We are distributing Gumboots to the forest adjacent villagers to reduce snake bite cases during the Cultivation works in the Paddy Field back in July, 2024
Currently these are our ongoing projects:
Studying Phenotypic Plasticity or Adaptation of Common Evening Brown
Common Evening Brown (Melanitis leda) butterfly is a widely spread butterfly across the world. This project aims to closely study this species across various habitat and in time determine whether changing habitat and certain variation in the environmental cues brings any change to their genes leading to occurrence of events like phenotype plasticity or adaptation. This project is an international multi-year Program running in these following continents, Africa, Europe, Asia and North America run be Freerk Molleman and We are one of two partners from India (other is IISER-TVR). Our role is to prepare all the required equipment of this project and deliver it throughout the world and secondly conduct the field study in Foothills of Eastern Himalayas, Chotanagpur Plateau and Eastern Ghat areas. This Project will continue till the financial year 2026-27.
Expanding Chamomile Cultivation in Chotanagpur Plateau Region to Escalate the Economic Condition of the Forest Adjacent Villages
In this financial year 2025-26 we have planned to expand our chamomile cultivation in more 10 Ha lands in Murshidabad and Birbhum district West Bengal apart from Bankura and Purulia District. So far we have involved 77 farmers in this activity till the last year which we have planned to increase up to 200 farmers this year. During this work we have planned to engage 50 more SHGs in this program.
Strengthening Monsoon Resilience in Amta
We are actively working to improve the monsoon resilience of Amta, Howrah, a key agricultural region that faces recurring challenges during heavy rains, including damage to farmland and local livelihoods.
In collaboration with the Irrigation Department, WNE India has initiated on-ground work, focusing on the development of a bridge and sluice gate to enhance water management, improve drainage, and reduce flood impact.
Currently, field surveys and planning activities are underway, laying the groundwork for effective implementation. Through this ongoing effort, we aim to build a more resilient and secure future for the Amta community.
Tracking Nature’s Indicators: Butterfly Study in Progress
We are currently conducting a butterfly seasonal diversity study across North-East and Eastern India, focusing on understanding species variation across different seasons.
As part of this ongoing initiative, fieldwork and sample collection are actively in progress, enabling us to document species distribution, habitat preferences, and ecological patterns.
This study aims to generate valuable insights that will support biodiversity conservation and ecosystem monitoring in these ecologically rich regions.
Precision Mapping for Clear Boundaries at Kolaikunda CRPF Camp
A DGPS (Differential Global Positioning System) survey is currently in progress at Kolaikunda CRPF Camp to assess boundary overlaps with adjacent forest areas and ensure accurate land demarcation. Conducted in collaboration with CRPF personnel and the Forest Department, along with trained survey teams from Wildlife and Ecology, this initiative is generating precise spatial data for informed decision-making.
The ongoing work aims to support responsible land use, strengthen inter-departmental coordination, and promote a balanced coexistence between security infrastructure and forest-managed landscapes.
Enhancing Breeding Success of Pallas’s Fish Eagle Through Community-Based Habitat Protection at Asan Conservation Reserve
Sipu Kumar, our Q3 WNE Startup Grant Awardee, is currently leading a conservation initiative at Asan Conservation Reserve, Uttarakhand, focusing on the endangered Pallas’s Fish Eagle.The project is ongoing, involving baseline surveys, GPS mapping of nesting trees, and continuous monitoring of breeding sites. Community engagement remains a key component, with local residents being trained as “nest guardians” to reduce disturbance and protect habitats.This initiative aims to improve breeding success, strengthen community participation, and generate scientific data to support long-term conservation of raptors and wetland ecosystems.
Conservation of Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle
Nandan Vijayakumar, our WNE Startup Grant Awardee, is currently leading a conservation initiative in the Chandragiri River, Kerala, focusing on the critically endangered Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle.The project is ongoing, with nesting surveys, identification of critical sandbank habitats, and protection of nests from flooding and human disturbances. Efforts also include community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and awareness programmes to reduce threats such as fishing bycatch and habitat degradation.This initiative aims to secure breeding grounds, improve hatchling survival, and build a sustainable, community-driven model for long-term riverine conservation.
A School in Need: Addressing Critical Infrastructure Challenges
Our EDM team has identified another government school facing serious infrastructural challenges, with poor sanitation and inadequate facilities affecting students’ health, safety, and overall learning environment.
The current conditions highlight the urgent need for intervention, particularly to ensure basic hygiene and dignified spaces for students. We are in the process of assessing the situation and planning necessary improvements to address these critical gaps.
Through timely action, we aim to transform such spaces into safe, supportive, and student-friendly environments, ensuring every child has access to better learning conditions.
EDM Team Identifies School Requiring Immediate Intervention
During a recent field visit, our EDM team came across another government school where poor sanitation conditions are affecting the daily lives of students. Inadequate and poorly maintained facilities continue to pose serious concerns for health, hygiene, and dignity, especially for girl students.
Recognising the urgency, we have begun initial assessments to understand the needs and plan appropriate interventions.
Our goal is simple—to ensure that every school provides a clean, safe, and dignified environment, where students can focus on learning without basic challenges holding them back.
