EcoVisionary

               T he Union Budget 2026–27, presented as a Yuva Shakti-driven Budget, is framed around three guiding Kartavya: accelerating economic growth, building human capacity, and ensuring inclusive development aligned with the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas . India stands at a critical juncture: it is one of the fastest-growing major economies, yet also among the most climate-vulnerable countries. The Budget must therefore be evaluated not only in terms of fiscal prudence and growth potential, but also by how effectively it addresses ecological stress, resource scarcity, emissions intensity, biodiversity protection, and long-term sustainability at both the national and global levels. 1. Environment–Economy Integration: A Structural Shift A notable feature of the 2026–27 Budget is that environmental considerations are not confined to a single ministry or scheme. Instead, sustainability is embedded across infrastructure, energy, trans...

               G ardening is often seen as a positive and eco-friendly activity, especially in a country like India where plants are deeply connected to culture, tradition, and well-being. In recent years, the popularity of home gardening, terrace gardens, and decorative landscaping has increased significantly, supported by the easy availability of plant seeds through online platforms. However, behind this green trend lies a serious environmental concern. Many ornamental plant seeds sold online are non-native and invasive species , unsuitable for Indian ecosystems. Their uncontrolled introduction is worsening an already critical ecological problem across the country. India’s Existing Struggle with Invasive Species India is already facing severe environmental and ecological challenges due to invasive plant species introduced in the past. Large areas of forests, wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural land are struggling under the spread of in...

I n an age dominated by discussions on climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, true environmental action often comes not from conferences or policies alone, but from quiet, consistent dedication. One such extraordinary example is Kollakkayil Devaki Amma , a simple woman from Muthukulam village in Alappuzha district of Kerala, who transformed her personal tragedy into a lifelong mission to restore nature. Through patience, resilience, and deep respect for the environment, she single-handedly nurtured a thriving forest, proving that one individual can indeed make a lasting difference. Early Life and Inspiration Kollakkayil Devaki Amma was born around 1934 in Muthukulam, Kerala. Her love for plants and nature was inspired early in life by her grandfather, who introduced her to horticulture. After marriage, she worked alongside her family in paddy cultivation, which was a way of life for generations of women in her household. Her husband, M. K. Gopalakrishna Pillai , a scho...

E nvironmental memory refers to the capacity of ecosystems, societies, and institutions to retain, transmit, and apply knowledge of past environmental conditions, disturbances, and adaptive responses. This memory is embedded in biological traits, landscape features, cultural practices, governance systems, legal frameworks, and long-term datasets. It enables risk anticipation, informed decision-making, and adaptive resilience. When environmental memory erodes, societies lose not only information about the past but also the ability to contextualise present change and envision sustainable futures. In the contemporary era of accelerating climate change, biodiversity loss, and land-use transformation, the loss of environmental memory has emerged as a silent yet profound crisis. Unlike sudden environmental disasters, memory loss unfolds gradually, often unnoticed, reshaping perceptions of what is normal, acceptable, or inevitable. As ecosystems degrade and social knowledge fragments, degrad...