Category Archives: Nature

Lucknow diary

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Resplendent with the flavour of Kumbh, the ongoing 10-day-long Lucknow Book Fair is drawing denizens in hordes.

‘Atal’ tribute to Vajpayee
In a tribute to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow, has named its new variety of lemongrass ‘CIM-Atal’. Having represented Lucknow inParliament for five consecutive terms, Vajpayee passed away in August last year. The institution’s director Dr AK Tripathi claims that true to its name, the new variety of lemongrass is firm and resistant to moderate changes in farming conditions as ‘Atal’ means firm and constant. Moreover, the plant gives a constant high yield of aromatic oil. Besides, ‘CIM-Akshay’, ‘CIM-Sukhda’, ‘CIM-Suvas’ have also been evolved from basil (tulsi) to be released and distributed to farmers for cultivation and being high yield varieties, these will contribute to consolidate farmers’ income. 

Fair with ‘Kumbh flavour’
Resplendent with the flavour of Kumbh, the ongoing 10-day-long Lucknow Book Fair is drawing denizens in hordes. Cultural performances, ‘traffic security week’ and many other attractions have been set up at the fair. Called ‘Ankuram Shiksha Mahotsav’, the festival is being managed by a civil society group ‘icareindia’. A satrangi exhibiton is also being organised with the participation of government primary and upper primary schools from 11 districts — Agra, Aligarh, Basti, Maharajganj, Etawah, Mathura, Kheri, Kannauj, Balrampur, Ayodhya and Lucknow in the festival. The Kumbh festival has been going on since January 14 and has been set up on an unprecendented scale.

Lucknow ready for Metro
In a matter of days, the first phase of the Lucknow Metro will kick off from the airport to the other end of the city, covering a 23-km stretch from February 15. The ambitious project of connecting the city’s ends is two-and-a-half months ahead of its deadline. As of now, the Metro will only ply on the 8-km route from the airport to Charbagh. Recently, ‘Metroman of India’ E Sreedharan, who is also the principal advisor to Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC), inspected the North-South Corridor — from the airport to Munshipulia — with a team of the corporation and endorsed the work carried out. Following another inspection by Commissioner Railway Safety between February 20-23, the project would be ready for commercial runs.

Marquee bubbling with Oudhi culture
Lucknow residents woke up to the soulful notes of Raag Bhairavi and ‘Jago Mohan pyare’ rendered by noted classical singer Shruti Sadolikar, who performed at the ‘Safed Baradari’ in a concert at dawn on Sunday. Presenting timeless melodies for an enthusiastic audience at 6am, Sadolikar enthralled music connoisseurs with her ethereal voice at the ongoing Sanatkada Festival in an ode to the Oudhi culture that is quintessential to Lucknow. The event was a day-long celebration with food and a mushaira and a qawwali session in the evening.

Our correspondent in Uttar Pradesh / namita.bajpai@newindianexpress

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Nation / by Namita Bajpai, Express News Service / February 05th, 2019

World’s biggest gene bank of medicinal plants to come up at CIMAP, Lucknow

Agriculture, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Over 300 other spices and medicinal plants will have their genetic information profiled and saved at CSIR-CIMAP(Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants), Lucknow.

Indian mint, Iranian saffron, Sri Lankan black pepper and mace from Indonesia, along with over 300 other spices and medicinal plants will have their genetic information profiled and saved at CSIR-CIMAP(Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants), Lucknow. Once established, it will be the biggest gene bank of medicinal and aromatic plants in the world.

These plants are native to the 23 countries bordering the Indian Ocean. The countries are represented by their consortium Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

The member countries have begun efforts to build the gene bank, with their first across the table training programme currently underway at the premier research institute located near Kukrail in the state capital.

Genetic bank refers to a collection of genetic information that is unique for all living species.

The programme titled, ‘Diversity, documentation, gene banking and database for medicinal plants’ is being attended by representatives of 11 IORA member countries.

