Forestry for kids: Tree Plantation for Mother’s Day

One of the most extraordinary relationship in the world is the relationship between the mother and her child. Mother’s are the basic foundation of our very existence and first teacher of our life. The unique relationship is priceless in terms of her unfathomable love, sacrifice and selfless dedication towards her child. Therefore Mother’s Day isContinue reading “Forestry for kids: Tree Plantation for Mother’s Day”

Ecological indicators of season change (2): Ferns!!

With the onset of winters, the ferns have turned brown in the lesser Himalayas. The winter Himalayan breeze blowing through the mixed forests of Oak- Pine and Rhododendron signals the arrival of winters to the ferns, which grow alongside the moss laden tree barks and  hillslopes of this quiet hillside of Landour, Mussoorie. With theContinue reading “Ecological indicators of season change (2): Ferns!!”

A bewildered profusion…

Today morning, I hurried to the local market to pick groceries.The moment we entered market premises, I could sense the caution and fear of the deadly virus in the prying eyes. The shops once bubbling with customers now caters to only few within stipulated time. We somehow managed to fetch our groceries. Meanwhile, the cloudsContinue reading “A bewildered profusion…”

Nature’s first green is gold!!

Nature’s first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf’s a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay. By Robert Frost With the changing seasons these evergreen trees always add charm and continueContinue reading “Nature’s first green is gold!!”

Where have all the flowers gone??

Today, I heard that in some part of the country, people are willing to cut more trees in public parks and gardens for cremation on pyres. The trees, sole provider of Oxygen will now be cut to suffice cremation? It’s been long, that the world is suffering due to Corona virus pandemic. Seems we areContinue reading “Where have all the flowers gone??”

A ray of hope: Landour, Mussoorie

While most part of the country is facing soaring temperatures, this hillside of Landour, Mussoorie is recieving hailstorms and rains. The temperatures have suddenly dropped and the hillslopes are covered with thin icesheets due to hail. This meteorological phenomena has also relieved the trees and forests which were under fire since few days. The forestContinue reading “A ray of hope: Landour, Mussoorie”

Forest fire in Uttarakhand: Are we ready to tackle future forest fires?

This is one of the worst years in the history of Uttrakhand where frequent forest fires has been witnessed in various parts of the state. It’s been three years, I am residing in the hillside near Landour, Mussoorie and every year I have observed forest patches under flames in this side of the lesser Himalayas.Continue reading “Forest fire in Uttarakhand: Are we ready to tackle future forest fires?”

Forests and a ray of hope!!

Found a road, which was less travelled,With a faith of finding new hope;But to my despair, I found barren mountains,Trees cut from the valley to the top!! ***** Thorny bushes, scanty greens,With vultures hovering high;I searched for a river stream to quench my thirst,But Alas!! no sight of water, I sighed!! ***** Metalled road, scorchingContinue reading “Forests and a ray of hope!!”

Holy Oak Tree: Worship of Oak tree!!!

Trees are being worshipped since ages in India.Trees and herbs form integral part of rich cultural, social and traditional beliefs in different parts of the Indian subcontinent. If we go through ancient Vedic texts, Upanishads and Puranas, we can find mention of worshipping trees or plant parts in the texts. Infact every festival or traditionalContinue reading “Holy Oak Tree: Worship of Oak tree!!!”

Passive degradation of Himalayan ecology: Oak trees in Landour, Mussoorie

As soon as one enters the small hillside of Landour, Mussoorie; the old Oak trees, Pine trees and Deodar welcome everyone with open arms. The whistling Himalayan breeze blowing through the tree leaves endows life and hope in each and every corner of this beautiful hillside. With the changing seasons these evergreen trees always addContinue reading “Passive degradation of Himalayan ecology: Oak trees in Landour, Mussoorie”