Extinction of Ghariyals: saving our rivers key to their survival

India is a land of many wonders, and one of them is the gharial this is a unique crocodile species primarily found in the river systems of the Indian subcontinent. The long-snouted gharials used to rule the waters before the dredgers, fishing nets etc started dominating the Indian rivers.

Fossil studies date their lineage millions of years ago. Records of 19th and 20th centuries speak of abundant gharials in the rivers like Ganga, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Indus etc. By the 1940s, their number was estimated to be between 5000 to 20,000.

But by mid-20th century, their numbers started declining sharply. As per the WWF reports on the Ghariyal Re-introduction program, following are the main reasons for the downfall:

• unregulated sand mining
• poaching for skins
• nest destruction
• fragmentation and degradation of their habitats due damming

By 1980s, 98% of them had vanished from their natural habitat.

In 1975, the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation) Na UNDP launched THE CROCODILE CONSERVASTION PROJECT, jointly. Under this project, 16 rehabilitation centers and following sanctuaries were established.

• National Chambal Sanctuary
• Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
• Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary
• Son Ghariyal Sanctuary

etc.

But, despite these herculean efforts, alas to say their number in the wild has stood at precarious 650 today. And this species is a part of IUCN Red List for Critically Endangered Species.

The central idea of the project was to collect their eggs, hatch them, bring them up to a safe size in sanctuary and release them in their natural habitat. However, the mortality rate of the eggs during post-monsoon season has been seen at 90%.

According to the senior scientists, this method might delay the extinction, but cannot be avoided, as the habitat cannot be replaced by these methods.

During 2009 to 2019, Madras Crocodile Bank Trust launched Ghariyal Ecology Project, where the hatchlings were tagged and monitored through telemetry. The results were mixed and not encouraging enough. Most crocodiles did not survive long enough to breed, And those who survived faced challenges due to habitat destruction.

Amidst all this, one lesson stands out very loud and clear:

“Save rivers to save ghariyals”.

In recent years conservation has ventured into new frontiers in 2021. a large male was translocated from Chambal to the son gharial sanctuary resulting in a successful nesting historic fast for the region.

What can be done to help the species survice:

• Promote eco friendly farming practices like vermicomposting and reduced river bed cultivation.
• Enforce strict ban on sad mining within 500 meters of active nesting sites.
• Deploy a community lead river watch programs to prevent illegal activities near nesting and basking habitat.
• Regulate fishing practice to eliminate gill nets.
• Facilitate corridor connectivity between fragmented reverse segments to promote genetic flow.
• Continue awareness programs in riparian villages to reduce misconceptions surrounding the ghariyals.

🌧️ July: The Gardener’s Delight – Monsoon Gardening Guide

By Rama Tyagi
 📧 tyagirama1@gmail.com

July brings the much-awaited monsoon—one of the best months for gardening! The refreshing rains make plants look clean, happy, and healthy. However, with all this abundance, the season also demands careful attention and timely action.

🌿 Lawn Care Tips

• Raise the lawn mower blades to leave enough foliage for grass to withstand excessive moisture.
• Reduce irrigation—natural rainfall is usually enough.
• Apply lime and give a dressing of well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
• Check pot drainage—ensure holes are not clogged to avoid root rot.

🌸 Flower Beds and Borders

• Plant monsoon flowering annuals like:
  • Balsam
  • Cosmos
  • Celosia
  • Morning Glory
• Replant Cannas.
• Thin out excessive growth of climbers and remove dead wood.
• Prune overgrown shrubs and vigorous creepers carefully.
• Ficus hedges can be thinned and cleaned now.
• Suspend irrigation for roses and shrubs during consistent rains.
• Avoid over watering potted foliage plants, chrysanthemums, geraniums, and kalanchoes—protect them from excessive rainfall.

