A single tree can support a remarkably diverse array of living beings within its canopy and throughout its ecosystem. The number of living beings that inhabit a tree

A single tree can support a remarkably diverse array of living beings within its canopy and throughout its ecosystem. The number of living beings that inhabit a tree and its canopy can vary widely depending on factors such as the tree species, location, size, and health of the tree, as well as the surrounding ecosystem. However, trees can support a remarkably diverse array of life, with hundreds to thousands of species potentially living within or around a single tree. Some of the most common types of living beings found on or around trees include: 

1. Plants: Besides the tree itself, various other plants, such as epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants but do not rely on them for nutrients), mosses, lichens, vines, and ferns, may inhabit the tree’s canopy. Epiphytes alone can include dozens to hundreds of species, depending on the tree’s habitat and location. 

2. Animals: Trees provide habitats for a wide range of animals, including birds, mammals, insects, reptiles, and amphibians. Birds often nest in tree branches, while mammals like squirrels and bats may roost or hibernate in tree hollows. Insects, such as beetles, ants, butterflies, and bees, may feed on tree sap, leaves, or other insects found on the tree. 

3. Fungi: A single tree may support hundreds to thousands of fungal species, including mycorrhizal fungi associated with tree roots and decomposers that break down organic matter. Fungi play essential roles in breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients within the tree’s ecosystem. They may form symbiotic relationships with tree roots, decompose dead wood, or grow as parasites on living trees. 

4. Microorganisms: Soil microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea, are essential for nutrient cycling and soil health in the tree’s root zone. These microorganisms break down organic matter, fix nitrogen, and facilitate nutrient uptake by tree roots. The number of microorganisms can vary widely depending on soil conditions and microbial diversity. 

5. Epiphytic Plants: Epiphytic plants, such as orchids, bromeliads, and ferns, may grow on the surfaces of trees without causing harm to the tree itself. The number of epiphytic plant species on a single tree can range from a few to dozens, depending on factors such as humidity, light availability, and tree species. They obtain nutrients and water from the air and rainwater that collects on the tree’s surface. 

6. Bird Nests: Birds often build nests in the branches or hollows of trees to raise their young. These nests provide shelter and protection from predators for the birds and their offspring. The number of bird nests on a tree can vary depending on bird species, nesting habits, and tree characteristics. 

7. Mammal Homes: Various mammals, including squirrels, raccoons, opossums, and bats, may use trees as homes or shelter. They may construct nests, dens, or roosts in tree hollows, branches, or cavities. The number of mammal species living in or around a tree can vary depending on habitat quality and availability of suitable nesting sites. 

8. Invertebrates: Invertebrates such as spiders, beetles, ants, and caterpillars inhabit trees and play essential roles in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and pollination within the tree’s ecosystem. The number of invertebrate species on a tree can range from dozens to hundreds, depending on factors such as tree species, habitat, and season. 

9. Other Living Beings: The number of nematode species, amphibians, and reptiles that live inside a tree canopy can vary depending on factors such as the tree species, location, habitat, and ecosystem diversity. While nematodes are more commonly found in soil and leaf litter rather than within the canopy itself, certain species may inhabit tree roots and above-ground plant parts. Amphibians and reptiles may also utilize trees for shelter, nesting, and foraging. Arboreal species of frogs and certain tree-dwelling salamanders may occasionally be found in tree canopies, particularly in tropical rainforests. Similarly, arboreal species of snakes and lizards may climb trees to hunt for prey or escape predators, but they are more commonly found in terrestrial habitats. But, the presence of amphibians and reptiles in the canopy is less common compared to other organisms such as birds and insects. 

The tree canopy plays a crucial role in ecosystem function and supports a wide range of ecological processes. Here are some key ecological importance of tree canopy: 

1. Habitat and Biodiversity: The tree canopy provides habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species, including birds, mammals, insects, reptiles, and amphibians. It offers shelter, nesting sites, and food sources for many species, contributing to high levels of biodiversity within forest ecosystems. 

