March 19, 2026
A lock on identity: What happens when nomads are asked to stay
For Van Gujjars, a doorless home signals freedom. Conservation laws and evictions are forcing them to settle and rethink who they are.
Astha Chaudhary
Astha Chaudhary is currently working on researching human–Sarus crane interaction in Uttar Pradesh in association with the Coexistence Consortium. Her research interests include understanding human and non-human interaction and coexistence. Previously, she researched population ecology (avian species) and community-based conservation.
Areas of expertise
Research, ecology, conservation, documentation, storytelling
Currently working at
Coexistence Consortium
Articles by Astha Chaudhary
February 29, 2024
The root of the problem: Pine cultivation in Himachal
Pine cultivation in the forests of Tirthan Valley in Himachal Pradesh is a colonial practice. Here's how it continues to impact the local wildlife, livestock, and people of the region.
January 16, 2024
Welcome home: A festival for Himachal’s livestock
In Pekhari village of Himachal Pradesh, livestock is sent away during summer months and their return is widely celebrated. But as common lands decrease, this is changing.
October 17, 2023
Bird’s eye: How the Sarus crane is adapting to climate change
As climate change leads to a loss of wetlands, the Sarus crane in Uttar Pradesh has turned to paddy fields for building nests.
June 6, 2023
“Drought or famine, the Tharus will survive”
Built with materials sourced from the forest, the mud houses of the Tharu tribe protect them against flood, drought, and famine. But for how long can this lifestyle continue?
April 13, 2023
A cattle-killer in Kachchh: Pastoralists struggle against a new disease
Pastoralists in Gujarat’s Banni grasslands are dealing with a scarcity of resources, a changing environment, and now a disease that’s killing the indigenous Kankrej cattle.
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