News for 'Forest Survey of India'

Modi govt 'nearly signed death warrant' for Aravalli Hills: Sonia Gandhi

Modi govt 'nearly signed death warrant' for Aravalli Hills: Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Sonia Gandhi criticizes the Modi government's environmental policies, claiming they endanger the Aravalli hills and disregard environmental protection.

New GDP series to improve informal sector estimates

New GDP series to improve informal sector estimates

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

India's new national accounts will leverage new data sources and surveys to enhance the measurement of the country's informal economy, and introduce double deflation methods across sectors, replacing the current system that relies on a single deflation mechanism in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) calculations.

'90% of Aravalli region...': Govt dismisses 'relaxation' claim

'90% of Aravalli region...': Govt dismisses 'relaxation' claim

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

The Centre has rejected claims that the new definition of the Aravalli range will allow large-scale mining, asserting that 90 per cent of the region will remain protected and citing a Supreme Court-ordered freeze on new mining leases.

'Thar Desert Will Reach Delhi Soon'

'Thar Desert Will Reach Delhi Soon'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

'The natural barrier that is Aravalli, you are demolishing it, then who will stop the desert?' 'In future, I predict that people will roam around with oxygen cylinders in Delhi because they won't be able to breathe.'

Jharkhand seeks Centre's nod to bring 50 bison from MP for PTR

Jharkhand seeks Centre's nod to bring 50 bison from MP for PTR

Rediff.com26 Oct 2025

Jharkhand's Palamau Tiger Reserve seeks permission to import bison from Madhya Pradesh to address dwindling population.

Shivneri, Raigad among 12 Maratha forts earn UNESCO World Heritage tag

Shivneri, Raigad among 12 Maratha forts earn UNESCO World Heritage tag

Rediff.com12 Jul 2025

The 'Maratha Military Landscapes', representing the Maratha rulers' fortification and military system, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking India's 44th property to receive this recognition.

India needs to end reliance on China for critical minerals: Survey

India needs to end reliance on China for critical minerals: Survey

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

India needs to recognise and address challenges posed by its dependence on China for critical minerals and examine the implications of phasing down coal on bank balance sheets as it accelerates its green transition, the government's Economic Survey 2023-24 tabled in Parliament on Monday said. As part of its national plan to contribute to meeting the global goal of limiting the average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, India has committed to reducing emissions by 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, achieving 50 per cent cumulative electric installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources, and creating a carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 gigatons of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover.

Armed With Just A Laptop, This Teen Founded Skillzo

Armed With Just A Laptop, This Teen Founded Skillzo

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

Adarsh Kumar, the son of a farmer and a Class 12 student from rural Bihar, is on a mission to build one of India's largest free skill development movements, powered only with a laptop, free Internet and his relentless determination.

Ex-IFS officers urge PM to drop Aravalli safari project

Ex-IFS officers urge PM to drop Aravalli safari project

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

A group of retired forest officers has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding the immediate scrapping of the 10,000-acre safari project in Haryana's Aravallis, arguing that it will harm the environment and wildlife. They highlight the "alarming destruction" of the Aravallis due to mining, quarrying, real estate development, and deforestation, and warn that the project could disturb aquifers crucial for water-starved districts. The retired officers also emphasize the importance of protecting the Aravallis, which is the only significant forest cover in Haryana, for its role in restoring humidity and rainfall in the region.

CJI Khanna recuses himself from hearing pleas on Delhi Ridge tree felling

CJI Khanna recuses himself from hearing pleas on Delhi Ridge tree felling

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has recused himself from hearing pleas related to the alleged illegal felling of hundreds of trees in the Delhi Ridge area. The decision comes after a previous bench, led by former CJI D Y Chandrachud, sought a personal affidavit from Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena in the case, which also sought contempt proceedings against certain DDA officials. CJI Khanna stated that his prior involvement with the Delhi LG while serving as the NALSA chairman would make it inappropriate for him to hear the plea. The bench has ordered the listing of the pleas before a different bench starting November 27.

LS okays bill to set up zoos, safaris and eco-tourism in forests

LS okays bill to set up zoos, safaris and eco-tourism in forests

Rediff.com26 Jul 2023

Forest land that will also be exempted includes land situated within 100 km along the international borders, Line of Control, or Line of Actual Control, proposed to be used for construction of strategic linear projects for national importance or security.

