This episode dives deep into the realities of forest conservation in India, far beyond headlines and statistics.

In this episode, Raza Kasmi reflects on decades of forest history — from Maoist insurgency and timber mafias to tiger conservation, community knowledge, and policy failures. Drawing from personal stories and archival research, the conversation challenges simplified ideas of wildlife protection and asks uncomfortable but necessary questions.

We talk about: – The real impact of insurgency on forest governance – The limits of fortress conservation and reintroductions – Human–wildlife conflict, past vs present – Why access to forests matters for the next generation – And why some conservation decisions risk creating “glorified zoos”

This is not a quick listen. It’s a thoughtful, layered conversation for anyone interested  ...