Leonardo DiCaprio praises Chester Zoo that helped the golden skiffa fish from going extinct

48-year old Leonardo DiCaprio heaped praises on Chester Zoo for preventing the golden skiffa from going extinct. Its native habitat is in Mexico and the Teuchitlan River in central-western Mexico was its only known home. These fish have not been sighted there since the 1990s. The concerted efforts of experts from Chester Zoo and Michoacan University of Mexico helped bring the species back from the dead. The zoo and the University undertook a conservation-breeding program and released 1,200 golden skiffas back into their native river. They chose the date of release to coincide with Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. Leonardo DiCaprio went to Instagram, a social media outlet, to praise Chester Zoo for its wonderful work. They helped to reintroduce a near-extinct species of fish to its native habitat in Mexico. DiCaprio, the Hollywood actor, describes himself as an environmentalist. He has been vocal on key climate summits, including the signing of the Paris climate agreement in 2016. Leonardo DiCaprio praises Chester Zoo for helping bring golden skiffa fish 'back from the dead'. The team at Chester was delighted with the endorsement and replied: "Thank you for sharing this incredible story!"

There are many reasons for the species of fish to face near extinction. Most of these are manmade – like construction of dam, extraction of water, pollution and an invasive species in their river. Paul Bamford is the regional programme manager for Latin America at Chester Zoo. He said - "This project is a great example of how zoos can contribute to conservation in the field through conservation breeding and research. By supporting freshwater conservation in Mexico and the ecosystems where the fish live, we're not only protecting biodiversity and the wellbeing of freshwater environments, but also the people and communities that live alongside them." Omar Dominguez-Dominguez is a professor and researcher from the Michoacan University of Mexico. He is leading the golden skiffia reintroduction. In his words - "Releasing the golden skiffia at this time is a metaphor for how the species has come back from the dead to return to its home, not for one night, but forever.” He adds that “universities, zoos and aquarists can come together to fix some of what has been destroyed and return to nature some of what has been lost is an amazing thing."

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A study released by the Global Carbon Project at the COP27 conference underway in Egypt reveals a new picture. Until now, the concept was that U.S. emissions had been steadily dropping while Chinese emissions had been rising. It is not so. The study reveals that in China, fossil fuel pollution in China was down 0.9 percent this year compared with 2021, while in the United States it was 1.5 percent higher. It is a fact that the burning of fossil fuel this year has put 1 percent more heat-trapping carbon dioxide into the air compared to last year. Scientists who track emissions say this is a piece of bad news for the fight against climate change. However, China appears to have succeeded in reigning in the emission. Global carbon pollution continues to increase but not at a rate of 10 or 15 years ago. Obviously, the world has become cautious. The fact remains that much more needs to be done because it is pushing the Earth closer to hitting and then passing the globally adopted threshold of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times. Carbon emissions from fossil fuels rise globally, including U.S., but drop in China. As a climate scientist of Princeton University says - “It means we better get ready to blow past the target and enter a world that humans have never experienced.’’

The study team, along with other scientific reports, calculate that the Earth can put only 419 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the air before warming reaches the 1.5-degree mark. That would work out to about nine to 10 years’ worth of emissions. In other words, that point will come at around 2031 or 2032. Obviously, the time for 1.5 is running out. According to the study, in 2022, the world will put 40.3 billion U.S. tons of carbon dioxide into the air from energy and cement use. That will work out to the weight of the Great Pyramid of Giza in carbon dioxide spewed every 75 minutes. The emissions are on the rise in the United States, India witnessed a 6 percent increase in 2022, while Europe had a 0.8 percent drop. The rest of the world averaged a 1.7 percent rise.

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A recent survey conducted by the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) has revealed the increase in pollution levels in Subarnarekha which is believed to be the lifeline river of Singhbhum. Samples of water taken in the month of April from five locations were checked for various parameters and the results are a matter of concern.
This is reported in telegraphindia.com dated 13 June 2017.

One of the parameters is the pH value of water - it exceeded its normal limit in three f the locations and instead of the natural range of between 4 and 9, it was in the range of 7.9 to 9.2. Moreover, the survey detected excess lead in the water.
The Subarnarekha river passed through areas where there is a concentration of industries and mining activities. This results in the discharge of industrial effluent and domestic waste that are choking the river.


