News for 'Ministry of Environment and Forest'

'Dr Gadgil Understood Environment's Impact On Mankind's Future'

'Dr Gadgil Understood Environment's Impact On Mankind's Future'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

'His report created a lot of negative reaction in Kerala and in a way, he was crucified for writing such a report.' 'I asked him, "Don't you feel frustrated?"' 'His reply was, "Have you read Bhagavad Gita Chapter2"?' 'He particularly mentioned verse 47, where Sri Krishna tells Arjuna, "Your duty is to work without thinking of the fruits you get".' "He said, "similarly, my duty was to do what best I could do without hoping for any rewards".'

No one can 'touch' Aravalli, says SC; puts jungle safari project on hold

No one can 'touch' Aravalli, says SC; puts jungle safari project on hold

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has halted Haryana's jungle safari project in the Aravalli range until experts clarify the definition of 'Aravalli range,' citing concerns about environmental protection and potential damage to the eco-fragile area.

Delhi zoo faces allegations of negligence in jackal's death

Delhi zoo faces allegations of negligence in jackal's death

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The National Zoological Park (NZP) in Delhi is facing allegations from its workers' union regarding the death of a jackal. The union claims the animal suffocated inside a bear den after staff used chili powder and fire to force it out. The incident has sparked calls for an independent inquiry and raised concerns about animal welfare protocols at the zoo.

'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.

Suspected Nipah virus cases detected in Bengal; 2 nurses critical

Suspected Nipah virus cases detected in Bengal; 2 nurses critical

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Two suspected cases of Nipah virus have been detected in West Bengal, prompting a national outbreak response team to be deployed. The central government is providing full support to the state.

Judge dissents as CJI-led bench recalls pro-green order

Judge dissents as CJI-led bench recalls pro-green order

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court, in a 2:1 majority, has recalled its previous judgment prohibiting the Centre from granting retrospective environmental clearances to projects violating environmental norms, paving the way for reconsideration of the issue.

SC to hear on Monday Aravalli Hills definition issue amid row

SC to hear on Monday Aravalli Hills definition issue amid row

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the controversy surrounding the definition of Aravalli hills and is scheduled to hear the matter. The court had previously accepted a uniform definition and banned fresh mining leases in the area.

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.

Aravalli definition on hold as SC orders expert review

Aravalli definition on hold as SC orders expert review

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has kept in abeyance its previous verdict on the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges and proposed a high-powered committee to examine the issue.

'Illegal felling of trees': SC takes note of landslides, floods

'Illegal felling of trees': SC takes note of landslides, floods

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

A bench of Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran also issued notices to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI) as well as the governments of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

Lifestyle for environment likely to become national mission

Lifestyle for environment likely to become national mission

Rediff.com30 May 2025

Currently, the NAPCC has eight active missions across sectors like water, energy, and agriculture, aimed at addressing climate change.

'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.'

Direct schools not to hold sports events: SC to CAQM

Direct schools not to hold sports events: SC to CAQM

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider directing schools in Delhi-NCR to postpone open air sports competitions planned in November and December to 'safer months' keeping in mind air pollution levels.

What India Plans to Focus On At COP30 Summit in Brazil

What India Plans to Focus On At COP30 Summit in Brazil

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

'At COP30, the emphasis will be on unlocking climate finance, reinforcing the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and building resilience through inclusive transitions and the mainstreaming of adaptation.'

Siddaramaiah reveals why he met Modi in Delhi

Siddaramaiah reveals why he met Modi in Delhi

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and insisted on demands pertaining to the state, including on Fair Recovery Price of sugarcane, All India Institute of Medical Sciences for Raichur, the release of flood relief among others.

SC Nod For Green Crackers; Sale Restricted In Delhi-NCR

SC Nod For Green Crackers; Sale Restricted In Delhi-NCR

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has allowed certified manufacturers to produce green crackers, but restricted their sale in Delhi-NCR without approval. The court has asked the Centre to review the ban on firecracker manufacturing in the region.

New zoos, safaris require SC approval; issues forest conservation directives

New zoos, safaris require SC approval; issues forest conservation directives

Rediff.com20 Feb 2024

The top court took note of the submission that the definition of forest under the 2023 amended law on conservation leaves out nearly 1.99 lakh sq km of forest land from the ambit of 'forest' which can be used for other purposes.

Why clean air remains a pipe dream across India

Why clean air remains a pipe dream across India

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

Data from the ministry of environment, forest and climate change reveals that 30 cities recorded an increase in PM10 levels compared to 2017-18 (FY18), indicating deteriorating air quality.

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.

SC slams NGO for opposing Jayakwadi Dam solar project

SC slams NGO for opposing Jayakwadi Dam solar project

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition filed by an NGO challenging the construction of a renewable energy project at the Jayakwadi Dam in Maharashtra. The court criticized the NGO for opposing the project, stating that it would be detrimental to the country's progress if every project was resisted. The court also raised questions about the NGO's bona fides and funding, suggesting that it may have been influenced by a company that lost the tender for the project. The project, a floating solar power plant, was approved by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. The NGT had previously dismissed the NGO's plea, stating that it could not find any law prohibiting such activities in the eco-sensitive zone. The Supreme Court upheld the NGT's decision, finding no grounds to interfere.

