Latest news with #Forests
The Hindu
42 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu notifies Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi
The Tamil Nadu government has officially declared a Greater Flamingo sanctuary at Dhanushkodi in Ramanathapuram district. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the sanctuary via video conferencing on the occasion of the World Environment Day event organised by the Departments of Environment, Climate Change and Forests in Chennai on Thursday (June 5, 2025). Thangam Thenarasu, holding additional charge as Minister for Environment, R.S. Rajakannapan, Minister for Forests, and Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to Departments of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, participated in the event. The move aims to preserve a critical stopover point along the Central Asian Flyway for thousands of migratory wetland birds. The sanctuary spans 524.7 hectares and encompasses both revenue and forest lands within Rameshwaram taluk. The designated area, part of the ecologically sensitive Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, is home to a variety of ecosystems, including mangroves, sand dunes, mudflats, and marshes. These unique features support a rich biodiversity, from migratory birds and marine life to nesting sea turtles. A Government Order (G.O.) issued on June 4, 2025, by Ms. Sahu, noted that according to the recent 2023-2024 wetland bird survey, the Dhanushkodi region recorded over 10,700 wetland birds, representing 128 species including herons, egrets, sandpipers, and both Greater and Lesser Flamingos. Mangrove species such as Avicennia and Rhizophora dominate the Dhanushkodi lagoon, providing essential breeding grounds and natural defenses against coastal erosion. The sanctuary status is expected to encourage responsible ecotourism, generate local employment, and raise public awareness about wetland conservation, the G.O. said. T.M. Anbarasan, Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Srinivas Reddy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), Rakesh Kumar Dogra, Chief Wildlife Warden, also participated.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Maharashtra's Chandrapur grapples with surge in tiger attacks: 11 killed in May, 22 deaths reported so far this year
As Maharashtra's Chandrapur district continues to witness a rise in tiger population amid an intense dependency on forests among residents, the region is grappling with an alarming surge in human-wildlife conflict. In the month of May alone, 11 people were killed in tiger attacks. Recent data from forest authorities reveals that between 2021 and May 2025, 173 people have lost their lives in wildlife encounters in the district, a vast majority of which (150) were attributed to tiger attacks. According to official figures, the tiger population in Chandrapur district surged from 34 in 2006 to 223 in 2021, parallel to a broader state-level increase from 103 in 2006 to 444 in 2022. However, this success in conservation has come with significant challenges. Human deaths peaked in 2022 with 53 fatalities, while 2025 has already recorded 22 deaths as of May 31. The bulk of these wildlife encounters in the last five years – 110 of the total 173 – occurred 'within forested zones'. In addition to fatalities, human injuries due to wildlife attacks have also steadily risen, from 76 in 2021 to 314 in 2024, and 129 cases already reported in 2025. Livestock losses are also mounting, with over 10,900 animals killed between 2021 and 2025. Compensation payments to affected individuals for livestock losses have exceeded Rs 122 crore during the same period, with the 2024–25 financial year alone seeing payouts of Rs 31.39 crore. Speaking to The Indian Express, Dr Jitendra Ramgaonkar, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Chandrapur, said, 'This particular period coincides with the collection of tendu leaves, and during May, around 50,000-60,000 people go into the forest, which has more than 150 tigers. That increases the chances of encounter.' He added, 'In this case, the incidents can be avoided if people follow forest advisories, but people don't give importance to these advisories. Even if the department stops them physically, they find another way to enter the forest as it is not walled.' The leaves of the tendu tree are used to make traditional Indian cigarettes or beedis. The tree is also an important source of timber, which is used in construction and furniture making. Dr Ramgaonkar said the entire forest area of the district (excluding wildlife sanctuaries and national parks), is divided into several tendu leaf collection units which are auctioned annually. These units may be purchased by the same or different contractors each year. However, most of the recent wildlife attacks have occurred deep within the forest. He further noted that tenders are floated every year for these units. In certain regions where community forest rights have been officially recognised, the gram sabha acts as both the seller and the decision-making body for choosing the purchaser. Dr Ramgaonkar said the department carried out an exercise where high, moderate, and less sensitive areas of the district were mapped for tiger movement. 'We monitor these movements using the camera traps installed. We deploy our teams where necessary. But if you notice carefully, almost 95 per cent of the incidents are happening in the forest area. Tigers are not coming out and killing people, people are going inside the tiger's area. We need to focus on the fact that if not in the forest, then where should the tigers live?' The department has also observed that in many such incidents, people sleep inside the forest, out in the open. 'These are the things that are difficult to comprehend, and it has become difficult to understand the behaviour of the people. Hence, we need to be very strict about the entry of people into the forest, but unfortunately, we are not able to do that.' Dr Ramgaonkar added, 'There are no tigers lurking around Chandrapur city.' 'We have a large number of Primary Response Teams (PRT) formed with the involvement of the villagers themselves. We have such teams in around 200 villages. Every team has five members. They are trained and provided with security kits. They work as first responders. In case of animal movements, we provide them with the necessary information. They then reach the location and alert the villagers.' Talking about an AI-powered early warning system, he said, 'It has been implemented in 20 villages and it is working. But we can put that system in the interface of the forest and villages, wherever the animal comes from the forest and tries to go into the village. But if people are going deep inside the forest, no system can work there.' Chandrapur district is known for its rich forest cover spread across 4,845.31 sq km. This includes territorial (2,759.74 sq km) forests, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) (1,321.90 sq km), Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM)-managed (759.65 sq km) and revenue (4.02 sq. km) forests. Administratively, the Chandrapur Forest Circle is divided into three divisions, Chandrapur, Brahmapuri, and Central Chanda, which together comprise 19 forest ranges, 69 forest blocks, and 275 designated forest areas. To address the human-wildlife conflicts, authorities have ramped up response mechanisms. Since July 2023, 22 tigers and leopards have been tranquilised and relocated to safe enclosures, including Kanhargaon Sanctuary, Gorewada Zoo in Nagpur, and the Transit Treatment Centre in Chandrapur. A network of 181 primary and rapid response teams, comprising 917 members, has been deployed across the district's forest divisions to manage emergencies and mitigate threats. Camera traps, now numbering 928 across 275 forest beats, are being used to monitor animal movement, while an advanced wildlife control room operating out of Rambag Colony coordinates real-time responses via the toll-free number 1800 3033. Despite these measures, forest dependency remains a key challenge.
