Punjab farmers refuse to phase out water-guzzling paddy despite rapid groundwater depletion

The state is the highest extractor of groundwater in the country and 97% of it is being used in irrigation, mainly for paddy.

Vivek Gupta

· Jan 28, 2023 · 01:30 pm

After a drop in wheat production, extreme weather has cast a shadow on rice cultivation in India

Climate change has added to the burden of the already struggling Indian agriculture sector.

Vivek Gupta

· Nov 10, 2022 · 01:30 pm

Erratic weather, ineffective solutions: Annual stubble burning sets off pollution concerns again

The late rains in Punjab and Haryana have delayed the harvest, leaving a short window to clear fields ahead of the next sowing season.

Vivek Gupta

· Oct 17, 2022 · 01:30 pm

In Leh, the exponential growth in tourism is leading to water shortage and pollution challenges

With the Atal Tunnel providing seamless road connectivity, traffic inflow to the fragile region has increased by 400%.

Vivek Gupta

· Oct 02, 2022 · 01:30 pm

Farming in the ‘cold desert’ of Himachal Pradesh is suffering with glaciers on the retreat

Snow melt water from mountains and glaciers is the only major source of irrigation for farmers in the districts of Lahaul and Spiti.

Vivek Gupta

· Sep 12, 2022 · 07:30 pm

2,763 forest fires in three months: Himachal Pradesh’s ecology is clearly under pressure

Three forest officers lost their lives in the fires and over 23,000 hectares were affected.

Vivek Gupta

· Jul 13, 2022 · 07:30 pm

Shimla’s first major development plan in four decades is a lost opportunity

A month after the Himachal Pradesh government unveiled the plan, the National Green Tribunal stayed it noting that it may result in disastrous consequences.

Vivek Gupta

· Jun 27, 2022 · 07:30 pm

Hydropower projects are leading to the loss of endangered chilgoza trees in Himachal Pradesh

Locals in Kinnaur are protesting approvals given to new projects, which they fear will destroy the chilgoza pine, an important cash crop in the region.

Vivek Gupta

· Jun 19, 2022 · 09:30 pm

In Punjab, the accelerating rate of groundwater depletion is worrying both farmers and experts

Every year, groundwater levels are falling by approximately 0.49 metres.

Vivek Gupta

· Jun 18, 2022 · 07:30 pm

In Chandigarh, frequent landfill fires highlight the need for proper waste management

The city’s garbage dump has caught fire 486 times in past 15 years, a situation that returned this summer again.

Vivek Gupta

· Apr 30, 2022 · 01:30 pm

Now, another veterinary painkiller is accelerating extinction of vultures in India

A study conducted on four white-rumped vultures found dead in 2019 showed that they were exposed to nimesulide drug through the carcasses of cattle they ate.

Vivek Gupta

· Jul 14, 2021 · 07:30 pm

In a dictionary from 15th century India, illustrations of dolls, yo-yos and other playthings

It offers a glimpse into what childhood looked like in Central India’s Malwa Sultanate.

Vivek Gupta

· Jul 18, 2020 · 09:30 pm