Crores spent over watershed mission
The national watershed programme in Indore division is practically nonexistent. Two years have been completed since it was first implemented and yet, the watershed programme has fallen far shortof expectations. Nearly 47 mini watershed projects have been undertaken in the entire division, but , people's participation is practically nil in …
3-day expert meeting on forest policy improvement
Forest experts are meeting in New Delhi for a three-day international conference from April 19 to review the working of the Indian forest policy and suggest improvements. The conference is being organised by the Indian branch of the Commonwealth Forestry Association.
Tuckey lashes states as protesters halt logging
Protesters closed down a logging operation near Lorne yesterday as tensions in the Otway Ranges reignited over clear-felling of forests in water catchment areas. The latest clash came as federal Forestry Minister Wilson Tuckey said state governments weren't doing enough to stop protesters disrupting logging operations around Australia.
Auto industry sets timetable to implement Euro norms
The automotive industry has set a timetable to implement future emission norms in the country. The auto industry body, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, has submitted this proposal to the government suggesting an implementation plan for emission norm--Euro-II, Euro-III and Euro-IV-- in a phased-manner that would be completed by 2008 …
Rain forests discovered in Assam
If environmentalist Saumyadeep Dutta has his way, two rain forests, Assam and Kerala's, will soon figure on India's ecological map. Dutta supported by an NGO, Ashoka, has discovered a 500 sq km stretch of rain forest in Assam which spills into Arunachal Pradesh.
India, Nepal conclude water talks
Nepal and India on Tuesday concluded three-day water talks with an agreement to build an embankment to protect Nepalese villagers from floods by an Indian dam, officials said.
Forest diseases sound alarm bells
The large-scale appearance of forest diseases in Himachal Pradesh has sounded the alarm bells for the dwindling forest resources of the state which are already under strain due to the increasing pressure of population.
UK Government takes leading stance in tackling illegal logging worldwide
In a move which Greenpeace said would send shockwaves through the timber and construction industries, the UK Government has announced new ethical measures for the procurement of timber. In a House of Commons announcement on 28 July, Environment Minister Michael Meacher announced a new showcase initiative to combat illegal logging, …
Power from waste gases
DaimlerChrysler Corporation is tapping waste gases from the decomposition of landfill trash to provide power for its St. Louis, Missouri, Assembly Plant. Two of the plant's four boilers are modified. The boilers produce steam that is used for process heating, especially in the paint shop, and for space heating.
Sandalwood trees may become a thing of past very soon
Thanks to Veerappan, sandalwood is all set to say goodbye to its tortured existence in India. The rarest of rare species of sandalwood which can be found only in southern Karnataka and the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu - areas where Veerappan rules - are being chooped with such zeal that …
HM pins hopes on CNG-run vehicles
Hindustan Motors Ltd has embarked upon a programme aimed at making all Ambassador models Euro-II compliant within a pre-determined timeframe. According to the director's report for 1999-2000, production of vehicles that run on compressed natural gas(CNG) has already started.
New irrigation water system for Coimbatore, Erode
In a pioneering attempt to improve ground water availability in some of the most water deficient areas in contiguous Coimbatore and Erode districts, in Tamil Nadu, where water for irrigation is suplied only once in two years by turn, an 'alternate sluices' system is being launched shortly.
Forest fires in western US cause anxiety
A spate of new forest fires ignited by "dry strikes" of lightning went roaring across sections of the western United States on Wednesday as armies of firefighters battled to keep the blazes in check.
USA looks to Mexico to put out wild fires
US officials have said they may ask Australia and Mexico to help fight record wild fires in west USA, where more than 32 fires exceeding 1,000 acres in size are burning and the situation is expected to worsen.
Missing the wood for the trees
What's a forest without people, ask the tribals of Jashpur district in Madhya Pradesh, as they are asked to move out in the name of developing a sanctuary.
Reward for Himachal forest protection
The Himachal Government has decided to give 25 per cent of the value of illicit timber seized as rewards under the "reward scheme" to persons giving credible information about loss of forest wealth, a top enforcement official of the State said.
Need for cell to protect biodiversity
Mr M K Sharma, Director-General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education(ICFRE) in Dehra Dun, and president of the Indian Forest Service Association, advocates the establishment of a cell within the Prime Minsiter's Office or the Union Ministry for Environment and Forests to analyse, visualise and supervise implementation …
