Balachandra Hegde: The Ecologist Rooted in Sayimane, Sirsi

How a Western Ghats native blends science, tradition, and community to protect one of India’s most fragile ecosystems

May 2025 | Sirsi, Karnataka

A Quiet Revolutionary in the Western Ghats

From the vibrant canopies of the Western Ghats to the quiet rhythms of village life in Sayimane, Balachandra Hegde has dedicated over two decades to the cause of ecological restoration and community empowerment.

Ecologist, farmer, educator, and writer – Hegde’s work spans a rare breadth of fields, all connected by a common thread: a deep commitment to living landscapes and the people who depend on them.

Science Meets Soil: His Journey

Hegde earned his M.Sc. in Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation from the University of Greifswald, Germany, and went on to train in ecological sustainability across Europe and Asia.

But unlike many who pursue global careers, he returned to his roots. Literally.

“Learning abroad gave me the tools,” he says. “But it was the forest I grew up with that gave me purpose.”

Today, from his base in Sayimane near Sirsi, he applies global science to hyperlocal ecosystems—turning villages into models of ecological resilience.

Protecting Forests, Preserving Balance

His conservation work has led to the creation of multiple protected areas across Uttara Kannada district:

• Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve
• Hornbill Conservation Reserve
• Bedthi-Aghanashini Conservation Reserve
• Kathalekaan-LTM Conservation Reserve

As the Honorary Wildlife Warden, Hegde collaborates with forest officials and tribal communities to mitigate conflict, conserve biodiversity, and safeguard forest corridors critical to tiger and elephant movement.

In one innovative project funded by the Rufford Foundation, he used satellite mapping, participatory tools, and village dialogues to reduce crop raids and livestock attacks near protected areas – offering a practical model of coexistence.

Farming for the Future

As co-founder of Connect Farmer, Hegde also advocates for regenerative agriculture.

This initiative supports small farmers through:

• Direct-to-consumer vegetable sales
• Promotion of traditional, climate-resilient crops
• Organic and zero-budget natural farming techniques
• Women-led marketing cooperatives

During the 2020 COVID lockdown, he helped launch weekly markets in Umbalamane and Bidramane that continue to thrive today.

“We had to rethink food supply chains,” he explains. “When the roads shut down, the soil opened up.”

Ecology in the Classroom

Hegde doesn’t just work in the forest – he brings it into the classroom.

Partnering with schools across Sirsi and Yellapur, he’s introduced nature-based learning modules that teach children:

• Native plant identification
• Soil and water conservation
• Forest folklore and local traditions
• Simple ecological monitoring techniques

He believes ecological literacy must start young—and stay rooted in the local context.

Writing for a Wider Audience

A regular contributor to Kannada media, Hegde writes about:

• Forest rights
• Sustainable agriculture
• Climate resilience
• Western Ghats history and culture

His 2007 CAM Agricultural Media Award recognized his skill in turning complex science into practical insights for everyday farmers.

Restoring Water, Reviving Hope

One of Hegde’s lesser-known contributions has been to water conservation. Working with community leaders, he has:

• Desilted ancient tanks and ponds
• Designed contour bunding models
• Revived seasonal streams
• Increased groundwater recharge

“Water is the thread that ties everything together,” he says. “Biodiversity, farming, even migration patterns.”

Sayimane: A Living Model

His home in Sayimane has become a learning lab for sustainable living:

• Solar-powered structures
• Permaculture gardens
• Seed banks for native crops
• Cow-based zero-budget farming
• Workshops for youth and farmers

Visitors include researchers, journalists, school groups, and curious villagers looking to replicate aspects of the model in their own homes.

A Legacy Growing From the Ground Up

Balachandra Hegde’s story is not one of overnight transformation – but of sustained, grassroots impact.

His legacy lies not in awards or headlines, but in the seeds he’s sown – in forests regrown, conflicts resolved, children inspired, and food systems made local again.

In a time of ecological crisis, his life reminds us: the future is not something we wait for. It’s something we grow, protect, and pass on.

Get Involved

Want to visit Sayimane? Support local farmers? Host a nature workshop at your school?

📩 Contact: balachandra.hegde@gmail.com
🌐 Website:
📘 Follow: linkedin/balachandra-hegde-344592175

This article is part of our “Voices from the Western Ghats” series. If you’d like to support grassroots conservation or feature similar changemakers, reach out to us.

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