2. Carbon Sequestration: Trees in the canopy absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and store it in their biomass. This process, known as carbon sequestration, helps mitigate climate change by reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. 

3. Oxygen Production: Through photosynthesis, trees in the canopy release oxygen into the atmosphere, supporting the respiratory needs of animals and humans. Forests are often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth" due to their role in oxygen production. 

4. Temperature Regulation: The tree canopy provides shade and helps regulate microclimatic conditions within forest ecosystems. It reduces air temperature through evapotranspiration and provides cooling effects, particularly in urban areas, where the urban heat island effect can lead to higher temperatures. 

5. Water Cycle: Trees in the canopy play a vital role in the water cycle by intercepting rainfall, reducing soil erosion, and promoting groundwater recharge. They capture rainfall with their leaves and branches, which then evaporates back into the atmosphere or infiltrates into the soil, replenishing groundwater supplies. 

6. Soil Health: Leaf litter and organic debris from the canopy contribute to soil fertility and nutrient cycling. Decomposition of organic matter enriches the soil with essential nutrients, promotes microbial activity, and enhances soil structure and moisture retention. 

7. Pollination and Seed Dispersal: Many tree species in the canopy rely on pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds for reproduction. Additionally, fruits and seeds produced by trees are dispersed by animals that inhabit the canopy, contributing to seed dispersal and forest regeneration. 

8. Ecosystem Services: The tree canopy provides a range of ecosystem services that benefit humans, including air and water purification, erosion control, recreational opportunities, and cultural values. Forests also support local economies through timber production, ecotourism, and other industries. 

The trees support a complex web of life, with each species playing a unique role in the tree’s ecosystem and contributing to its overall health and biodiversity. The number of living beings that inhabit a tree and its canopy can be staggering, highlighting the critical role that trees play in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health. The tree canopy is integral to the functioning of forest ecosystems and provides numerous ecological services that are essential for the health and well-being of both natural ecosystems and human societies. Protecting and preserving the tree canopy is critical for maintaining biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems worldwide.

How many kinds of living beings generally live on a tree and its canopy?

Early Bird

"Buildings in the future could be isolated from earthquakes by being placed behind rows of trees." Physics World An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the grou

"Buildings in the future could be isolated from earthquakes by being placed behind rows of trees." 

An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of rocks deep underneath the earth’s surface. Pressure under the surface of the earth increases gradually until it finds a way out. Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.

In reality, earthquakes occur for following anthropogenic reasons:

1. Making of a dam- the water’s force may cause changes in the soil on which the dam is built;

2. Injecting liquid into the soil- if it is done, an earthquake may occur. Best example is from the USA where the U.S. Army injected ‘165 million gallons of toxic waste’ in the Rocky Mountains via a well from 1962 to 1966 but stopped this operation due to earthquakes;

3. mining operations lead to earthquakes;

4. Like mining, drilling can have severe effects on soil strata and cause earthquakes. A natural-gas field in Uzbekistan, the Gazli, caused changes in the tectonic activity in the region;

5. Multi storey buildings harm the earth’s surface. The Taipei 101, proposed to be the largest building on the globe in 2005, ‘weighs in at more than 700,000 metric tons’.

 destroy trees, which lead terrestrial movements.

Role Of Trees And Forests In Reducing The Impact Of Earthquakes

, while natural ones tend to stay where they are, even when powerful earthquakes occur. That's because plants are very flexible because of the way their cells align, enabling pressure to be released. Moreover, their roots allow them to disperse seismic waves effectively. 

Trees play an important role in reducing the impact of earthquakes. They can help to stabilise the soil and prevent landslides, which can be a major cause of earthquake damage.

, which oscillate at certain frequencies, even at long wavelengths. In the right arrangement, the interaction of resonating trees can redirect the energy of seismic waves deep into the soil, reducing damage, they claim. The resonating trees offer local protection against surface waves of certain frequencies.