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The oil spill due to the collision of two cargo ships off the Kamarajar Port in Ennore has resutedin pollution of the Chennai’s beaches also. Morning beach walkers found oil on the sands on the Marina beach, near INS Adyar, at Nochikuppam and at Pattinapakkam.
Residents were shocked to see the black oil deposit on the sands of the Marina. Fishermen from Nochikuppam, who brought in their catches after fishing trips, mentioned about a strong smell of oil in the sea. Fishermen organizations have demanded for immediate action to remove the oil spills since it is affecting the livelihood of the fishermen. THey have not been able to venture into the sea for the past two days.
This has been reported in thehindu.com dated 31 January 2017.

An expert on oil spills has warned people not to go to the beaches that had been polluted because it was very harmful to the skin. Inhaling benzene found in such fuels is also bad. The oil is very heavy oil and difficult to clean. the Coast Guard had issued notice to the owner and master of the ship, MV Dawn Kanchipuram, over the incident.
The volume of the oil that has been spilled is large. Oil spills move due to wave action and also through ocean currents and the waves break up the oil plumes into smaller portions.


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In order to clean up the environment and go green, Jharsuguda has imposed a ban on the use of polythene carry bags and other polythene products below 50 micron with effect from January 1 in an effort to reduce pollution.
The administration has done adequate publicity to create awareness among people about the adverse effects of the use of polythene and the ban has been imposed in the entire district. A squad would be formed to enforce the ban.
This has been reported in telegraphindia.com dated 2 January 2017.

The matter has been discussed with the merchants' association who have been told to stop using polythene carry bags that are less than 50 micron thick. The source from where the polythene carry bags are being procured would be identified and supplies stopped.
A rally had been organised on December 24 to create awareness among people and appeal them to stop using polythene carry bags. The ban will cover polythene carry bags, plastic glasses, cups and other polythene products. Fines would be slapped on those shops and business establishments who violate the ban.


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The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has plans to construct a modern bus terminus in the vicinity of the 300-year-old Sri Lokamatha Ayappa temple near the city market. Such a bus terminus would see nearly 8,000 birds lose their habitat.
The birds are rose-ringed parakeets, mynahs, owls and crows and they nest in the 25 odd trees around the temple - these birds have been here for half a century and they will be displaced once the trees are felled to make way for the terminus.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 25 December 2016.

The temple authorities were shocked when the BMTC marked the trees for chopping on December 19 and the temple administration has taken up the matter with the authorities and have also petitioned the principal chief conservator of forests and the chief wildlife warden on Friday.
The trees located in the surroundings of the historical temple provide some relief to the pollution.
The authorities have assured that they would make efforts to protect as many trees as possible but some of them will have to be felled to make way for the new Traffic and Transit Management Centre because Kalasipalya is a transit hub, and it is necessary to build a modern terminus there to improve public transport facilities in the city.


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The level of pollution in Hussainsagar Lake, the iconic water body of Hyderabad, has over the years become become a major issue of alarm because of the precipitation of monstrous proportions of heavy metals that have penetrated up to three metres into the lakebed.
Scientists have carried outr a study of the water, soil and sediment samples of the Lake before and after the immersion of Ganesh idols in September this year. They have warned that the pollution has extended to the 'deep earth crust'.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 22 December 2016.

The pollution has poisoned aquatic life and birds, as well as deep earth crust to a large extent. Samples had been collected from five different locations of the lake - Buddha Statue, Lumbini Park, Boats Club (Ranigunj), Necklace Road and NTR Garden.
These samples were analysed for different parameters like pH value, turbidity , total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). It was revealed that the lake's water scored very low in all these tests. This forced the researchers to describe the lake as a `virtual garbage bin'.
Incidentally, nearly 50,000 Ganesh idols are immersed in the lake during Ganesh Chaturthi festival and, most of these are made of plaster of Paris (PoP) with metallic paints that contain heavy metals. In addition, the flow of domestic sewage and industrial effluents all over the year have deteriorated the quality of water beyond purification.


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National Green Tribunal continues with its ban on farming on the banks of the Yamuna in Delhi

National Green Tribunal has refused to permit farmers to carry out cultivation on their farms located along the banks of the River Yamuna. This is because the waters are polluted with heavy metals and other high pollutants and these will affect the quality of the final vegetable.
People will buy these vegetables and fall sick after eating them.
This has been reported in deccanherald.com dated 16 November 2016.

