Meet your greens

Beyond worsening AQI, traffic and dug-up roads in Indian cities, a secret trail exists for those who seek.

- By SAACHI GUPTA

THE MORNING SUN is beating down on us in Charkop, Kandivali, when naturalist Rajneesh Sharma, who runs The Mumbai Wildlife, suddenly gasps, pointing to a tiny hole in the sandy ground. Over 20 people listen attentively as he explains this is a conical pit-trap constructed by an antlion larva who will hurl dust to prevent ants that slip in from escaping. To demonstrate, he slides flecks of sand into the pit. The group squeals when dust is flicked back in his direction. In the busyness of Mumbai, this is a rare sight: strangers hunched over to watch the activities of a small insect. Yet, in a bid to know their city beyond the choked roads taken to work every day, more and more locals are punctuating their weekends with nature trails through spaces they frequently pass but never stop to witness.