News for 'forest department'

Locals throw birthday bash for rescued elephant in Jharkhand

Locals throw birthday bash for rescued elephant in Jharkhand

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

Forest officials, village heads, and school students celebrated the 16th birthday of a rescued elephant named 'Rajni' at the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary. The celebration aimed to create awareness about man-elephant conflict and promote conservation.

Mumbai civic polls: Mahayuti woos voters with AI, free bus travel for women

Mumbai civic polls: Mahayuti woos voters with AI, free bus travel for women

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

The Mahayuti alliance has released its manifesto for the upcoming Mumbai civic elections, promising technology-led governance, concessions for women, and addressing issues like illegal immigration and infrastructure.

Tiger killings shock Ranthambore; 225 bones seized, DNA tests underway

Tiger killings shock Ranthambore; 225 bones seized, DNA tests underway

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

The development follows a joint operation by Madhya Pradesh's State Tiger Strike Force, Rajasthan forest department, and Sawai Madhopur-based NGO Tiger Watch last month that led to the arrest of six poachers, including three from Rajasthan.

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

'These children possess catastrophically low birth weights -- often 1.4 kgs or less. Such extremely low birth weight results in profoundly compromised neo-natal immunity.' 'The escalation to 97 deaths in three months precipitated contemporary attention precisely because this magnitude concentrates the humanitarian emergency, rendering it impossible for the administrative machinery to ignore.'

In a first, forest departments will be given LPG dealerships

In a first, forest departments will be given LPG dealerships

Rediff.com20 Jul 2017

Govt looks to take cooking gas to tiger reserves, Naxal-hit areas

And the most polluted city in the world is....

And the most polluted city in the world is....

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

Lahore, Pakistan, has once again been ranked as the world's most polluted city, with hazardous smog levels far exceeding WHO guidelines. The city is battling a toxic mix of vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and crop residue burning.

Maha CM gives update on elephant Madhuri's return from Vantara

Maha CM gives update on elephant Madhuri's return from Vantara

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Vantara will join the Maharashtra government's petition in the Supreme Court to seek the return of elephant Madhuri to a monastery in Kolhapur, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

'The Maoist leadership spread fear that surrender meant torture or death. Once that false narrative collapsed and our operations proved transparent and credible, the surrender momentum became irreversible.' 'From 42,000 square kilometres, Maoist activity is now confined to barely 500-600 square kilometres -- less than two per cent of Bastar. This is their last remaining base area.'

Mud volcano erupts in Andamans after 2 decades

Mud volcano erupts in Andamans after 2 decades

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

India's only mud volcano at Baratang in Andaman and Nicobar Islands has erupted after being dormant for over two decades. The eruption, which occurred on October 2, has led to the formation of an earth mound and the spread of muddy soil over a large area. Tourist movement to the site has been suspended as a safety precaution.

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.

CIC gets full strength after 9 yrs; Raj Kumar Goyal appointed chief

CIC gets full strength after 9 yrs; Raj Kumar Goyal appointed chief

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

The Central Information Commission (CIC) attains its full strength after nine years with the appointment of Raj Kumar Goyal as chief and eight other information commissioners.

Baghel's son got Rs 250 cr in liquor 'scam': Chargesheet

Baghel's son got Rs 250 cr in liquor 'scam': Chargesheet

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The Anti-Corruption Bureau/Economic Offence Wing (ACB/EOW) has claimed in its chargesheet that Chaitanya, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, received Rs 200 crore to Rs 250 crore as his share from an alleged liquor scam in the state.

'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.'

Body of missing Navy official found in Matheran gorge

Body of missing Navy official found in Matheran gorge

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

The decomposed body of a Navy official, who went missing during a trek at Matheran hill station near Mumbai, has been found in a gorge. Police have registered a case of accidental death and are investigating.

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.

'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.

Sorry state of affairs: SC slams Uttarakhand for forest fires

Sorry state of affairs: SC slams Uttarakhand for forest fires

Rediff.com15 May 2024

Terming it a "very sorry state of affairs", the apex court said the state was just trying to find some excuse or the other.

Sam Pitroda reacts over BJP's land-grabbing allegations

Sam Pitroda reacts over BJP's land-grabbing allegations

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda has denied owning any land, home, or stocks in India, responding to allegations by a BJP leader that he illegally acquired 12.35 acres of government land in Bengaluru. The BJP leader, N R Ramesh, has filed a complaint with the Enforcement Directorate and the Karnataka Lokayukta, alleging that Pitroda, with the help of government officials, acquired the land for his organization, FRLHT. Pitroda, in a statement on X, categorically denied the allegations, stating he has never taken any salary during his time working with the Indian government and has never paid or accepted any bribe. He further clarified that FRLHT received a five-year lease on the land for conservation purposes, which expired in 2001 and was extended for another 10 years. Ramesh claims the lease expired in 2011 and the land, now worth over Rs 150 crore, was not reclaimed by the forest department. He has urged the ED to file a criminal case against those involved in the alleged land grab, including the officials responsible.

Top Maoist leader Madvi Hidma killed in encounter

Top Maoist leader Madvi Hidma killed in encounter

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

Top Naxalite commander Madvi Hidma, who had masterminded several attacks over the last two decades, was killed in an encounter in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, a breakthrough Chhattisgarh Police described as the 'last nail in the coffin' of the insurgency.

Didn't initiate or request Mahadevi's relocation: Vantara

Didn't initiate or request Mahadevi's relocation: Vantara

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Vantara did not initiate or request the relocation of the elephant named Mahadevi from a monastery in Kolhapur to its facility in Jamnagar but served only as the 'court-appointed recipient facility', the NGO said in a statement.

