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TOI : PUNE: City-based amateur botanist and photographer Shrikant Ingalhalikar and Narendra Page, a doctorate student of forest ecology from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, recently came across the Sundari (Heritiera littoralis), a rare mangrove tree, along the Sindhudurg coast. This is the first such recording of the tree in Maharashtra and probably on the West coast, they said.

The tree is also known as the looking-glass tree’, probably because the leaves are silver-coated. It is found in large numbers in the Sundarbans in Bengal and to a lesser degree at Bhitarkanika at the delta of the Mahanadi river in Orissa.

“This is an important find, and the forest department must be made aware of this rare natural resource,” said Ingalhalikar. “This is the first record in Maharashtra and may be the only record of a living specimen on the west coast. A century ago, a specimen of this tree was reported on the Kali river at Karwar in north Karnataka. There is also an old report from Kerala. In recent times the tree was believed to be extinct on the west coast.”

The duo say they have also found four other species of rare mangrove trees in the adjoining areas of Sindhudurg. “The Sindhudurg habitat also supports Xylocarpus granatum, Cynometra iripa, Dolichandrone spathacea and Rhizophora apiculata. These species exist in small, scattered populations in Goa and Karnataka as well. This unusual diversity makes the coastal habitat of Sindhudurg ecologically sensitive as it is very much the hot spot’ for rare mangrove species,” Ingalhalikar said.

Recently, special status was accorded to coastal mangroves and the forest department has been entrusted with the care of mangroves along with inland forests, he said. “Besides protecting the mangrove forests, it is necessary to cultivate such rare species for preservation of biodiversity,” he stressed.

Topics: Rare species Mangrove tree More Stories from this section Urban areas more susceptible…More

TOI : PUNE: City-based amateur botanist and photographer Shrikant Ingalhalikar and Narendra Page, a doctorate student of forest ecology from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, recently came across the Sundari (Heritiera littoralis), a rare mangrove tree, along the Sindhudurg coast. This is the first such recording of the tree in Maharashtra and probably on the West coast, they said.

The tree is also known as the looking-glass tree’, probably because the leaves are silver-coated. It is found in large numbers in the Sundarbans in Bengal and to a lesser degree at Bhitarkanika at the delta of the Mahanadi river in Orissa.

“This is an important find, and the forest department must be made aware of this rare natural resource,” said Ingalhalikar. “This is the first record in Maharashtra and may be the only record of a living specimen on the west coast. A century ago, a specimen of this tree was reported on the Kali river at Karwar in north Karnataka. There is also an old report from Kerala. In recent times the tree was believed to be extinct on the west coast.”

The duo say they have also found four other species of rare mangrove trees in the adjoining areas of Sindhudurg. “The Sindhudurg habitat also supports Xylocarpus granatum, Cynometra iripa, Dolichandrone spathacea and Rhizophora apiculata. These species exist in small, scattered populations in Goa and Karnataka as well. This unusual diversity makes the coastal habitat of Sindhudurg ecologically sensitive as it is very much the hot spot’ for rare mangrove species,” Ingalhalikar said.

Recently, special status was accorded to coastal mangroves and the forest department has been entrusted with the care of mangroves along with inland forests, he said. “Besides protecting the mangrove forests, it is necessary to cultivate such rare species for preservation of biodiversity,” he stressed.

Topics: Rare species Mangrove tree More Stories from this section Urban areas more susceptible…More

TOI : PUNE: Though several cases of dengue have been reported from the rural areas of Pune district in the last three years (2007-09), none have succumbed to the ailment.

Medical experts say that more dengue related deaths are reported from urban areas as aedes aegypti mosquito (vector for the dengue fever) breed in pure water and people in cities and towns store water.

According to Pandit Chavan, deputy director of state health services, in urban areas, standing water in water coolers is one of the most common breeding grounds for mosquitoes which cause dengue. “contrary to the general misconception, dengue mosquitoes do not breed in dirty pond water. Water stored in flowers pots in urban areas, too, are breeding ground for mosquitoes.”

