Sankala Foundation

SC recognizes the right to be free from adverse effects of climate change

On March 21, 2024, in M. K. Ranjit Singh and Ors. v. Union of India and Ors., the Supreme Court of India acknowledged a distinct right of people to be free from adverse effects of climate change, under Article 14 and Article 21 of the Constitution. The petition centered around conserving the critically endangered bird species, (GIB), mainly due to collisions with power lines.

Guided by India’s philosophy of , the Court not only considered the issue for GIB but also discussed the climate crisis in India and the world and the need to seek solutions. It held that impacts the under Article 21 due to increased air pollution, shortages in food supply and onslaught of vector-borne diseases. This, when coupled with the right to equality under Article 14 affects the right to life. Citing an example of right to life, the court said that the tribal communities and forest dwellers could lose their homes and culture because their way of life is closely linked to the land and resources they depend on.

Referring to the under UNFCCC, the Court opined that India and the world are obliged to uphold their commitments under international law such as their responsibility to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change and uphold the fundamental right to clean and healthy environment.

As a , Sankala Foundation firmly believes in the importance of the SC's decision to recognize the gravity of climate crisis and the need for a healthy environment. This aligns with the nation’s commitment to sustainable development, crucial for both humans and wildlife. Let’s join hands and contribute our might to prevent/ mitigate global warming, climate change and loss of natural habitats.

World Water Day:

Water is a universal connector, transcending borders and cultures. It sustains life, nourishes ecosystems, and provides essential resources for human activities. However, it is also a reason for conflict. Globally, water use has been increasing by roughly 1% per year over the last 40 years.

In 2023, the witnessed tensions over water rights, long-standing between Ethiopia and Egypt, exacerbated by the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Likewise, Cuba faced a water crisis due to the intersection of climate change and infrastructure issues.

In our pursuit of progress, we've often treated water as an infinite resource, exploiting it without considering its finite nature. Pollution, excessive extraction, and have affected our water sources, endangering ecosystems and communities worldwide.

But amidst the challenges lie opportunities for renewal and redemption. Across the globe, individuals, communities, and organizations are coming together to champion the cause of water conservation and stewardship.

Through research studies, dialogues, knowledge-sharing and knowledge-based advocacy, partnerships and consultations, promotes and best practices based solutions to emerging challenges.

This , let's commit to conserving water, recognizing its value, and safeguarding it for generations to come.



Jal Jeevan Mission, India Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, RD & GR UNOPS

From the lush tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats to the coniferous forests of the Himalayas, the forest ecosystems in India not only provide clean air and water but are also home to various species and prevent environmental disasters.

As per the India State of Forest Report, the total forest and tree cover in India is 80.9 million hectares, which is 24.62% of the geographical area of the country. Out of this, the increase in the forest cover has been observed as 1,540 sq km, and that in tree cover is 721 sq km compared to 2019. With our forest cover registering an increase in the latest estimates, India has actively pursued initiatives to conserve, sustain, and augment forests across India.

On this , Sankala Foundation urges everyone to reflect on the vital importance of our planet's . By taking simple yet impactful actions such as planting trees, reducing the usage of wood products, supporting conservation efforts, and advocating for sustainable practices, we can make a difference in protecting our natural forests for the well-being of our planet. Our duty to protect and nurture forests is not just a responsibility but our dharma.

Livelihood Improvement and Community Development

Sankala Foundation promotes sustainable policies and programmes.

To promote such policies, through field-level engagement with SHGs and State Forest Dept and research work, is studying the impact of such initiatives and exploring the possibilities to scale it up. It is working to promote eco-friendly activities like mushroom cultivation, honey production, millet farming, fruits & vegetables processing units, etc.

With over 1,503 and 15,237 members formed, priority is given to vulnerable sections like women, SCs, STs, etc. These SHGs are federated into 20 cluster-level federations (CLFs), which further aggregate marketable surplus and provide support for procurement, sorting, grading, and value addition.

