News for 'Forest Department'

Karnataka govt to pay Rs 80 lakh hotel bill of Modi's stay

Karnataka govt to pay Rs 80 lakh hotel bill of Modi's stay

Rediff.com27 May 2024

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Monday said the state government will pay the hospitality bill of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had come to Mysuru in April last year to commemorate 50 years of Project Tiger, which runs up to Rs 80 lakh.

Maha: 'Conflict tiger' that killed 13 people captured

Maha: 'Conflict tiger' that killed 13 people captured

Rediff.com13 Oct 2022

Generally, tigers that attack humans apart from circumstances like defending cubs or trying to save one's own life are referred to as conflict tigers.

'Chest measurement is outrageous'

'Chest measurement is outrageous'

Rediff.com31 Aug 2023

'It is a clear dent on a lady's dignity and right of privacy guaranteed under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India.'

Forests to use DNA fingerprinting for tiger census

Forests to use DNA fingerprinting for tiger census

Rediff.com2 Mar 2010

As the Karnataka forest department analyses the data gathered during the six-day tiger census conducted in the state in January, various wildlife organisations have chipped in to identify the population of the big cats based on DNA fingerprinting.

8 cheetahs to be brought to India from Africa's Botswana

8 cheetahs to be brought to India from Africa's Botswana

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

India is set to bring eight cheetahs from Botswana in two phases, with four arriving by May 2025. This follows the successful reintroduction of cheetahs to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, with the population now at 26, including 14 cubs born in India. The initiative aims to boost cheetah conservation efforts and create inter-state collaboration for their protection. The project has already seen significant investment, with over Rs 112 crore spent on cheetah rehabilitation.

10 trekkers killed in Theni forest fire

10 trekkers killed in Theni forest fire

Rediff.com12 Mar 2018

4 copters of the IAF and their 10 commandos are involved in the rescue operation.

From Forest Hut To Top UK College

From Forest Hut To Top UK College

Rediff.com28 Sep 2021

Hercules Singh Munda's father used to open the gates to a forest. Today, Hercules leaves for London to open the gates of his many dreams.

Three poachers killed by forest guards in encounter in Kaziranga Park

Three poachers killed by forest guards in encounter in Kaziranga Park

Rediff.com14 Jan 2015

Three poachers were on Wednesday killed in two encounters with forest guards in Kaziranga National Park in Assam. On a tip off about the entry of a group of poachers into the park, forest guards launched an operation in Burapahar Range, Divisional Forest Officer S K Sil Sarma said.

Shibu Soren cremated with state honors in native village

Shibu Soren cremated with state honors in native village

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, a towering figure in the state's tribal movement, was cremated with full state honors in his native village of Nemra. Thousands gathered to pay their respects to the 'Dishom Guru,' including political leaders and villagers.

After FIR, Himachal minister calls NHAI officials 'most corrupt'

After FIR, Himachal minister calls NHAI officials 'most corrupt'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Singh said that about 150 people including women and forest, revenue and other officials were present at the time of the incident, and if the officials were assaulted, "why are there no eyewitnesses".

Ex-bureaucrats seek Green Credits scheme withdrawal

Ex-bureaucrats seek Green Credits scheme withdrawal

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

A group of 91 retired bureaucrats has appealed to the Centre to withdraw the Green Credits programme, which they claimed may facilitate diversion of forest land to private entities. "Quick, smooth and easy diversion of our forest lands in favour of user agencies is apparently the sole intention of this set of Green Credits rules. "We urge the MOEFCC to recognise this danger and withdraw the Green Credits notification expeditiously," the group of former civil servants wrote in an open letter to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Kuno cheetah strays into nearby village

Kuno cheetah strays into nearby village

Rediff.com2 Apr 2023

Oban, one of the eight cheetahs brought from Namibia in September last year, strayed into the field near Baroda village, some 15-20 kilometres from KNP, from the free range area of the park into which he was released last month, Sheopur divisional forest officer (DFO) P K Verma told PTI.

MP: 35% quota for women in govt jobs; 50% in teaching

MP: 35% quota for women in govt jobs; 50% in teaching

Rediff.com5 Oct 2023

Madhya Pradesh government has issued a notification for providing 35 per cent reservation in recruitment to women, barring the Forest department in the state.

1 lakh trees to be felled for Kanwar route: UP govt tells NGT

1 lakh trees to be felled for Kanwar route: UP govt tells NGT

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

The National Green Tribunal has been informed by the Uttar Pradesh government's environment department that over 1.12 lakh trees will be felled in the protected forest area in the state to make way for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra route.

