ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST DEPARTMENT
The worrying changes in India’s monsoon patterns have implications for everything from agriculture to health
Take Maharashtra, 80% of which is rainfed. In areas such as Vidarbha and Marathwada, the onset of monsoon is now late. After a small pickup in July, there is a break in rainfall in August, lasting up to three-four weeks during the fruit formation phase. The wet spell starts again in September and continues well into October, when it should be dry. This isn't limited to Maharashtra. Several critical areas considered the breadbasket of India—Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh—are witnessing the same pattern.
"Delhi Govt takes firm stand," says Environment Ministry after SC reprimands over illegal trees cut
After the Supreme Court reprimanded the Delhi government for the illegal felling of 1,100 trees in South Delhi's Reserve Forest Area without permission, Environment Minister Gopal Rai demanded an urgent report from the Forest Department. An NGO's petition highlighted the unauthorized tree cutting by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), which only sought permission post facto. The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Delhi government, demanding explanations for permitting the tree felling and for the Forest Department's inaction.
SC directs Delhi govt, civic agencies to convene meet to discuss ways to increase city's green cover
The Supreme Court closely monitors tree felling in Delhi, demanding accountability and tree planting for unauthorized actions, emphasizing the need to protect the city's green cover.
HM Amit Shah suggests creation of large ponds in northeast, use of ISRO data for flood control
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has proposed the creation of at least 50 large ponds in the northeast to divert water from the Brahmaputra River, aiming to help tackle floods and develop agriculture, irrigation, and tourism. He also highlighted the importance of using satellite imagery provided by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for flood and water management. Shah also highlighted the need to upgrade the forecast system of river water levels for better flood management.
Karnataka forest minister halts leasing of forest land for iron ore mining in Sandur
Karnataka's Minister of Environment has halted the handover of a forest area to a mining company, citing concerns over the felling of over 99,000 trees and potential environmental damage. The decision comes after Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy approved mining in the area. Social activists have raised objections, highlighting the risk of soil erosion and flooding. The mining company has faced allegations of violating forest rules in the past. The minister's directive aims to prevent further environmental degradation and has sparked a campaign against mining on social media.
Assam CM holds flood preparedness meeting at Kaziranga, 3 new commando battalions deployed
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma convened a meeting at Kaziranga to ensure the safety of animals, especially during the flood season. He deployed three new commando battalions to prevent animal accidents and poaching. Additionally, around 600 personnel from a new forest battalion will be deployed. Sarma also addressed the loss of land due to river water flow and announced the formation of a joint task force to study and recommend solutions for soil erosion. To enhance vigilance, 20 marine engine boats will be used, and a commando battalion will be stationed in Bura Chapori.
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Heavyweights to do the Heavy Lifting in Round 3
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reappointed key members of his previous administration, including the Big Four cabinet members of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) such as Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, and S Jaishankar.
India equals China as Bihar's Nagi and Nakti bird sanctuaries added to Ramsar list
Two wetlands in Bihar, Nagi and Nakti Bird Sanctuaries, have been added to the global list of wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, boosting bird conservation efforts. A Ramsar site is a wetland site designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, also known as The Convention on Wetlands, an international environmental treaty signed on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, under the auspices of UNESCO.
Cyclone Remal to make landfall tonight with 135 kmph winds, coastal areas of Bengal and Bangladesh on high alert
Cyclone Remal, the first pre-monsoon cyclone in the Bay of Bengal this season, is expected to make landfall between the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted extremely heavy rainfall and issued alerts for several districts. Precautionary measures are being taken, including the suspension of airport and port operations, and fishermen have been advised to stay away from the area. Authorities are on high alert, and people in the affected areas are urged to stay indoors and safe.
Climate change hardly a burning issue for Indian voters
Unprecedented climate change disasters are impacting India, but political parties and voters are largely overlooking the issue during the elections. Only regional party DMK has concrete climate change plans. In contrast, Europe prioritizes climate action in elections. Indian voters are more focused on traditional issues like unemployment and inflation.
Inside Buxa Reserve, voters relocate for tiger conservation efforts
Two polling stations nestled deep within West Bengal's Buxa Tiger Reserve are slated to hold their final elections on April 19 before being decommissioned, as their relocated voters will return to their former villages to cast their votes. In March, 242 households from Gangutia and Bhutia Basti were relocated from the primary forest zone to make way for tigers, resettling in Bono Chhaya near Bhatpara Tea Garden in Kalchini, while still maintaining their voting status at the forest polling stations.
Nepal Army to collect 10 tonnes of garbage from Mt. Everest
The expedition, to be flagged off by Nepal Army chief Gen. Prabhuram Sharma here on April 11, will bring at least 10 tonnes of garbage and five dead bodies of climbers lying unattended in the mountain, Nepal Army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Krishna Prasad Bhandari said.
iFOREST study reveals Assam's surging renewable energy potential, surpassing prior assessments by govt agencies
The reassessed RE potential is adequate to support a low-carbon pathway to meet the state's growing electricity demand. While an increased commitment to RE projects is already visible in the state, there are limitations to growth that need to be addressed through policy tightening and institutional capacity building.
Nitish Kumar distributes portfolios, retains Home, General Administration departments
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar allocates portfolios to NDA ministers; retains Home and General Administration, Samrat Chaudhary gets Finance and Commercial, Vijay Sinha gets Road Construction, Mines and Geology, and Art & Culture. The cabinet expansion comes less than two months after the ministry was formed, with 21 new ministers joining, bringing the total to 30, six below the constitutional limit of 36 for the state.
