ACTIVITY Report (1997-1998)

Study tour was carried out for students of Bangalore University in and around Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Western Ghats, during April. The focus of the study was the impact of over-exploitation of natural resources on the forest ecosystem.

Another study tour was conducted at Kulgi Nature Camp near Dandeli in May ‘97. Biodiversity studies and ecotours were part of the programme. The study was on the flora & fauna of tropical forest ecosystemcarried out by Mr. S.V. Pandit (former Conservator of Forest) followed by a presentation by Mr. Balagi, ACF, Dandeli, at the forest museum.

Environmental Awareness camp was conducted for various school students, who were exposed to conservation issues concerning the city and the state through creative field based activities at the campus.

Post Graduate students of Environmental Science attended a seminar that was conducted in July 99 that focused on health hazards due to rapid and unplanned development and subsequent rise in pollution levels. Dr. Vasundhara, expert on Environmental Health, briefed the students on the impact of environmental degradation on human health. She also presented case studies relevant to Bangalore.

A programme on lake restoration through enrichment of green cover was inaugurated by Mr. Suresh Heblikar, Chairman, Eco-Watch. The programme was initiated by the residents, NGOs and other groups of ISRO layout.

A number of films on environment, science and technology, arts, culture, etc., have been made by the centre which are regularly screened at institutions, organizations, seminars, workshops and conferences. Films on ecology and culture were screened at the Forest Dept. for students and the general community, followed by a brief interaction and discussion between the participants and the  resource personnel.

An environmental awareness and education program for Government Primary & High School was conducted during the month of January 98, where the students were exposed to field based learning, such as identification of flora and fauna, growth measurements, plant care measure and other issues regarding forestry and about forest ecosystems.

A project on the economic upliftment of the tribe inhabiting the Nagarahole National Park was carried out during February 98 for a period of two months. Socio-economic studies, data collection, community development, culture and livelihood studies of the tribe were conducted by Project Associates of Eco-Watch, under the guidance of the Chairman Mr. Suresh Heblikar.