In a natural forest, the researchers noted that the irregular height of trees and of the gaps between them offered 

protection against a larger range of earthquake frequencies

 than a uniform array would. If the trees are arranged by decreasing height, they would cover an even wider range of seismic frequencies. 

Managed forests could make earthquakes less destructive. Barriers of trees are planted between the buildings or facilities to be protected from earthquakes. Tree height is managed so that the forest takes on a wedge shape, with the highest trees closest to the potential seismic source and tree height gradually decreasing away from this.

When an earthquake takes place, potentially destructive 

 are generated, which travel close to the surface. The forest resonates in response to the arrival of the Rayleigh waves, converting them into less destructive shear waves which travel down into the Earth’s interior where they can do no harm. 

If the trees are arranged by decreasing height

, they would cover an even wider range of seismic frequencies. 

 for its ductility, lightness and for its mechanical strength compared to other traditional materials.

Clusters of forest trees can be assumed as naturally available 

 capable of mitigating low-frequency earthquake waves. Strategic afforestation could be an effective way to safeguard a region from earthquake hazards. 

, the earthquake affected 11 provinces thousands of buildings were demolished or severely damaged, rendering them unsuitable for habitation. As part of the recovery process after the deadly twin earthquakes, the Turkish government has issued orders to build quake-resistant buildings in regions with forests and favourable soil conditions. 10 saplings to be planted for each tree cut down in Türkiye's earthquake zone. 

Japan, which is also vulnerable to earthquakes, relies on afforestation. Here is a 

 explaining how Japan is working to reduce the impacts of earthquakes and tsunamis. 

The Indian subcontinent has had a history of potent seismic activity. The country has also seen some of the most devastating earthquakes in the past few decades. Statistics have shown around 

Here are some ways in which trees can help to reduce the impact of earthquakes:

1. Root systems: Trees have extensive root systems that can help to hold soil in place. This can prevent soil from shifting during an earthquake, which can reduce the risk of landslides and other types of damage.

2. Absorption of water: Trees absorb water from the soil, which can help to prevent soil from becoming too saturated. This can reduce the risk of liquefaction, which is when soil loses its strength and becomes like a liquid during an earthquake.

3. Protection of infrastructure: Trees can also help to protect infrastructure such as roads and buildings. They can act as a barrier to prevent soil from eroding and can also help to absorb some of the shock waves from an earthquake.

4. Carbon sequestration: Trees are also important for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. This is important because climate change can increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters such as earthquakes.

In summary, trees play an important role in reducing the impact of earthquakes. They can help to stabilise soil, prevent landslides, absorb water, protect infrastructure, and mitigate climate change. It is important to protect and preserve our forests in order to maximise their benefits in reducing the impact of earthquakes and other natural disasters.

. This article was first published by me  on Youth Ki Awaaz at 

https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2023/05/trees-and-earthquakes

Can Trees Save Lives From Earthquakes 

“अर्थस्य मूलं राज्यम्”– चाणक्य नीति सूत्र (“The state’s welfare is rooted in good finance.” – Chanakya Sutras) A department of Uttar Pradesh government is playing an

“अर्थस्य मूलं राज्यम्”

चाणक्य नीति सूत्र

(“The state’s welfare is rooted in good finance.” – Chanakya Sutras) 

A department of Uttar Pradesh government is playing an important role in proving this formula of Chanakya policy; the name of this department is National Savings. This department is providing hassle-free self-employment to citizens of all ages, starting from twenty one years of age. Every month, self employed people are earning sufficient amount of money to run their families.

Small savings schemes of India offer lucrative interests and tax exemptions, inculcate the savings habit, build a substantial corpus for the future, and protect from economic anxiety and financial stress. Money from such savings plays a very important role in making financial stability in a state and daily life of citizens. According to the 

 of economic growth, the level of savings is an important factor in determining economic growth rates.

