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Nivedita Khandekar

Nivedita Khandekar

Independent journalist

nivedita_him@rediffmail.com

The author is an independent journalist based in Delhi. She writes on environmental, developmental and social issues.

By Nivedita Khandekar

Why the Ganga must become a political issue like Ram Mandir

As millions descend upon the Kumbh Mela, sadhus, activists and opposition leaders are raising questions over the government’s claims of a cleaner Ganga.

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World Elephant Day 2018: Why saving elephants is as important as saving tigers

As per the elephant census 2017, the number of wild elephants in India is 27,312. Status of elephants is a direct indicator of the status of the forests.

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Why Delhi has been hit by dust storms and is choking to death with pollution

It's environment versus development: What do we want?

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Using plastic is a compulsion for many. Are we doing enough to change the situation?

It is only the privileged people who can choose to use the costly alternatives — metal or bamboo.

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Mockery of Modi vowing he'll have River Ganga cleaned up 4 years ago

Government does not seem keen on pursuing the goals of aviral and nirmal together.

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Why Delhi is facing an acute water crisis today

The situation can still be salvaged if Dilliwalas stick to the WHO norms of using 135 litres per capita per day.

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How the quality of India's forests — especially in hills — is suffering

The India State of Forests Report 2017 should set the alarm bells ringing.

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Rise in temperatures is threatening the survival of Himalayas

Those in the plains, too, can't be complacent as these mountains are the origins of the rivers that sustain more than half of India’s population.

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Air pollution is not just a Delhi problem, whole of India is running out of breath

The capital gets all the focus while other cities and towns sit smug because there is no data to show their state of ruin.

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NGT’s Amarnath Yatra decision brought confusion, not clarity

The green body could have made other changes, including restoring the previous duration of the pilgrimage.

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Striking at Krishna's floodplains will make proposed Andhra Pradesh capital a doomed city

Amaravati is aimed at creating high-stake infrastructure in areas that are part of the Krishna river.

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How to rid India of terrifying pollution once and for all

Only sustained all-round action considering every minor detail will ensure compliance for improved air quality.

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Why India must push for a water-sharing agreement with China

Urging Beijing to ensure interests of downstream riparian states is not enough.

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Durga and Ganesha idol immersions are poisoning India's rivers and lakes

Our traditional festival celebrations were once in sync with nature, reinforcing the eco-friendly practices.

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Politics of development over Sardar Sarovar Dam has put environmental concerns in the back seat

Raising the dam height without completing the rehabilitation and resettlement procedures has clearly shown the government’s intent.

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​Mumbai floods is a stark reminder of how civic apathy leads to nature’s fury

Deluges in urban spaces are here to stay - till we mend our ways and make way for water.

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How our footprints are exhausting Earth's budget

On the Earth Overshoot Day, it is time to pause and ask: are we, the humans, living within the means of our planet?

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Can Modi government's crop insurance scheme really prevent farmer suicides?

The much-touted Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is not helping the poor and dying farmers even as it's proving to be a huge drain on the exchequer.

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How our tourist visits to Ladakh are harming the region

Tourists must ensure that they do not add to the exploitation of scarce resources, especially water, available to the local community.

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How the disastrous Ken-Betwa link project endangers India's tigers, rivers and mountains

Has the Centre considered all options before deciding to spend such copious amounts on a river-linking project that environmentalists have termed an ecological disaster?

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Hype over Dhola-Sadiya - India's longest - bridge in Assam needs toning down

My hunch is that this bridge will benefit the corporates and non-Arunachalis more than the Army and people at the northern end.

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Why doesn't Modi government want Delhi to be a World Heritage City?

Changes - as mentioned in the shrinking of Lutyens' Bungalow Zone proposal, to Sundar Colony or Golf Links - would mean negative alterations to the green belts.

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Did you know March 22 marks India's new year?

Adopted in 1957, the Indian national calendar is based on astronomy and coincides with the natural weather cycle.

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Are Ganga and Yamuna going to be 'living entities' only for Uttarakhand?

Allowing the river to be a legal entity means according it the right to live.

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Why arrival of endangered black-necked crane in Arunachal is momentous

One of the only two wintering sites in India for the migratory bird remains vulnerable due to a proposed hydropower project.

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Marrakech 2016: How India can deliver on climate change

We must include Himalayan hamlets, coastal towns and villages - three of the most vulnerable communities - in taking on the challenge.

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We don't want a quick fix to Delhi's pollution crisis

What is needed is a focused, consistent, all-year-round plan against pollutants.

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Indus Waters Treaty must change for environment, not to choke Pakistan's lifeline

The pact must bring riparian nations China and Afghanistan on board amid changing climatic conditions.

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Why India treats its rivers like sewage

While many events for water bodies take place regularly, the absence of common man as a stakeholder makes for a despicable discourse.

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The long history of Cauvery, rivers and interstate disputes

As Karnataka and Tamil Nadu fight it out, a solution is possible only if the states, leaders and people realise they do not have ownership rights over flowing water.

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