Conserving in India

Conserving in India

The two aerial photographs above best describe why conservation in India is so hard. As per government records, some 350-400 million people depend on the forests and yet about 22% of India is still under forest cover.

 

20 Comments

  1. Nemichandra · May 23, 2014 Reply

    Mr Kalyan, these photographs of yours are awesome, kudos to you.

    However, is it fair to have resorts in protected forests? i believe you worked at Gorukana in BRT for some years as your INK talk goes by, is it fair? Don’t you think it would be better if these forests are outside the reach of humans? There are some reports where in some photographers and resort owners have arrangements with forest dept officials and go in to deep places which are pristine?

    I would like to hear your word on this.

    • Kalyan Varma · May 23, 2014 Reply

      Dear Nemichandra,

      I think everyone needs to see things in context and not in absolutes.

      Wildlife tourism is a critical way in which people can appreciate nature and with safeguards, eco-tourism is generally good for the forests as well as for the people. I do agree with you 100% that there should not be resorts *inside* protected areas. If you look at BR hills, there is Jungle lodges in Kgudi which sits right in the middle of critical tiger habitat (core area). Gorukana resort is a non-profit run by the Soligas which is in revenue land outside the boundary of the protected area. Also 100% of Gorukana profits go for healthcare and education for the Soliga communities.

      Regarding your last point, I do not know if it happens in other places, but I know that it does not happen in Karnataka.

      • hariprashanth M.G · June 4, 2014 Reply

        Hi Kalyan,
        I’ve been to K-Gudi, & Bandipur. Honestly it is an awesome experience at BR Hills. The officials at the resort and the Rangers are doing a wonderful job in keeping the jungle and animals safe. Bandipur had wild fire this summer.. but Even with a resort in its core area and which is full almost in all seasons, K-Gudi was safe and not even a single fire was reported.
        In fact at K-Gudi, everyone gets the feel of living inside a core jungle.. that too in Tents or Log Houses, and the interaction with those officials makes everyone respect wild life and the jungles. 2nd day of our trip I saw mine and my friends kids picking their cookie packets and leaving it in the dustbin, which they never do. They did not make noise on our Safari. And I am talking about 3 year old and 5 year old kids.
        These kinds of resorts gives us a chance to teach our children about wild life and give them that experience which I am sure 95% of Indians never had.
        Kalyan, the manager at K-Gudi did tell us about you and your service there.
        BTW the clicks are awesome.

        Regards,
        Hariprashanth M.G

  2. Jai Govind Meena · May 24, 2014 Reply

    These both photos are simply awe inspiring !!

  3. Daniel · May 27, 2014 Reply

    Where are these pictures from?

  4. Vinit Bajpai · June 21, 2014 Reply

    Dear Kalyan,
    Awesome Photographs. Keep on inspiring.

  5. Abhishek Behl · August 29, 2014 Reply

    Awesome description Kalyan and an amazing capture ariel shot. Very true, High human densities and their demand for co-existence have certainly put a massive drain on India’s fragile ecosystems & biodiversity. Thanks for sharing.

  6. Nayana · September 3, 2014 Reply

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  7. Mr Sumit · September 20, 2014 Reply

    Great Website With such an beautiful pictures. Love to visit your site, Thanks for sharing this.

  8. jinesh · September 22, 2014 Reply

    Hi kalyan..I read your story in connect the dots book by rasmi bansal. I came to know about ur interesting stuff..its really inspiring. I wanted to be like you yar..please advice!!

  9. Mallesh KR · October 6, 2014 Reply

    Kalyan Sir,

    The best story teller images. How and why Conservation is difficult but critical. Also, Its essential to conserve nature to be part of it. And i feel people visit these places to better understand, self educate the importance of forest.

    But, on contrary people go to forest and rather than spending time enjoying and appreracting the Forest and its creations, spoil the habitat by spilling the waste and plastic.

    Am happy that infamous BR hills, still remains remote to people. Less polluated in critical tiger habitat. (I strogly agree that its polluated in the temple region).

    Thanks for the images sir. Inspiring.

    Missed a chance to meet you last time. But will definetly try to meet you again!!!

  10. Pronati Biswas · October 13, 2014 Reply

    A very strong message can be seen in these two photographs. And now it makes me follow you. 🙂 great Job!!!

  11. shreya · November 24, 2014 Reply

    Very nice and inspiring clicks as compared with each other. This message should be transferred to everybody out…keep posting with lots more…

  12. Nayana · March 16, 2015 Reply

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  13. Tempat Sampah Plastik · January 18, 2018 Reply

    Kami adalah perusahaan terkemuka di bidang pembuatan dan penjualan tempat sampah dengan teknologi canggih inovatif.

  14. Devesh · December 15, 2018 Reply

    Thanks for sharing us very beautiful clicks.
    https://trekveda.com/kedartal.html

  15. altitudeadventureindia · December 15, 2018 Reply

    The Chadar Frozen river trek is a bucketlist item for all adventure seekers. Best time to do is in January and February. Its an experience beyond descriptiom in harsh sub zero Leh Ladakh temperature. But the terrain and beauty is what keeps you going….The walk on the frozen zanskar river is an adventure of a lifetime. But good physical fitness and prior preparation is a must. Want to know how to go for this trek and other resourceful tips for chadar trek click here https://www.altitudeadventureindia.com/trekking-tips/

  16. Nazir Usman · January 24, 2019 Reply

    yes, eco-tourism is good for the forests as well as the locals but minimalist living (e.g camping in tents or village homes) should be encouraged for eco toursim and not build resorts.

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