NGT has commented that till such time Delhi Jal Board cleans, no permission will be given to carry out farming on the banks of the river. The observations came during the hearing of a plea filed by a local farmer who was seeking NGT’s nod for cultivation on the ground because the only source of his livelihood was farming.
NGT was firm that cultivation of edible crops and vegetables on the floodplains of Yamuna can be permitted only after Yamuna is restored and made pollution-free.


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Tilapia fish banned in 1959 still occupies lakes and reservoirs

Tilapia fish, native to Africa, was banned in the country in 1959, but it continues to flourish and has overrun lakes and reservoirs. It is now occupying every single water body in Chennai and is elbowing out many native species.
This is reported in thehindu.com dated 9 November 2016.

This variety of fish is a perennial breeder and can tolerate pollution and it has eaten into resources that earlier were shared by several other species. The tilapia can survive in water with very low oxygen level and its eggs retain life even in dry conditions. It is believed to have destroyed the habitat of native species which are already decimated by pollution.
The Fisheries Research Committee of India had imposed a ban in 1959 on one species of tilapia that was introduced in 1952.
However, the Nile tilapia introduced in 1970, became an important component for aquaculture in India and was known as the ‘aquatic chicken’. The National Fisheries Development Board in 2015 issued guidelines for responsible farming of the fish.


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Durga puja immersion in Howrah leaves the waters polluted

The west bank of Hooghly has suffered large scale pollution because of immersion of Durga idols - this is in spite of the best efforts of the Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC). In comparison, the ghats in Kolkata where teams of people were ready at hand to pull out the remains and lug them away by cranes.
This has been reported in telegraphindia.com dated 17 October 2016.

There were lumps of clay and straw floating in the water near Shibpur Ghat apart from thermocol and other materials used in the construction of the idols. Large bamboo structures, some with parts of the idol stuck to them, were also lying near the jetty as well as along the banks of the river and even beneath anchored vessels. Unlike the ghats in Calcutta, the ghats in Howrah did not have cranes to pull out the idols immediately after immersion. The Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) had employed a few laborers and underage boys to pull out the structures from the river and it failed to give the desired result.
HMC Mayor has assured that all ghats will be cleaned and all debris will be removed within 24 hours of immersion.


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Pollution has taken a heavy toll on the Varthur Lake in Bengaluru - it used to once host at least 30 species of fish but, at present, there are only two. One is the voracious African catfish and the other a local species known as the korava.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 9 September 2016.

Varthur Lake is the second largest body of water and one of the most polluted water bodies in the city of Bengaluru. The water along with its dead fish, trash and pollutants, joins the Pinakini river basin. It receives all the surface runoff and sewage from the Bengaluru South taluk.
Frequently, dead fish are spotted floating on the surface and farmers who come to the lake every day have confirmed that fish kill happens every now and then. However, though dead, the only species visible in the midst of garbage and hyacinth is the mighty African catfish. The conclusion is that if the catfish cannot survive in this water, no other species can, say fishermen.
Incidentally, this lake used to boast of 25-30 species of fish and now there are only two left.


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Researchers unearth reasons of why people snore

Snoring is something one grows up with and non snorers try to adjust with those who snore. People attribute various reasons for snoring - like blame it on allergies, or excessive drinks or an ill designed pillow, or even your genes. However, researchers suggests that it is most likely caused by a combination of tiredness and exposure to traffic fumes.
This has been reported in nzherald.co.nz dated 30 August 2016.

The interesting study was conducted at Bergen University in Norway and covered 12,000 people from cities throughout Europe. They found that almost 25 per cent of men snored heavily at least three nights per week. Moreover, those who were exposed to traffic pollution were the most likely to do it. The researchers believe that this could be a result of toxic gases and particles released by engines, particularly diesel.
In the opinion of researchers, air pollution can lead to snoring due to an increased level of inflammation in the body and that noise from traffic also affects the sleeping patterns. They leave people tired and restless. They observed that men who slept in bedrooms near to traffic-heavy roads were susceptible to increased snoring due to air pollution and traffic noise. However, women with similar sleeping arrangements were more susceptible to daytime sleepiness.


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Odisha has taken tough measures for hotels in Puri that are flourishing without obtaining necessary approval. The Odisha State Pollution Control Board has issued closure notices to 20 hotels in the city that were operating without its approval.
During an inspection, the pollution watchdog discovered more than 100 such hotels and, for a start, they have identified 20 hotels and have served them closure notices.
This has been reported in telegraphindia.com dated 3 August 2016.