District savings offices of National Savings Department of Uttar Pradesh government have been providing self-employment to educated persons who have 10th grade passed certificate and aged 21 years; both males and females are getting easy and hassle-free self-employment in the form of savings agents in post offices of the districts. This department is ensuring women’s empowerment by providing an opportunity in nation building. There are two different types of agency systems: 1- Standardised Agency System (SAS) for fixed deposits schemes, and 2- Mahila Pradhan Kshetriya Bachat Yojna (MPKBY) for recurring deposit scheme. These savings agents work hard for maximum investment in post office small savings schemes. 

District savings offices appoint the small savings agents and issue new agencies, provide necessary papers and forms to agents, help to short out problems existing before agents and investors, cause awareness about savings schemes, launch campaigns in those areas where there is less investment in savings schemes, do renewal of savings agencies, and take action against agents who are not obeying department’s rules or if any complaint from investors. With the help of the District Magistrate and Chief Development Officer of the district, the district savings office of the district set the target of deposit in small savings schemes for every department for every financial year (April-March). 

Whenever anyone goes to the post office for investment purposes, the investor will find some people who say that they are savings agents and will help the investors in the investment process through their services. 

Pic: An agent Mr Mukesh Agrawal is explaining about savings schemes to investor in Nauhjhil subpostoffice (District Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India)

 report, submitted in 2011, small savings schemes are agent-driven schemes and there were more than five lakh savings agents in different post offices in India in 2011.  

Agents act as the bridge between the millions of depositors and the post offices for day-to-day transactions and investment. They do motivate people to save, and indirectly assist in channelising such small savings to financial assets. In return these agents earn the commission paid out of the National Small Savings Fund. Agents get 0.5% in fixed deposit schemes and 4% in recurring deposit schemes. According to the India Budget, the 

 paid to the agents would be about Rs 3,871.38 crore in 2023-24.   

Savings agents make the investors aware about the small savings schemes, new  rules and regulations, take timely payments from investors and deposit the money in post office schemes, take care of all of the paperwork that acts as a deterrent for some people  to  access  formal  financial  services, and keep and maintain their records. 

The government in India offers a range of post office small savings schemes, which offer lucrative interests and tax exemptions. These schemes are not just secure, but also help in financing government expenditure. Interest rates for small saving schemes are announced by the Finance Ministry on a quarterly basis. 

Small savings schemes inculcate the savings habit among individuals. The amount deposited or invested in the savings schemes could be used by depositors or investors for their future personal needs.  

There are three categories of small saving schemes in post offices:

(a) Post office Deposits: Post Office Savings Account, Post Office Time Deposits (1,2,3 and 5 years), Post Office Recurring Deposits, and Post Office Monthly Account. 

(b) Savings Certificates: National Savings Certificate, Kisan Vikas Patra, and Mahila Samman Savings Certificate. 

(c) Social Security Schemes: Public Provident Fund, Senior Citizens Savings Scheme, and Sukanya Samriddhi Account. 

These small savings schemes are run primarily through the post offices, nationalised banks and identified private sector banks. These schemes are meant for the economic well-being of the citizens, senior citizens, and retired employees. 

The National Savings Schemes run through Post Offices. India has the largest Postal Network in the world with 154,965 Post Offices (as on 31.03.2017); about 89 percent of these post offices, 139,067, are in the rural areas. Post offices in India play a vital role in the rural areas as they provide banking facilities in the absence of banks in the rural areas. The Indian Postal Service, under the brand name India Post, is the most widely distributed post office system in the world. 

Small savings schemes have penetrated the farthest and isolated villages in Uttar Pradesh and India through the network of post offices, savings agents and district savings offices. According to available data, the 

 in small savings schemes have increased from Rs 108 crores in 1948-49 to Rs 280274.93 crores in 2019-20.  Collection under National Savings Schemes has been 

, an economist and a professor at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, savings by the household sector is the most prominent component of savings. The large financing needs of investment in infrastructure require long-term financial savings of households to increase and to be channelled for this need. Economists 

 exceeds that of advanced economies such as the U.K., U.S. and similarly placed economies like Brazil and South Africa.”  