“One of the primary objectives of the programme is to establish a detailed gene data bank of the medicinal plants that can be shared among the members countries,” said Prof Anil K Tripathi, Director, CSIR CIMAP.

The member countries have agreed to share their knowledge of medicinal and aromatic plants found in their respective countries. They have also agreed to submit genetic data of such plants, turning the endeavour into a one of its kind conservation effort by member countries. “The genetic data bank will not only help in conservation but also act as a source of information for future generations,” said Fereshteh Moradi, chief coordinator of the programme.

Dr Ajit K Shasany, head-convener of the programme said, “The gene data bank that can only be accessed by the member countries will also help to identify fake products sold in the black market.”

The programme is being organised by the science and technology transfer wing of IORA. The wing has chosen the CIMAP as one of its regional centres for science and technology transfer. The programme is being funded by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The members include countries of the gulf-Iran, Oman, UAE, Yemen- African sub continent, South Africa, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mozambique, Kenya- other south east Asian countries and Australia.

The programme also aims to make trade of these medicinal plants easier among the member countries. “Sharing knowledge and technology involved in harvest of these plants is also a part of the programme,” Shasany said. Elucidating further, he cited the example of the trade of saffron. “Iran is a leading exporter of safforn but the Iranian saffron in the Indian market comes via Europe where it is processed. This is set to change under this initiative,” he said.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> Education / by Chandan Kumar, Hindustan Times,Lucknow / November 30th, 2018

Jumbo care! India gets its first dedicated elephant hospital near Taj Mahal

Agriculture, Nature, Records, All, Travel

India’s first elephant hospital is jumbo sized: with a built-up area of almost 12,000 square feet that includes an observation area for the overnight monitoring of elephants under treatment using Close Circuit Infra-Red CCTV cameras.

India’s elephants now have their first fully equipped dedicated hospital near the Taj Mahal, complete with wireless digital X-Ray, laser treatment and dental X-ray facilities. The ‘jumbo’ hospital is the result of a collaborative effort between the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and conservation NGO Wildlife SOS.

The veterinary hospital has modern medical facilities for the treatment of elephants in distress including thermal imaging, ultrasonography, hydrotherapy, tranquilization equipment and quarantine facilities. Located near Agra, the facility is in the Farah block of Mathura near the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) run by Wildlife SOS.

“The Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital is designed to treat injured, sick or geriatric elephants and is equipped with a medical hoist for lifting elephants requiring critical care, a pathology laboratory, digital weighing scale, Elephant Restraining Device (ERD) with a dedicated indoor treatment enclosure for longer medical procedures,” said Wildlife SOS founder Kartick Satyanarayan. “An observation deck will allow veterinary students and interns to observe and learn elephant treatment routines from a safe distance,’’ he added.

India’s first elephant hospital is jumbo sized: with a built-up area of almost 12,000 square feet that includes an observation area for the overnight monitoring of elephants under treatment using Close Circuit Infra-Red CCTV cameras. Training courses would be organized by Wildlife SOS to spread knowledge on elephant medical care, humane elephant management and veterinary procedures to spread compassion.

“This is a huge milestone for elephant protection in India,” said Geeta Seshamani, co-founder of Wildlife SOS.. “This hospital will help us take better care of injured elephants in distress. We hope this hospital will put India on the map as a scholarly destination for humane management of elephants which will go a long way to address the protection and conservation of elephants in India,’’ she added

In 2010, Wildlife SOS established the ECCC, which is currently providing lifetime care and treatment for over 20 rehabilitated pachyderms, rescued from illegal captivity and circuses where they were ill-treated and subjected to cruelty. The Elephant Hospital was built entirely with private donations and CSR support.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sci-Tech> Environment / by Bindu Shajan Perappandan / New Delhi – November 17th, 2018

Start-up incubated at IIT-Kanpur blooms at UN

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Education, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nature

Ankit Agarwal

HelpUsGreen recycles floral waste at temples into a substitute for thermocol

New Delhi :

HelpUsGreen, a start-up incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) was chosen as one of the exceptional young leader projects to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nations on Sunday.

