This week’s environment and conservation news stories rolled into one.

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New urban governance bill in Bengaluru faces criticism, takes away citizen power says analysis

The recently tabled Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill proposes to split the municipal corporation into smaller councils.

Operation Bhediya reveals gaps in human-wildlife conflict mitigation

Wild animals, presumed to be wolves, have attacked people in an Uttar Pradesh district, causing deaths.

[Interview] Vigyan awardee Purabi Saikia on the importance of mapping forest resources

Plant ecologist Purabi Saikia is one of this year’s Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar winners. A plant ecologist by specialisation, Saikia’s range of study is wide – from making assessments in plant diversity and composition to devising ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction strategies.

Multiple studies flag food insecurity as a threat in the Himalayas

Existing research indicates that climate change is affecting the accessibility, availability, use, and stability of food in the Himalayas.

Searching for soppu

Foraging for food is an activity that isn’t limited to rural spaces. In fact, urban foraging plays a crucial role in aiding food security for underserved communities. In the case of Bengaluru, leafy greens – called ‘soppu’ in Kannada – are highly sought after.

[Explainer] What is micro irrigation?

In micro irrigation, water is released at a low pressure and a low flow rate which ensures that only the required amount of water is given to a field, preventing overwatering.

Traditional engineers reduce water stress

In Kerala’s Kasaragod, check dams have been traditionally crafted with minimal, low-cost materials for centuries. Locally called katta, these small dams provide a steady source of water for irrigation, improving agricultural productivity.

Capturing the secret lives of small cats

Using camera traps, researchers have identified habitat preferences, activity patterns and threats faced by the small cat population in Arunachal Pradesh’s Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary.

A new remote sensing study spotlights Indian savannas

Regarded as ‘degraded forests’, Indian savannas have been historically misclassified and understudied.

Covered in mud, buried under myths

The rampant trafficking of the red sand boa is owed to widespread superstitions and myths surrounding this ‘two-headed snake’ or ‘do muha’ as it is often called due to the characteristic of its tail. Some believe that possession of the snake will bring prosperity. Some also believe that the snake’s spinal cord can be used to cast a spell to control someone. Such superstitions fuel the trade of the snake across the country.