These hotels are to be sealed within a week. Under sections of the air pollution and water pollution prevention laws, hotels must mandatorily obtain consent of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board for establishment and operations. Environmental activists have alleged that many hotels in Puri were contributing significantly to the air and water pollution because they release wastewater directly into the sea thereby polluting the beach.
Incidentally, the pollution control board had issued closure notice last year also to some hotels in Puri that were operating without its consent. A few hoteliers had challenged the order in Orissa High Court and the court had granted a stay on the closure. Subsequently, the court dismissed the case and vacated the stay order. AS a result, action has been have taken and another chance has been given to the hoteliers to apply for getting the necessary consent.


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The 48-day long annual Amarnath yatra has begun and will continue till August 18 through the two routes of Baltal and Pahalgam. There is complete and tight security arrangements for the over 9,000 pilgrims who have set off from base camps in Ganderbal and Anantnag districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
This has been reported in zeenews.india.com dated 2 July 2016.

Out of 7,500 pilgrims who have assembled at the Baltal base camp (Ganderbal), 4000 had already crossed the Dumail gate to begin the 14-Km long trek to the Cave Shrine. By 10 am, the remaining 3,500 pilgrims had also crossed the gate towards the Cave Shrine. In addition, from Nunwan base camp (in Pahalgam in Anantnag), another 1,600 yatris had crossed Chandanwari towards the Cave Shrine.
Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh would also visit the Amarnath Cave Shrine to participate in the special puja that heralds the beginning of the annual yatra. They will have `Darshan` of the ice stalagmite inside the cave which is revered as a `Shiva Linga` by the devotees. It is believed that the Shiva Linga grows and shrinks with the phases of the moon and attains its height during the summer festival.
Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has advised the pilgrims to carry sufficient woollen clothes, umbrella, raincoat, and waterproof shoes because the weather in the Yatra area is unpredictable. Pilgrims are also advised to carry their identity cards and Yatra permit, and travel in a group. Prepaid SIM cards from other states would not work in Jammu and Kashmir and the Yatra route. Hence, the pilgrims can purchase pre-activated SIM cards at the base camps of Baltal and Nunwan. The SASB has also advised pilgrims to ensure that pollution and disturbing the environment is not done.


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The National Green Tribunal has banned farming on the banks of the River Yamuna and has refused to entertain the plea of a farmers' body that sought modification of NGTs earlier order prohibiting cultivation of edible crops and vegetables on the floodplains of Yamuna. The reasons given by NGT are that the waters of Yamuna was "highly" polluted. It contained "acidic, heavy metals and other high pollutants" and these were injurious to health. Hence, it cannot be considered to be a source of water for irrigation and agricultural purposes.
This has been reported in news18.com dated 7 June 2016.

NGT has observed that if cultivation is permitted, it will become part of food chain which will reach human beings causing various diseases. The River Yamuna carries not only large quantity of sewage but also industrial waste. There are from electro-plating industries, textile dying industries and other polluting industry that are located in Delhi.
NGT has also said the cultural activity was permitted and no other activities can be permitted till the river Yamuna is restored and made pollution free.


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Thousands of dead fish surface in Ulsoor Lake in Bengalaru

Bengalaru is also known as the Garden City but, its famous Ulsoor Lake is in a bad condition because of rising levels of pollution. As a result, thousands of dead fish have surfaced in this popular body of water. As per local residents, sewage water from surrounding areas finds its way into the lake and this cuts down oxygen levels drastically which leads to fishes dying en-masse.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 11 May 2016.

After the recent heavy rains, plenty of sewage sludge and plastic again entered the eight acres plus Ulsoor Lake and, the dead fish were seen floating on the lake's surface along with plastic bottles and garbage. Pollution board people of the Ministry of Environment and Forests have collected samples of the lake water which will be sent for testing to ascertain the exact cause of the death of the fishes.
This is the second time in as many months that thousands of dead fish have been seen around the lake and it has resulted in a strong stench in the area. The incident comes is yet another instance of the ever-growing concern among environmentalists about the rising levels of pollution in lakes across Bengaluru. It may be recalled that last year, residents were left shocked when flames were seen in thick froth floating on Yemlur lake.