In 2009, as many as 34 cases of dengue have been reported from rural areas of the district, but no deaths have been registered. H.H. Chavan, district health officer, Pune zilla parishad, attributed this to the prompt action taken by members of the rapid response team at district and taluka level for investigation and control of this vector-borne disease, and the preventive measures taken in rural areas.

“Surveillance programmes are started immediately when a case of dengue is reported. The preventive measures are rigorous. Fogging and emptying of water containers to break the mosquitoes’ birth cycle is also done,” Chavan said.

Dengue cases in Pune’s rural areas

Year Suspected Confirmed Deaths

2007 122 56 0

2008 575 211 0

2009 62 34 0

Topics: Urban DENGUE More Stories from this section Rare species of mangrove tree found in Sindhudurg Roads less taken Tasty and healthy, olive oil gets popular with Indians ‘Techie m…More

TOI : PUNE: Though several cases of dengue have been reported from the rural areas of Pune district in the last three years (2007-09), none have succumbed to the ailment.

Medical experts say that more dengue related deaths are reported from urban areas as aedes aegypti mosquito (vector for the dengue fever) breed in pure water and people in cities and towns store water.

According to Pandit Chavan, deputy director of state health services, in urban areas, standing water in water coolers is one of the most common breeding grounds for mosquitoes which cause dengue. “contrary to the general misconception, dengue mosquitoes do not breed in dirty pond water. Water stored in flowers pots in urban areas, too, are breeding ground for mosquitoes.”

In 2009, as many as 34 cases of dengue have been reported from rural areas of the district, but no deaths have been registered. H.H. Chavan, district health officer, Pune zilla parishad, attributed this to the prompt action taken by members of the rapid response team at district and taluka level for investigation and control of this vector-borne disease, and the preventive measures taken in rural areas.

“Surveillance programmes are started immediately when a case of dengue is reported. The preventive measures are rigorous. Fogging and emptying of water containers to break the mosquitoes’ birth cycle is also done,” Chavan said.

Dengue cases in Pune’s rural areas

Year Suspected Confirmed Deaths

2007 122 56 0

2008 575 211 0

2009 62 34 0

Topics: Urban DENGUE More Stories from this section Rare species of mangrove tree found in Sindhudurg Roads less taken Tasty and healthy, olive oil gets popular with Indians ‘Techie m…More

TOI : Her idea of community service goes a little beyond the usual. Apart from being meaningful, she believes, it should also be fun.

In fact, Sheetal Kharka, founder-cum-managing director of the Innocent Heroes Foundation an organisation that serves as a bridge between the corporate world and NGOs that work for children prefers the term “social entrepreneurship” to social work. The 34-year-old employs her professional skills to the task of getting sponsorship and expertise to aid the cause closest to her heart: personality development for underprivileged children. The objective is to provide them the confidence and exposure to face the world beyond the protective confines of the NGOs that house them, as well as vocational training to make them employable and self-sufficient.

When the investment banking professional gave up full-time work to mainly concentrate on underprivileged children, she decided that she wanted to explore new territory. “Apart from taking care of their basic needs like schooling, safety and health care, these kids need to develop the confidence to interact with the world outside. How long can they live with the NGOs after all?” she says. “For that, personality development, be it an exploration of one’s god-given abilities, creative workshops, sporting activities like cricket matches and treks, is vital.”

And even as Sheetal continues with her consultancy, she uses her contacts to bring help where it is needed be it in the form of sponsorship or know-how. “Having been a part of the corporate world, I can persuade people I know to extend a helping hand for various events and trips,” she says.

So be it an inter-NGO cricket tournament for the Innocent Heroes trophy, a trek in the Himalayas, or dance programmes to spread awareness on the need to save water, Sheetal believes in pushing the envelope in order to provide a children an assortment of experiences. “When a child sees something he has not seen before,…More

TOI : Her idea of community service goes a little beyond the usual. Apart from being meaningful, she believes, it should also be fun.