Lamphelpat waterbody project: A majestic lake in Manipur undergoes remarkable revival
The Lamphelpat Waterbody Project in Manipur aims to develop flood risk management, water security, and socio-cultural, economic, and environmental benefits. Wetland conservation is crucial due to the decline of wetlands in the state caused by transportation of eroded soil, siltation, encroachment, urban waste dumping, and climate change. Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance.
AIIMS Kalyani has no environmental clearance: Bengal PCB says ahead of inauguration by PM
AIIMS Kalyani lacks environmental clearance and faces penalty. It applied for exemption, but state government lacks authority. PM to virtually dedicate AIIMS hospitals. Governor, Union AYUSH Minister, union ministers to present. Construction started before clearance obtained. WBPCB filed case. AIIMS Kalyani OPD operational since 2019.
Gujarat government spent more than Rs 277 cr on lion conservation in two years
The state government has spent Rs 277.93 crore on lion conservation in 2022 and 2023, the minister said, responding to questions by Congress MLAs during the Question Hour of the ongoing budget session of the assembly here. During this period, 238 lions, including cubs, died in different parts of Gujarat. Of these, 209 lions succumbed to natural causes, while 29 deaths were due to unnatural reasons such as big cats getting hit by vehicles or falling into open wells, he said in a written reply.
PSUs in coal sector brought 18,849 hectares under green cover in last 10 years: Govt
The coal public sector units have identified about 3,075 hectares of afforested non-forest de-coaled land suitable for Accredited Compensatory Afforestation (ACA). Government has said that the public sector units operating in the coal sector have brought 18,849 hectares under green cover in the last 10 years by planting 42.3 million saplings, the government on Monday said.
Project Cheetah in India completes one year with highs and lows
India's ambitious project Cheetah on Sunday completed one year after the first batch of eight Namibian cheetahs was released in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park (KNP) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday on September 17, 2022.
Delhi govt launches portal to empower citizens to protect forests, wildlife
The Delhi Environment and Forest Minister has launched a portal to increase public awareness about protected forest and wildlife sanctuary areas. The portal, evanlekh.eforest.delhi.gov.in, provides information on various aspects such as protected forest areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and administrative boundaries. It aims to empower citizens and enhance the ease of doing business and living in Delhi.
Kuno cheetah deaths: Another cheetah succumbs at Madhya Pradesh's National Park
One more Cheetah has died at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, making it the sixth adult feline to have died since March, according to a statement from the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department on Wednesday. The continuous deaths of cheetah's in Indian started with a female cheetah's death named Sasha on March 27 due to kidney ailment.
Important roads, hotels linked to G20 meet being revamped under Delhi LG's monitoring: Raj Niwas
Sixty one important roads and twenty-three hotels associated with the G20 summit are being monitored by Delhi LG VK Saxena for their upkeep and revamp, Raj Niwas said on Monday. The recent rains and flooding had slowed down the progress of work and also caused substantial damage to revamp, especially in the central district along Ring Road/Yamuna and the Samadhi Complex, officials said.
Bihar's Valmiki Tiger Reserve records 75% rise in tiger population
The VTR occupies a core area of 909.86 sqkm of Valmiki Sanctuary located in West Champaran district. The VTR was established as the 18th tiger reserve in 1990 and ranked fourth in density of tiger population. Rivers Gandak and Masan flow through this area. Gandak river, with the Himalayan Mountain Range as a backdrop, offers breathtaking views and a haven for photographers.
Mass afforestation drive in Bengal: White and red sandalwood trees planted along Red Road
Over the past decade, the forest area has witnessed an increase from 17.2% in 2011 to 21.6% in 2021. Additionally, the forest protected area network has risen from 4.5% to 5.2% of the state's geographical area. As part of ongoing conservation efforts, the state government secured a Rs 650-crore agreement under JICA assistance for forest and biodiversity conservation.
Assam-Meghalaya border issue: High-level meeting between officials held
Assam's Minister for Forest and Environment, Chandra Mohan Patowary, and Meghalaya's Deputy Chief Minister, Sniawbhalang Dar, held a meeting in Umkiang regarding the border issue between the Cachar and East Jaintia Hills districts of the two states. The meeting aimed to resolve the border dispute.
No 'quick nod' for mobile towers to impact projects in remote areas
The FAC has held that this was not 'tenable' as the special dispensation was only for public utility projects implemented by a government department and setting up of mobile towers is a 'commercial' activity, as per the minutes of the FAC meeting.
Apex forest approvals panel calls for end to blanket green nod for critical projects
The apex forest approvals panel has shot down repeated requests from several states and ministries, including the Home Ministry, to extend the faster special forest clearance given earlier to more than 15 categories of public utility projects- including strategic infrastructure ones in border and Left Wing hit areas.
Home Ministry cancels LIFE's Foreign Contribution Registration Act (FCRA) licence
The Union home ministry has cancelled the Foreign Contribution Registration Act (FCRA) licence of environmental lawyer Ritwick Dutta's non-governmental organisation Legal Initiative for Forest and Environment (LIFE) after the licence remained suspended for 180 days.
Will provide plants for free at people's doorstep to improve Delhi's green cover: Gopal Rai
According to the latest India State of Forest Report, Delhi's green cover has increased from 21.88 per cent to 23.06 per cent of its geographical area. However, Gopal Rai said the government is planning alternative models such as urban farming to improve the green cover as Delhi will hit the saturation point at some point.
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