Pune, Staff Reporter
Renowned botanist, fort researcher and historian P. K. Ghanekar has emphasized the need to draw inspiration from historical knowledge, traditions and experiences to strengthen modern environmental conservation efforts.
Speaking at a special lecture titled “Environment in History”, organized jointly by Vanarai and Itihas Prabodhan Samiti Maharashtra on the occasion of World Environment Day, Ghanekar highlighted the deep connection between history and ecology. The event was held at Swatantryaveer Savarkar Adhyasan Kendra.
Ghanekar explained that the environment encompasses both living and non-living elements surrounding human life and noted that urban areas, rural landscapes, forests and forts each possess unique ecological characteristics. He highlighted the biodiversity, geological features and local ecosystems found around Maharashtra’s forts, citing the rare ‘Day Gecko’ species found in the Rajgad region as an example of the close relationship between natural and historical heritage.
Presiding over the event, Sagar Dharia expressed concern over alarming environmental trends. He noted that groundwater, which was available at depths of 10–12 metres in the 1950s, has now fallen to depths of 50–350 metres in many regions. He also pointed out that while forest cover may appear to be increasing, natural biodiversity-rich ecosystems continue to decline.
Dharia further stated that more than 40 percent of the country's wetlands have disappeared. Although overall rainfall levels remain relatively stable, the number of rainy days has declined significantly, leading to intense rainfall events over shorter periods and adversely affecting agriculture and the environment.
He identified rapid urbanization, plastic waste and changing lifestyles as major future challenges and urged citizens to adopt at least three environmentally friendly habits in their daily lives to contribute to sustainable change.
During the programme, environmentalist Dr. Gurudas Nulkar was felicitated for his notable contributions to the environmental sector. The event drew a large audience of environmental enthusiasts, historians, students and citizens.
000
.jpeg)
.jpg)