🌼 Rain Lilies: Monsoon Jewels

• Though they can be planted year-round, Rain Lilies bloom beautifully during rains.
• Use well-drained, rich soil and place them in full sun.
• Light pink varieties may bloom within 7–10 days.
• Apricot and yellow varieties bloom from June to August, while lemon and deep pink flowers bloom from August to October.
• Plant 10 bulbs in a 6-inch pot for a lush display.
• Some varieties produce seeds that can be collected and sown, though they take around 2 years to bloom.
• Cross-pollination can be done between different colors to develop your own hybrids.

🌱 Propagation: A Season of Growth

The high humidity makes July ideal for grafting, layering, and cuttings.

1. Trim all overgrown plants.
2. Dip cuttings in rooting hormone or cinnamon powder.
3. Plant them in sand or loose soil for rooting.

Plants suitable for cuttings:

• Bougainvillea
• Dracaena
• Croton
• Aralia
• Syngonium
• Pothos (Money Plant)
• Schefflera
• Ficus
• Eranthemum
• Enermi
• Alternanthera

💡 Tip: Keep an eye out for rot during this season.

🪴 Ornamental Plants

• Hopefully, you’ve completed repotting evergreen ornamentals.
• Apply fungicides like Trichoderma to prevent fungal infections.
• If you place plants outdoors to enjoy the rain, bring them back indoors during harsh sunlight to avoid leaf scorching.

🍀 Vegetables to Sow in July

This is a great time to grow monsoon vegetables like:

• Radish
• Coriander
• Capsicum
• Okra (Bhindi)
• Beetroot
• Brinjal (Eggplant)
• Bottle Gourd
• Bitter Gourd
• Chilli
• Cucumber
• Maize
• Cholai (Amaranth)
• Beans
• Lobia (Cowpea)
• Palak (Spinach)
• Pumpkin
• Malabar Spinach
• Ridge Gourd
• Tomatoes

👉 Seed Care Tip:

• Cover directly sown seeds with inverted plastic bottles to protect from heavy rain.
• Remove once seedlings are strong.
• Alternatively, start seeds indoors under protection.

🌳 Fruit Trees

• Prune trees that have finished fruiting; fertilize after pruning.
• Plant new fruit trees now—water them on alternate days.
• Apply fungicides and insecticides as needed (e.g., Carbaryl 2g per litre).
• Paint trunks of mature trees with lime or geru (red ochre) to prevent fungal attacks and pests.

🌼 Final Thoughts:

The monsoon is a magical time in the garden, but it demands wise management. With proper care, your plants will thrive, bloom, and reward you abundantly.

Wishing you Happy Gardening!

—
 Rama Tyagi
 chairperson

Horticulture Floriculture Society
 📧 tyagirama1@gmail.com

CELEBRATING THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY THE GREEN WAY

KRBL International proidly hosted an inspiring Sustainable Gardening Workshop in collaboration with Tatva Essence, a passionate social enterprise, where Ms Rama Tyagi was the invited guest. She shared practica;, eco-friendly tips and got got the audience hands-on with interesting DIY projects.

Gardening by the Moon: The Indian Way

Did you know that the phases of the moon can guide your gardening schedule?
 In India, the moon has always been considered sacred and influential—not just in festivals and religious practices but also in farming. Our ancestors have long followed the lunar calendar (Panchang) for agriculture, and many farmers still trust moon-based planting to this day.

How to Garden by the Moon: Indian Perspective

🌑 New Moon to First Quarter (Amavasya to Shukla Paksha)
 This is the best time to sow leafy greens and medicinal herbs like spinach (palak), coriander (dhaniya), fenugreek (methi), and holy basil (tulsi). The increasing moonlight supports fast leaf growth.

🌓 First Quarter to Full Moon (Shukla Paksha to Purnima)
 This is ideal for planting fruiting crops like tomatoes, brinjals (baingan), okra (bhindi), cucumbers, gourds, and beans. This phase supports flowering and fruit production.

🌕 Full Moon to Last Quarter (Purnima to Krishna Paksha)
 The best time for root crops such as carrots (gajar), radishes (mooli), beets (chukandar), and sweet potatoes (shakarkand). As the moonlight decreases, the plant’s energy focuses on the roots.