Sankala's engagement with local communities in Uttarakhand aims at developing sustainable models to improve the socio-economic conditions of local communities living in and around forests as well as conserve and protect natural resources like forests, flora, fauna, watersheds, etc.



JICA - Japan International Cooperation Agency Uttarakhand Forest, Government of Uttarakhand

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, an avid nature enthusiast, makes it a point to explore the beauty of national parks and sanctuaries. Today, he visited Kaziranga National Park in Assam and spent quality time with people on the ground. This not only boosted the spirits of conservationists and officials but also strengthened bonds with local communities.

Conservation is essential to maintain ecological balance and ensure the well-being of both wildlife and human beings. India, a finest example of nature conservation with initiatives such as , , , , etc. aims to protect flagship species and their habitats. Moreover, innovative approaches such as the use of technology for wildlife monitoring and the involvement of local communities in conservation efforts highlight India's adaptability and resilience in the face of emerging challenges.

At the heart of India's story are the tireless efforts of forest and wild staff & officers, wildlife enthusiasts, and communities who work tirelessly to protect and preserve the country's natural heritage. It is not very well known, but women foresters/ guards have emerged as critical players in India's forest & wildlife conservation story, often serving as the first line of defence against poaching and illegal activities in protected areas through patrolling forests, monitoring wildlife, and raising awareness among local communities.

At , collaboration is the key to our approach to conservation. We firmly believe that addressing the complex challenges requires a multifaceted and inclusive strategy. Sankala has demonstrated its dedication by bringing NTCA, wildlife authorities of tiger reserves and tribal communities together to promote conservation. One such example is the art exhibition organised recently in partnership with the NTCA. The tribal artists showcased their artwork highlighting the importance of tiger conservation, serving as a platform to engage the public and inspire action towards wildlife protection.

By bringing together government agencies, experts, and local communities, the Sankala Centre for Climate and Sustainability ( ) under the Sankala Foundation creates an environment where ideas are shared, resources are pooled, and collective action is taken to address conservation challenges. We aim to foster a sense of solidarity and shared responsibility to protect India's precious wildlife and habitats for generations to come.

With millions of people across the continent lacking access to clean tap water and grappling with pervasive water contamination, the rapid success of the Jal Jeevan Mission in delivering clean tap water to over 140 million households serves as a remarkable blueprint. How did this initiative unfold?

In 2014, India under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi Narendra Modi introduced Swachh Bharat Mission to eliminate open defecation and improve sanitation, waste management, and overall cleanliness. Simultaneously, the Namami Gange project aimed to rejuvenate the Ganga river, a lifeline for over 500 million people in the Ganga basin, was initiated. These initiatives formed part of a comprehensive approach to improve the overall WASH conditions in the country.

The Jal Jeevan Mission: , launched in 2019, to make provision of clean tap water supply to 194.5 million rural households. At its inception, only 16.8% of households had tap water connections. Despite challenges posed by the Covid 19 pandemic, the mission has made remarkable progress. Within over three years, now more than 140 million rural households having 750 million population is having piped water supply in their homes.

The impact of inadequate water and sanitation on education, early childhood development, and healthcare is significant, leading to high mortality rates for newborns and mothers. By addressing these challenges, the Jal Jeevan Mission is not just providing water; it's unlocking the potential for better education, improved health, and overall socio-economic development.

This achievement is significant not only for India but also for the global community, particularly in regions like Africa, Latin America and South Asia where millions lack access to safe tap water and improved sanitation. For instance, in Africa, low levels of safe WASH services contribute to a lack of water security, with over 411 million people lacking basic drinking water services and 1.1 billion without access to safely managed sanitation. As the world walks towards achieving SDGs, countries can improve lives, eradicate poverty, and contribute to a healthier planet by adopting the JJM Model.

As we welcome 2024, let's rededicate and work for a cleaner and greener planet earth.

May all our collective efforts lead to positive changes in the lives of people and environmental sustainability.

Team Sankala wishes everyone a very happy new year!

2023 - A year of small steps for Sankala with high impact

As 2023 draws to a close, we are delighted to reflect on the journey we've had this year. Our 2nd year in action has been filled with meaningful contributions, milestones, and a deepened commitment to our mission.