In fact, Sheetal Kharka, founder-cum-managing director of the Innocent Heroes Foundation an organisation that serves as a bridge between the corporate world and NGOs that work for children prefers the term “social entrepreneurship” to social work. The 34-year-old employs her professional skills to the task of getting sponsorship and expertise to aid the cause closest to her heart: personality development for underprivileged children. The objective is to provide them the confidence and exposure to face the world beyond the protective confines of the NGOs that house them, as well as vocational training to make them employable and self-sufficient.

When the investment banking professional gave up full-time work to mainly concentrate on underprivileged children, she decided that she wanted to explore new territory. “Apart from taking care of their basic needs like schooling, safety and health care, these kids need to develop the confidence to interact with the world outside. How long can they live with the NGOs after all?” she says. “For that, personality development, be it an exploration of one’s god-given abilities, creative workshops, sporting activities like cricket matches and treks, is vital.”

And even as Sheetal continues with her consultancy, she uses her contacts to bring help where it is needed be it in the form of sponsorship or know-how. “Having been a part of the corporate world, I can persuade people I know to extend a helping hand for various events and trips,” she says.

So be it an inter-NGO cricket tournament for the Innocent Heroes trophy, a trek in the Himalayas, or dance programmes to spread awareness on the need to save water, Sheetal believes in pushing the envelope in order to provide a children an assortment of experiences. “When a child sees something he has not seen before,…More

TOI : PUNE: Till a few years ago most of us knew of olive oil as something Don Corleone the hero of the novel Godfather’ imported from Italy to sell in the US. However, India’s economic and social globalisation has ensured that the consumption of olive oil is on the rise in the country.

Clarifying that the oil has become popular not only because of its taste but also because of its health benefits, Magdalini Rappou, head of promotions and trade fairs for the International Olive Council, said, “Olive oil has a lot of fatty acids and particularly large amounts of antioxidants and vitamins. Research has revealed the metabolism, bio-availability and numerous biological effects of these components in fighting cell oxidation, free-radical damage, cancer and ageing.”

Rappou is in India to spread awareness about the yet esoteric cooking medium and is hosting demonstrations with adman, filmmaker and foodie Prahlad Kakkar, who would make some fine Indian dishes using olive oil.

“The strong growth of the Indian economy and the global exposure its people got in the last decade or so has given a significant impetus to olive oil consumption in India,” Rappou said.

She added that IOC’s promotional strategy is based on scientific research into the health value of olive oil, informing and educating the consumers and to build effective international co-operation.

IOC’s promotion in the US began in the 1980s, when the consumption of olive oil there was 20,000 tonnes per year. It now stands at 1,50,000 tonnes per year. The Indian story, though on a very small scale, is encouraging too.

In 2006, India imported 1,500 tonnes of olive oil. The imports were 2,300 tonnes in 2007, which nearly doubled to 4,500 tonnes in 2008. “The demand for olive oil is estimated to be 42,000 tonnes in 2012, as the consumption will be fed by an increasingly affluent consumer class and its obsession…More

TOI : PUNE: Till a few years ago most of us knew of olive oil as something Don Corleone the hero of the novel Godfather’ imported from Italy to sell in the US. However, India’s economic and social globalisation has ensured that the consumption of olive oil is on the rise in the country.

Clarifying that the oil has become popular not only because of its taste but also because of its health benefits, Magdalini Rappou, head of promotions and trade fairs for the International Olive Council, said, “Olive oil has a lot of fatty acids and particularly large amounts of antioxidants and vitamins. Research has revealed the metabolism, bio-availability and numerous biological effects of these components in fighting cell oxidation, free-radical damage, cancer and ageing.”

Rappou is in India to spread awareness about the yet esoteric cooking medium and is hosting demonstrations with adman, filmmaker and foodie Prahlad Kakkar, who would make some fine Indian dishes using olive oil.

“The strong growth of the Indian economy and the global exposure its people got in the last decade or so has given a significant impetus to olive oil consumption in India,” Rappou said.

