At a time when tiger deaths dominate national news, a new study offers hope for wild tiger populations across countries by showing that under optimal conditions, tiger numbers can triple in 18 sites across the world, including eight in India. These are Anamalai-Vazhachal (in Tamil Nadu-Kerala), Sathyamangalam (Tamil Nadu), Balaghat …
Read More »520 captive elephants in Kerala, reveals census
The Forest and Wildlife Department on Thursday conducted a State-wide census to enumerate the State’s captive elephant population. Over 520 elephants were counted. The final figures were yet to be ascertained. The survey was necessitated by an order issued by the Supreme Court that directed Chief Wildlife Wardens to identify …
Read More »In dusty villages, Pilot strikes the right notes
A convoy of cars announced the entry of Congress State president Sachin Pilot at Ganeti, a Jat-dominated village, near Tonk, around 4 p.m. Crowds of supporters surrounded his car, and Mr. Pilot was escorted into the village by security men, with the crowd following him as he hurriedly walked down …
Read More »New green norms to aid builders
The recent notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change allowing local bodies to stipulate environmental conditions while granting building permission will improve the launch pipeline and at the same time, help save time and cost for developers.As per the notification, municipalities, development authorities and district panchayats …
Read More »Farmers, tribals call off protest after State accepts demands
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday directed the State machinery to work on “mission mode” to solve the pending cases under the Forest Rights Act to extend justice to tribals and ensure farm land is given to them. The government has also agreed to review progress on these cases every …
Read More »Make elephant corridors eco-sensitive zones: NGT
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to consider declaring all elephant corridors in India as eco-sensitive zones. Following a plea that sought legal recognition for elephant reserves and corridors in the State of Assam, a Bench headed by NGT Chairperson …
Read More »Make elephant corridors eco-sensitive zones: NGT
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to consider declaring all elephant corridors in India as eco-sensitive zones. Following a plea that sought legal recognition for elephant reserves and corridors in the State of Assam, a Bench headed by NGT Chairperson …
Read More »Experts divided on rehabilitation of tigress Avni’s cubs
Too young to fend for themselves, the year-old siblings will have to be captured and studied before a decision on their relocation is taken Maharashtra is faced with the question of how to rehabilitate the two year-old cubs of Avni, the alleged man-eating tigress of Pandharkwada, who was killed on …
Read More »Ganga waterway project cleared
The IWAI contended that clearance was not necessary, as the proposed terminal at Varanasi was not a “port” and that only “maintenance dredging” was required. This activity was required to make an existing channel suitable, and was not a greenfield, dredging effort. Therefore, as per the provisions of the Environment …
Read More »Jumbo care! India gets its first dedicated elephant hospital
The result of a U.P. Forest Department and Wildlife SOS collaboration, the modern facility will treat treat injured, sick and geriatric elephants India’s elephants now have their first dedicated hospital near the Taj Mahal, complete with wireless digital X-Ray, laser treatment and dental X-ray facilities. The ‘jumbo’ hospital is the …
Read More »