One of the highlights of the year was the tribal art exhibition, Silent Conversation: From margins to the Centre, organized in partnership with NTCA. It was inaugurated by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu in the presence of Union Ministers Shri Bhupender Yadav and Shri Ashwini Choube. Beyond the artworks, the art work and presence of tribal artists also conveyed the symbiotic relationship of tribal communities, tigers, and the entire forest ecosystem.

Throughout the year, the Sankala Centre for Climate & Sustainability (SCCS) expanded its reach into vital areas such as digital healthcare, water security, WASH services and livelihood. The ongoing digital health initiative aims to leverage technology to improve healthcare accessibility and facilitate better healthcare outcomes. We are actively engaged in documenting case studies on water programmes that address water scarcity, and promote efficient water management practices that ensure access to safe tap water to every household. Our livelihood initiative focuses on skill development, entrepreneurship, and fostering sustainable income-generating activities in Himalays. Sankala Internship and Volunteers programmes are helping young students to learn and be ready to make higher contributions. A number of domain experts have joined hands to help young Sankala team to bring change in people’s lives. We are grateful to the members of the Advisory Board for its mentoring and guidance.

As we bid farewell to 2023, we carry forward the lessons learned, the triumphs celebrated, and the challenges overcame. The team is full of ideas and energy. Sankala team thank our partners, domain experts, mentors, interns, and mentors for their continued support and guidance.

The new year holds promise for new opportunities, bigger collaborations, and continued growth. Together, we can build on this momentum and make an even greater impact in the lives of those who need us most.

Team Sankala wishes everyone a very happy new year filled with joy and renewed determination to bring change in people’s lives.

Today, the Sankala team visited the urban primary health centre, Kolar and saw how digital interventions are improving healthcare service delivery.

They also observed how the implementation of digital appointment systems has effectively minimized long queues at hospitals.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
National Health Authority

Call for

Sankala Foundation invites you to be part of our upcoming exhibition event to be held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi from the 3rd to the 5th of November, 2023.

The theme of the exhibition is ‘Silent Conversation: From Margins to the Centre’. The exhibition will display paintings made by artists from tribal and forest-dwelling communities living in and around the tiger reserves of India. Highlighting the intricate relationship between tribal communities and their deep connection with the forest and wildlife, the event aims to empower the art and artists and add meaning to their lives.

The exhibition also aims to create a sustainable market for these paintings, offering marginalised communities an alternative livelihood while bringing their talent into the national spotlight. This initiative is the first in a series of exhibitions across India and globally.

We are thrilled to offer an opportunity to volunteer and be part of the impact-making. The 5-day programme will begin with a workshop, where the volunteers will be briefed about the organisation, the project and the event.

Your role as a Volunteer
i.) Event Support: Assist in event logistics, and coordination, and ensure smooth on-site management;
ii.) Visitor Engagement: Interact with visitors, provide information about the paintings and promote cultural exchange among diverse audiences.
iii.) Art Assistance: Explain the paintings to the visitors and facilitate them with necessary assistance related to their queries.
iv.) Sale & Purchase Assistance: Facilitate the visitors and VIPs and assist them with the sale and purchase gateways.

Age
The volunteer must be between 18 to 26 years of age.

Qualifications
i) The volunteer must be a graduate in any field, preferably fine arts.
ii) S/he must have good communication skills and fluency in English and Hindi.

What You Gain:
i) Paid volunteership: We value your commitment and offer a paid volunteer position.

ii) Certificates: Earn a certificate recognizing your contribution and skills gained.

If you're passionate about creating positive change and are ready to volunteer your time and skills, register at

Google Forms: Sign-in Access Google Forms with a personal Google account or Google Workspace account (for business use).

It is with immense joy that we at celebrate our first anniversary, today. Over the past year, our journey has been one of compassion and commitment to the betterment of our planet.

The word Sankala, meaning the coming together of all elemental units as one, serves as the guiding force behind the foundation. The symbolic Bodhi leaf in the logo signifies progress toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable world, with partnerships across the globe forming a connection between knowledge, sustainable development, and planet Earth.