She added that IOC’s promotional strategy is based on scientific research into the health value of olive oil, informing and educating the consumers and to build effective international co-operation.

IOC’s promotion in the US began in the 1980s, when the consumption of olive oil there was 20,000 tonnes per year. It now stands at 1,50,000 tonnes per year. The Indian story, though on a very small scale, is encouraging too.

In 2006, India imported 1,500 tonnes of olive oil. The imports were 2,300 tonnes in 2007, which nearly doubled to 4,500 tonnes in 2008. “The demand for olive oil is estimated to be 42,000 tonnes in 2012, as the consumption will be fed by an increasingly affluent consumer class and its obsession…More

TOI : AURANGABAD: The reappointment of Ashok Chavan as Maharashtra chief minister led to a spontaneous and boisterous celebration by people in his hometown of Nanded on Saturday night. People distributed sweets and burst firecrackers. In their enthusiasm, they overlooked the Supreme Court deadline on bursting of crackers after 10 pm and continued with their celebration till early on Sunday morning.

Chavan is the fourth Marathwada leader to lead Maharashtra. Earlier, his father S B Chavan (two term), Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar (one term) and Vilasrao Deshmukh (two term), had the opportunity to lead the state.

The population of Nanded was glued to their TV sets waiting for the high command to make the announcement. The situation had become more difficult due to the entry of former chief ministers Vilasrao Deshmukh and Narayan Rane as strong contenders for the coveted job. “The almighty has listened to our prayers and finally party chief Sonia Gandhi has confirmed Chavansaheb’s name,” said Kedar Patil, the Nanded district Youth Congress general secretary.

When Chavan first took over from Vilasrao Deshmukh in the aftermath of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, the circumstances did not permit Nanded residents to celebrate in a big way.

In the initial stages of his appointment in February, Ashok Chavan faced stiff opposition from Narayan Rane and other Congress leaders. “In his first stint as chief minister Chavan had the chance of leading the state for just eight months,” said Ramprasad Khandelwal, a prominent Nanded resident.

However, during the assembly elections Chavan proved his mettle and led the Congress to a hat-trick of wins in the assembly polls, said Nanded mayor Prakash Mutha.

In Nanded district Chavan created a record of sorts with his party winning all six seats that it contested and the NCP retaining its tally of two seats. “It was natural for Nanded residents to come out on the streets to celebrate the…More

TOI : AURANGABAD: The reappointment of Ashok Chavan as Maharashtra chief minister led to a spontaneous and boisterous celebration by people in his hometown of Nanded on Saturday night. People distributed sweets and burst firecrackers. In their enthusiasm, they overlooked the Supreme Court deadline on bursting of crackers after 10 pm and continued with their celebration till early on Sunday morning.

Chavan is the fourth Marathwada leader to lead Maharashtra. Earlier, his father S B Chavan (two term), Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar (one term) and Vilasrao Deshmukh (two term), had the opportunity to lead the state.

The population of Nanded was glued to their TV sets waiting for the high command to make the announcement. The situation had become more difficult due to the entry of former chief ministers Vilasrao Deshmukh and Narayan Rane as strong contenders for the coveted job. “The almighty has listened to our prayers and finally party chief Sonia Gandhi has confirmed Chavansaheb’s name,” said Kedar Patil, the Nanded district Youth Congress general secretary.

When Chavan first took over from Vilasrao Deshmukh in the aftermath of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, the circumstances did not permit Nanded residents to celebrate in a big way.

In the initial stages of his appointment in February, Ashok Chavan faced stiff opposition from Narayan Rane and other Congress leaders. “In his first stint as chief minister Chavan had the chance of leading the state for just eight months,” said Ramprasad Khandelwal, a prominent Nanded resident.

However, during the assembly elections Chavan proved his mettle and led the Congress to a hat-trick of wins in the assembly polls, said Nanded mayor Prakash Mutha.

In Nanded district Chavan created a record of sorts with his party winning all six seats that it contested and the NCP retaining its tally of two seats. “It was natural for Nanded residents to come out on the streets to celebrate the…More