Currently, India is grappling with a severe second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic as coronavirus cases in many parts of the country are rising sharply. Many health experts point out the presence of a ‘double mutant’ as one of the main reasons behind this sudden spurt of infections. As India battles to deal with one of the biggest health crisis in recent times, we must continue to follow all the safety measures and protocols. We need to rapidly vaccinate people, and also keep an eye on the mutations. If we do all this, I am hopeful we will be able to reduce the number of COVID-19 patients significantly and control the current outbreak.

Moving ahead, on May 22, we will be observing the International Day for Biological Diversity. Given the ongoing pandemic, the day will be marked by online campaigns and events. This year’s slogan is, ‘We’re part of the solution’. From nature-based solutions to climate, health issues, food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity is indeed the foundation which safeguards our planet, and we must find our own way to nurture biodiversity in our everyday lives.

This month’s cover story on Rajaji National Park in Uttarakhand, highlights that the Park is the last sanctuary for a number of threatened animal species in the lesser Himalayan zone and upper Gangetic plains. Considering the abundance of nature’s bounties in and

around the Park, the area attracts a large number of wildlife conservationists and nature lovers. The Park was notified as Rajaji Tiger Reserve in the year 2015, making it the 48th Tiger Reserve in the country and second in Uttarakhand. This was a significant step, as the Park continues to sustain a wide range of endangered animals in the upper Gangetic plains, especially the Asian elephants and tigers.

The Feature article in this issue talks about the problem of electronic waste (e-waste) pollution that poses a major challenge to our environment. Electronic pollution is caused by discarded electrical or electronic devices. Used electronics which are intended for reuse, resale, recycling, or disposal are also considered e-waste. Informal processing of e-waste in developing countries leads to adverse human health effects and environmental pollution. Today, this waste has become the most expeditiously growing segment of the formal municipal waste stream in the world. The vital interventions that are needed include proper collection of e-waste, recovery and recycling of material by safe methods, disposal of e-waste by suitable techniques, a strict ban on the transfer of used electronic devices from developed to developing countries, and also raising public awareness on the impact of e-waste.

With these articles and many more of current interest, we hope that you enjoy reading this issue of TerraGreen. We do look forward to receiving your feedback and letters. Stay safe and healthy.