Our journey began with this very vision of contributing a greener and more sustainable planet, to a world that is resilient to climate and disasters while also contributing eradicating poverty. This vision is encapsulated in our motto: ‘Voice for a Sustainable Planet.’ In line with this, we established the Sankala Centre for Climate and Sustainability, dedicated to advancing education, research, training, outreach and advocacy in the field of climate and sustainability.

We work in 12 thematic areas that serve as the cornerstone of our efforts. Each vertical has been thoughtfully designed to make a meaningful impact on both the planet and its inhabitants.

As we celebrate our first year, we express gratitude to our mentors and thought leaders for their guidance and innovative ideas that have been steering the foundation’s course.

Join us in our journey as we stand committed to strengthening our community, foster prosperity, and build a resilient planet for the future.

National Wildlife Week, observed from October 2nd to 8th in India, shows the nation's commitment towards preserving its diverse and magnificent wildlife. This week also serves as a solemn reminder of the vital role wildlife plays in ecological security. Every species, big or small, contributes in maintaining evological balance.

India, with only 2.4% of the world's land area, hosts 8% of global biodiversity. We proudly stand as the world's largest tiger range country, home to nearly 30,000 elephants, and the largest single-horn rhino country with a population of nearly 3,000. India is also the only abode of Asiatic lions, which are about 800 in number. Our leopard population has surged by over 60% in just four years.

This incredible success story is a result of India's deep-rooted reverence for wildlife and government’s firm resolve to conserve flora and fauna. Tigers, for instance, have been an integral part of our traditions for thousands of years, symbolizing our natural affinity for biodiversity and the environment. The graphical representations of tigers have been found in the ten thousand year old rock art in Madhya Pradesh. Many tribal communities, like the Bharias living in Central India and the Worlis living in Maharashtra, worship the tiger. Tiger is considered as our friend and brother in many tribes of the country. Tiger is also the vehicle of Maa Durga and Lord Aiyappa.

The theme of this year's national wildlife week is- Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation. At the heart of this partnerships are our tribal communities. Let us acknowledge their contributions in preserving our forests and wildlife, thus ensuring a sustainable future. By further strengthening this partnerships, we are able to preserve our nature for future generations.



Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India National Tiger Conservation Authority National Biodiversity Authority Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Government of India

On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, Sankala Foundation celebrates his enduring legacy and his timeless principles that continue to inspire and guide our mission.

In today's world, where consumption and pursuit of wealth often drive our actions, Gandhi's trusteeship concept offers a path to conscientious living. It compels us to ask ourselves: Are we using our resources to uplift and benefit society, or are we driven solely by personal gain? Are we willing to embrace the responsibility that comes with privilege and abundance? He challenged the prevailing notion that possessions gave individuals absolute rights and instead encouraged them to act as stewards of these resources.

He prophetically stated that ‘earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed.’ This forces us to introspect and evaluate our desires & align them with genuine needs, fostering a more equitable and sustainable world. He cautioned against the unbridled pursuit of material wealth, recognizing it as a root cause of inequality, exploitation, and suffering.

Mahatma Gandhi's ideas continue to resonate powerfully, not only in theory but also in the practical pursuit of sustainable development. His holistic thinking and proactive approach foreshadows the principles underpinning the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One striking example of Gandhi's foresight was his unwavering advocacy & action on the issue of sanitation, a subject considered taboo in his time. He recognized the vital importance of clean drinking water and hygiene and led campaigns to address these concerns. His leadership laid the foundation for a broader understanding of public health and environmental sustainability. Today, the SDGs encompass a wide spectrum of Gandhiji's outlook, reflecting his holistic vision for a better world from eradicating poverty to building global partnerships.

In keeping with Gandhiji's ideals of uplifting the impoverished, India has undertaken transformative initiatives to ensure universal access to housing, toilet, electricity, clean cooking gas, and safe drinking water. Initiatives like Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Ayushman Bharat, Jan Dhan Yojana, Namami Gange, Smart Cities, Digital India, Skill India, and Start-up India are all rooted in the spirit of service to the less fortunate.