HelpUsGreen, founded by a young engineer Ankit Agarwal together with Karan Rastogin three years ago, seeks to convert flowers offered in temples ,which are often thrown away as waste, polluting rivers and other water bodies, into biodegradable substitute to thermocol and fragrant incense sticks.

Agarwal was among the 17 young leaders selected from more than 8,000 youth from over 184 countries at the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly currently in session in New York.

HelpUsGreen currently processes around 8.4 tonnes of floral waste from temples and mosques in Uttar Pradesh and converts them into biodegradable packaging material, charcoal-free incense sticks, and natural vermicompost.

According to Agarwal, over 8 million tonnes of flowers are used in different religious places as offerings. These flowers, a symbol of devotion, are subsequently discarded in the rivers like the Ganga, creating havoc in their fragile ecosystems and leach in the groundwater.

The start-up, supported by Tata Trusts through its Social Alpha programme, has developed a patented flower-recycling technology, which not only tackles the monumental temple waste in India, but also provide employment to people.

HelpUsGreen, which has so far recycled over 11,000 tonnes of floral waste, has been able to provide livelihood to 73 manual scavenging families, which now earn six times more than what they did earlier.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Trending Today / by The Hindu Bureau / New Delhi – September 25th, 2018

New finding turns sweet potato tastier

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

BSIP scientists said the sweet potato fossil found in Meghalaya is the oldest in the world

Lucknow :

There’s sweet news for India. Scientists at the Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleosciences (BSIP), Lucknow, claim that sweet potato plant originated in India and not the United States.

They claim to have discovered a 57 million-year-old sweet potato fossil from the East Garo hill district of Meghalaya, adding that it is older than the last recorded 40-million-old sweet potato fossil found in Colorado, US.

Their premise is based on an 18-year study conducted by a team of three scientists — BSIP’s Rakesh C Mehrotra and Gaurav Srivastava, and David L Dilcher from Indiana University, US.

The sweet potato fossil found in Meghalaya is the oldest in the world, say BSIP scientists.

The study has been published in the international scientific journal “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences”.

The fossil of some leaves were collected by the two BSIP scientists in 1996 from Meghalaya. After the initial fossil identification study, they found that the leaves were of sweet potato. A detailed research work began in 2000.

“The discovery of a plant fossil is rare because plants’ soft structure is not easily preserved in the rocks,” said senior scientist Rakesh C Mehrotra.

He said that 17 specimens of the fossil of leaves discovered were made to study the pattern of veins in the blade of a leaf and secretory ducts (cells). The study showed that the leaves were of sweet potato and belonged to the ‘morning glory’ family, Mehrotra added. The research was conducted at three herbariums in the country — National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow; Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, and Central National Herbarium, Howrah.

Mehrotra said the sediment where the fossil was extracted was found to be 57 million years old, hence the fossil was also considered to be of the same date.

BSIP director Sunil Bajpai said it’s a landmark discovery.

“The study will help in understanding the evolutionary origins and the existing concepts of sweet potatoes. It will also help in understanding the climatic conditions and related factors that prevailed millions of years ago.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Lucknow News / by Mohita Tewari / TNN / May 24th, 2018

‘Critically endangered’ gharials thriving at Kukrail breeding centre

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Travel

The gharial is threatened by the loss of its riverine habitat, depletion of fishes, and entanglement in fishing nets.(HT Photo)

The Kukrail gharial breeding centre in Lucknow alone houses around 300 gharials — once considered to be the total population of the crocodilian in the country. And there are still eggs left for new ones to make an appearance.

“We have 300 gharials with us. But this figure represents only what is left after hundreds were sent for breeding to different places over the years,” said Ashok Prasad Sinha, conservator of forest endangered species project, Uttar Pradesh forest department.

The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), also known as gavial or fish-eating crocodile, is a type of Asian crocodilian set apart by its long and thin snout. It is different from the crocodile or the alligator, which exist in bigger numbers. It is native to the northern part of the Indian subcontinent.