Mood on the ground in Kashmir is against perpetrators

Mood on the ground in Kashmir is against perpetrators

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

The dastardly dimensions of the attack are gradually sinking in even as the Government of India announced its immediate diplomatic and other retaliatory measures. It is generally expected to be followed up with punitive military action across the LoC, sooner than later, observes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

No govt deadline to implement long pending forest policy

No govt deadline to implement long pending forest policy

Rediff.com3 Apr 2017

The fact that the government has no specific deadline to impose this policy was revealed through a response to an RTI application in February 2017.

Ploughing his field, UP farmer finds swords, rifles used in 1857 rebellion

Ploughing his field, UP farmer finds swords, rifles used in 1857 rebellion

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

A host of weapons, possibly used during the rebellion of 1857, was found by a farmer while working in his field in the district, an official said on Friday.

How dense is the forest cover in your neck of the woods? Take a look

How dense is the forest cover in your neck of the woods? Take a look

Rediff.com18 Mar 2015

Take a look at the map to see just how green is your area?

Govt defends Great Nicobar project amid criticism, cites national interest

Govt defends Great Nicobar project amid criticism, cites national interest

Rediff.com26 Aug 2024

The central government's Great Nicobar development project, proposed around an unprecedented transhipment port, will be executed to keep environmental impact minimal, and is essential as it is of national importance, the government has said amid calls to abort the controversial project due to ecological concerns, the Centre said in an official statement.

How Will Tribals Vote In Jharkhand?

How Will Tribals Vote In Jharkhand?

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

'I don't believe there is an international conspiracy to swamp tribals in India or in Jharkhand.'

Tibet earthquake: Rescuers race against time to find survivors

Tibet earthquake: Rescuers race against time to find survivors

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Local officials said no casualties have been reported due to Wednesday's quake that hit the Madoi County in Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province of northwest China at 3:44 pm (Beijing time), tremors for which were also felt in north-eastern Nepal.

What Star Rating Does Your AC Have?

What Star Rating Does Your AC Have?

Rediff.com18 Jun 2024

Since 2008, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency is running a star rating programme, under which electric equipment are rated according to their efficiency. This in turn helps the consumers save electricity.

Kathua ambush: 2 terrorists hit during search ops, NIA roped in

Kathua ambush: 2 terrorists hit during search ops, NIA roped in

Rediff.com9 Jul 2024

Security forces tightened their cordon around a forest area in the higher reaches of Doda district on Tuesday evening following an encounter with hiding terrorists, officials said.

Restoring India's Botanic Heritage

Restoring India's Botanic Heritage

Rediff.com21 Mar 2024

With over 3,000 species of plants, 26 interconnected lakes and the 250-year-old Great Banyan Tree -- the largest in the world -- the Indian Botanic Garden is a veritable treasure, discovers Payal Singh Mohanka.

'Wayanad Is A Man-Made Tragedy'

'Wayanad Is A Man-Made Tragedy'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2024

'It was specifically mentioned in the Gadgil Committee report that this particular area where the colossal landside happened now should be in the Environmentally Sensitive Area under Zone 1.' 'Zone 1 is the most important and ecologically sensitive area, and that it has to be protected entirely.' 'At least 90% of the Wayanad disaster is man-made.'

'Even If We Have To Die, We Won't Let This Port Come Up'

'Even If We Have To Die, We Won't Let This Port Come Up'

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

'Modi knows the people here are opposed to this project, but he is using the might of government to push this port down our throats.'

MP's Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary to emerge as cheetah's second home in India

MP's Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary to emerge as cheetah's second home in India

Rediff.com25 Jan 2024

An official said that a South African delegation will visit India in February for an assessment of the preparations at the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.

First-ever revenue survey in Naxal-hit Abujhmad begins

First-ever revenue survey in Naxal-hit Abujhmad begins

Rediff.com30 Apr 2017

The survey will benefit a population of at least 35,000, mainly tribals, to get patta (title deed) for the land they were possessing.

'If Manipur's unity is affected, India's unity gets affected'

'If Manipur's unity is affected, India's unity gets affected'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2023

'If Manipur is divided on ethnic lines, similar demands will come in other states also.'

Kaziranga: Survey finds sizeable tiger population

Kaziranga: Survey finds sizeable tiger population

Rediff.com18 Feb 2009

There is good news for activists fighting to save the dwindling population of tigers in India. A sample survey in Kaziranga National Park in Assam, which is being carried out by the conservation group Aaranyak under the aegis of the Assam Forest and Wildlife Department, has indicated that a sizeable tiger population has survived in the sprawling wildlife sanctuary.The recent deaths of ten tigers in Kaziranga had alarmed the authorities.

