From Rivers to Farms
By Lisa Khan
Putthi Ibrahimpur, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
My childhood is inextricably linked to nature. I spent my childhood days on farmlands, climbing trees, playing with my cousins, and jostling each other for a sweet mango bite. My parents and grandparents are from a long line of zamindars, or land owners. My parents' generation moved to the city, but some stayed behind. In my childhood, we often visited our hometown during our summer vacations. My favorite places were our farms, the surrounding forests, and the Ganga riverbank. We went sightseeing through the farms and forests on a yearly basis, and that's how I was able to discern the changes happening in our farms and nearby forests.
In my opinion, the sugarcane mill is the source of the most pollution in my hometown's environment. During my recent hikes in the forest, I frequently discovered contaminated river water from chemical waste discharge. This contaminated water then circulates among plants and trees, sickening and killing them. Littering by humans is another factor that contributes to pollution. Plastics consumed by animals and birds, as well as those buried in the soil, cause irreversible damage. The Ganga River's ecosystem is declining at an alarming rate. The Ganga River, which is home to a number of species, is heavily polluted. Forest areas are also declining as humans cut down trees to build houses.
The photographs depict nature over a period of several years. I have witnessed the steady deterioration of my hometown's environment. Our planet is home to a diverse range of fascinating flora and fauna. It is time to band together and protect our environment for current and future generations.