News for 'forest department'

Polling officials trek 18 km through dense forest for elderly tribal's vote

Polling officials trek 18 km through dense forest for elderly tribal's vote

Rediff.com19 Apr 2024

In the tribal village of Edamalakkudy, nestled deep within this hill district's lush forests, lives 92-year-old Sivalingam. Despite his age and being bedridden, Sivalingam's determination to vote remains strong.

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.

'Will bury Cong dogs': Shinde's MLA courts another row

'Will bury Cong dogs': Shinde's MLA courts another row

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad's announcement of a 'reward' for anyone chopping off Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's tongue had set off a huge political row.

Massive fire erupts in Mumbai's Aarey forest

Massive fire erupts in Mumbai's Aarey forest

Rediff.com3 Dec 2018

There have been no reports of casualties. Neither is the cause of the fire known.

'Climate Change Is The Main Villain'

'Climate Change Is The Main Villain'

Rediff.com2 Aug 2024

'Since there is no photo-op, or quick fix solutions, politicians do not want to address climate change. It is very unfashionable.'

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.

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.

Forest cover-up? Plantations in definition

Forest cover-up? Plantations in definition

Rediff.com14 Apr 2008

The latest report says the forest cover is around 20 per cent of the land in the country, 3 per cent less than the area under the forest departments. But the report does not make a distinction between tree cover, commercial plantations and natural forest cover. To qualify as "forest cover", the Forest Survey of India considers 10 per cent tree canopy area and one hectare. So, if a householder has, say, a hectare of coconut palm, his land would qualify as forest cover.

Madras HC bars buying of elephants by temples, others

Madras HC bars buying of elephants by temples, others

Rediff.com1 Mar 2023

The Madurai bench of the Madras high court has directed the secretary, environment and forest department, to ensure that there are no more acquisitions of elephants by private individuals or religious institutions in Tamil Nadu.

'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.'

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.

Snake bite kills lion in Gir forest

Snake bite kills lion in Gir forest

Rediff.com11 May 2012

Yet another Asiatic lion has died unnaturally on the periphery of the Gir forest in Gujarat. The four-year-old lion, is reported to have been bitten to death by a snake near Pipardi village of Amreli district in eastern parts of Gir.

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.

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.

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.

MP: Villagers try to ride on strayed ailing leopard, click selfies

MP: Villagers try to ride on strayed ailing leopard, click selfies

Rediff.com30 Aug 2023

Shocking videos of an ailing wild leopard being surrounded by a group of villagers, who are taking selfies with him and even trying to ride on him have emerged from Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh.

Assam to arm forest staff with AK series weapons

Assam to arm forest staff with AK series weapons

Rediff.com9 Mar 2013

The Assam forest department is keen to arm forest guards in Kaziranga National Park with sophisticated weapons like AK series assault rifles to counter the new brand of rhino poachers who are using sophisticated weapons.

When A Leopard Appeared In Court

When A Leopard Appeared In Court

Rediff.com9 Feb 2023

A leopard entered the district court premises in Ghaziabad and injured several people.

Flash floods claim 5 lives in Himachal, 3 in Jammu; red alert in Kerala

Flash floods claim 5 lives in Himachal, 3 in Jammu; red alert in Kerala

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

While two bodies were recovered on Wednesday, the death toll climbed to four on Thursday after the recovery of two more bodies from the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric project site in Kangra district.

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.

'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.'

'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.'

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).

Haryana to provide 20% quota for Agniveers in police recruitment

Haryana to provide 20% quota for Agniveers in police recruitment

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that the state will provide 20 percent reservation for Agniveers in the recruitment of state police. The move aims to secure the future of Agniveers by providing them with jobs after their service period in the armed forces. This builds upon a previous announcement by the state government to provide a 10 percent reservation for Agniveers in various government positions. The state government is also offering various other benefits for Agniveers, including financial assistance, job training, and priority in obtaining gun licenses.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

Maneka accused of slapping, kicking forest staff

Maneka accused of slapping, kicking forest staff

Rediff.com12 May 2015

Union Minister Maneka Gandhi has been accused of slapping and kicking a forest staff in Mala forest range of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve while police on Tuesday said that they are looking into the complaint.

Karnataka: Efforts on to drive jumbos back to forest

Karnataka: Efforts on to drive jumbos back to forest

Rediff.com24 Jun 2013

A herd of 15 elephants that have wrecked havoc and killed four persons including a photojournalist at Kolar are now at a distance of 3 kilometres from Bengaluru. The elephants, which entered from Tamil Nadu into Kolar, had escaped to Malur.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Delhi cabinet okays Ayushman scheme, to table CAG reports

Delhi cabinet okays Ayushman scheme, to table CAG reports

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

The newly-formed Delhi Cabinet in its first meeting approved the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme in the national capital. The cabinet also decided to present 14 pending CAG reports in the first session of the assembly. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the previous AAP government did not allow the health scheme in the city, preventing the people from availing its benefits.

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.

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.

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.