Sufficient savings can break the vicious circle of poverty in under-developed and developing nations. Savings can increase their ability to build capital formation for the nation. This will result in higher economic growth and development. This is the reason why savings is commonly regarded as the primary source of economic growth. 

 of the total collection of small savings, in India, are drawn from the rural population; there is a huge potential of investment in rural areas towards domestic capital formation. 

If we really want small savings to help in the economic development of the nation, the Ministry of Finance (MoF), and state governments need to strengthen the district savings offices, small savings agents, and postal network for the next-generation modernization for a financially stronger India. District Savings Offices can act as a facilitator to meet this challenge. 

Note: My article originally published on wordpress at 

https://letsmakeworldforfuturedaily.wordpress.com/2023/04/21/government/

Hassle-free Self-employment In Uttar Pradesh, India 

Earth is facing ‘Climate Crisis’, ‘Population Explosion’ and ‘Household Explosion’. The world’s population has crossed the bad milestone of 8 billion in 2022 and is 

Earth is facing ‘Climate Crisis’, ‘Population Explosion’ and ‘Household Explosion’. The world’s population has crossed the bad milestone of 8 billion in 2022 and is expected to be 10 billion by 2050. Such a growing size is causing pressure on Nature. Biodiversity and ecosystems are under stress, and depleting to fulfil the unsustainable needs and ambitions of humans. 

These conditions have resulted in the emergence of vector-borne infectious diseases, which are usually confined to wildlife and have had a spillover to people in areas undergoing rapid deforestation and habitat loss. About 60% of the new infectious diseases that emerge in people, including HIV, Ebola, Nipah, and Covid-19 spillover from forest-dwelling animals. 

We cannot change our past, but we can change our future. On 25 March 2023, the world community will organise Earth Hour and will switch off lights between 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm; on this day India may be able to reduce the carbon dioxide emission up to 285.87 million kilograms, if every citizen participate and bears the responsibility for Earth to act on climate and change climate change through energy conservation. It is noteworthy that India has a population of 1.3 billion, and India had 

Here’s how India can reduce carbon dioxide emissions within one hour. Per capita carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India have soared in recent decades, climbing from 

0.39 metric tons in 1970 to a high of 1.9 metric tons in 2021

. Based on the above emission data, carbon emission will be as follows:

*130 crore citizens- 0.2199×130cr= 285.87 million kilograms. 

Carbon Dioxide is the main fossil fuel gas or greenhouse gas responsible for global warming and climate change. Climate change is causing the melting of polar ice, ocean acidification, coastal erosion, ocean warming, floods, droughts, sea-level rise, depleting biodiversity and urban heat-island effect. 

Climate change makes more environments available for disease-carrying species. According to the WHO, climate variability has a direct influence on the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases. By 2100, it is estimated that average global temperatures will have risen by 1.0–3.5 °C and will increase the spread of many ‘vector-borne diseases’ in new areas. 

We have two primary choices at present: either to accept the conditions as they exist and wait for the end of the future or accept the responsibility and act to change Climate Change for the sake of a livable, better and sustainable future. 

Earth Hour May Bring Significant Carbon Emission Reduction In India 

"We need peace, now more than ever.In 2023, let’s put peace at the heart of our words and actions." - Antonio Guterres  Peace and security are basic needs for a bett

In 2023, let’s put peace at the heart of our words and actions." - 

Peace and security are basic needs for a better tomorrow. Everyone needs these two, everyday. Violent conflict, insecurity, and political instability are making life hell in many parts of the world; the current examples are Afghanistan and Ukraine. World needs peacebuilding efforts to establish peace in such regions. In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “it isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.”

Here are some suggestions for a peaceful world: 

1- Conflict in a nation or region starts when people can’t trust the police and the system or get justice, and their lives are stolen by the corrupt system. Such conditions create a battleground against the system. Government should stop the negligence, abuse and stigmatisation of their citizens. Media and social media must stop spreading hate. Everyone should do what they can to stop violence, and establish peace. 