The jaws of the gharial are too thin and delicate to grab a larger prey. They keep lying in wait for fishes to swim by and then quickly catch them by whipping their heads sideways. They do not chew their prey, but swallow it.

Sinha said that the Kukrail centre is responsible for sending gharials for breeding to places like Madhya Pradesh and Chennai in Tamil Nadu. “In all, 238 gharials were sent to Delhi, Rampur, Bijnor, Etah, Mathura and Kanpur. Thirty-one gharials were also sent to other countries, including Bhutan, the US (New York), Pakistan and China,” he shared.

The latest batches of 116 gharials left the centre for the natural habitat of Kartania forest range on March 15 and 29. “We are happy that even after sending so many, we still have 300 gharials left. According to wildlife statistics, gharials fall under the critically endangered category,” said Sinha.

The gharial is threatened by the loss of its riverine habitat, depletion of fishes, and entanglement in fishing nets. As its population has sharply declined since the 1930s, it has been listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List — a comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> Cities> Lucknow / by Gaurav Saigal, Hindustan Times,Lucknow / April 14th, 2018

Uttar Pradesh: State’s first butterfly park now open for visitors

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Travel

At present, 28-species of butterflies could be seen, but soon the number can go up to 40, said zoo director RK Singh. Butterflies are the most important indicator of good environment.

The park will be further developed to increase the number of butterflies(HT Photo)

Now, visitors can also have a look at different species of butterfly at the Lucknow Zoo as the state’s first butterfly park was inaugurated by forest minister Dara Singh Chauhan here on Monday.

At present, 28-species of butterflies could be seen, but soon the number can go up to 40, said zoo director RK Singh. Butterflies are the most important indicator of good environment.

He said that the park will be further developed to increase the number of butterflies. “We have placed host plants that attract butterfly and hopefully more species will come up soon,” said Singh.

He said that the park will also generate awareness among visitors about the risks that butterflies face due to increasing pollution and use of chemical fertilizers.

There are around 2,000 species of butterflies in the world of which, 1,500 are found in India. On the occasion, the forest minister said that soon Uttar Pradesh would be leading state in eco-tourism as several programmes for the same were being implemented.

source: htt://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> Cities> Lucknow / by Gaurav Saigal, Hindustan Times,Lucknow / April 10th, 2018

An underwater photography exhibition for Lucknowites

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

(L to R) Farhat Basir Khan, Prof. S.P. Singh at the exhibition of Aditya Havelia (BCCL / Vishnu Jaiswal)

Lucknowites witnessed an underwater photography exhibition titled Into the Blue, by Aditya Havelia at an art gallery in Aliganj.

Giving the social message of saving our water from pollution, the eight-day exhibition attracted a lot of photography enthusiasts.

The exhibition, which had 54 pictures clicked by the photographer from the year 2010, was inaugurated by Prof SP Singh, vice-chancellor, Lucknow University. Singh said, “I really enjoyed seeing the underwater life. Aditya’s initiative to promote the cause of water pollution was also worth appreciating.”

Curated by the academician, Farhat Basir Khan, the photos displayed Aditya’s work from Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Netrani Island, Malaysia and Mauritius.

Telling us about the hard work put in to get the perfect clicks, Aditya said, “We usually don’t get a perfect guide for underwater photography, which made it a bit of a challenge for me to click these photographs.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Lucknow News> Events / by Adnaan Rizvi / TNN / April 05th, 2018

This lawyer teaches secrets of growing flowers, fruits organically

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Representative Image – TOI

Bijnor :

Mukesh Bhatnagar was just 10 years old when he took to gardening, guided by his father. As he grew up, his interest expanded. He experimented, learnt from his mistakes and his hard work and perseverance paid off. Today, this 60-year-old lawyer is a proud owner of a garden spread over 500 metres, comprising over 100 varieties of flowers, including many foreign varieties, as well as fruit trees including mango, orange, lichi and guava. He has become an example for others, specially farmers.

