Part of the nature conservation movement?

CMS VATAVARAN 2007 – Competitive Environment and Wildlife Film Festival is now accepting entries for its 4th Festival, slated for 12 - 16 September 2007, in New Delhi.

CMS VATAVARAN awards/recognizes films in all genres (documentaries, docu-dramas, narratives, shorts, advertising campaigns, public service announcements, new media, etc), which inform, educate, foster knowledge, understanding and action on environment, wildlife issues or other socially relevant environment themes. Among the new initiatives are introduction of an International Competitive Category and FEJI-Young Environmental Journalist Award. Don't have to be a professional film-maker to participate. Anyone can.

Entries open till 30 April 2007. More information at www.cmsvatavaran.org

A fabulous Diwali it turned out to be, rained briefly and the temperature has come down- mornings chilly, afternoons pleasant, evenings breezy. Delhi is the place to be in right now.

Noticed the strong fragrance in the air- evenings-Saptaparni is blooming in abundance wherever you go.

Saptaparni (image: www.astro.caltech.edu )

We walked the Asola-Bhatti wildlife reserve last week, on an invitation from Rekha. Right here in Delhi, an opportunity to see Black Bucks, Neelgais, Jackals, a variety of birds etc. in somewhat natural surroundings. Our lead introduced us to Dhau, growing low - like a shrub- but about 15-20 years old - he said that the tree has a natural tendency to grow in this manner when grazed upon. The walk was supposed to begin at 5.00 pm but could only begin at 5.45 pm and it was dark soon, so we walked about 7 kms through the forest to finish by 7.30 or so, by which time the moon was out. Planning to go back again, with a different group, later this month or early next month.

Coming down the Railways Museum flyover, the Belgian Embassy & the Rose Gardens on your left, you hit my favourite round about (at the moment) at Shanti Path. Floss Silk is abundant and in full bloom. Pictures can't do justice - go visit!

(image: www.coralsprings.org)

Armed with my latest purchase 'Trees of Delhi - a field guide' by film maker turned naturalist- Pradip Krishen, I have been going out for tree walks :). Actually the book has become my permanent companion - with me as I drive around town, in office (where I promise myself to find time and read at least a page during lunch,but that never happens) and of course during the walks...

The tree journey started while I was at Habitat. My friend Arshiya Sethi would organise Tree Walks on Sundays, with Pradip himself. Fascinating it can be to discover the survival tactics that trees deploy to win over another and yet it's mutual dependence on other flora and fauna that keeps them going. And hugely satisfying it is to finally be able to tell which tree is it, that stands tall in front of you - the book is fast becoming my bible!

Last Sunday I went to Lodhi Gardens and, after some persuation, was able to convince a maali to show me around. Turned out to be fruitful visit. I was richer by knowledge on 20 + varieties and then today I drove to Defence Colony to see one of the rare samples of Sita Ashok that we have in the city.

I am hoping to pick up one of these babies someday to capture the images. Magic it will be!Meanwhile, the walks continue...

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