Buy "Wild Capital" by Neha Sinha at
https://amzn.to/4cpF9C5
Here is a link to IndianWildlifeClub podcast with Neha Sinha
https://youtu.be/Wc-y7L4yOgs?si=VGKD30971lLBWcmF
This video features a conversation with Neha Sinha, a conservation biologist and author, regarding her book Wild Capital, which focuses on nature within Delhi NCR. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing
the nature around us, the need to protect the Aravalis, and the role of grassroots conservationists.
Key Discussion Points:
Romancing Nature: Neha discusses her journey from admiring nature as a child to studying it scientifically. She emphasizes that knowing local names for trees and birds can turn a casual romance with nature into a lifelong
friendship (3:59-7:06).
Fireflies and Darkness: Neha notes the disappearance of fireflies in Delhi due to light pollution, urging for more darkness in parks to support nocturnal wildlife (7:36-8:30).
Native vs. Exotic Species: The conversation emphasizes planting native Indian trees like khair and salai rather than invasive, water-intensive species like vilayati kikar (9:06-11:58).
Grassroots Conservation: The speakers highlight the efforts of local volunteers in Gurgaon who hike, clean, and protect the Aravali mountain range, rewild projects, and fight against illegal mining and zoo safari projects
in court (12:15-20:54).
Redefining Capital: The book argues for considering nature itself—clean air, water, and green spaces—as the true capital of a city, rather than just economic profit (21:12-24:14).
Sustainable Development: The discussion touches on the need for sustainable practices that look at the long-term environmental cost, citing how pollution leads to higher healthcare costs (24:25-27:51).
Urban Wildlife and Native Plants: To bring wildlife like house sparrows back, urban planners should create habitats with insects, hedges, and nesting spaces, and prioritize native vegetation in city planning (39:03-45:34).