Awareness prog on biodiversity conservation
The event included training in species identification and an oath-taking ceremony for a drug-free, plastic-free life. Attendees and committee members widely appreciated the programme.
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Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Residents' body flags water, sewer, road issues in meeting with Noida Authority
Noida: The GB Nagar District Development Residents Welfare Association (DDRWA) has urged the Noida Authority to address a slew of civic issues, from erratic water supply and overflowing sewers to damaged roads, encroachments and unauthorised extensions. At a meeting with authority officials, RWA general secretary of blocks C to F, Sector 51 Sanjeev Kumar said residents in the sector had received visibly contaminated water on Tuesday after a four-day disruption last week due to a Ganga water shutdown from Haridwar. "The supply today had moving particles clearly visible in a glass tumbler. The Ganga water line bursts every second day, and at other times it is shut from Haridwar due to silt deposits. Sewers in every sector overflow without checks, and even after complaints, there is no hearing," said Kumar, who is also DDRWA's senior vice-president. DDRWA president N.P. Singh pressed for urgent redress, to which Noida Authority general manager R.P. Singh responded that while the Ganga water issue had been resolved, sewer complaints would be prioritised. "As soon as we get the complaints in writing, we will resolve the issue within two days," he assured. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Become Fluent in Any Language Talkpal AI Sign Up Undo You Can Also Check: Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida | Gold Rates Today in Noida | Silver Rates Today in Noida The meeting also took up the Authority's Section 10 notices, issued under the Uttar Pradesh Industrial Area Development Act, 1976, for unauthorised constructions. Members alleged that officials often "settle" such notices informally and urged that instead, the Authority levy fees at circle rates for regularisation, allowing the government to generate revenue. There was no official response to the proposal. The city's long-pending dog policy also came under discussion, with residents demanding its immediate implementation to curb recurring incidents of stray and pet dog attacks. N.P. Singh requested that large boards displaying the policy's key provisions be installed at major parks and sector gates. Authority GM S.P. Singh assured that the boards would be put up within a week. Other issues raised included road repairs, tree pruning, encroachment removal and sanitation in residential sectors. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
How an IFS officer used the bond of love to save trees
1 2 3 4 Ranchi: Over two decades ago, Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Sanjeev Kumar was posted in Dhanbad when he started tying rakhis to trees. The objective of this unique concept was to encourage the locals to prevent rampant felling of trees and in turn, protecting the nature. What started as an experiment years ago has flourished into a silent mass movement which has spread its branches across 1,000 villages across the state today. Kumar, who is now posted as a member secretary of the state biodiversity board, maintained that he introduced this idea over the years in places wherever he got posted since. "It struck a chord with scores of villagers," Kumar, now a principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF), said. "In 2004, when I was posted in Dhanbad, I first rolled out the idea of hold drives to tie rakhis to trees with villagers. There were some initial challenges, but with the counselling villagers began adopting the idea. Today, scores of villagers not just in Dhanbad, but in Jamshedpur, Chaibasa, Ranchi, Hazaribag celebrate rakhi by tying the thread to trees." Citing an example of success, he added, "In Tundi block in Dhanbad, once infamous for left wing extremism, about a dozen villagers have continued the practise of tying rakhis to trees, which resulted in greening of over 100 acres of land as they have voluntarily safeguarded Mahua trees in that area. It is also a source of livelihood for thousands of villagers dependent on mahua flowers and fruits." Since last few days, Kumar has been visiting different villages to join threat tying events wherever he is getting invitations from. "In Ranchi alone, over a dozen villages in recent days held mass programmes to tie rakhis in run up to Rakshabandhan and have committed to voluntarily save the trees. I have joined them at many places already," he said, adding that initiative's emotional appeal has touched the locals. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
26-07-2025
- Time of India
14 dists in state home to 181 bird species, finds new study
1 2 3 Ranchi: A survey across 14 districts over a span of four years has documented the presence of nine endangered species of birds in the state. The study, conducted by the state biodiversity board, was carried out between 2022 and 2025, its officials said. Among the endangered species include Asian Woolly-necked Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Ferruginous Duck, Oriental Darter, Western Marsh Harrier, Lesser Adjutant Stork, River Lapwing, River Tern, and Fulvous Whistling Duck. The study, which was conducted across Ranchi, Khunti, Lohardaga, Gumla, Hazaribag, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Giridih, Dumka, Dhanbad, Sahibganj, Deoghar, Ramgarh, and Jamtara districts, also documented 181 different species of birds. Of them, 119 are waterbird species, the study has shown. The census was carried out in collaboration with forest division officials, ornithologists, birdwatchers, and Anganwadi Centres state coordinators. Over the three-year period, a total of 132,161 birds were recorded 5,636 in 2022, 60,855 in 2024, and 65,670 in 2025. Particularly notable is the increase in the population of Ferruginous Ducks, from just 13 in 2022 to 137 in 2025. Notably, the population of the Ferruginous Duck has grown from just 13 in 2020 to 137 in 2025. In 2024, the Fulvous Whistling Duck registered its highest recorded population (1,845). Sanjeev Kumar, principal chief conservator of forest and member secretary of the biodiversity board, said, "The rising trend in both waterbirds and other species signifies positive outcomes in biodiversity conservation across wetlands, terrestrial, and forest ecosystems. The improved ecological balance has enhanced the availability of food and breeding grounds, which is directly contributing to species diversification and population growth. " The bird census was conducted in line with guidelines provided by the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) under Wetlands International. Carried out annually in January-February, the survey covered both large and small water bodies using the direct sighting method. Kumar, said, "The primary goals of the census are to monitor population trends of aquatic birds, estimate bird numbers across wetland sites, and better understand waterbird migration patterns. It also aims to raise public awareness and train individuals in bird identification and conservation in state, while promoting long-term monitoring and habitat protection."
