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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Thackerays’ ‘Taandav’ for trees, tigers

AI generated image Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray launched a sharp attack on the government for the systematic degradation of the state’s environment under the garb of development, even as the climate change poses a direct threat to the environment, economy, agriculture, public health and the future of both rural and urban centres. Questioning the state government’s claims of having planted millions of trees, he rued how the World Environment Day has been...

Thackerays’ ‘Taandav’ for trees, tigers

AI generated image Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray launched a sharp attack on the government for the systematic degradation of the state’s environment under the garb of development, even as the climate change poses a direct threat to the environment, economy, agriculture, public health and the future of both rural and urban centres. Questioning the state government’s claims of having planted millions of trees, he rued how the World Environment Day has been reduced to an annual ritual of tree-planting drives and clicking selfies for social media, though 90 pc of the saplings don’t survive even a day. “Only the government knows where those trees really are,” said Raj sternly. He recalled a "Blueprint of Maharashtra’s Development" he had proposed in 2015, in which he advocated how development without environmental sensitivity is hollow. Justifying, he said that the consequences are visible where roads, bridges and infrastructure projects are hailed as achievements, but even a short spell of rainfall can paralyze entire cities. Referring to recent reports on farmers returning from the fields after 10 am due to the scorching heat, Raj said that the worsening climate crisis has become an everyday reality. Citing official statistics, Raj claimed that extreme heat has caused productivity losses of nearly USD 159 billion and slashing of 160 billion work-hours annually in recent years. He mentioned the World Bank estimates that India’s GDP could plummet by 2.5-4.5 pc while 57 pc of the country’s districts sheltering 76 pc of the population stare at serious climate-related crises. Taking a swipe, he said while the governments boast about growth figures and economical rankings, they are silent on the staggering costs of environmental destruction. He questioned the development model “whether flooded cities, washed-away crops and unbearable summers” genuinely indicate progress. Claiming that Maharashtra was increasingly becoming unliveable for upto 8 months in a year, he said excessive monsoon rains disrupt rural life and urban floods cripple cities, while extreme heat make normal life a torture in summers in both urban-rural areas. Targeting the Centre, Raj alleged that nearly 173,984 hectares of forest lands were diverted in the past 11 years for mining and infrastructure projects to benefit the PM’s single favourite Adani Group. He said that these lands amount to 1,730 sqkm, or equivalent to the area of 16 Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) that is spread over barely 104 sqkm. Dissolve state wildlife board: Aaditya Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray has accused the Maharashtra government for issuing a permit to carry out mining activity in the sensitive tiger corridor between the Tadoba-Andhari and Indravati sanctuaries housing the big striped cats. In a strongly-worded letter to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Member-Secretary Sanjay Kumar, Thackeray sought his immediate personal intervention, sacking the Maharashtra State Board for Wild-Life (SBWL), revoking the permit, and probe against the Chief Wildlife Warden & Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) M. Srinivasa Reddy for the alleged lacunae. Aditya’s two-pager says the permit has been granted for “scientific exploration and excavation/systematic recovery of low-grade iron ore in existing mines in villages Hedri, Bande, Parsalgondi and Round Parsalgondi, in the Etapalli taluka of Gadchiroli district”. Last January, Aditya – MLA from Worli – had first raised the issue saying that the proposed mine would create only 120 jobs, including 32 permanent, and the estimated output is pegged at 1.1 million tons in a year. Referring to two letters of Reddy – on April 28 and May 21 – the SS (UBT) leader claimed that in communications to the state government, the PCCF had changed his stance on the issue. Aditya said that in the first letter, Reddy had effectively opposed the government plans for mining activity but in the second letter, he took a somersault, ostensibly due to government pressures or some commercial interests, “the U-turn is disgraceful and detrimental to India’s national interest” – and this abrupt shift in stance must be investigated thoroughly. In view of the contrary stance of the PCCF Reddy, entrusted with protecting the wildlife but failing to defend the NTCA and NBWL, point to serious malfunctioning of the SBWL, and hence it must be dissolved, besides reviewing all its decisions in the past three years, particularly those pertaining to hazardous activities in sensitive areas, demanded Aditya. 444 tigers roam in 11,000 sq.km As per the Status of Tiger Report (2002), and the Maharashtra Economic Survey 2025-2026, the state boasts of 444 tigers prowling in the wild along with other menacing creatures. The state’s total protected wildlife network of 88 Notified Areas of National Parks, Sanctuaries, and Conservation Reserves - including 6 dedicated to the striped big cats – is spread over 11,092 sq. kms as per current data.

