Forest Dept. takes user-charge route
With the concept of 'eco-tourism' catching up fast, the cash-starved Forest department of Andhra Pradesh has decided to collect user-charges form people visiting tourist spots in protected areas and entry fee at wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the State.
Wildlife panel to inspect proposal to divert forests
The standing committee of Indian Board of Wildlife, headed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests Secretary Jayakrishana, is on a three day visit to Karnataka to inspect proposals for diversion of forest land.
700 hectares of forest destroyed in fire
About 700 hectares of forest land have been reduced to ashes in a devasting fire, which has broken out in a forest near the chingus area in Rajouri district of Jammu for the past 48 hours.
Taxi strike takes Mumbaites by surprise
Thousands of taxis in Mumbai stayed off the road in response to a strike call by the Shiv-Sena affiliated Mumbai Taxi Chalak-Malak Union to protest against a high court order restricting polluting cabs. The HC's orders had extended the deadline for taxis running on 137 D engines, a diesel model …
The govt.'s stumping Act
It seems ironical that ever since the Maharashtra Protection of Trees Act, 1975 was formulated, there have been no rules governing its implementation. Naturally, without fear of prosecution under a law largely believed to be insufficient, tree felling becomes rampant and bold.
' Avenue plantation can curb pollution '
If either HUDA or MCH can find a way for avenue plantation on a massive scale on either side of highly polluted roads at Abids and Ameerpet, the suspended particulate matter can be reduced by 25 to 30 per cent. This possibility has been substantiated by a research undertaken by …
HC prohibits felling of trees for erecting hoardings
The Bombay high court, directed that no more trees could be felled for the purposes of putting up hoardings in the city. In a continuation of its earlier order, the court also directed that no hoardings could be erected anywhere in the city till further orders.
Forest fires in Jammu
A forest fire, raging for the last three days in the hills of upper Bhatindi and Sunjwan on the outskirts of Jammu city, has damaged trees worth crores of rupees and is spreading to other areas in lower Shivalik Hills.
Depleting ground water fuels forest fires
One of the main reasons for the forest fires in the Capital has been the depleting levels of ground water, according to environment experts. "The green cover takes huge chunk of the underground water. The fires indicate that the moisture content in the trees and shrubs has gone down remarkably …
Ministry advocates timber recycling
Japan should introduce a recycling system to better utilize its forestry resources, the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry said in its annual forestry report. The fiscal 2001 report suggests a recycling system be set up so that forest resources can be used for houses and public facilities and scrap wood …
Kerala forest under siege
Encroachment of tropical rain forests in Kerala State had become rampant, allegedly with the backing of those wielding power, with complete disregard for the environmental importance of these forests. Large-scale felling of old and high value trees has been going on in the renowned 'shola' forest. Deforestation and forcible occupation …
4 crores trees to green Haryana
To keep Haryana green and pollution free the government has decided to plant more than 4 crore trees during the current financial year. This was stated by the Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. D S Dhesi, while speaking in a programme organised on the World Earth Day.
Mayor goes green: One plant for one house
The Bangalore City Corporation (BCC) will take up a greenery programme by July-end to plant saplings before each household in all localities of the city, said Bangalore City Mayor K Chandrashekhar. Under the programme, every household will be given the responsibility of nurturing a plant. He said that the programme …
Assam police launches 'Green Earth' project
Notwithstanding the tremendous pressure of keeping law and order in this insurgency-hit State, Assam Police has committed itself to a unique project called "Green Earth" aimed at enhancing the green cover in the State. The Minister of State for Home Pradyut Bordoloi today informed that under the "Green Earth" project, …
Wildfire heading towards Bajalta forest ; Eco task force pressed into service
Notwithstanding the tall claims of authorities concerned, the fire continued to spread towards outskirts of Bajalta and other adjoining forest areas while three houses of gujjars were reduced to ashes in the forest area between Sidhra and Bathindi in Jammu. Sources informed that though personnel of Fire Services Department have …
Small farmers will be actively involved : CM
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, today assured the Assembly that small and medium farmers would be actively involved in the 'ambitious' wasteland development programme.
Trees on 400,000 acres chopped
Deforestation is one of the main causes of soil erosion, environmental pollution, and a threat to the lives and property of the inhabitants living on the earth. This was observed at a seminar held in Badin (Pakistan) at the auditorium hall to mark the Earth Day.
Raging forest fires
The devasting fires that broke out in different parts of the Shivalik Hill ranges in Jammu city, Samba, Kathua and Hiranagar are a matter of serious concern for all those who value forest cover as necessary for survival of human civilisation....Editorial
Mani admits forest encroachment
The Revenue Minister, K. M. Mani, today hinted at a massive reorganisation of the revenue and forest officials in Idukki district of Kerala for what he termed "dereliction of duty " which resulted in the systematic encroachment of the virgin cholai forest at Mathikettan Mala. Speaking to press persons after …