Dr Ramakanta Panda's Heart Beats For Wildlife Too

Dr Ramakanta Panda's Heart Beats For Wildlife Too

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

Dr Ramakanta Panda's unique exhibition, titled Heartbeats -- Wildlife, Our Shared Future, features a compelling collection of over 200 photographs centred around the theme of wildlife conservation.

Maha steps up efforts to bring back elephant Mahadevi from Guj after stir

Maha steps up efforts to bring back elephant Mahadevi from Guj after stir

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

Maharashtra minister Prakash Abitkar said efforts are underway to bring back elephant Mahadevi from a rescue center in Gujarat. The elephant was relocated following a court order due to health concerns. Local leaders are protesting the relocation and seeking her return.

14 Lady Cop Thrillers On OTT

14 Lady Cop Thrillers On OTT

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Hemantkumar Shivsharan lists lady cops that have wowed us on OTT shows.

Assam: 1 dead in clash between evicted people, cops

Assam: 1 dead in clash between evicted people, cops

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

At least one person was killed and several others, including policemen, were injured in a clash between evicted people and security personnel in Paikan Reserve Forest in Assam's Goalpara district on Thursday, an official said.

8 fresh forest fires in 24 hours in U'khand; Army joins IAF to douse fire

8 fresh forest fires in 24 hours in U'khand; Army joins IAF to douse fire

Rediff.com28 Apr 2024

Efforts have also intensified to extinguish the raging forest fires in the state, especially in the worst-affected areas of Nainital, Haldwani and Ramnagar forest divisions, forest officials here said on Sunday.

Bengal jail minister shown door for threatening female forest officer

Bengal jail minister shown door for threatening female forest officer

Rediff.com4 Aug 2024

Speaking to reporters at Kanthi in Purba Medinipur district, Giri said he will resign but won't apologise.

Canadian man held for carrying crocodile skull at Delhi airport

Canadian man held for carrying crocodile skull at Delhi airport

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

A Canadian man has been arrested for allegedly carrying a crocodile skull in his bag at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi, the customs department said on Thursday.

Mumbai SGNP's toy train gets Vistadome makeover, to chug again after 4 yrs

Mumbai SGNP's toy train gets Vistadome makeover, to chug again after 4 yrs

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

One of the key attractions of the park, which houses a wide array of plant, animal and bird species besides ancient caves, the revamped toy train is set to provide an elating and exciting experience to visitors, especially children.

Leopard gatecrashes Lucknow wedding uninvited

Leopard gatecrashes Lucknow wedding uninvited

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

A wedding in Lucknow was disrupted when a leopard entered the banquet hall, leaving a forest official injured and the bride and groom stranded in a car for hours. The leopard was eventually caught and tranquillized after hours of efforts. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the BJP-led state government over the incident, blaming human encroachment in forests for the increasing incidents of wild animals entering urban areas.

The Man Who Captures Vultures On Camera

The Man Who Captures Vultures On Camera

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

Like the dinosaurs, vultures face extinction. From 40 million 33 years ago, only 35,000 to 45,000 vultures remain in India.

IAF chopper roped in to douse massive forest fires in U'khand

IAF chopper roped in to douse massive forest fires in U'khand

Rediff.com27 Apr 2024

The situation in the district worsened on Friday with the flames reaching the high court colony in the Pines area.

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.

Wolves wreak havoc in 35 UP villages, claiming 7 lives in attacks

Wolves wreak havoc in 35 UP villages, claiming 7 lives in attacks

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

The wolf had terrorised residents in over 35 villages and with its capture, the local population has breathed a sigh of relief, a statement issued in Bahraich said.

Why This Elephant Triggers Outrage In Maharashtra

Why This Elephant Triggers Outrage In Maharashtra

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

A Supreme Court order relocating an elephant to a care facility in Vantara has sparked public outrage in Maharashtra by putting the state government in a difficult position over issues of animal welfare and public sentiment.

Forest staffer suspended for anti-EVM WhatsApp status

Forest staffer suspended for anti-EVM WhatsApp status

Rediff.com4 Apr 2024

A forest department staffer in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra has been suspended for allegedly violating the model code of conduct by keeping a WhatsApp status message that raised question marks over the efficacy of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), an official said on Thursday.

Tribals Fear New Threats As Naxalism Fades

Tribals Fear New Threats As Naxalism Fades

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

If the threat from the 'Maovadis' (Maoists) is fading, the danger now lies with the 'MoUvadis' -- those who might exploit the resource-rich Abujhmad region through corporate or State-backed projects.

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.

17 Naxal-hit villages get electricity for the first time

17 Naxal-hit villages get electricity for the first time

Rediff.com16 May 2025

Seventeen villages nestled among nearly inaccessible mountains and dense forests in Naxal-hit Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district of Chhattisgarh have got electricity from the supply grid for the first time, officials said on Friday.

Operation Bhediya: 5th man-eater wolf captured in Bahraich after deadly attacks, 1 left

Operation Bhediya: 5th man-eater wolf captured in Bahraich after deadly attacks, 1 left

Rediff.com10 Sep 2024

The wolves had been behind several attacks on villagers in Bahraich. The Uttar Pradesh Forest Department is taking the wolf to a rescue shelter.

'During Visarjan, We Feel Emotional'

'During Visarjan, We Feel Emotional'

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

Please e-mail your pictures to getahead@rediff.co.in (My Lord Ganesha Pix) with your name, location and details about your Lord Ganesha and we will publish the best photographs on Rediff.