10 Overrated Indian Destinations

10 Overrated Indian Destinations

Rediff.com14 Jun 2024

Popular doesn't always mean best. Here's why.

Assam's eviction drive ends, 1900 hectare land freed; Oppn calls it illegal

Assam's eviction drive ends, 1900 hectare land freed; Oppn calls it illegal

Rediff.com17 Feb 2023

Though the legislator of Rupohihat, Nurul Huda, stopped the drive in Sitalmari area of Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary for a while claiming it was illegal, the exercise resumed later, a senior official said.

The Last Indian Villages On Tibet Border

The Last Indian Villages On Tibet Border

Rediff.com23 May 2024

'It is a breathtaking journey towards the Tibet border, especially since the Border Road Organisation has accomplished a fabulous feat in black-topping the road till the border.' 'One is left with a salute for the dauntless Indian soldiers who spend the winter in these majestic, though inhospitable areas (we were told that the temperature comes down to minus 40 in winter),' recounts Claude Arpi.

These Scientists Shaped India

These Scientists Shaped India

Rediff.com15 Aug 2023

I suggest we build a Vigyan Mandir (Temple of Science) with the ambience of a place of worship, so that it becomes a destination for pilgrims. We should embed on its walls bronze plaques describing each scientist mentioned here along with about a dozen of our ancient mathematicians, recommends Professor Kalyan Singhal, historian of science and technology.

Surveys give majority to Congress in Rajasthan, edge in MP

Surveys give majority to Congress in Rajasthan, edge in MP

Rediff.com9 Nov 2018

In Madhya Pradesh, the C-Voter poll projections gave the BJP 107 seats with a vote share of 41.5 per cent, against Congress' vote share of 42.3 per cent and a simple majority of 116 seats.

20 'smugglers' shot dead in Andhra forests, Tamil Nadu seeks probe

20 'smugglers' shot dead in Andhra forests, Tamil Nadu seeks probe

Rediff.com7 Apr 2015

Twenty people were gunned down in Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district in a police operation said to be against red sanders smugglers that came under severe attack from the government and political parties in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, which claimed 12 victims were labourers from their state.

NGO Centre for Policy Research barred from receiving foreign funds

NGO Centre for Policy Research barred from receiving foreign funds

Rediff.com1 Mar 2023

The ministry of home affairs has suspended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence of prominent public think-tank Centre for Policy Research (CPR) over violation of laws, officials said on Thursday.

Finding 12 Lifers in Mizoram

Finding 12 Lifers in Mizoram

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

Looking for Treasures From Mizoram to embrace through 2024 and beyond.

As govt eyes forest land, Mumbai's tribals faced with move to dingy flats

As govt eyes forest land, Mumbai's tribals faced with move to dingy flats

Rediff.com24 Apr 2018

With the Maharashtra government doling out pieces of the lush green Aarey forest to various utilities, the tribals living in it for generations are feeling increasingly insecure. Hepzi Anthony reports.

Dismantling environmental laws, endangering India

Dismantling environmental laws, endangering India

Rediff.com16 Feb 2015

India loses 333 acres of prime forest every day. Instead of working to conserve India's forests and water resources, the environment minister has set up a committee to 'dismantle' the five key laws that provide environmental protection.

Post-cyclone rains, flood threat affect lakhs in eastern India

Post-cyclone rains, flood threat affect lakhs in eastern India

Rediff.com28 May 2021

A day after Cyclone Yaas tore through coastal Odisha and Bengal to cause havoc as far as Jharkhand, tornadoes, torrential rains, bridge collapses and swelling rivers continued to plague eastern India as people tried to pick up their lives amid the debris of swept away mud homes and swamped farmlands.

Who Will Mine The Lithium Reserves?

Who Will Mine The Lithium Reserves?

Rediff.com3 Mar 2023

Faced with one setback after another in expanding the scope of mining in the country, almost all the major miners of the world have wound down their operations in India.

Economic Survey: National Solar Mission scaled up 5-fold to 100,000 MW

Economic Survey: National Solar Mission scaled up 5-fold to 100,000 MW

Rediff.com27 Feb 2015

2015 is going to witness new agreements on climate change.