Sunsets, Stories and Australia Vibes

Australia has it all from the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney Opera House to the timeless beauty of the Outback.

Australia is the home of ultimate adventure—a place where every journey feels alive with possibility. From falling in love with the iconic Great Barrier Reef to standing in awe before the sail-like elegance of the Sydney Opera House and from experiencing the raw, timeless beauty of the Outback to wandering through the vibrant laneways of Melbourne, Australia offers an experience that is both exhilarating and deeply moving. Whether you are planning a short escape, a working holiday, or a longer break, every journey here unfolds with a sense of discovery and connection.


Australia is not just a destination—it reveals itself gently, layer by layer. Its geography is as vast as it is diverse, making it the world’s smallest continent and largest island, embraced by the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The landscapes shift dramatically, from red deserts and rugged terrains to lush tropical regions and pristine coastlines. Beneath this beauty lies a rich history shaped by one of the world’s oldest living cultures—the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—whose spiritual bond with the land adds a quiet depth to every place you visit. As a nation, Australia stands strong with its democratic values, multicultural identity, and a warmth that makes travellers feel instantly welcome.


Journeys across Australia naturally weave through its most captivating cities and landscapes. The cultural heartbeat of Melbourne, the iconic harbour life of Sydney, and the laid-back charm of Brisbane create a beautiful urban rhythm. This blends effortlessly with the sun-soaked beaches of the Gold Coast and the magical underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Along the way, encounters with kangaroos, penguins, and other native wildlife bring a sense of joy that feels both rare and unforgettable.


Some of the country’s most iconic sights leave a lasting impression—the grandeur of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the lively spirit of Bondi Beach, the immersive marine life at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, and the heartwarming wildlife encounters at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Each place carries its own story, yet together they create a seamless journey that feels complete.


The best time to explore Australia is during its gentle spring and autumn months, from September to November and March to May. During this time, the weather feels just right, allowing you to enjoy both vibrant city life and the serenity of nature at a comfortable pace.


Nature, in Australia, is not just seen—it is felt. Its ecosystems are rich and diverse, its wildlife unique, and its landscapes endlessly inspiring. While nearby destinations like Bali are known for their tropical beauty, Australia offers its own extraordinary natural wealth, from coral reefs and eucalyptus forests to vast mineral-rich lands that hold global importance.

The flavours of Australia reflect its multicultural soul. Fresh seafood like barramundi and prawns, hearty meat pies, and sweet lamingtons offer a delightful culinary journey. Seasonal fruits burst with freshness, and the café culture—especially in Melbourne—turns a simple cup of coffee into a cherished experience. Every meal feels like a small celebration of the country’s diversity.

Shopping here is equally enriching, blending modern style with tradition. From vibrant city markets to boutique stores, you will find Aboriginal art, handcrafted jewellery, boomerangs, and locally made products that carry a piece of Australia’s spirit with them.

One of the most unforgettable moments I experienced as a tour leader unfolded along the Great Ocean Road. After a long day of exploration, we paused near the Twelve Apostles at sunset. As the sky softened into hues of gold and lavender, one traveller quietly shared that it was the first time in years they felt truly at peace. In that moment, everything slowed down. There were no photographs, no conversations—just the rhythm of the waves and a shared silence. It reminded me that travel is not only about discovering new places but also about reconnecting with something within ourselves.

As someone who has had the privilege of guiding travellers through this incredible land, I believe Australia offers more than scenic beauty—it offers a feeling. My role has always been to ensure that each journey flows effortlessly, where every detail is thoughtfully taken care of, and every traveller feels comfortable, valued, and truly present in the moment. Whether it is capturing a perfect memory by the ocean, sharing stories over a quiet meal, or simply allowing space to pause, these are the moments that stay long after the journey ends.

Because in Australia, somewhere between its endless horizons and quiet sunsets, you don’t just explore a country—you realise the tiny existence of yourself in this endless universe.


(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages.com. Views personal.)

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