wildlife that we can perhaps never
drive away thoughts of poaching. But its adverse effects are appar-
ent today. Many animals are on the verge of extinction while many
more have already died out. If we do not want our future genera-
tions to call us murderers, let us pledge to stop poaching and abide
by the law.

Shreyashi Kukreti

saran vaid
IXth std., Convent of Jesus and Mary
Dehradun

expressions september 2010 34 35 september 2010 expressions
 IN THE NEWS
From Networking to saving the Bengal tiger
Daily News & Analysis Mumbai 10 Aug 2010
Social networking sites often claim to help one get in touch with friends and like-minded people. But busi-
nessman Guarav Mahajan and management student Neil Mehta experienced this first-hand when they
first met on a ‘Save Tigers’ forum on a social networking website. They also realised that they were both
interested in conservation issues, and together they started a youth-oriented organisation called the Tiger
Action Force, nearly a year ago.
“Our genuine concern for the environment brought us where we are today,” says Neil Mehta, the presi-
dent of the club. The organisation has a core team of 10 members and a large number of young volun-
teers from different schools and colleges.
They felt that though people talk about conservation issues, most of them don’t take the initiative to do
something about it.
The youngsters wanted to make people understand how important each and every creature is to our sur-
vival and wanted people to realise that all of us have a part to play in saving our environment.
“Wildlife conservation is our priority because there are fewer tigers in the wild than there possibly are
students in a school,” quips Mehta.
The primary reason why they insist on the conservation of the tiger in particular is because we depend on
them for our survival. They are at the pinnacle of the food chain, and without them the ecological balance
in the forests would go haywire.
What makes them different from other organisations is that they have a monthly newsletter that features
not only local environment issues but also provides information on various species and other environ-
mental issues.
“We were apprehensive in the beginning but now we have around 400 subscribers. It is encouraging
for young people like us to realise that people are interested in our cause,” says Mridula Vijairaghavan,
member and editor of the newsletter.
These youngsters feel that if people want to bring about change, then their words should translate into
action. The organisation conducts workshops and events to create awareness among people, especially
the youth.
They conduct programmes at different schools, and the Byculla zoo is one of their favourite locations.
“We believe in showing people the beauty of nature by taking them to places that are under the threat of
destruction.
We want them to realise that if we don’t act now, the future will be highly uncertain,” adds Mehta.
expressions september 2010 36
IN THE NEWS
Wildlife Act adds teeth to anti-poaching fight
The Sentinal Guwahati 12 Aug 2010
The government has amended the Wildlife Act, 1972, incorporating stringent provisions aimed at curbing
wildlife poaching in Assam. The amended Wildlife Act empowers a forest guard to punish a poacher and
also enables him to carry firearms.
This was revealed by State Forest and Environment Minister Rockybul Hussain while inaugurating a
videoconferencing facility at the office of the Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force,
Rehabari here today.
“Now a forest guard can punish a poacher after catching him. A poacher can also be jailed for life if he
is found guilty of the crime. Forest staff have also been authorized to carry firearms for self-defence and
protection of forests and wildlife,” said Hussain.
The minister said, “If a forest guard is killed by wild animals or poachers, Rs 3 lakh will be paid as com-
pensation to his family. The amount given earlier in such cases was Rs 1 lakh. Moreover, if a wild animal
kills a civilian, Rs 1 lakh will paid to his family.”
Hussain said the new telecommunication system made available at the office of the Chief Conservator
of Forests would not only help effective management of forests and wildlife but reduce travel cost and
speed up decision-making as well. He said the videoconferencing facility would be introduced at all the
district headquarters in the State. Hussain asked the senior forest officials to use the new system effec-
tively and to be more vigilant in protection of forests and wildlife in Assam.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force VK Vishoni, Principal Chief Conservator
of Forests (Wildlife) S Chand, Commissioner of Forests BB Hagjer and others were present at the func-
tion.
A top Forest Department official had recently said the Assam government had authorized the use of fire-
arms by forest staff to ensure better protection of its forests and wildlife.
“The order also provides immunity for forest officials from prosecution without prior sanction in case of
firing incidents,” he said.
He said, “Forest officials in the past needed a licence to use firearms. Now they don’t need one and are
on a par with the police. They will be able to use firearms like SLR rifles and other weapons.” The govern-
ment order said there would be a magisterial inquiry into the firing cases and that criminal proceedings
could be initiated against erring officials if the use of firearms was proven “unnecessary, unwarranted and
excessive”.
37 september 2010 expressions
 IN THE NEWS CONGRATULATIONS
Ranthambore grappling with problem of plenty Youth Activism Is The Need Of The Hour
The Tribune Jaipur 14 Aug 2010

