About Usha Kirana

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 In the present-day situation, where the natural resources are under severe pressure from over depletion, the need for self-sustainable and environmentally viable concepts is very high. With over 25 years of continuous on ground presence, good knowledge of nature and ecosystem, first hand understanding of issues in the region and good network with local communities the team is working at grass root level to develop various projects. Our major projects include 

In the pursuit of a greener and sustainable future, Government of India has taken a momentous step by introducing the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) on June 2023. This pioneering scheme, brought into effect through the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022, empowers the central government to establish a carbon trading framework. CCTS encourages industries and entities to reduce their carbon emissions through a market-based approach. On the other hand, it provides an opportunity to entities like Usha Kirana to earn money from carbon emitting firms and industries for the sustainable activities we have undertaken. More about this project will be updated shortly.

With the aim to incentivise sustainability and environmental protection, India’s environment ministry has proposed a programme to enable individuals, organisations and industry generate “green credits” for voluntary activities deemed beneficial for the environment. Since 2016 Usha Kirana has undertaken Tree Plantation and Rain Water Harvesting activities which are identified activities under Green Credits Initiative. More about this project will be updated shortly.

Citizen science model:

Under the Article 51A(g) the Constitution of India mandates that “It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife”. Also, several legislations passed by the Governments empower common man to effectively participate in the efforts to protect forests, wildlife and water bodies. 

The main objective of this program is to create awareness and increase sensitivity of the society for the cause. As a strategy we focus on future generations to increase effectiveness of the activity. 

Print and Mass media:

In close association with stakeholders of various newspapers, magazines, and Television channels we regularly advocate for the cause of nature and wildlife conservation through interesting articles on wildlife and natural phenomena, highlighting issues with news stories and conveying our inputs through debates.

Nestled in Western Ghats, Sagara is a taluk in Shimoga district of Karnataka. Famous for many tourist destinations including Jog falls, Varadamoola and ancient temples. The landscape was very rich in natural heritage and was known to receive 320 inches (8000mm) of rainfall annually. However in recent decades due to severe forest encroachment and anthropogenic activities the landscape witnessed massive conversion and degradation of natural wealth. The present average annual rainfall 100 inches (2500mm). The landscape is home to a protected area namely;

Sharavathi valley landscape is one of the largest protected areas in the Western Ghats of Karnataka with a total area of 930 sq kms. The river valley is home to a diverse array of species and sustains a very rich biodiversity, some of which are still unknown to the outer world. Most importantly it is home to endangered and endemic Lion-Tailed Macaque and vulnerable Great Indian Hornbill apart from many other endangered species. The landscape is a conservation priority area for long term survival of Lion-Tailed Macaque as it harbours the northernmost and a viable population of these endemic macaques in the whole Western Ghats.

The landscape is also an important watershed for major rivers that originate here like Sharavathi, Varada, Aghanashini and Bhedti. Aghanashini and Bhedti are among the few west-flowing rivers that are still untouched by developmental exploitation. 

The landscape is very rich in biodiversity with nearly 500 tree species, 45 mammals, 380+ bird species, 55+ amphibian species and 200+ butterfly species recorded from the protected area. Apart from supporting viable populations of endangered wildlife, the landscape is also a crucial sink for many dispersing endangered wildlife species like Tiger, Elephant, Dhole etc.