Missing Delhi elephant, found after 2 months

Missing Delhi elephant, found after 2 months

Rediff.com18 Sep 2019

The elephant, Laxmi, was traced to Yamuna Khadar area. Its mahout, Saddam, has been arrested

Navy, IAF deployed to fight Mhadei fires in Goa

Navy, IAF deployed to fight Mhadei fires in Goa

Rediff.com9 Mar 2023

The fires that have broken out in Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa are being kept under control through the joint efforts of the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and the forest department, state minister Vishwajit Rane said.

'Uttarakhand forest fires to be doused in 2 days'

'Uttarakhand forest fires to be doused in 2 days'

Rediff.com3 May 2016

Thousands of firemen, NDRF and IAF personnel along with forest officials are working together to douse the flames.

Akhilesh visits UP zoo with sarus' friend Arif, but...

Akhilesh visits UP zoo with sarus' friend Arif, but...

Rediff.com29 Mar 2023

The forest department officials have filed a case against Arif under relevant sections of the wildlife protection act and issued him a notice, asking him to appear and record his statement.

Former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren passes away

Former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren passes away

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Former Jharkhand chief minister Shibu Soren is on ventilator support in critical condition. Jharkhand Education Minister Ramdas Soren was airlifted to Delhi after suffering a brain stroke.

From CM's wife to Col Qureshi: Vijay Shah's trail of foul remarks

From CM's wife to Col Qureshi: Vijay Shah's trail of foul remarks

Rediff.com16 May 2025

For Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah, currently under fire for his comments aimed at Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, this is not the first time he has been embroiled in a controversy.

2 Indians killed, one abducted in terror attack in Niger

2 Indians killed, one abducted in terror attack in Niger

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

In a heinous terror attack, two Indians were killed while one was abducted in the Dosso region of Niger, as noted by the Indian Embassy in Niger.

Traders oppose changing Mount Abu's name to Aburaj Teerth

Traders oppose changing Mount Abu's name to Aburaj Teerth

Rediff.com6 May 2025

A proposal to change the name of Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station, to "Aburaj Teerth" and ban non-vegetarian food and alcohol consumption in public has sparked protests from local businesses, who fear severe economic consequences. They argue that the name change will cause confusion and the restrictions will drastically reduce tourist numbers, impacting livelihoods.

Assam flood toll rises to 58, more than 23 lakh affected

Assam flood toll rises to 58, more than 23 lakh affected

Rediff.com7 Jul 2024

Dhubri is the worst-hit district, followed by Cachar and Darrang.

Elvish Yadav grilled for 2 hrs; Venom glands missing in all snakes

Elvish Yadav grilled for 2 hrs; Venom glands missing in all snakes

Rediff.com8 Nov 2023

Youtuber Elvish Yadav was questioned by the Noida Police early Wednesday over suspected use of snake venom at a party, officials said, even as an investigation by the veterinary department found venom glands missing in all nine snakes that were rescued last week.

Blackbuck case: Forest officials framed me, says Salman Khan

Blackbuck case: Forest officials framed me, says Salman Khan

Rediff.com10 Mar 2016

Pleading his innocence, actor Salman Khan on Wednesday alleged that he has been framed by the forest officials as he recorded his statement in a Jodhpur court in an arms act case against him in connection with poaching of protected blackbucks at Kankani village in October, 1998.

Indore tourist likely killed with machete in Meghalaya; wife missing

Indore tourist likely killed with machete in Meghalaya; wife missing

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The couple arrived in Mawlakhiat village on May 22 on a rented scooter. They trekked over 3,000 steps down the gorge to visit the famous living root bridges in Nongriat village, where they stayed the night, according to police.

'Man-eater' tigress Avni killed in Maharashtra

'Man-eater' tigress Avni killed in Maharashtra

Rediff.com3 Nov 2018

The five-year-old tigress, known officially as T1, was the focus of a hunt for over past two months.

'Europe Loved Aranyer Din Ratri'

'Europe Loved Aranyer Din Ratri'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'I am glad Aranyer Din Ratri is being shown at Cannes.' 'The film was better appreciated outside India even when released originally.'

2-month-old cheetah cub 'Jwala' dies in Kuno; officials say was weak since birth

2-month-old cheetah cub 'Jwala' dies in Kuno; officials say was weak since birth

Rediff.com24 May 2023

Cheetah Jwala, earlier known as Siyaya, was brought from Namibia to KNP in Sheopur district in September 2022. She gave birth to four cubs in the last week of March this year.

