Environment

Every evening when I walk my dog near Cookson Road (in north Bengaluru) where I live, I see at least four species of butterflies, hear/see five species of birds and of course spot the most commonly seen wild mammal - the squirrel or the three-striped palm squirrel. All this when I am not even looking for wildlife! The three-striped palm squirrel is one of the most commonly found 'wild' creatures in Bengaluru. Pic: Vikram Nanjappa Surprised? Yes, urban areas like Bangalore have a wealth of wildlife. Unfortunately, people living in cities are often unaware of their 'wild' co-habitants. One will…

As I walked down Jayanagar, at the meeting point of the roads where the ICICI Bank is (I don't know the name of the circle, and you'll see why!), I saw this BBMP signboard, which was bad.Why do people want to stick posters over road and junction signs? Do they think everyone knows the place, and needs no directions or information?However, to offset the bad, was the good..the fact that the banyan tree has been allowed to grow, spread its roots, and give its generous shade to the area (and support bird, insect, and animal life, too!)What a majestic sight…

As I walked down Jayanagar, at the meeting point of the roads where the ICICI Bank is (I don't know the name of the circle, and you'll see why!), I saw this BBMP signboard, which was bad.Why do people want to stick posters over road and junction signs? Do they think everyone knows the place, and needs no directions or information?However, to offset the bad, was the good..the fact that the banyan tree has been allowed to grow, spread its roots, and give its generous shade to the area (and support bird, insect, and animal life, too!)What a majestic sight…

From June, work has been going on.First the BBMP workers started clearing the front portion. Some sections of the plot have been left empty. One portion is apparently meant for a BBMP centre. The federation has asked for a water recharge pond at the back. Here is the status as of June end. Here is the update from July end. Pathways have been laid out, red soil filled in. The borewell looks ready. (Should they be using borewell/drinking water for watering plants?). The children's play equipment has been moved here.  Latest news: some ornamental plants have arrived. The light poles…

From June, work has been going on.First the BBMP workers started clearing the front portion. Some sections of the plot have been left empty. One portion is apparently meant for a BBMP centre. The federation has asked for a water recharge pond at the back. Here is the status as of June end. Here is the update from July end. Pathways have been laid out, red soil filled in. The borewell looks ready. (Should they be using borewell/drinking water for watering plants?). The children's play equipment has been moved here.  Latest news: some ornamental plants have arrived. The light poles…

  I was lucky to catch this sparrow while it took a moment to rest. The once common sparrow seems to be disappearing from Bangalore replaced by the ugly crow.Pic By Ravi Kaushik ⊕

  I was lucky to catch this sparrow while it took a moment to rest. The once common sparrow seems to be disappearing from Bangalore replaced by the ugly crow.Pic By Ravi Kaushik ⊕

Note from Sudhakar Pai.This Saturday, we planted around 140 saplings at Kaikondarahalli lake, and another hundred more on Sunday. Tree planting on 31st July at Kaikondrahalli Lake. Pic: Sudhakar Pai. Special thanks to the children who enthusiastically participated. Tree planting on 1st Aug at Kaikondrahalli Lake. Pic: Sudhakar Pai.  ⊕

Note from Sudhakar Pai.This Saturday, we planted around 140 saplings at Kaikondarahalli lake, and another hundred more on Sunday. Tree planting on 31st July at Kaikondrahalli Lake. Pic: Sudhakar Pai. Special thanks to the children who enthusiastically participated. Tree planting on 1st Aug at Kaikondrahalli Lake. Pic: Sudhakar Pai.  ⊕

A childhood's memories Of looking and waiting For something exciting From the grove of coconut trees A busy woodpecker An agile tree climber Two young boys Who made little noise If we missed these We simply counted the trees What rekindled these memories Was Visthar's coconut trees! Situated in an eco-friendly campus in Dodda Gubbi off the Hennur Road in east Bangalore, Visthar is a treasure trove of nature's bounty that drives one to reflect inwards while celebrating life. A veritable hub of socio-cultural and environmental consciousness this organization turned twenty one recently. Famous for hosting annual festivals and events that…