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Time of India
29-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
On Global Tiger Day, Sundarbans fishing boats get GPS device for real-time distress SOS
KOLKATA: On the occasion of Global Tiger Day on Tuesday, at least five fishermen's boats in the Sundarbans will get a GPS-based SOS alarm system that will transmit real-time distress signals to forest department in case of emergencies such as tiger attacks. The system will also help foresters in tracking boats in case they enter areas where fishing is banned. It is a pilot project by Wildlife Trust of India, Bengal forest dept and Lokamata Rani Rashmoni Mission under Sundarbans Tiger Project. It will be launched on an experimental basis in the Kultali block under South 24 Parganas forest division now, said Dr Abhishek Ghoshal, manager and head, human-wildlife conflict mitigation at WTI. Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve director Nilanjan Mullick said it was a welcome move. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata "With the press of a single button, the device will generate an alert to Bengal forest dept and WTI, enabling emergency rescue operations through a speed boat. The speed boat is equipped with trained medical personnel, essential first-aid kit and life-saving medical supplies," said Ghoshal. According to Mullick, the GPS-powered system will also help them identify boats if they enter prohibited zones. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo In 2024, at least seven cases of tiger attacks were reported from various parts of the forest when fishermen entered the mangroves on fishing trips. Some of the attacks, though, took place inside prohibited zones. "We will install the devices on boats that have BLCs (boat licence certificate). BLC holders are individuals who possess permits to operate fishing boats within designated zones inside the forest," said a source. "WTI's dual initiative of GPS-enabled alarm system and speed-boat based community support, combining technology, rapid medical response, and inter-agency collaboration, strengthens our ability to protect both people and wildlife," said Nisha Goswami, divisional forest officer, South 24 Parganas division. Under a similar project, camera traps, which have hitherto been used to estimate tiger numbers, will detect their presence and send real-time alerts to foresters to check man-animal conflict. The AI-powered cameras are likely to be provided by WTI in about two months once the monsoon is over. "Initially, we have plans to start a pilot project with 10 cameras that can be installed along nylon nets at vulnerable locations. These cameras will transmit live feeds with images to concerned officials on their mobiles whenever there is tiger movement near villages," Ghoshal had earlier told TOI. The project is supported by German Cooperation, KFW Development Bank and IUCN.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Forest dept begins re-survey to relocate villages from Sariska
Jaipur: The forest administration has launched a re-survey process to relocate six villages located in the core area of Sariska Tiger Reserve. The move aims to address long-pending demands of villagers, particularly those who were minors during the earlier survey (2008–2011) but have since formed separate households. An official said, "The re-survey will update data from the original survey, addressing gaps and including families previously excluded. Focus will be on those who were underage at the time but are now eligible." Of the 29 villages originally within the Core Tiger Habitat (CTH) of Sariska, 11 were initially surveyed for displacement, and five—Rotlaya, Bhavanwada, Kamri, Paniwala, and Dabli—were fully relocated. The remaining six—Kankawadi, Sukola, Dabli, Haripura, Fatka, and Devri—are now being re-evaluated for relocation. In the first phase of the new survey, residents of Sukola and Haripura were shown resettlement sites. "After the survey, eligible families will be allotted land. Residents of Sukola have already consented to relocate," the official added. The relocation of these six villages is expected to free up approximately 400 sq km of core forest land, enhancing wildlife conservation efforts. Rehabilitation will follow the Government of India's 2008 guidelines and Rajasthan's 2002 displacement policy. Eligible families will receive compensation packages like those provided earlier. Those opting for cash will receive Rs15 lakh. Families with up to 2 bighas of land will be allotted 6 bighas, a 60x90 ft residential plot, and Rs 3.75 lakh. Those with more than 2 bighas will be compensated based on the prevailing Basic Land Cost (BLC). A one-year extension has been granted for this relocation. Any family member turning 21 by May 27, 2026, will now be considered an independent unit eligible for benefits under the scheme.
