Environmental Activism

In a city with less than eight percent forest cover, one patch of green still cools the air, recharges water, and shelters a near-threatened parrot. This is the story of Dol Ka Badh — and the people keeping it alive.

Environmentalist Vikrant Tongad, founder of non-profit SAFE, turned a four-acre dumpsite in Greater Noida into a thriving green zone with 3,000 native trees. Here’s how he and the community prevented another Ghazipur-like landfill disaster.

As Dehradun battles rising temperatures and shrinking green spaces, students, volunteers, and everyday citizens are stepping up. From peaceful protests to riverside clean-ups, their collective action is reshaping how the city protects its forests, trees, and public spaces. This is the story of how civic movements are rewriting Dehradun’s future.

In a city with less than 8% forest cover, one patch of green still cools the air, recharges water, and shelters a near-threatened parrot. This is the story of Dol Ka Badh — and the people keeping it alive.

Sundaram Tiwari, a 30-year-old environmentalist from Pratapgarh, is leading the ‘Save Sai River’ initiative to restore his hometown's polluted river. Through his campaigns, he has planted over 2 lakh trees and raised awareness about the importance of river conservation and environmental responsibility.

Abhay Todkar, a 44-year-old from drought-prone Dahiwadi village defied the odds of living with polio to lead a remarkable water conservation movement. His efforts have brought sustainable change to 64 villages, turning struggles into triumphs through determination and community-driven initiatives.

A pet stylist by profession, Vedhapriya Ganesan from Chennai is an honorary wildlife rescuer. She also rehabilitates rescued snakes and conducts awareness programmes about wildlife conservation.

Koodugal Trust, a Chennai-based initiative is transforming communities by combining education, conservation, and hands-on action to protect sparrows and inspire future generations to give back to nature.

From single-handedly cleaning oceans to braving land mafia threats to grow forests, The Better India's 'Environment Heroes of the Year' emerged as true champions of change in 2023.

Way before the climate crisis came into discussion, there were a few farsighted people who understood the implications of human activities and worked selflessly towards conserving nature. Here are three such individuals.