🌗 Last Quarter to New Moon (Krishna Paksha to Amavasya)
 This is the resting phase. It is perfect for soil preparation, weeding, pruning, and composting. Avoid planting during this time.

Why It Matters in Indian Tradition:

• Indian farmers have used Panchang and moon phases for centuries to decide sowing, harvesting, and even irrigation timings.
• Paddy transplantation (rice) and many Kharif crops are traditionally planted based on moon cycles, especially between Amavasya and Purnima.
• Even Ayurveda recognizes the influence of the moon on plant potency and growth cycles.

Benefits of Moon Gardening:

• Brings a natural rhythm and mindfulness to your gardening.
• Encourages harmony with nature’s cycles.
• Perfectly aligns with organic and sustainable gardening practices.

Even if you just want to try it out of curiosity, gardening by the moon can bring positive energy and better yield to your garden. It’s a beautiful way to connect with both tradition and nature.

Enjoy your gardening

 Rama Tyagi

tyagirama1@gmail.com

Houseplant Care

(Easy Tips to Keep Your Indoor Plants Happy and Thriving)

Houseplants bring life, color, and freshness to our homes, but they need the right care to truly thrive. Whether you’re a new plant parent or an experienced gardener, these simple, practical tips will help you keep your houseplants healthy and vibrant throughout the year.

Light: The First Priority

Before choosing a houseplant, make sure your home can provide the light it needs:
● Bright Light: Plants like cacti, tropical hibiscus, and lantana thrive in south-facing windows.
● Moderate Light: East- and west-facing windows suit plants like ficus, philodendrons, and bromeliads.
● Low Light: Snake plants and cast-iron plants do well in north-facing windows.
● Flowering Plants: These need to be placed within three feet of a sunny window.
Tips:
● Rotate plants occasionally to encourage even growth.
● Avoid moving plants suddenly from one light condition to another. Gradual adjustment is best.
● If leaves scorch, bleach, or turn dull, the light may be too intense. If growth is slow or lower leaves drop, the plant may need more light.

Watering: Less is Often More

Overwatering is the most common cause of houseplant death. Most indoor plants prefer soil that dries out slightly between waterings.
When to Water:
● Check soil moisture by pressing your finger 1-2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
● Water less frequently in late fall and winter.
● Water plants in clay pots more often, as they lose moisture quickly.
How to Water:
● Use room-temperature water. Cold water can shock the roots.
● Always water until excess water drains from the bottom holes.
● Water gently at the soil level; avoid wetting leaves and crowns.
● If water runs through too quickly, the soil may be compacted. Consider repotting with a looser mix.
● Occasionally water from the bottom by placing pots in a tray of water until the soil surface is moist.

Humidity: Meeting Tropical Needs
Many houseplants, especially those from tropical regions, need higher humidity.
Ways to Increase Humidity:
● Group plants together to create a humid microclimate .
● Place plants in kitchens or bathrooms where humidity is naturally higher.
● Use humidity trays filled with moist pebbles.
● Run a humidifier nearby when the air is dry, especially in winter.
Fertilizing: Feed with Care
● Start feeding plants in spring and continue through fall.
● Use balanced fertilizers for foliage plants and phosphorus-rich fertilizers for flowering plants.
● Avoid over-fertilizing, especially in winter when most plants are dormant.

Common Pests: Prevention and Control
● Check new plants carefully for pests before bringing them home.
● To deter insects, you can gently press a clove of garlic into the soil.
● Frequent misting discourages spider mites.
● Dry soil between waterings helps prevent fungus gnats.
● For aphids, mealybugs, and scale, wiping plants with a mix of water, rubbing alcohol, and a drop of dish soap is effective.
● Regular inspection is the key to catching infestations early.
Seasonal Care: Special Tips for Winter
● Bring outdoor plants inside by late summer to help them adjust gradually.
● Clean plants before bringing them indoors.
● Indoor herbs like rosemary, basil, parsley, and thyme can continue to grow in shade with less frequent watering.
● Reduce watering in winter and hold off on fertilizing.
● Protect plants near windows from cold drafts using cardboard barriers.
● In winter’s low light, growth slows down. Don’t worry—your plants will bounce back in spring.