'Such Catastrophes Will Only Worsen'

'Such Catastrophes Will Only Worsen'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'There is a clear relationship between the Char Dham road widening and these landslides.' 'The situation has further worsened with the massive influx of tourists whose number are running into several lakhs per month.' 'No parameters have been laid down to control tourist inflow and the result is that the Char Dham yatra has seen a sharp escalation in accidents and loss of lives.'

Green ministry backtracks on forest clearances after NGT orders

Green ministry backtracks on forest clearances after NGT orders

Rediff.com24 May 2015

According to new ministry guidelines, the permission to chop down forests will be given only after all the compensatory levies are provided

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

'I am not an aspiration-oriented politician.' 'This is the time to redefine politics.' 'Politics of power is not real politics.'

Environment ministry bans jallikattu

Environment ministry bans jallikattu

Rediff.com29 Jul 2011

The last decision by Jairam Ramesh as environment minister was to ban the use of bulls as performing animals. This means that bulls can no longer be used in jallikattu, a bull-taming sport played in Tamil Nadu during Pongal celebrations.

Forest rights activist Alok Shukla gets 'Green Nobel'

Forest rights activist Alok Shukla gets 'Green Nobel'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2024

Forest and tribal rights activist Alok Shukla will on Friday receive the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize -- 2024 for successfully leading a community campaign that saved 4.45 lakh acres of biodiversity-rich forests from 21 planned coal mines in Chhattisgarh.

Environ ministry not blocking highways: Ramesh

Environ ministry not blocking highways: Ramesh

Rediff.com2 Apr 2010

Aasked to specify such projects which are passing through tiger corridor or forest areas, Jairam Ramesh said that one is in Madhya Pradesh and the other is in Assam.

'Declare Vizhinjam Shipwreck A National Disaster'

'Declare Vizhinjam Shipwreck A National Disaster'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

'It concerns the sea and the security of the nation. What has happened is a big tragedy.'

'The Problem With Quick Fixes Is...'

'The Problem With Quick Fixes Is...'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

'...they always address problems superficially, never tackling root causes.' 'Currently, the policy response will focus on immediate relief -- getting people to safety, providing facilities, clearing debris.' 'This is necessary, but once immediate relief operations end, everything returns to 'normal' without addressing underlying vulnerabilities.'

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.

Environment Ministry clears Posco proposal

Environment Ministry clears Posco proposal

Rediff.com28 Sep 2007

Posco's mega steel plant in Orissa is inching forward with the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests clearing a proposal under which Posco will plant trees on an area equivalent in size to the forest land where the project is coming up.

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.

Can't regularise Adarsh: Environment Ministry

Can't regularise Adarsh: Environment Ministry

Rediff.com27 Jun 2011

Stating that Adarsh Housing Society had brazenly violated the law, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests on Monday ruled out the possibility of regularizing the 31-storey building, at a hearing before the Bombay High Court.

Steel recycle mandate for automakers on the anvil

Steel recycle mandate for automakers on the anvil

Rediff.com11 Sep 2024

The environment ministry is likely to soon issue regulations that will mandate automakers to recycle a specified percentage of steel from old vehicles, starting from the next financial year, according to people familiar with the matter. "We recently held a meeting with members of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam). "The final regulations are likely to be issued in the next 10 days," a government source informed.

'No penalty for violation of environment norms in last 2 years'

'No penalty for violation of environment norms in last 2 years'

Rediff.com18 Jul 2016

The Environment Ministry had earlier this month termed as "incorrect" claims that Adani Port and SEZ was spared a hefty fine of Rs 200 crore.

Environment ministry seeks Rs 2,200 cr

Environment ministry seeks Rs 2,200 cr

Rediff.com15 Feb 2010

The increased outlay, the ministry says, will be used for river and lake cleaning and pollution control.

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).

Adrash files go missing from Environment Ministry office

Adrash files go missing from Environment Ministry office

Rediff.com14 May 2011

Some more files pertaining to the controversial Mumbai's Adarsh Housing Society have gone missing, this time from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests in New Delhi, a senior Central Bureau of Investigation official said on Saturday.

Modi, Macron fly together to Marseille, open new Indian consulate

Modi, Macron fly together to Marseille, open new Indian consulate

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have called for enhancing trade and investment ties between their countries and committed to further deepening their engagement in the Indo-Pacific. They discussed a full spectrum of bilateral relations, including key global and regional issues, and stressed the urgent need for reform in the United Nations Security Council. The leaders also underscored their commitment to ensuring the global AI sector can drive positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

Union environment ministry is in disarray: Goa CM Parrikar

Union environment ministry is in disarray: Goa CM Parrikar

Rediff.com13 Sep 2012

A day after the Union ministry of environment and forest suspended the environmental clearances for all the 93 mining leases in Goa, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has said that he will appeal to prime minister to "set things right" in the green ministry headed by Jayanti Natarajan.

India's first Buddhist CJI ruled against 'bulldozer justice'

India's first Buddhist CJI ruled against 'bulldozer justice'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, India's 52nd chief justice and its first Buddhist one, has played a key role in shaping the judicial landscape, penning about 300 verdicts, including landmark rulings on constitutional issues, liberty, and perhaps most important against the executive's 'bulldozer justice'.