Rapid urbanization, population growth and rural-to-urban migration, especially in fast-developing economies such as India has resulted in a fast decline in forest cover and green space in urban centers. In India the reduction in tree cover is alarming in cities which impacts human health and ecosystem and therefore immediate and long-lasting steps are needed to restore the green cover in most of metropolitan cities.   Unfortunately, the growth of trees and forests is a relatively slow process; while the need of the hour is relatively rapid solutions. Conventional forests may take decades to centuries to grow, however, the cities are running out of time to provide cleaner air to their residents. Thus, restoration of degraded lands is a necessity in urban settings. To address the issue an innovative and (relatively) rapid method of land restoration is Miyawaki forests, named after Dr. Akira Miyawaki (a Japanese botanist).   This approach is based on identifying and growing native species in a given region. Non-native plant species, generally introduced for providing green cover and other purposes, due to changed nutrient and environmental requirements in urban conditions. The technique supports the growth of a dense, mixed, native forest and results in a native forest ...

Van Mahotsav was started in 1950 by K.M.Munshi, the then Union Minster for Agriculture and Food to create enthusiasm among masses for forest conservation and planting trees. Thereafter, it is celebrated every year by planting saplings, awareness campaigns about benefits and protection of trees etc.   NHPC organized “Van Mahotsav 2022” at Faridabad on 28.09.2022 by undertaking plantation. During the event, plantation of sapling was done by Shri. R.P. Goyal, Director (Finance), NHPC, Shri Biswajit Basu, Director (Projects), NHPC, Dr. Tripta Thakur, Director General (National Power Training Institute), Independent Directors of NHPC, employees and locals. Over 100 nos. saplings of different species such as Teak, Neem, Gulmohar etc. were planted near Gate of NHPC and NPTI Office Complex, Faridabad.

Picture Source: Authors   ‘Cheetah’ is a popular portrayal in the folklores across India and adjoining countries since time immemorial. The mammal with their unique physical attributes like long and slender limbs, flexible spine helps them attain high speeds in pursuit of prey. Unfortunately, famously regarded as the “fastest” amongst mammals are immensingly becoming part of reports, records than their habitats. Finally ‘Cheetah’ got the distinction of being declared as ‘extinct’ in the year 1952 in India.   Presence of such large carnivores in natural habitats vis. a vis. their importance in ecosystem functions called for concerted efforts worldwide. In this context, reintroduction of ‘Cheetah’ has been recognised as a strategy for conservation. Cheetah is the only large carnivore that has been extirpated, mainly by overhunting in India in historical times (Ranjitsinh and Jhala, 2010)   Reintroduction of Cheetah in India, a Historic Step:-   The project for reintroduction of the large carnivores will help them to take giant steps in the natural habitats. The action plan of Government of India focuses on bringing back country’s  extinct large mammal under which, 50 Cheetah will be introduced into various National Parks once a period of 5 years. The historical events began ...