2- Gender gap plays a very important role in maintaining peace. The larger a country’s gender gap, the more likely it is to be involved in violent conflict, according to "Sex and World Peace" (2012). Gender inequality affects the GDP, level of democracy, ethnic-religious identity, and finally peace.  

3- The impact of women’s participation on peace and security outcomes remains poorly understood. For example, women made up just two percent of mediators and nine percent of negotiators in official peace talks between 

. Just two percent of funding dedicated to peace and security goes to gender equality or women’s empowerment. 

Educated women can participate in political discussions, development meetings and security decisions, and help form a government that equally represents and respects its citizens. Women’s inclusion helps prevent conflict, create peace, and sustain security after war ends. 

Denial of women's rights and women's respect

 in a nation means the dawn of a draconian and barbarian government by inhumane persons.  

Women's empowerment and gender equality are associated with peace and stability in society. Gender equality is a better indicator of a state’s peacefulness than other factors like democracy, religion, or GDP. 

 survey, 40 percent of those who join rebel groups do so because of a lack of economic opportunities. The systematic transfer of wealth, and employment opportunities may improve the security for everyone.  

5- World is facing a climate crisis due to climate change. Such crises have posed various forms of security challenges, such as drought, heavy precipitation, wildfires, cyclones etc. Anthropogenic activities have altered the earth’s climate system; we have entered a new era, the Anthropocene. The fifth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded that Climate Change would lead to large levels of migration with security threats, violent conflicts for water, land and food, and challenges for transport and energy infrastructure, and national & international security policies. 

, EID, are recent threats to our health system as well as to peace. Anthropogenic Climate Change is responsible for EID. If our health infrastructure is not prepared for future pandemics then such condition would cause discontent among citizens and finally a challenge for peace. 

According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute or 

, different policy areas such as foreign affairs, development cooperation, defence, humanitarian aid, trade, the economy and agriculture are now being affected by climate change. The success of mitigating climate change and developing adaptive capacity to its impacts would be crucial to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.  

A functioning climate deal for a truly climate neutral world, that the world leaders could draft and act on, would be the real peace deal for humans, biodiversity, ecosystem, Nature, and a better future. 

6- According to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), the proliferation of arms results in conflict and violence, and finally the death of innocent world citizens. Arms treaty signatories must be held responsible in case of violations and it should be treated as violation of peace. 

7- If the government expects people not to resort to violent and retaliatory methods to protest policies, then people should be allowed to express their views on such policies in a peaceful and non-violent manner. Constructive dialogue with them will help in reforming the system and establishing peace in the society.  

8- Protest against the prevailing prejudice and discrimination should not be treated as an act against the government but as an opportunity to reform and establish peace in the society. 

9- Education promotes peace. Confucius said: “Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.” Education inspires problem solving skills, and can provide innovative solutions and alternatives to violence. According to UNESCO, income would be higher in countries' having education for all. If poverty gets reduced, violence would transform into peace. 

10- Lasting peace is not achieved nor sustained by military and technical engagements, but through political solutions. Political solutions ensure positive peace which involves preventing or ending violence including cultural violence. 

Peace is an ongoing process for which efforts should be continued & never ending. In the words of Albert Einstein, “Peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding.” 

Peace On A Disturbed Land

Rivers and streams are the lifeline of a civilization and nation. Rivers play a vital role in sustaining life, ecology, religions, business, economy, international r

Rivers and streams are the lifeline of a civilization and nation. Rivers play a vital role in sustaining life, ecology, religions, business, economy, international relations etc. But, globally, our 

 are drying and losing their identity; some rivers are on the verge of extinction. Experts estimate that 

over half of the world’s river networks are running dry

. Many rivers have been converted into drains and are covered with a large amount of filth and cannot be considered as a source of freshwater. 

