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Time of India
08-07-2025
- Time of India
Kevay Mata temple ropeway project gets final approval, work set to begin soon
Jaipur: The much-anticipated ropeway to Kevay Mata Temple, located atop a hill in Kinlaria village of Parbatsar tehsil, received final approval from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. With this clearance, groundwork for the project is set to begin soon, and it is expected to be completed within 1.5 years. The proposed ropeway will connect the foothills of Kinlaria village to the temple site at the summit, offering a convenient and time-saving travel option for pilgrims and visitors. The project received final forest clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. An official said, "As per the approval, 0.7712 hectare of forest land has been marked for diversion for the construction of the ropeway. This includes 0.2341 hectare for the lower terminal station, 0.4556 hectare for the upper terminal station, and 0.0815 hectares for six tower foundations." The forest department submitted the proposal for land diversion, which was reviewed and recommended by the state-level empowered committee before being forwarded to the central govt for final sanction. "After multiple rounds of scrutiny and compliance with all legal requirements, the project received the green light," the official added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo Situated in hilly terrain, the Kevay Mata Temple has long awaited improved accessibility. With the ropeway project now approved, devotees and tourists will soon have a much safer and easier route to reach the temple. The final approval not only clears the way for the physical execution of the project but also allows for the immediate initiation of the tendering process. Once construction begins, the ropeway is expected to be completed within 18 months, at an estimated cost of Rs 25 crore. Officials said, all environmental and forest-related formalities have been completed, and the project will now move swiftly to the implementation phase. "The cost of felling trees shall be deposited by the user agency with the State Forest Department. No labour camps shall be established on the forest land, and the user agency shall provide fuels—preferably alternative fuels—to labourers and staff working at the site, so as to avoid any damage or pressure on the nearby forest areas," the official said.
Gulf Today
08-07-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
Indian fauna portal records several new entries
India's faunal database has 683 new entries, including 459 newly-discovered species and 224 species. These findings were published in Animal Discoveries-2024, released recently to mark the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) Day by Indian Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Mr Bhupender Yadav. With these additions, India's total documented faunal diversity now stands at 105,244 species as of January 1, 2025, accounting for 6.26% of the world's known faunal species. Among them, Kerala emerged as the top contributor with 101 discoveries (80 new species and 21 new records), followed by Karnataka (82), Arunachal Pradesh (72), Tamil Nadu (63) and Bengal (56). In contrast, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana and Telangana reported the lowest number of species. The updated checklist, compiled by a team of more than 185 experts spans 121 taxonomic groups, from protists to mammals. Insects, particularly beetles, moths, flies, and bees, dominate the diversity, while among vertebrates, fish is the most represented group. Minister Yadav had said that the faunal checklist will prove to be an invaluable reference for taxonomists, researchers, academicians, conservation managers, and policymakers. It comprises 121 checklists of all known taxa covering 36 phyla. Endemic, threatened, and scheduled species have also been included in the list. The ZSI also celebrated the grand finale of its 110-hour national hackathon. The hackathon, which began on May 22 to honour the International Day for Biodiversity, saw participation from 305 registered teams across the country. It concluded with the Ladakh University team, representing the High Altitude Regional Centre, Solan, winning the first prize. The 'Fauna of India Checklist Portal' is the world's first complete checklist of fauna, making India the first nation to prepare the complete list of fauna documented from a country and positioning itself as a global leader in biodiversity documentation. The ZSI has been documenting the faunal resources of the country for their effective conservation, management and sustainable utilisation. Every year, it publishes the book, 'Animal Discoveries of India — New Species and New Records' which compiles information on newly-discovered species and records from India. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) website states in its India profile that the country is one of the recognized mega-diverse countries of the world, harbouring nearly 7-8% of the recorded species of the world, and representing 4 of the 34 globally identified biodiversity hotspots (Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, Sundaland). India is also a vast repository of traditional knowledge associated with biological resources. So far, over 91,200 species of animals and 45,500 species of plants have been documented in the ten biogeographic regions of the country. Inventories of floral and faunal diversities are being progressively updated with several new discoveries through the conduct of continuous surveys and exploration. The CBD website profile adds that along with species richness, India also possesses high rates of endemism. In terms of endemic vertebrate groups, India's global ranking is tenth in birds, with 69 species; fifth in reptiles with 156 species; and seventh in amphibians with 110 species. Endemic-rich Indian fauna is manifested most prominently in Amphibia (61.2%) and Reptilia (47%). India is also recognized as one of the eight Vavilovian centres of origin and diversity of crop plants, having more than 300 wild ancestors and close relatives of cultivated plants, which are still evolving under natural conditions. The CBD profile highlights that India's varied edaphic, climatic and topographic conditions and years of geological stability have resulted in a wide range of ecosystems and habitats such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, and coastal and marine ecosystems. Arid and semi-arid regions cover 38.8% of India's total geographical area. The cold arid zone located in the Trans-Himalayan region covers 5.62% of the country's area. The region is the stronghold of three cat predators – the lion, leopard and tiger. Of the 140 species of known birds, the Great Indian Bustard is a globally threatened species. The flora of the Indian desert comprises 682 species, with over 6% of the total plant species being endemic. The cold desert is the home of rare and endangered fauna, such as the Asiatic Ibex, Tibetan Argali, Wild Yak, Snow Leopard, and the flora is rich in endemism and economically important species.
