Planet of a distant sun sighted
British astronomers have made the first "sighting" of a planet orbiting a distant sun. The discovery, a landmark in astronomy, makes the detailed study of extra-solar planets a practical possibility. By analysing the light they reflect from their parent stars, astronomers will be able to work out their composition and …
Eviction of forest land occupiers ordered
Sindh minister for forest and wild life, Iftikhar Soomro has directed the officials of the department to dislodge all the landgrabbers occupying forest lands. This should be done within the shortest possible time, he said during a briefing given to him by the chief conservator of forests, at the Miani …
Redwood activist ends 2-year perch, settles with logging firm
After living in an ancient redwood for two years, environmental activist Julia "Butterfly" Hill came down to earth today. The 25-year-old woman, who has lived in the tree since Dec. 10, 1997, to protest logging, reached an agreement Friday with Pacific Lumber Co. and promised to climb down from her …
Deforestation rate falls in tropics, says FAO report
Satellite-based surveys of global forest resources by the Food and Agricultural Organisation(FAO) indicate a marked slowdown in the rate of deforestation in the tropical countries. The survey based on 300 satellite images shows deforestation in the tropical countries was at least 10 per cent less in the past 10 years …
Baba Amte writes to President on Narmada
The renowned social activist Baba Amta has responded to the President, Mr. K.R. Narayan's Independence Day message saying his address will provide a new voice to the voiceless of this country and stir the conscience of the citizen-pilgrims of the entire nation as well as inspire the youth to consecrate …
Scorched Montana declared a disaster
Montana's governor declared his state a disaster area yesterday as huge wildfires continued to consume millions of hectares of forests and shrub land throughout the western United States in the worst fire season in 50 years.
Paper sector told to adopt green tech
Indian pulp and paper industry should adopt "green technology" and increase usage of non-forest based agro-residues and non-fibrous raw material, minister of state for environment and forest, Babulal Marandi, said here yesterday.
Pig cloned from skin cells
An international team of researchers has cloned a pig from foetal pig skin cells, opening up the possibility that genetically modified organs from these cloned animals could be used someday in human transplants."Xena" a female piglet clone, was created by Prof. Akira Onishi and colleagues by directly injecting genetic material …
Disaster to be declared as Montana fires rage
Choking wildfire smoke in southwestern Montana prompted more evacuations as the governor prepared to declare the US state a disaster area. More than 2,000 blazes have burned 457,000 acres statewide over the past two weeks.
Indonesia 'depends on illegal logging'
The Indonesian wood processing industry is dependent on illegal logging for more than 70 per cent of its consumption of domestic raw timber, casting doubt over the long-term visibility of one of the country's biggest non-oil export earners, according to UK-funded research.
Dhumal for review of timber policy
Mr P K Dhumal, Chief Minister, yesterday called for a consensus of the review of the timber distribution policy under which trees were allotted to right holders to check malpractices and conserve the depleting forest resources.
Brightest moon in 133 years on December 23
The millenium's last full moon on December 23 will be the brightest in 133 years. According to Bharat Adur, a senior scientists at the Nehru Centre at Mumbai, such a phenomenon last occurred on December 21, 1866.
Three Gujarat sites are toxic 'hotspots', says Greenpeace
Global eco-watchdog Greenpeace, has declared industrial estates at Ankleshwar, Nandesari and Vapi--on the famed Golden Corridor of Gujarat--as "toxic hotspots". Greenpeace activists on Wednesday organised a protest adjacent to the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) on the banks of the Damanganga on Wednesday.
Police-like prosecution powers for forest officers
In a significant move the Delhi environment ministry has decided to privide police-like prosecution powers to its district forest officers regarding violations of the Preservation of Trees Act. The Act, which came into effect in 1994, deals primarily with cutting of trees. Though violators can be fined and FIRs can …
Wildfires engulf more land in US
Wildfires raged across 13 western US States on Monday, as tiner-dry conditions and high winds kept whipping up more blazes, putting the total at 82 large wildfires, authorities said.
Melamchi project set to complete by 2006
Works are progressing satisfactorily to compete the much delayed Melamchi Drinking Water Supply Project by the end of 2006. Representatives of almost all the donor agencies are converging in Kathmandu to finalize the multi-million dollar project's crucial task-appraisal of grant and loan assistance.
In sharp focus
Bangalore was host to a unique workshop entitled 'Greening India' on Thursday. Among other issues, the workshop debated the draft report prepared by the Planning Commission's Task Force on Agro-forestry and Joint Forest Management.The Task Force's recommendation for bifurcation of the Union Environment & Forest Ministry should be viewed in …
SC to hear petition on September 17
The Supreme Court will hear on September 19 petitions urging the release of TADAS detinues in the States of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu demanded by sandalwood smuggler Veerappan - supported by the two State governemtns - and a cross petition by Abdul Kari,, the father of a Sub Inspector killed …
Graveyards causing deforestation in Terai
The practice of the people of Mongoloid stock to bury their dead in the forest has contributed to the process of deforestation in the forests of Terai (Nepal). Approximately 3 to 4 trees are destroyed to build one tomb.