In 2022, the drying rivers have exposed many 

historical monuments and archeological treasures

 which were hidden inside rivers when rivers were flowing at their full volume. 

Current Status Of Rivers and other water bodies 

Many of the world’s important rivers are running dry: 

1- The Colorado river, which flows from the high plains of the Western U.S. to the Gulf of California in Mexico. 

2- The Indus, the primary source of freshwater for most of Pakistan, and flows into the ocean at the Port of Karachi. 

3- The Aral Sea, once the world's fourth largest inland water body, has now reduced into small lakes with a combined volume only one-tenth the original. 

4- In the USA, the Rio Grande runs from southwestern Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico. It defines much of the border between Texas and Mexico. 

 (Dinosaur Valley State Park, Texas, USA) dried up. Dinosaur tracks from 113 million years ago uncovered due to severe drought conditions. 

6- Since 1972, the sixth longest in the world, the Yellow River or Huang He River of China, has run dry before reaching the sea. 

7- Yangtze River in China has revealed a submerged island in the southwestern city of Chongqing and 600 years old three 

8- Murray river, Australia's longest and most important river, is drying up. 

9- Italy’s longest river and a vital water transport hub, the Po river, is also drying up. The Italian government declared a state of emergency in five regions due to drying Po river.  

10- River Rhine, one of Europe’s main water arteries, has dried up. 

11- France’s longest river, Loire, is running dry due to 'historic drought'. More than 100 towns don't have access to drinking water. Loire is also the source of cooling water for 12 nuclear power plants.

, which were sunk during World War II in the Danube river, have emerged near Serbia's river port town Prahovo due to low water levels in river Danube. 

13- Italy's worst drought in decades has reduced the country's largest lake 

 to its lowest level and exposing previously underwater rocks. 

 are at risk of drying up because of climate change and growing water demand for drinking water, industries and agriculture. Among the rivers at risk are Mackenzie, Skeena, Fraser, Athabasca, Nipigon, South Saskatchewan, Grand, St. Lawrence, Saint John, and Ottawa. The Fraser river produces more salmon than any other river on earth; its fishing industry is worth over $300 million annually. 

15- In West Raqqa province of Syria lowering water level of the 

 revealed a Roman/Byzantine graveyard in the rock. 

, a historical symbol of Kabul city of Afghanistan is also drying. 

18- Elbe, Thames, Le Toleure, and Weser are other 

 like never before. In India, the Central Water Commission (CWC) reported three major river basins, namely 

, are severely facing water crisis. India’s famous river Ganga also is drying up. There is not enough flow at several locations that the Ganges passes by. The Ken River has almost dried up. Teesta river, the lifeline of Sikkim, has largely dried up. 

. The Colorado river has so heavily overused for agriculture, industry, and municipal purposes that it rarely reach the ocean. The Indus is drying due to overuse and overdependence for household, industrial, and agricultural sectors. The Aral Sea was fed by Central Asia's two greatest rivers, Amu Darya in the south and Syr Darya in the north. In the 1960s the Soviet Union built a large irrigation network, including 20,000 miles of canals, 45 dams, and more than 80 reservoirs, to irrigate fields of cotton and wheat in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. After several decades, the Amu Darya & Syr Dariya had lost so much of its flow that it no longer reached the Aral Sea. Due to heavy use of water by Texas and Mexico, the river Rio Grande failed to reach the coast entirely. Like many other major rivers, 

 of China and Teesta river of India have been drying coz of extensive use of their water for agriculture. 

Another reason of drying of rivers are increasing global warming and low precipitation; such conditions results in lower water levels in rivers. 

Disruptions and diversions have reduced the flow so much that mouth of Murray river closed due to silt formation. 

The India Today magazine reported that primary consumer of water in India is agriculture which consumes over 85 per cent of India's freshwater. In the 

, only 40 per cent of the farmers irrigate their crops through rivers; the rest rely on rains and groundwater for agriculture. Groundwater resources are facing increasing pressure due to over-reliance and unsustainable consumption. This has increases the water crisis. As per CWC, the per capita annual 

 has progressively reduced due to increase in population, urbanization, development stress, improved lifestyle of people, etc. 

