News for 'State for Environment and Forest'

'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.

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.

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.

Chhattisgarh Focuses on Bastar Development After Naxalism 'Elimination'

Chhattisgarh Focuses on Bastar Development After Naxalism 'Elimination'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The Chhattisgarh government is shifting its focus to the development of the Bastar region after claiming the elimination of armed Naxalism. The plan includes preserving tribal culture, creating economic opportunities for youth, and strengthening the economy through forest produce and women-led self-help groups.

Supreme Court Clears Assam's Encroachment Drive

Supreme Court Clears Assam's Encroachment Drive

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The ruling comes against the backdrop of an intensified anti-encroachment campaign launched by the Assam government since May 2021.

Supriya Sahu, Champion of the Earth

Supriya Sahu, Champion of the Earth

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

'We should learn from the wild world on how they live harmoniously.'

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.

'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.

Maha: Security forces raze 44 Maoist memorials in Gadchiroli villages

Maha: Security forces raze 44 Maoist memorials in Gadchiroli villages

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Police and security forces in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, demolished 44 memorials built by Maoists to instill fear, marking a significant step in combating Naxalite influence in the region.

Haryana's Vasant Utsav: A Blend of Culture, Nature, and Environmental Awareness

Haryana's Vasant Utsav: A Blend of Culture, Nature, and Environmental Awareness

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the 38th 'Vasant Utsav' in Panchkula, highlighting the state's commitment to culture, nature, and environmental conservation through various initiatives.

'What kind of...': UP CM likens Delhi AQI to 'gas chamber'

'What kind of...': UP CM likens Delhi AQI to 'gas chamber'

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asserted that Uttar Pradesh enjoys a clean environment, unlike Delhi, which he likened to a 'gas chamber' due to its pollution levels.

Air, Water Purifiers: GST Council May Weigh 5% Levy

Air, Water Purifiers: GST Council May Weigh 5% Levy

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

The GST Council at its next meeting may consider a reduction in taxes on air and water purifiers as air quality across the country worsens and access to safe drinking water remains uneven.

60 MP cops involved in anti-Naxal ops get out-of-turn promotion

60 MP cops involved in anti-Naxal ops get out-of-turn promotion

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

The Madhya Pradesh government promoted 60 police personnel for their role in anti-Naxal operations, celebrating the state's success in eradicating Maoist influence.

Bhutan: Breathtakingly Beautiful!

Bhutan: Breathtakingly Beautiful!

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The first thing you notice about Bhutan is not the mountains, but the silence.

Nagaland Minister Urges Stronger Efforts to Tackle Gender Inequality

Nagaland Minister Urges Stronger Efforts to Tackle Gender Inequality

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Nagaland Minister C L John has called for stronger collective efforts to address gender-based violence and unequal opportunities, highlighting the need for women's empowerment at the International Women's Day celebration in Kohima.

At 89, My Father Chose Ayodhya, Varanasi, Sikkim

At 89, My Father Chose Ayodhya, Varanasi, Sikkim

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Sacred spots and soaring peaks: Bucket-listing across the heartland. Roopa Unnikrishnan and her father journey through the heart of India.

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.

Omar Abdullah Emphasises Transparency in J&K Recruitment Drive

Omar Abdullah Emphasises Transparency in J&K Recruitment Drive

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has affirmed his government's commitment to a transparent recruitment process, aiming to fill 25,000 vacancies this year while avoiding legal complications.

Technical Issues Hinder India's Renewable Energy Goals, Says Official

Technical Issues Hinder India's Renewable Energy Goals, Says Official

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

A top government official says that while India has made significant progress in renewable energy, technical issues are hindering large-scale implementation. The government is working on solutions such as grid flexibilisation and battery storage.

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.

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.

Rajdhani Express runs over 7 elephants in Assam, 5 coaches derail

Rajdhani Express runs over 7 elephants in Assam, 5 coaches derail

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

At least seven elephants were killed, and one was injured after a herd of jumbos was hit by the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express in Assam's Hojai district early Saturday, officials said.

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.

How Manmohan Singh safeguarded environment and tribal rights

How Manmohan Singh safeguarded environment and tribal rights

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Under his leadership, India launched the National Action Plan on Climate Change, passed the landmark Forest Rights Act to protect the rights of tribal communities and established the National Green Tribunal to safeguard the environment through swift legal action.

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.

'Girls Are Taking A Leap Of Faith Every Day'

'Girls Are Taking A Leap Of Faith Every Day'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Bandana Preyashi, the bold IAS officer from Bihar who took on dreaded dons, is the court-appointed mentor to 18-year-old Sakshi, who had fled home to follow her IAS dream.

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.

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.'

Aravali hills' new definition risks Delhi weather, water security: Experts

Aravali hills' new definition risks Delhi weather, water security: Experts

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Experts warn that a new government definition of the Aravali Hills, accepted by the Supreme Court, could lead to environmental degradation and expose Delhi and surrounding regions to harsher weather and drought conditions.

'Maoists Will Be Extinct In 2 Months'

'Maoists Will Be Extinct In 2 Months'

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

'From every point of view, they have faced an extremely difficult couple of years, and the setback they have suffered is irreversible.' 'This reality has begun to set in even amongst the top-level cadres. That is why, in recent times, we have witnessed a huge number of senior-level cadres emerging from the jungle and deciding to renounce violence and join the mainstream.'

'DK' Suresh: From Chennai Buses to Davis Cup Glory

'DK' Suresh: From Chennai Buses to Davis Cup Glory

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Dhakshineswar Suresh's rise to India's Davis Cup team is a story of discipline, sacrifice and quiet perseverance -- from long Chennai bus rides to match-winning performances on the big stage.

Meghalaya Blast Exposes Dangers Of Rat-Hole Mining

Meghalaya Blast Exposes Dangers Of Rat-Hole Mining

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The human cost of rat-hole mining falls disproportionately on migrant labourers.

Interview with Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Environment and Forests

Interview with Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Environment and Forests

Rediff.com1 Dec 2009

Jairam Ramesh discusses issues related to the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference which will be kicked off on December 7. He also talks about all there is to know about India's official position on the hottest issue on the planet this season: climate change.

Kolhapur: Thousands march to bring back Mahadevi from Vantara

Kolhapur: Thousands march to bring back Mahadevi from Vantara

Rediff.com3 Aug 2025

Thousands of people participated in a 'silent march' in Kolhapur on Sunday, demanding that 36-year-old female elephant Mahadevi (also called Madhuri), be brought back from Vantara wildlife rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation centre in Gujarat's Jamnagar district.

Modi goes on lion safari on World Wildlife Day

Modi goes on lion safari on World Wildlife Day

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Modi had a night halt at Sinh Sadan, a forest guest house managed by the state forest department, in Sasan after his arrival from Somnath where he offered prayers at the Lord Shiv temple, the first among 12 jyotirlingas, on Sunday evening.

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.

Gujarat cabinet rejig: A look at new ministerial portfolios

Gujarat cabinet rejig: A look at new ministerial portfolios

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel allocated portfolios following a major cabinet reshuffle, with Harsh Sanghavi becoming Deputy CM and receiving Home and Industries. New ministers, including Rivaba Jadeja, were also assigned responsibilities.

'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.'

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.

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.