Business Standard
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
2.35 Lakh houses approved under PMAY-Urban 2.0 during 3rd meeting of CSMC
Total number of sanctioned houses under PMAY-U 2.0 stands at 7.10 Lakh The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) in its third meeting held on 18 June 2025 has approved construction of 2.35 lakh houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0). the meeting was held under the chairmanship of Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The total houses approved are 2,34,864 in nine States namely, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. PMAY-U 2.0 is being implemented through four verticals Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC), Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP), Affordable Rental Housing (ARH) and Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS). The houses approved in the CSMC meeting are under BLC and AHP verticals of the Scheme. So far, the total number of houses sanctioned under PMAY-U 2.0 is 7,09,979. During the meeting, Secretary, MoHUA directed the larger States to prepare affordable housing policy and bring the proposals under AHP vertical of PMAY-U 2.0. States/UTs may study the affordable housing policy of the State of Maharashtra and adapt it according to their local requirements. States/UTs were also advised to identify and attach beneficiaries under the AHP vertical at initial phase of approval to avoid unoccupancy issues at a later stage. Among the houses approved today under PMAY-U 2.0, more than 1.25 lakh houses have been sanctioned for the women alone, including single women and widows, ensuring empowerment of women. The scheme also promotes inclusiveness and social equity among different underprivileged groups with 42,400 houses allotted in name of for SC beneficiaries, 17,574 houses for ST beneficiaries and 1,13,414 for the OBC. Under PMAY-U 2.0, 1 crore families will be provided financial assistance to construct or purchase a pucca house in urban areas. The Scheme focusses on upliftment of poor and middle-class families by giving them secured houses to focus on the betterment of their lives. Individuals/families, who do not own a pucca house anywhere in the country, are eligible to purchase or construct a house under PMAY-U 2.0. Central Assistance of up to Rs 2.50 lakh per housing unit is provided. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban (PMAY-U), launched in June 2015, was revamped and launched as PMAY-U 2.0. Under PMAY-U, more than 93.19 Lakh houses have already been constructed and delivered to beneficiaries. With launch of PMAY-U 2.0, additional 1 crore EWS/LIG/MIG families of urban India will be provided pucca houses.
The Hindu
18-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Centre approves construction of 2.35 lakh houses under PMAY
The Centre on Wednesday (June 18, 2025) approved construction of 2.35 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Prime Minister's Housing scheme). The approval was given at the third meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) chaired by Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), an official statement said. The houses would be constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0). The total houses approved are 2,34,864 for nine States — Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. PMAY-U 2.0 is being implemented through four verticals — Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC), Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP), Affordable Rental Housing (ARH) and Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS). The houses approved in the CSMC meeting are under BLC and AHP verticals of the scheme. As of now, the total number of houses sanctioned under PMAY-U 2.0 is 7,09,979. Among the houses approved, more than 1.25 lakh dwellings have been sanctioned for women alone, including single women and widows. A total of 44 houses have also been allotted to transgenders. While 42,400 houses have been allotted in the name of Scheduled Caste beneficiaries, 17,574 would be for Scheduled Tribes and 1,13,414 for Other Backward Classes. Under PMAY-U 2.0, 1 crore families will be provided financial assistance to construct or purchase a pucca (permanent) house in urban areas. The scheme focuses on upliftment of poor and middle-class families by giving them secured houses to focus on the betterment of their lives. For individuals/families, Central assistance of up to ₹2.50 lakh per housing unit is provided. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U), launched in June 2015, was revamped and launched as PMAY-U 2.0. Under PMAY-U, more than 93.19 Lakh houses have already been constructed and delivered to beneficiaries. With the launch of PMAY-U 2.0, additional 1 crore EWS/LIG/MIG families of urban India will be provided pucca (permanent) houses.
The Courier
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Courier
Plans lodged with Scottish Government for 100,000-panel solar farm near Forfar
Detailed plans have been submitted to the Scottish Government for a 100,000-panel solar farm west of Forfar. The Cossans scheme would generate enough electricity to power 16,500 homes a year. Its developers also want to include up to 50MW of battery energy storage on the site near Glamis Castle. Proposals for the major development were first revealed last year. Perthshire-based BLC Energy has now lodged a Section 36 consent application with the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit. It is one of two solar and BESS farm applications the company is seeking approval for in Angus and Fife. The other is a similar-sized project at West Springfield, near Cupar. If consented, the Cossans scheme would connect to the grid at Lunanhead, east of Forfar. BLC says it will now continue consultation with local communities following public engagement events earlier this year. It is aiming for a grid connection within the next five years. BLC Energy managing director Neil Lindsay said: 'We've now submitted 200MW of projects into the Scottish planning system, with another 200MW planned before the end of the year. 'Our relationships with landowners, commitment to meaningful community consultation and expertise in the technology mean we have an excellent pipeline of projects. 'For the Cossans project, we are aiming for a pre-2030 connection.' Mr Lindsay said that will be decided through the ongoing UK grid reform process. It involves a shift from a 'first come, first served' approach to a 'first ready, first connected' system for grid connections. The aim is to prioritise projects strategically aligned with the government's clean energy goals. The company also revealed its hopes for how a £25,000-a-year community fund could be used over the 40-year lifetime of the project. Mr Lindsay added: 'We believe the communities around these sites should decide how the money is best spent. 'For some, that might be a trust that provides money towards winter fuel bills or retrofitting energy-saving measures in homes. 'For others, it might be funding apprenticeships or investing in community facilities.' Both projects are owned by TRIO Power Limited. TRIO Power is owned and funded by the Octopus Renewable Infrastructure Trust (ORIT), a fund managed by Octopus Energy Generation (OEGEN) and part of the Octopus Energy Group. The Cossans project website is at
