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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.

The Soul of Japan Lies in Its Simplicity

From cherry blossoms and ancient temples to bullet trains and quiet acts of kindness, Japan offers an experience that is both seamless and deeply soulful.

Japan is not a place you simply visit—it is a place that gently settles into your heart. It leaves behind a feeling, quiet yet powerful, that stays long after the journey ends. Beyond its technological brilliance and economic strength, Japan is a beautiful balance of contrasts—where ancient traditions walk hand in hand with modern innovation, and where simplicity often holds the deepest meaning.


Situated in East Asia, Japan stretches across the Pacific Ocean, east of China, Korea, and Russia. It is made up of four main islands—Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku—along with thousands of smaller ones. Much of its land is mountainous and forested, leaving limited space for habitation. Yet within these constraints, Japan has created cities that are marvels of efficiency and design—orderly, clean, and quietly vibrant.


Resting along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic activity. But what stands out is not vulnerability, but resilience. There is a deep calm and preparedness among its people—an ability to rebuild, adapt, and move forward with dignity.


Japan’s seasons unfold like poetry. Spring brings delicate cherry blossoms; summer arrives with colourful festivals and gentle rains; autumn paints the country in warm shades of red and gold, while winter blankets it in snow. Each season is not merely seen but deeply experienced—with awareness and gratitude.


Food in Japan is far more than nourishment; it is an expression of culture and care. Rice, seafood, and fresh vegetables form the heart of the cuisine, presented with elegance and simplicity. Meals are mindful, portions balanced, and beauty exists even in the smallest details. This deep connection with food contributes to Japan’s remarkable longevity and well-being.


Life in Japan flows with discipline, respect, and mindfulness. There is an unspoken harmony in daily life—trains arriving on time, streets remaining spotless, and people moving with quiet consideration for one another. Minimalism is not a trend here; it is a way of living, where joy is often found in small, simple moments.


Spirituality in Japan is gentle and inclusive. Shinto and Buddhism coexist naturally, blending into everyday life rather than standing apart from it. Visiting shrines, lighting incense, and offering silent prayers create a sense of peace and grounding.


Japan’s work culture reflects dedication and collective effort. The idea of continuous improvement is deeply ingrained, helping the nation achieve remarkable economic growth, while there is also growing awareness of the need for balance beyond work.


One of the most touching aspects of Japan is the strong sense of purpose that guides its people. Combined with community ties and an active lifestyle, it creates not just long lives but fulfilling ones.


Nature in Japan feels sacred and deeply respected. Cherry blossoms symbolise the beauty and impermanence of life, while bamboo forests and hot springs reflect a close harmony between people and nature.


Globally, Japan stands as a symbol of innovation and resilience. Despite limited natural resources, it has built one of the world’s strongest economies through technology, efficiency, and human spirit, while continuing to preserve its cultural roots.


For travellers, Japan offers an experience that is both seamless and soulful. Tokyo dazzles with modern energy, Kyoto preserves timeless traditions, Osaka delights with its food and vibrancy, and Hiroshima stands as a reminder of peace. Beyond these, places like Kanazawa, Takayama, and Shirakawa-go offer intimate glimpses into traditional life. We also arrange comfortable and premium tours to Japan, designed to make every journey more meaningful and memorable.


A traveller once lost his way on a quiet street in Kyoto while searching for a small temple. When he asked an elderly man for help, the man did not simply give directions—he walked with him to ensure he reached the exact place. Before leaving, he bowed gently and smiled, expecting nothing in return.


That moment stayed with the traveller forever. Because Japan is not just about places or experiences—it is about quiet gestures of humanity, warmth without words, and grace without effort.


And that is why Japan is not just a destination. It becomes a feeling—one that stays with you, softly and endlessly.


(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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