A discovery that slipped by

It amazes me to see how there are still discoveries being made every day in the wild. But what also amazes me, in a completely different way, is the lack of general enthusiasm for these 'moments', except amongst a small group. One would imagine that in this polluted, rapidly deforested world, just seeing any species alive is a relief in itself.

Just last month, Ornithologists in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district (more precisely, Yawal sanctuary) discovered a bird they thought was extinct. This was the Forest Owlet Athene (Heteroglaux) blewitti. This is not a feel good factor, but a what-a-relief factor!

Cricket partners trees

Sumeet Seth lives in Kaithal, Haryana. Like most Indians, he loves cricket. But he went a step ahead combining cricket and environment. His Cricket Council created a spectators' stand, so to say, entirely from the shade of trees. The idea began when about 50 trees planted by the authorities were wilting away. Seth and his friends worked hard and saved 30 trees, creating a giant canopy.

It's a give-and-take situation. The players have turned to nurturing this stand by watering the trees several times a month, even if they don't play there.

Kodak spurs cancers?

Here is an update on a huge battle that Earthwatch has been following. The well-known health advocacy group, Cancer Action in New York, has accused Eastman Kodak Company (EKC) of literally increasing the chances of cancer. According to the organisation, the hazardous waste incineration facility operated by EKC has significantly contributed to the dioxin contamination of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

Dioxin exposure is said to increase the risk of some kinds of cancer, especially breast and prostate cancer.

Now there is a raging debate on why the permission to the company to incinerate its hazardous wastes should be renewed. Let's hope we see some candid shots.

(If you feel for Planet Earth, write to Earthwatch1@rediffmail.com)