This graphic attempts to highlight the irony of eco-tourism projects in India, with special reference to lakes. More and more Indian lakes are ‘developed’ to become tourist friendly: with heritage structures, walkways, driveways, amusement parks, etc. around them and with boating / water sports facilities. As a result of the disturbance, animals and birds (and insects and fishes), which constitute a lake’s natural ecosystem find their homes destroyed and either perish in the process or are forced to leave. Lakes, in a water scarce and environmentally degraded country like India, are hearts of its natural support system, their stereotypical development results in short-term gains and long term loss for the country. Lakes need to be left untouched and respected for the not-always-visible-to-the-naked-eye role they play in securing our environment.

A simple graphic to illustrate what can potentially be done with one (A4) sheet of paper. For most uses mentioned here, the available real estate is double (the other side as well).

Up till a few years ago in North India (from my experience of living in the cities of New Delhi and Jaipur), winters used to start from late October or early November and continue well into March. Winters here now start late in November and end as early as last week of February. The reason: Global Warming? Increasing vehicular and industrial emissions? Loss of trees? Have you felt the same in your area, have winters shrunk?

Trees give life supporting Oxygen and that’s one huge reason to plant more! Have you planted any trees in your life and if yes, when was the last time you planted one? Do you think your neighborhood has enough trees to create a healthy living environment around your home?

The debate on Global Warming seems to be over with some of the most credible publications and journals publishing conclusive reports on this harsh reality. One significant reason for Global Warming is a sharp decline in our planet’s forest cover due to human pressure and greed, owing to which the ability of our planet to absorb Carbon Dioxide is weakening day-by-day. It seems as if our planet is now running low on climate sustaining battery — trees!