What’s more, all the fruits and flowers are organically grown. Bhatnagar has developed a nursery in his house for preparing plants and pits for organic manure and organic pesticide. Even the horticulture department has taken note of this garden. Farmers come to learn from him.

Besides, he has a kitchen garden where he grows most of the seasonal vegetables. He has become so self-sufficient that he seldom needs to purchase vegetables from the market.

Talking with TOI, Bhatanagar, said, “I have been growing flowers, vegetables and fruit since I was 10 years old. Most of the flowers are being grown in pots. Whenever I travel and go to a new place, I try to find new plants or seeds, which I bring back. As of now, I have around 100 varieties of flower plants including ranunculus, lilium, Water lily, carnation, stocks, freesia, and geranium. Besides, dahlia, pansy marigold both French and African blooms, salvia, calendula, daisy, Begonia and Rose.

“I have 36 varieties of bulbs like lilium. I grow both perennials and season flowers and also evergreens. Besides, I have a collection of snake plant, crotons, signonium, cacti, caladium and seku.”

He said gardening keeps him fit and healthy as well as acts as a stress buster. “ I am lawyer by profession and spend most of my free time in my garden. I am trying to make people aware about sowing flowers, fruits and vegetables by adopting organic methods. I recycle the waste from my garden — dry leaves, wilted flowers and decaying and withered plants — for making manure by using a decomposer. Besides, I also make bio pesticide and insecticide.”

Bhatnagar credited his father for motivating him to take up gardening. All his family members have taken to gardening as well, he said. His married daughter who has developed a garden of her own in her house consults him whenever she faces any problem. “We share pictures and videos of our garden through video conference,” he added.

Now, horticulture and agriculture departments send farmers to Bhatnagar’s garden to understand his technique and adopt organic methods of farming.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Meerut News / by Harveer Dabas / TNN / March 31st, 2018

With ancient flora, UP plans to revive Govardhan Parvat

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Travel, World Opinion

Govardhan Parvat as it is today.

HIGHLIGHTS

Yogi government is planning to promote UP’s religious sites for tourism in a big way.

He had formed the Brij Tirath Vikas Parishad just two months after Rampur assuming office.

Lucknow :

The UP government is planning to rejuvenate the almostbarren Govardhan Parvat, which has huge mythological significance for Hindus, by reviving flora of Dwapar Yug along its 21-km perambulation path. Indian Agriculture Research Institute has been roped in for the project in Mathura.

The Yogi Aditya Nath government is planning to promote the state’s religious sites for tourism in a big way. Yogi had formed the Brij Tirath Vikas Parishad just two months after Rampur assuming office.

The CM, who is also the chairman of the parishad, has tasked it to find five varieties of trees: kadamb, karoli, tamal, pakkad and tilkan and develop the vegetation around Govardhan Parvat to resemble what has been described in the sacred texts.

Myhtology has it that Lord Krishna picked up Govardhan hill, and held it above his head with his little finger for seven days to protect villagers from incessant rain, a result of the wrath of Indra.

“In Hindu mythology, kadamb was the favourite tree of Lord Krishna, who used to play the flute and play with his friends under its shade. We’ve sent our research team to find this tree in Rajasthan’s Karoli Dham area. The entire Govardhan project is being monitored by the CM,” said Brij Tirath Vikas Parishad CEO Nagendra Pratap.

In a recent report to the CM, the parishad said the hill’s green cover had shrunk over the years and it was necessary to preserve its sanctity as it was intrinsic to Hindu culture and mythology.

The government has sanctioned Rs 226 crore as the first instalment for the project. Forest officials blame brackish water of the Yamuna in Mathura for poor vegetation on the hill. The parishad now plans to use water harvested from neighbouring Bharatpur district in Rajasthan for irrigation around Govardhan Parvat, said Pratap.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Lucknow News / by Rohan Dua, TNN / January 04th, 2018