Steps to save drying rivers in India and world 

Initiatives to conserve water, rainwater harvesting and making the conscious efforts to reduce water pollution are important ways to save water for future generations. The average family of four can use 

According to NITI Ayog, India is suffering from the worst water crisis; millions of lives and livelihoods are under threat and two lakh people die every year due to inadequate access to safe drinking water. As per the report of National Commission for Integrated Water Resource Development, India, the water requirement by 2050 in high use scenario is likely to be 1,180 BCM, whereas the present-day availability is 695 BCM. 

, the India's water demand is projected to be double the available supply. The 

 aims to provide potable water through taps to 191 million rural households by 2024, from the existing one out of six homes.  

, only 1/3rd of the world's longest rivers remain free-flowing. The growing demand for water and increasing global warming have been 

 and streams to dry up. Climate change is 

exacerbating the drought periods for the river

The installation of dams, use of water for agriculture, human consumption, mismanagement of water, deforestation, sand mafia, unplanned constructions and the La Nino have all led to dry days for major water bodies across the globe. 

In Europe, the ongoing drought could be the worst in 500 years. Earth's water bodies are getting extinct.

 on water resources points to longer droughts in many parts of the world. According to the UN, 2.2 billion people have no access to drinking water and these numbers would grow fast, in future, if no action taken on time. 

World governments and citizens would have to take immediate steps to stop extinction of water bodies. Here are some suggestive steps: 

1- Treat the trash before throwing it away. 

 2- Oil spills from vehicles or heavy industries should not be allowed to get discharged into water bodies. 

 3- The ecological imbalance and global warming, due to climate change, are making rivers dry. So, act for nature, ecosystem restoration, and generation restoration to change climate change. 

 4- Create awareness among people about the death of rivers. Most people are not aware of the ill health of our rivers and water bodies.  

5- Heatwaves, drought, and extreme weather can be expected to be more in near future. Unless we reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, such things will escalate even further.  

, improved management of water resources, and 'water efficiency means' for agriculture like drip irrigation, would help to conserve water. 

7- Control human population and expansion, agriculture expansion, urbanization, industrialization, and 

 to reduce anthropogenic impact on water bodies and Nature. 

Please, let the Earth remains a living planet, do not let make it a planet like Mars. As an advanced organisms, our behavior should be sustainable with the resources necessary to survive on the Earth. 

Finally, here is a great quote by great environmentalist Mike Hudema, for leaders and citizens of Earth:  "How many more 'historic events' before we 'Act On Climate'?" - 

Why Rivers Are Drying? Is There Any Solution?

“Between animal and human medicine, there is no dividing line, nor should there be”. 

Emerging infectious diseases are infections that have recently appeared within a population or those whose incidence or geographic range is rapidly increasing or threatens to increase in the near future. The 

 (WHO) warned in its 2007 report that infectious diseases are emerging at a rate that has not been seen before.  

Infectious diseases are caused by organisms which are known as pathogens. Many viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans, prions, viroids, and similar parasites are pathogens. Each type of pathogenic organism has climatic conditions it prefers. Such conditions positively affect the ability to survive and spread diseases. 

According to a recent study published in Nature, 

atleast 10,000 virus species have the ability to infect humans but, at present, the vast majority are circulating silently in wild mammals

. However, changes in climate and land use will lead to opportunities for viral sharing among previously geographically isolated species of wildlife. 

Vectors  (such as rodents, mosquitos, and ticks) are home to pathogens, and responsible for their reproduction and transmission; vectors help in the spread of diseases. 

As the climate warms, extreme weather events like heat waves, heavy rainfall, and droughts become more common and more intense. These extreme climates create favourable conditions for disease spread. Extreme floods and hurricanes also lead to spread of diseases among the people. 

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