News for 'forest department'

Assam Intensifies Eviction Drives

Assam Intensifies Eviction Drives

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

'Losing a house is a terrible feeling... We were not given enough time to shift our belongings.'

Assam Faces Ecological Loss as Over One Lakh Mature Trees Felled Since 2016

Assam Faces Ecological Loss as Over One Lakh Mature Trees Felled Since 2016

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Official records reveal that over one lakh mature trees have been felled in Assam since May 2016 for various development projects, raising concerns about ecological loss despite compensatory afforestation efforts.

Karnataka CID to Probe Anekal Businessman's Murder After Kidnapping

Karnataka CID to Probe Anekal Businessman's Murder After Kidnapping

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has ordered the CID to investigate the alleged kidnapping and murder of a real estate businessman from Anekal, whose body was found in Tamil Nadu. One person has been arrested, and the search is on for others involved in the crime.

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.

AI Steps In To Avert Elephant Tragedies

AI Steps In To Avert Elephant Tragedies

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

When elephants are identified close to or on the tracks, real-time alerts are sent to locomotive pilots, station masters and control rooms, allowing trains to slow down or stop in time.

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.

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.

Tigress, 4 cubs found dead in K'taka forest; govt orders probe

Tigress, 4 cubs found dead in K'taka forest; govt orders probe

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

Expressing sorrow over the incident, Khandre immediately ordered an investigation into the matter, which will be led by a team under the principal chief conservator of forests.

Chinese GPS tracker found on seagull near Karwar naval base

Chinese GPS tracker found on seagull near Karwar naval base

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Security agencies are investigating after a Chinese-made GPS tracking device was found attached to a seagull near a sensitive naval zone in Karwar, India. Preliminary findings suggest scientific research, but concerns remain due to the proximity of a strategic naval base.

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.

Maharashtra To Remove Leopards From Protected List

Maharashtra To Remove Leopards From Protected List

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to declare leopard attacks on humans as a "state disaster" and proposed reclassification of leopards under the Wild Life (Protection) Act to better manage man-eating animals. The decision follows a rise in leopard attacks in the state, particularly in the Pune district.

Why Delhi govt to feed 1,275 kg of boneless chicken to birds ahead of R-Day

Why Delhi govt to feed 1,275 kg of boneless chicken to birds ahead of R-Day

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

'This is an annual preventive exercise undertaken before the Republic Day air show. Birds such as black kites are naturally drawn to open areas and food sources, and if they enter the flying corridor, they can pose a serious hazard to aircraft performing low-level manoeuvres'

24 Elephants Killed By Trains In Assam In 5 Years

24 Elephants Killed By Trains In Assam In 5 Years

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

Among Indian states, Assam tops the list of elephant fatalities caused by train accidents, followed by Odisha, where 16 elephants were killed on railway tracks.

Psycho Saiyaan Review: Weird!

Psycho Saiyaan Review: Weird!

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Every lead character is nuts in Psycho Saiyaan, observes Deepa Gahlot.

'Man-eater' leopard that killed 3 people shot dead in Pune

'Man-eater' leopard that killed 3 people shot dead in Pune

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

The incidents sparked massive public outrage across Junnar, Shirur, Ambegaon and Khed talukas, where leopard attacks have escalated sharply.

Why 3 Tigers Died In Kaziranga Within A Fortnight

Why 3 Tigers Died In Kaziranga Within A Fortnight

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Kaziranga remains a critical stronghold for tiger conservation in India, but the recent deaths underscore the growing challenges of managing a thriving population within a limited landscape.

The Woman Behind The Fiery Theyyam Picture

The Woman Behind The Fiery Theyyam Picture

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Chennai-based photographer Ramya Sriram explains how she captured the fiery and hypnotic Theyyam image that won her the National Geographic India Contest

From Pench to Nashik: A vulture's 750 km Maha journey

From Pench to Nashik: A vulture's 750 km Maha journey

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

A long-billed vulture, J132, released in Maharashtra's Pench Tiger Reserve, has travelled nearly 750 km in 17 days, reaching close to Anjaneri hills near Trimbakeshwar in Nashik district. The vulture's journey is part of a conservation program by the state forest department and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).

Why The Rhino Survived In Kaziranga But Vanished Elsewhere

Why The Rhino Survived In Kaziranga But Vanished Elsewhere

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Long-term climate and vegetation stability is why the one-horned rhinoceros survived in north east India even as it vanished from much of the subcontinent.

'Wildlife is our duty': Anil Kumble's next challenge

'Wildlife is our duty': Anil Kumble's next challenge

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Former India skipper Anil Kumble has been appointed as the ambassador for wildlife conservation by the Karnataka government on Wednesday.

Why 'Number 01' tree at Parliament's Gaj Dwar is being shifted

Why 'Number 01' tree at Parliament's Gaj Dwar is being shifted

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

The tree, about seven years old, will be transplanted near the Prerna Sthal, which houses the statues of national icons and freedom fighters that were earlier at different places on the premises.

Pahalgam terror attack victim among 56 awarded by J-K govt

Pahalgam terror attack victim among 56 awarded by J-K govt

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Among the 12 media personnel awarded are the PTI Srinagar Bureau Chief, Inayat Jehangir and PTI video journalist, Jammu Somil Abrol. Other awardees in this category include Avtar Krishan Bhat, Vivek Suri, Sunil Ji Bhat, Dinesh Manhotra, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Razia Noor, Ishfaq Gowhar Zargar, Syed Khalid Hussain, Sarosh Kafeel, and Neeta Sharma.

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.

Court nod for President Murmu's 4WD convoy to Sabarimala

Court nod for President Murmu's 4WD convoy to Sabarimala

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

President Droupadi Murmu will visit the Sabarimala temple on October 22. The Kerala High Court has granted permission for the VVIP convoy movement, and security rehearsals are underway.

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

Dalit woman's murder sparks tension in K'taka; Hindu outfits call for bandh

Dalit woman's murder sparks tension in K'taka; Hindu outfits call for bandh

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

A 30-year-old Dalit woman was stabbed to death in Uttara Kannada, allegedly by a man known to her. The accused was later found dead. The incident has sparked tension, with Hindu outfits alleging 'love jihad'.

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.

'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".'

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.

Kharge slams Modi over Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment

Kharge slams Modi over Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the redevelopment of the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, alleging the destruction of historical heritage for personal branding. The project has faced protests over damage to religious artifacts and the demolition of old structures.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

'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.'

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.