In today's globalised world, the ideals of Gandhiji have played a pivotal role in shaping multilateralism. India, at the G-20, has used this influence to address pressing questions of our time. The inclusion of the African Union into the G-20, and the commitments all bear the indelible imprint of Gandhiji's ideals. These initiatives reflect his enduring vision of global cooperation, justice, and sustainable progress.

In light of the wisdom and principles of Mahatma Gandhi, Sankala Foundation remains committed to sustainable development and positive global impact.

On World River Day, Sankala celebrates the life-giving arteries of our planet, rivers. Rivers play a pivotal role in sustaining biodiversity. It supports more than 1,00,000 species of flora and fauna. The intricate interplay of riverbanks, wetlands, and forests creates diverse ecosystems that are indispensable for the overall health of our planet.

Beyond their ecological significance, rivers are vital for human survival. They serve as sources of drinking water, for food production, critical element in industrial activities, and transportation routes, connecting communities across the globe and providing the means of their sustenance.

In the ancient Indian scriptures, rivers have been revered and personified as goddesses. Among them, the Ganga, often referred to as the holy river, is regarded as the lifeline of India and the cradle of human civilizations throughout history. In response to the escalating pollution and deteriorating ecological health of this sacred river, the government has undertaken a twin approach through Namami Gange and Arth Ganga initiatives, aimed at rejuvenating and preserving its sanctity.

India has a rich network of over 125 rivers and river streams, with a growing emphasis on harnessing inland waterways. The country has made significant strides in this direction, expanding from just 5 national waterways in 2014 to over 111 today, with a substantial increase in cargo transportation via these river routes. The revival of these water bodies has also had a positive impact on the biodiversity, particularly the thriving dolphin populations in Ganga. River tourism is likewise on the rise, exemplified by the launch of the world's longest river cruise, Ganga Vilas.

Despite the Earth's surface being covered by water in abundance, only a minuscule 3% of it is freshwater, of which nearly two-thirds are inaccessible, trapped in glaciers or other remote locations. Freshwater systems are now among the most endangered habitats globally, primarily due to developmental activities, encroachments, industrial pollution, and the looming specter of climate change. Shockingly, only 70 out of the world's 177 longest rivers remain free of human-made obstructions. It's crucial that we recognize the importance of rivers, not just for their intrinsic beauty but for the delicate balance they maintain within our ecosystems.

As we observe World River Day, let us unite and take a solemn pledge to protect and restore our rivers. This mission calls for sustainable practices, dedicated conservation efforts, and the dissemination of awareness among all stakeholders. By safeguarding these precious waterways, we can ensure that they continue to flow freely, nurturing life on Earth for generations to come.

Wishing you all a very Happy World Environment Day - 2023. This day reminds us that wellbeing of the planet earth is most critical to meet the basic needs of life i.e. Oxygen and water. This needs collaborative action to protect forests, flora, fauna and water bodies.

To meet the basic need of 8 Billion human population and other species, as well as to tackle pollution, resource depletion, and development of alternate resources, use of science & technology with innovation & entrepreneurship is the way forward. This can be achieved by forging enduring partnerships and working together. This needs platforms for our conscientious and enlightened youth to contribute and domain experts to guide them.

The Sankala Centre for Climate & Sustainability (SCCS) set up by Sankala Foundation is working towards a green future, addressing pressing environmental challenges, and fostering partnerships for positive change.

Join us in making a lasting impact on the well-being of our planet. Together, let's embrace sustainable practices, raise awareness, and ensure a thriving planet for generations to come.

Today marks the beginning of Sankala foundation. We at Sankala are committed towards nudging the planet towards sustainability and in co-creating a space that integrates the best practices, minds and organisations in all spheres of growth and development that demand conscious, thoughtful, clean and green governance. With our logo as our first post here, we are ready to partake our efforts in the journey to make this planet cleaner, greener and happier. Stay tuned with us!