The Hindu
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Centre on the defensive over Congress's accusations of ‘subverting' Forest Act
Hours after former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh accused the Ministry of 'subverting' the implementation of the Forest Rights Act under the Narendra Modi-led government, the Union Environment Ministry issued a statement, saying that such references 'reflect a gross misunderstanding of facts,' adding that it remains 'committed to protecting forests, India's green cover, and communities dependent on them or living in the vicinity of said areas.' 'In the interest of India's fight for a greener future, it is imperative individuals desist from deliberate misinformation and selective quoting of issues. MOEFCC has been making unprecedented attempts to not just increase the country's green cover but also ensure sustainability for dependent communities,' it said. 150 civil society groups and activists have recently written to the Prime Minister on the systematic and consistent manner in which the Forest Right Act, 2006 has been subverted by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change. They make five major points: 1.… — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) July 3, 2025 The Ministry's statement came on social media platform X, where hours ago, Mr. Ramesh, who is also Congress' general secretary in charge of communications, made his post, referring to a letter sent to the Prime Minister's Office by over 150 forest rights and civil society groups across the country. Legally untenable data The civil society groups, in their letter dated June 28, noted that the India State of Forest Report 2023, purportedly misattributed the loss of forest cover to the implementation of the FRA, which was allegedly reiterated by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in a media interview this June as well. They also cited a June 2024 order evicting about 65,000 families from tiger reserves and alleged that the ministry submitted 'legally untenable' data to Parliamentary fora and the National Green Tribunal. They further alleged that the 2023 amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980, were 'bulldozed through Parliament' and that the Van Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan Rules 2023, 'adversely impacted both the quantity and quality of forests.' The reference in social media to a letter alleging 'Subversion of the Forest Rights Act' reflects a gross misunderstanding of facts. MOEFCC remains committed to protecting forests, India's green cover and communities' dependent on them or living in the vicinity of said areas. It… — MoEF&CC (@moefcc) July 3, 2025 In a detailed post, rebutting these allegations, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change said, 'The statement of the Minister of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change as quoted in the social media has been grossly misrepresented, distorted, represented in a piecemeal manner and is totally out of context.' The Ministry said that Mr. Yadav's statement in the media interview was in reference to the 'net increase in the forest cover in the country as per the latest State of Forest Report, wherein degradation in some forest areas has also been observed due to a variety of reasons.' 'The statement (Minister's) underlines that such degradation in the forest cover can be addressed by adopting protection measures that are implemented with effective community involvement,' it said. It added that the statement of the Minister was 'about increasing forest cover and halting the degradation of forests through active involvement of the local community' and government bodies, further saying this 'context' had been 'totally undermined, overlooked, and misrepresented in the tweet.' Govt.'s poor track record In Mr. Ramesh's post, he said the issues raised by the civil society groups are also of 'fundamental importance' to ecological security, adding, 'The track record of the Modi Government does not inspire the confidence that these issues will even get discussed and debated with those who have been compelled to bring the PM's attention to them.' 'The allegations being made that MoEFCC submits legally untenable data on encroachment in different forums are totally incorrect, unfounded, and do not hold any merit,' the ministry said. It went on to say that the point of eviction of families from tiger reserves was 'devoid of merit and misrepresentation,' further referring to the exercise as 'voluntary relocation,' which is governed by respective laws and procedures. The Ministry went on to say that the recently published Forest Survey of India report has actually recorded a 'substantial increase in forest and tree cover,' which it said was 'suggestive' of the involvement of communities. 'The inference drawn is contrary to the factual position and totally devoid of merit,' the ministry added. On allegations of amendments to the Forest Conservation Act and the subsequent Rules, the government said these were made 'without an in-depth knowledge and understanding' of the law's provisions. It insisted that the amendment was brought in 'as per laid down Constitutional processes' and with 'due Parliamentary procedures.' The ministry further added that its 'sincere efforts' to involve community members in forest management had also been overlooked, citing its work in bringing in Tharu tribals in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (UP) and with Soliga tribals in Karnataka, both of which have 'elicited a very good response.' It added that the government is committed to ensure 'well-being and active involvement' of tribal communities in forest management by using their 'traditional knowledge and wisdom.'