Even as the government is content after the completion of tiger relocation process in the Sariska Tiger
contest Today what we understand by youth is the young generation,
but we only consider the people between the age group of
question
Reserve, the Ranthambore National Park is facing a problem of plenty and experts feel that it is high time 18-25 but is the 5 year old child not the youth? We tend to see
to initiate measures like extending the core area of the sanctuary. every environmental or public issue at the macroscopic level

Presently the park has around 40 big cats, as against its capacity of accommodating only 30 tigers.
Though the park is spread over 1,000 sq km, its core area measures around 400 sq km. Experts believe
that the strength of tigers in the park can be doubled in the next decade if the Forest Department provides
proper security to the growing number of wild cats by increasing the core area of the reserve.
According to them, one way of doing so is by boosting the connectivity of Kaila Devi Sanctuary (in Ka-
rauli) and Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary (near Kota) with the Ranthambhore National Park so that the tigers
can roam in their natural habitat. Though the Forest Department has recently included Baler range of
Kaila Devi Sanctuary in the core area of the park, experts say the core area should be doubled to provide
adequate space to the tigers.
According to Dharmendra Khandal of Tiger Watch (Ranthambore), Kaila Devi Sanctuary, with 51 per cent
area of Ranthambhore tiger reserve, offers a great opportunity, which should be explored immediately.
Raghuraj Singh, honorary wildlife warden of the Keoladeo National Park, also feels that Kaila Devi is a
natural habitat of tiger. “The development of core areas into Kaila Devi Sanctuary and developing water
holes in the forest is needed. Also, protection will have to be ensured to the prey base in the sanctuary
so that tiger can make its territory in new areas. The government should also contemplate developing old
routes connecting the tiger reserves of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh seriously,” he added.
winner
but we forget the very essential part that every problem starts
from the roots. Thus, for every solution we have to know the
main reason and then try and eradicate the root and the tree
of problems will itself fall, its no use cutting the branches.
Youth activism is not just spreading awareness among the youth about the threatening danger of serious
issues like pollution, population, sanitation, hygiene, global warming etc but actually working towards it.
What people think is joining a group for ‘SAVE TIGERS’ on facebook or any other site fulfils our respon-
sibility. But is it so? Does ours responsibility ends here? NO. What we don’t realize is that we are directly
or indirectly linked to all these causes. Today Tiger extinction is a big issue but we think that it is because
of the deforestation talking place, we cannot do anything in it but what we are not realizing is that the el-
egant furniture we are buying today has been the cause of the death of 1 precious tiger who is a innocent
being, while we are just making our life luxurious.
Taking another example, we dump our house garbage in the outside dump and think that the municipality
people will come and dump it properly, But What we don’t know is where they dup all that trash and gar-
bage. If they put it in open, birds and other animals and insects feed on them, on which higher carnivores
feed which ultimately lead to biomagnification of the pollutant and lead to the higher level of pollution.
Thus, the need of the hour is not only aware among youth, but activism of
the whole society to completely wipe out our problems and lead a sound and
healthy life, not only for us but for all the living beings on earth.

contest How do you feel you can bridge the BE AWARE,BE ACTIVE
MAKE YOURSELF FUNCTIONAL AND EFFECTIVE
question gap between man and the wild?
Answer in about 100-150 words and you stand a chance to win a personally autographed Aparajita Goyal
DVD of the award winning documentary “The Truth about Tigers” by Shekhar Dattatri
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expressions september 2010 38 39 september 2010 expressions

expressions september 2010 40