Extra Tips for Healthy Houseplants
● Remove the top layer of soil occasionally and replace it with fresh potting mix.
● Wipe dusty leaves gently with a damp cloth to help plants “breathe.”
● Adding a few drops of ammonia to water can improve foliage color.
● Let your home breathe by opening windows when the weather permits—your plants will benefit too.
● Water cooled pasta /rice/dal/vegetables water can serve as a mild fertilizer.

Happy Gardening

Rama Tyagi
tyagirama1@gmail.com

🌿 Moringa: The Miracle Tree Connecting Health, Soil, and Sustainability 🌿

In today’s world, where our health, food systems, and environment face urgent challenges, Moringa stands tall as a timeless solution. Known as the “Miracle Tree” or the humble drumstick tree, Moringa is one of India’s most underrated super crops, offering holistic benefits for people, livestock, soil, and even the planet.

A Treasure for Health and Nutrition

Moringa is often recognized for its edible pods used in sambhar, but its value goes far beyond that. The plant is packed with 92 nutrients and 48 antioxidants, making it one of nature’s most nutrient-dense foods. It helps: ✔️ Boost antioxidant production
 ✔️ Repair damaged cells
 ✔️ Protect the body from environmental stressors
 ✔️ Support immunity and cellular health

Moringa’s versatility in the kitchen is impressive. From smoothies, soups, ice creams, and parathas to sambhar, green curries, and chikki with Moringa powder, it can be used to upgrade traditional recipes into superfoods. It is also becoming popular in baby food supplements, nutraceuticals, energy snacks, and herbal teas.

The Farmer’s Friend and the Soil’s Ally

Moringa is equally a gift to farmers and the environment. Every part of the plant contributes to sustainable agriculture:

• Natural plant growth promoter (foliar spray)
• Biochar from Moringa waste to enrich soil
• Seed cake fertilizer after oil extraction
• Nutritious livestock and aquaculture feed
• Livestock tonic that boosts milk yield and immunity

Leftover leaves can be mixed with manure, used as mulch, or fed to earthworms to enhance vermicomposting. Moringa is a perfect fit for eco-friendly, low-cost farming systems.

Skincare, Water Purification, and Beyond

Moringa extends its magic beyond food and farming:

• Moringa seed oil is used in cooking, cosmetics, and hair care products.
• It is widely used in herbal soaps and antimicrobial products.
• The seed powder works as a natural water purifier, efficiently clearing impurities from drinking water.

Building a Sustainable Ecosystem

Planting Moringa is not just about growing a tree—it’s about creating an ecosystem that supports: ✔️ Human health
 ✔️ Soil regeneration
 ✔️ Sustainable farmer incomes
 ✔️ Livestock nutrition
 ✔️ Value-added product industries
 ✔️ Climate resilience

Moringa helps reduce our reliance on chemicals, promotes biodiversity, and supports small-scale, sustainable agriculture.

Pocket-Friendly, People-Friendly, and Planet-Friendly Gardens

For society gardens and community spaces, Moringa can help us shift from high-maintenance, toxic, ornamental plants to low-maintenance, indigenous, and eco-safe options.
 Replacing exotic plants with Moringa and other native species can:

• Reduce garden maintenance costs
• Attract butterflies and birds
• Create safer green spaces for children, pets, and the elderly

It’s time we rethink the purpose of our gardens and make them people-friendly, environment-friendly, and pocket-friendly.

Moringa is more than a food or a medicine—it is a sustainable solution for our future. It offers health, improves soil, feeds animals, purifies water, and supports climate action.

Let’s not overlook this miracle growing in our backyards.

If you are passionate about wellness, sustainability, agriculture, or green living, Moringa is a conversation worth having.

Stay Healthy Keep Gardening

Rama Tyagi

tyagirama1@gmail.com