The Print
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Modi govt's record on environment protection not reliable: Jairam Ramesh
In a post on X, Ramesh said that 150 civil society groups and activists have made five major points, starting with Minister of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav's statement, allegedly holding the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 'responsible for degradation and loss of prime forest areas'. Ramesh, a former environment minister, said that several activists and societies working for environment protection have written to the prime minister seeking redressal of their issues. New Delhi, Jul 3 (PTI) Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh on Thursday alleged that the track record of the Modi government on concerns related to environment protection does not inspire confidence that they will be discussed and resolved. He also said that they raised continued submission of legally untenable data on encroachment of forest areas to Parliamentary forums as well to the National Green Tribunal. They also raised the issue of orders issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority in June 2024 for the eviction of almost 65,000 families from tiger reserves across the country. The Congress leader claimed that activists and societies have raised 'mis-attribution' by the Forest Survey of India for the loss of forest cover over the last decade to the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006. Ramesh said they also raised the '2023 amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 that were bulldozed through Parliament and the subsequent Van Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan Rules, 2023 that adversely impact both the quantity and quality of forests.' 'The issues that have been raised are of profound significance especially to tribal and other communities residing and earning their livelihoods in forest areas. They are also of fundamental importance to ecological security. 'The track record of the Modi Government does not inspire the confidence that these issues will even get discussed and debated with those who have been compelled to bring the PM's attention to them,' the senior Congress leader said. PTI SKC SKC AMJ AMJ This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Biz stunted due to illegal HT seeds; Nagpur, Wardha dealers call for strike today
Nagpur: Seed dealers in Nagpur and Wardha — both predominantly cotton-growing belts — have called for a strike on Monday alleging that illegal herbicide-tolerant (HT) seeds have eaten away half of their business. HT seeds are genetically engineered to be resistant to glyphosate, a cheap weed killer whose commercial sale awaits a green signal from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The seed buying season is over, and the dealers are left with nearly 50% to 40% of unsold stock. They will now have to run after the seed companies to refund the booking amount. The companies may refund the amount if they relent or adjust it for the coming season, said the traders TOI spoke to. A packet of the authorised BG II seed, which is only effective against the bollworm pest, has MRP of Rs901 a packet. In contrast, farmers paid nearly Rs2,000 for a packet of HT seeds, said the dealers. As per the traders, the HT seeds are illegally grown in the hinterlands of Gujarat and smuggled to Vidarbha. Vijay Chandak, president of Nagpur Agro Dealers Association, said the illegal seeds have completely overshadowed the market. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bring home all new SP160 & get an instant cashback up to ₹5000# Honda Learn More Undo "HT seeds have been the first choice of farmers this time. A massive proliferation of the seeds grown in clandestine farms can also lead to a crisis for the region's farmers. Sold in the grey market, there is no guarantee of the seeds' performance. There are chances that the weed killer may even destroy the cotton seed, and farmers would not be able to claim any compensation from the govt," said Chandak. Ravi Shende, his counterpart in Wardha, also spoke of a similar situation in the district. "The seeds come from Gujarat, where an entire illegal industry seems to operate. The govt must act against it," he said. Farm activist Vijay Jawandhia alleged that a number of operators are simply plucking off the seeds from the HT cotton and packing it to Vidarbha. "Even if grown illegally, the method is to develop a seed through hybridisation. The seeds taken out of the cotton crop can lack the required vigour. Yet, farmers are paying as much as Rs2,000 for a packet of such seeds," he said. Box Shortage of workers to clear weeds The high demand for HT seeds also indicates a labour shortage in the hinterland. It enables the free use of glyphosate-based weed killers on cotton plants, instead of deploying labour to manually clear the weeds. There is also a strong lobby for legalising HT seeds. In 2019, Shetkari Sangathana openly sowed the seeds, challenging the govt to take action. The seeds were developed by Mahyco-Monsanto, which withdrew from the trials, due to which it remains illegal to use. Glyphosate, however, is at present only allowed in non-cropped areas and tea gardens.
