Disaster or development? Why locals are up in arms against the Sikkim rail project

The ambitious 45 km-long route will upend over 800 houses and have severe environmental consequences, say activists.

Gurvinder Singh

· Sep 07, 2019 · 09:30 pm

Can clones save Darjeeling tea from the stresses of climate change?

Scientists are experimenting with climate-resistant clones and organic cultivation that may help preserve the plants’ flavour.

Gurvinder Singh

· Aug 09, 2019 · 08:30 pm

Conservation success story: How gharials were bought back from the brink in Bihar’s Gandak river

A joint initiative between the Wildlife Trust of India and the Bihar Forest Department released captive bred gharials into the Gandak in 2014.

Gurvinder Singh

· Jan 17, 2019 · 09:30 pm

Rampant growth of polluting brick kilns has made Jharkhand’s quaint McCluskieganj town a death trap

Rising pollution, depleting ground water levels has made parts of the town almost unlivable for some residents.

Gurvinder Singh

· Jan 02, 2019 · 08:30 pm

Iron ore mining is devouring Jharkhand’s sal-rich Saranda forest, hurting its Adivasi residents

Studies have recorded a drop in biodiversity in the forest over the years.

Gurvinder Singh

· Dec 06, 2018 · 09:30 pm

In West Bengal’s Gangarampur, at least one member of every household has fluorosis

Villagers claim that they know nothing about the ailment since there were no awareness programs.

Gurvinder Singh

· Dec 02, 2018 · 02:30 pm

Farmers in Darjeeling’s tea hub are all set to offer a fresh new brew – organic coffee

With traditional crops like ginger and cardamom fetching low prices, selected farmers have turned to coffee for better returns.

Gurvinder Singh

· Sep 20, 2018 · 07:30 pm

In West Bengal’s closed tea gardens, private contractors are forcing locals to work at lower wages

Threat of natural calamities and trafficking are adding to their woes.

Gurvinder Singh

· Jul 23, 2018 · 01:30 pm

With their livelihoods under threat, boat-makers of West Bengal’s Balagarh pray for the tide to turn

A move to replace 15,000 mechanised boats in West Bengal’s waterways and a floating market in Kolkata have brought hope to the wooden boat makers in Hooghly.

Gurvinder Singh

· Apr 19, 2018 · 09:30 pm

Bengal communal clashes provided the perfect cover for mobs to loot shops and ransack homes

Both Hindus and Muslims find themselves homeless and insecure in Raniganj and Asansol.

Gurvinder Singh

· Apr 02, 2018 · 09:00 am

West Bengal is teaching doctors taekwondo to repulse attacks by patients’ kin. Is it ethical?

Or even effective?

Gurvinder Singh

· Mar 28, 2018 · 02:30 pm

Purulia’s ‘nachaniyas’ take up dancing to escape poverty – but find a life of exploitation instead

Their lives and bodies under the control of their masters, folk dancers also face societal discrimination.

Gurvinder Singh

· Mar 17, 2018 · 08:30 pm