Chh'garh cop killed in Maoist blast 2 days before daughter's birthday

Chh'garh cop killed in Maoist blast 2 days before daughter's birthday

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

He had promised his daughter that he would be there, come what may, a kin said. But fate had a different plan.

Assam's future at risk as Hindu-Muslim population balance eroding: Himanta

Assam's future at risk as Hindu-Muslim population balance eroding: Himanta

Rediff.com15 Aug 2024

The CM also said that to prevent the sale of land from the indigenous communities like tribals and Adivasis to others in undivided Goalpara district, a strong law will be brought.

Heavy rains lash Kerala, 1 killed in tree fall incident

Heavy rains lash Kerala, 1 killed in tree fall incident

Rediff.com25 May 2025

Intense rains lashed Kerala on Sunday, uprooting trees across the state, including one that fell on a moving train in Thrissur and another that caused a fatality in Kozhikode. Houses were damaged, rivers were in spate, and shutters of some dams were raised as the southwest monsoon gained strength. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) placed five northern districts - Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod - under a 'red alert' for the day, predicting extremely heavy rainfall there.

Priyanka Gandhi has assets worth Rs 12 cr; faces cheating case in MP

Priyanka Gandhi has assets worth Rs 12 cr; faces cheating case in MP

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

Her immovable assets are worth over Rs 7.74 crore, which includes two inherited half shares of agricultural land in Mehrauli area of New Delhi and a half share in a farmhouse building located therein, all of which together are now worth over Rs 2.10 crore.

Wildlife cameras installed in Corbett misused to surveil women

Wildlife cameras installed in Corbett misused to surveil women

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

A study published in the journal Environment and Planning F has revealed that cameras and drones originally intended for conservation activities in Corbett National Park are being misused by local government officials and men to surveil women without consent. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge, found that forest rangers intentionally flew drones over local women to scare them and prevent them from collecting natural resources, despite their legal right to do so. The researchers argue that these technologies, deployed under the guise of wildlife monitoring, are being used to intimidate and exert power over women, invading their privacy and altering their behavior in the forest. This has had a negative impact on women's mental health, with one woman interviewed for the study being killed in a tiger attack.

Himachal rain: 10 people stuck in boat in reservoir rescued

Himachal rain: 10 people stuck in boat in reservoir rescued

Rediff.com21 Aug 2023

A large number of logs had floated into the reservoir following heavy rains in the past few days and the five employees along with some locals had gone to take stock of the situation.

Forest offices, KFC outlet attacked by Maoists in Kerala

Forest offices, KFC outlet attacked by Maoists in Kerala

Rediff.com22 Dec 2014

Two weeks after Maoists and police exchanged fire in Wayanad, a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet and two offices of the Forest department were on Monday attacked by suspected Maoists in Palakkad and Wayanad districts.

5 crashes, zero action: Kedarnath's air safety crisis deepens

5 crashes, zero action: Kedarnath's air safety crisis deepens

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

The recent helicopter crash near Kedarnath, in which seven lives were lost, has proven yet again that aviation regulatory authorities have not learnt lessons from similar air mishaps in the challenging Kedar valley and have done little to improve flying conditions.

Govt sets up high-level 11-member panel to oversee cheetah project

Govt sets up high-level 11-member panel to oversee cheetah project

Rediff.com26 May 2023

The Centre has set up an 11-member high-level steering committee to review and monitor the progress of the cheetah reintroduction programme and provide suggestions on the opening of the cheetah habitat for eco-tourism.

Detained for Pahalgam attack, JK man jumps into river, drowns

Detained for Pahalgam attack, JK man jumps into river, drowns

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The body of a 22-year-old man was found in a river in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, sparking allegations that he was picked up by security forces for questioning after a terror attack. PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, National Conference Lok Sabha member Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, and Jammu and Kashmir Minister Sakina Ittoo have demanded a judicial probe into the death of Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray.

USAID funded 7 projects in India not related to voter turnout: Govt

USAID funded 7 projects in India not related to voter turnout: Govt

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

The Finance Ministry's annual report has revealed that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) funded seven projects worth USD 750 million in India during the 2023-24 fiscal year. The projects, implemented in partnership with the Indian government, cover areas like agriculture and food security, water and sanitation, renewable energy, disaster management, health, sustainable forests, and climate adaptation. This disclosure comes amidst controversy over USAID's alleged role in influencing Indian elections, with claims that the agency allocated USD 21 million to India for 'voter turnout'. However, the report clarifies that no funds were dedicated to enhancing voter turnout.