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Walking is the best exercise in polluted cities

Research carried out by University of Cambridge has found that walking or cycling is good for everyone, even if one is living in polluted cities. In their opinion, the health benefit of physical activity far outweighs the harm caused to the body because of by chemicals and dust that is continuously puffed out by traffic and industry.
This has been reported in dailymail.co.uk dated 6 May 2016.

Air pollution is a major problem in British cities, and this is a major factor that results in 40,000 early deaths in Britain every year. Moreover, only a handful of cities (one percent!) are so polluted that the risks start to overcome the benefits of physical activity within half an hour of cycling. As the study leader has indicated - in London health benefits of active travel always outweigh the risk from pollution.
Even in a city like Delhi which is believed to be one of the most polluted cities in the world – with pollution levels ten times those in London – people would need to cycle over five hours per week to enjoy the health benefits.
A general conception is that those who exercise in polluted areas put themselves at increased risk since they take deeper breaths, thus inhaling more of the toxic pollution and particles that do such damage. But, a new study suggests that the act of exercising outweighs this risk - physical activity reduces the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and several cancers.
The bottom line is - invest in infrastructure to get people out of their cars and onto their feet or their bikes – such a double pronged attack would reduce pollution levels and simultaneously, support physical activity.


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Dwindling number of dolphins in the Ganges near Kolkata indicator of poor health of the river

Findings of a WWF India project on dolphins, presented at a meet in Kolkata indicated that the poor health of the Ganges near the city was responsible for Bengal's dwindling dolphin population. Dolphins could be seen from the Howrah bridge even in the 1960s and the decline began with the building of Farakka barrage. Additionally, excessive pollution has compounded the problem.
This has been reported in telegraphindia.com dated 16 March 2016.

It was revealed that nearly two-thirds of the Ganga in Bengal, especially the stretch in and near Calcutta, is so polluted that biodiversity has taken a hit. Studies carried out by the Central Pollution Control Board has shown that the river near the city is the most polluted stretch in the country. The main culprits are industrial effluent and domestic waste.
The major interference in dolphin habitat are bridges, dams, soil erosion and excessive pollution. It was also pointed out that dolphins nowadays are hardly seen even in the Sunderbans - this can be considered as a pointer to how pollution in the Ganga in Bengal has affected the biodiversity of the body of water.


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Thousands of dead fish surface in Ulsoor Lake of Bangalore

Bangalore is known as the Garden City because of its wonderful greenery and its love of Nature and Ulsoor Lake is a major water body of the city but residents who enjoy their morning walk around this lake were shocked to see thousands of dead fish floating near the banks. This is believed to be a result of increase in levels of water pollution.
This has been reported in zeenews.india.com dated 7 March 2016.

The pollution level in the Ulsoor lake has been a cause of concern for some time now. The government and the municipal corporation may have announced many measures to clean up the lake but the dead fish tell another story. The News Minute quoted Vaman Acharya, former chairman of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, as saying that fish die in thousands every March. As per Acharya, the fish die when the dissolved oxygen level decreases in the lake...untreated sewage flowing into the lake chokes the life out of the lake. Last year, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had installed a barrier in the lake to keep trash contained in one area. However, the effort seems to have not done much to improve the quality of water in the lake. The Yamlur lake – one of the most polluted lakes in the city - was also in the news last year when it got covered with thick froth due to the untreated industrial pollutants dumped into it.


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90% lakes of Garden City Bangalore are polluted

Bangalore is known as the Garden City of India but a situation has now arisen when it is found that 90% of its lakes are polluted. Encroachers are discovered to be occupying 11,000 acres of lake beds. An independent study by the Indian Institute of Science on contamination of lakes paints a more grim scenario - according to its study 90 per cent of the lakes that have been surveyed are polluted – filled with muck.
This has been reported in ibnlive.com dated 20 January 2016.

A example is the Shivapura lake near Peenya - it is one of the country's largest industrial areas in west Bengaluru and garbage and debris are dumped in it disregarding the fact that it is a lake that leads on to reservoirs which supply water to IT city.
A survey by a team at the IISc said only 10 per cent of the 105 lakes it surveyed are unpolluted while the remaining 90% are fed with sewage and industrial effluents.
The lakes of Bangalore are an inter-connected network with canals that connect the lakes across the three major valleys. These canals have suffered from direct contamination with untreated sewage that enters from adjoining buildings. The canals and storm water drains are supposed to carry rain water, but end up carrying muck to the lakes. It is unbelievable that toxic chemicals have resulted in many of the lakes lakes foaming over the past year.

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