Comments for Diary - Tales from India's Wilds » Tales from Wild India

Comment on IndiaWilds Newsletter Vol. 4 Issue I by Sabyasachi Patra

Sabyasachi Patra — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 07:22:09 +0000

There are some new videos released by The Observer which shows cops asking them to dance in lieu of food. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/feb/04/andaman-islands-abuse-new-videos

This exploitation has to stop. I wonder whether the Hon’ble Minister for Tribal Affairs will take action and stop the Andaman Trunk Road or whether he will merely stop after ordering an investigation.

Comment on IndiaWilds Newsletter Vol. 4 Issue I by Rohit Kuttappan

Rohit Kuttappan — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:45:07 +0000

As Mahatma Gandhi Said, “Nature can fulfill all the needs of mankind but not its greed”. Over-exploitation of natural resources by a small group of wealthy people deprives a large population of their basic needs of materials.

To-day life values are degrading. Man has become self-centered and greedy. The problems faced by humanity are inequality, improper distribution of natural resources, racial discrimination, economic hardships faced by a large population and the hazards of religious and cultural fundamentalism. These can be solved by understanding the true aim of life which is to develop values and not merely enjoyment of more and more material and sensual objects. To-day there is urgent need to understand and imbibe the life values of non-violence, compassion, restraint of desires and equality.

Comment on IndiaWilds Newsletter Vol. 4 Issue I by Priya Davidar

Priya Davidar — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:33:55 +0000

I agree completely that the Andaman trunk road should be closed and the Jarawas left in peace.

Comment on IndiaWilds Newsletter Vol. 4 Issue I by Kaustuv Chatterjee

Kaustuv Chatterjee — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:46:44 +0000

Trust the media to continually hype the story by replaying that stupid video again and again for a couple of days and really strange people ‘ooh aahing’ over it. Why do they not use such incidents to highlight the plight that they are facing w.r.t what you’ve written above? Its not that its not known, its just that its not a ‘salacious’ and ‘trp byte’ story. Its such a pathetic state of affairs that a supreme court order is blatantly violated. Where are the Anna’s of the world on these issues? Where is Mr Arnab Goswami on his channel on this? Really gets my blood boiling. Usually not obeying a SC order is a contempt of court. Would anyone know if this has been brought to the notice of the court formally (am sure they are aware anyway) as well as a RTI on the UT gov general out there as to why this has not been implemented?

Comment on IndiaWilds Newsletter Vol. 3 Issue XII by Kaustuv Chatterjee

Kaustuv Chatterjee — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:48:03 +0000

‘Culture remains the only saviour’…liked the thought…ur right about the economics and politics. However can economics of conservation be rethought and driven differently for more effective and inclusive conservation efforts? The biggest enemies of conservation at times are poor villagers affected by the reducing access to resources which were readily obtained from forests (grazing, fodder, firewood, produce for selling, etc.). Creation of eco sensitive zones and national parks have reduced access to such resources to them while they have to cope with the pressures of rising population, inadequate infrastructure and support by local government, lack of jobs and poverty. While we still do have tribal communities like Bishnois who have preserved their cultural heritage and life priorities thereof, can culture alone win this fight? But then again answers to this is difficult indeed…thought provoking.

Regards

Comment on IndiaWilds Newsletter Vol. 3 Issue XII by Sabyasachi Patra

Sabyasachi Patra — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:03:39 +0000

I didn’t want to mean any disrespect for our armed forces. I am the last person who would do so. I was trying to examine the psyche of individuals as to how they react to unforseen situations and/or to wild animals. Of late the Army and other forces are focusing on conservation issues. There was a wave of excitement, when there was a news that BSF is to help in preventing poaching in Kaziranga: http://www.indiawilds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3309

The MoEF has also sought the help of Army for Snow leopard Conservation: http://www.indiawilds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6288

I wonder, with the overall degradation that is afflicting our society, how the Army remains insulated.

Comment on IndiaWilds Newsletter Vol. 3 Issue XII by Shakti Ranjan Banerjee

Shakti Ranjan Banerjee — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:24:50 +0000

The article is useful and has brought out as to how our mythology tells us to save the mother earth. However,the author is ill informed about the trigger happiness of the Defence Forces. I cannot comment on the para military forces and have no knowledge as to who pumped in 7 bullets from a AK47 on a tiger at Kaziranga. But Army is very clear on conservation issues. Gone are the days when Army men were trigger happy on wildlife. If there is a violation by the Army people on destruction of wildlife, please report to the nearest Headquarter.Action against the defaulter will be taken.

Comment on IndiaWilds Newsletter Vol. 3 Issue XII by Rajah Indran

Rajah Indran — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:44:47 +0000

Useful and helpful

Comment on IndiaWilds Newsletter Vol. 3 Issue XI by krishna

krishna — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:27:54 +0000

Dear mr. Sabyasachi,

i share and understand your anguish around the issue which you are so nicely highlighting. My only submission is there is a very deep need of intensive education process especially amongst the general public and the people who visit the forests and other ecological areas for ‘tourism’ i don’t believe that stopping people from accessing these areas is the answer rather creating an environment of responsible behaviour certainly is. I know that it is easier said than done, but i do not see any other option.

Some measures could be –

Restricting the number of people visiting at a given particular time and season.
Prior information about this is very critical so that people are facilitated to plan accordingly
A Nature Interpretation centre which is functional and mandatory for all who visit the area. Education about Do’s and Dont’s compulsory for all visiting the area.
Carrying of cell phones should be banned so is the case with all noise making devices.
Cameras i see are one way of capturing memories which should not be denied, but strict monitoring of the same and charges for carrying the cameras should be levied.

Comment on IndiaWilds Newsletter Vol. 3 Issue XI by Sharad Pant

Sharad Pant — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:53:42 +0000

Dear Patra Sir,
You really catches the actual picture of latest tourism trend in wildlife tourism topic clearly indicates tourist psychology and behavior in wildlife and national park area. The toilets on the top of world topic make me realize about the severe condition of sanitation condition even on high pick.
I felt need of awareness among the tourist about the wildlife and their ecosystem. Also at the same time there is need of strict measures against the people who intentionally broke the forest rules and regulations.