Interview with environment journalist Deepa Kozhisseri.

Photo Courtesy: Deepa Kozhisseri

Deepa Kozhisseri has been a journalist for eight years now, the significant part of which, she reported on environment. She currently works with Down to Earth- a magazine that addresses environmental issues.

Q:  Why environmental journalism?
A:  When I started out as a reporter it was the green stories that I enjoyed writing the most – and that is what has eventually led me towards environmental issues, be it in my work with Down to Earth or with other organizations. My fascination for wildlife and tourism began when I was introduced to Centre for Science and Environment’s State of the Environment (SOE) Reports, and subsequent reporting on the successful conservation model at Periyar Tiger Reserve (where tiger population has stabilized due to efforts of the park management in working closely with communities).  Also, in today’s world where climate change is worsening by the day, a drastic change in approach is required so that we can learn to tread lightly on the planet and reduce our carbon footprint. 

Q:  Did you choose to work only in Karnataka? If yes,why?
A:   I chose to write from Karnataka initially because Bangalore is where I was born and is my home base.  The Western Ghats and the trips I make to this region keep me here. On occasions, I have covered other areas in South India for Down to Earth, especially the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami.  I also spent a few months in Andamans while working for EQUATIONS (an NGO focused on developing equitable tourism options). 

Q:  So far what have been the major environmental issues that you’ve addressed in terms of your stories?
A:  Some of the key environmental issues that I have written about include: Iron ore exports to China that are transforming the mining sector in Bellary.  The negligible amount that the government gets as royalty is far outweighed by the negative impact on health, land, water, and also the local communities. Some time back I covered the Mangalore SEZ land acquisition of the Kudube Padavu land, and more recently the oil leakage that is contaminating the ground water in Kuthethoor. I’ve also written on the challenge that Chennai faces in procuring fresh water as it does not have a perennial water source.  As the city is constantly drawing water from sources  the ground water  is depleting even in the surrounding area. Certain sections in Chennai end up spending a significant portion of their income on bottled water and private tankers. Public private partnerships have emerged in water distribution and maintenance.

Q:  Do you think environmental journalism is a lucrative career for budding journalists?
A:  It is a good option for students who enjoy writing, photography, filming and have interest in the nature and environment. Today’s media, electronic, print and online have specialized correspondents covering science and environment. At the same time, it requires a lot of travel, field work, and patience, which makes it quite unlike any desk job.

Q:  Does traveling to remote villages become hectic to cope with?
A:  Traveling to remote villages requires a sensitivity and respect for traditions and the local ways of life. It gets you to interact with the entire spectrum of people, right from the landed, to the farmer, to the shopkeeper, and sometimes even requires handling local powers and entrenched interests. Most villages have seen many journalists and fieldworkers, so a lot of people have tailored responses that require persistence to get to the heart of the matter. There are always surprises while traveling that makes it exciting to step into a forest or travel along the coast. It does get hectic at times though, and one shouldn’t get into this work if traveling to remote locations is not their cup of tea.

Q:  Do you work with a team in Karnataka or alone?
A:  With Down to Earth I have mostly worked on my own as CSE (Center for Science and Environment) doesn’t have an office in Bangalore.  However, on some projects one can partner with people from other interested agencies as well.

Q:  Have you ever been afraid to take on or expose the big companies and corporate giants?
A:  Mining stories had some personal risk element as I was traveling in remote mafia ridden areas in Bellary. There has been some risk covering the murder of an organic farmer in Gowribidanur by miscreants allegedly by a polluting distillery. There are also farmers who during the drought years turned to sand mining and are involved in mafia. However in every little town or village there are people who have strong interest in ecological issues and are supportive.

Q:  Are you particularly proud of any story?
A:   I have enjoyed working on a report about Building a Base for Sustainable Tourism in Andamans by EQUATIONS. The huge tourism overdrive as a rebuilding exercise after the tsunami has lead to an enormous increase in tourist inflow to the islands.  We conducted a study that included extensive interviews of tourists, industry and local community to understand the impact.  As part of this study, suggestions were made to regulate growth through policy changes by putting in place carrying capacity studies, and for generating ecological awareness of this fragile region.  Slowing down the pace of tourism and infrastructure development will be the last chance for the tribes of the Andamans - some of the earliest people on the planet. 

Sub- edited by: Sachi Hegde