News for 'forest-department'

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.

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 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.

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'

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.

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.

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.

'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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.'

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Heavy Pak shelling leaves trail destruction in Poonch

Heavy Pak shelling leaves trail destruction in Poonch

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Heavy Pakistani shelling in the border district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir left nine people dead and 28 injured. The shelling, described by residents and officials as "barbaric and cowardly", started around 2 am, damaging dozens of residential houses, shops, vehicles, and heritage sites. The incident comes after India launched "Operation Sindoor" in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. India condemned the act, calling it a cowardly attack on civilians, and reaffirmed that civilian safety remains its top priority.

Man offers water to cheetahs in MP; disciplinary action initiated

Man offers water to cheetahs in MP; disciplinary action initiated

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

In the clip of about 40 seconds, a man is seen pouring water from a can into a pan, following which five cheetahs sitting under the shadow in the vicinity walk up to the utensil and start drinking the water.

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.

Have You Ever Been To Bodoland?

Have You Ever Been To Bodoland?

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

The Bodoland Territorial Region in Assam is slowly picking up the pieces and finally finding peace after being subjected to decades of insurgencies and violence.