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Anil Kumble, Eshwar Khandre meet: Kumble committed to forest conservation and development says Min
Bengaluru: Indian Cricketer Anil Kumble has now committed to wildlife and forest conservation and development, said Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment Eshwar B Khandre. After consulting with renowned former cricketer and environmentalist Anil Kumble, who met him in Bengaluru on Tuesday, he said that Anil Kumble, who has immense concern and love for wildlife, forests and the environment, has agreed to become the forest and wildlife ambassador without any remuneration, which is a testament to his environmental concern and commitment. Kumble, who has played a key role in many victories of the Indian team with his leg-spin charm, is the proud son of not only Karnataka but also India. He is in the hearts of cricket lovers. He expressed confidence that he will promote and broadcast about forest and wildlife conservation and create awareness among the people. Kumble also has the experience of serving as the Vice President of the Karnataka Wildlife Board in the past. Eshwar Khandre opined that Anil Kumble becoming the ambassador will strengthen forest conservation and forest development. Speaking to media after meeting the minister, Anil Kumble thanked the government for deciding to appoint him as the Forest and Wildlife Ambassador. He said that he would work together with the department for forest and wildlife conservation and development.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Anil Kumble-Eshwar Khandre meet
Bengaluru: Indian Cricketer Anil Kumble has now committed to wildlife and forest conservation and development, said Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment Eshwar B Khandre. After consulting with renowned former cricketer and environmentalist Anil Kumble, who met him in Bengaluru on Tuesday, he said that Anil Kumble, who has immense concern and love for wildlife, forests and the environment, has agreed to become the forest and wildlife ambassador without any remuneration, which is a testament to his environmental concern and commitment. Kumble, who has played a key role in many victories of the Indian team with his leg-spin charm, is the proud son of not only Karnataka but also India. He said that he is the only magical bowler after Jim Laker to take all 10 wickets in an innings of a Test match. Anil Kumble, who has played 110 Test matches and taken 619 wickets, is also known as Jumbo. Similarly, he has played more than 264 one-day matches and has taken 337 wickets. He is in the hearts of cricket lovers. He expressed confidence that he will promote and broadcast about forest and wildlife conservation and create awareness among the people. Kumble also has the experience of serving as the Vice President of the Karnataka Wildlife Board in the past. Eshwara Khandre opined that Anil Kumble becoming the ambassador will strengthen forest conservation and forest development. Speaking to media after meeting the minister, Anil Kumble thanked the government for deciding to appoint him as the Forest and Wildlife Ambassador. He said that he would work together with the department for forest and wildlife conservation and development.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- General
- Business Standard
World Environment Day 2025: India leads with massive plastic-free campaigns
As the world prepares to mark World Environment Day on 5 June 2025, the spotlight this year falls squarely on one of the planet's most pressing threats – plastic pollution. With plastic waste choking oceans, piling up in landfills, and entering food chains, this year's theme calls for urgent action to reduce, reuse, and recycle. The global campaign aims to unite governments, communities, and individuals in a shared mission to curb plastic use and safeguard the environment for future generations. Ahead of Environment Day 2025, India has launched a nationwide initiative titled "One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution." Environmentalist and social activist Viral Desai, also known as the "Greenman," will start a 7-day tree-planting campaign on June 5 in honour of World Environment Day, and UP has mobilised 22,000 schools to fight "plastic pollution," among other campaigns that have been started before World Environment Day 2025. What is the theme of World Environment Day 2025? The World Environment Day 2025 theme is 'Beat Plastic Pollution', continued with the #BeatPlasticPollution campaign tagline. This theme draws attention to a worldwide issue that still endangers human health, marine life, and ecosystems. The theme urges all parties involved, from citizens and businesses to legislators to cut back on plastic pollution. The theme for Environment Day 2025 encourages eco-friendly substitutes such as biodegradable packaging, reusable containers, and cloth bags. Everyone is urged by the campaign to make thoughtful decisions that will lessen the use of plastic. In anticipation of World Environment Day 2025, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change began a nationwide mass mobilisation campaign on May 23 called "One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution." In a pre-campaign video, Union Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav urged everyone to embrace sustainable living to eradicate plastic pollution, moving beyond awareness to group action. In an official release, 'This campaign highlights India's unwavering commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, aligned with India's flagship initiative – Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)". "Tik Tik Plastic" is a powerful environmental awareness campaign that has been introduced in Mumbai. A short film starring Bollywood star Ajay Devgn has been released as part of the promotion. Ahead of the World Environment Day 2025, set to take place on June 5, 2025, the BMC posted the short film on the social media site X (Twitter) on Sunday. Every citizen is urged to take action by the short film and its message, protect the environment, use less plastic, and ensure a healthier planet for future generations. With an emphasis on this year's worldwide theme, "Ending Plastic Pollution," East Coast Railway (ECoR) has launched a comprehensive awareness and action campaign from May 22 to June 5 in honour of World Environment Day 2025. This program highlights Indian Railways' dedication to pollution prevention and environmental sustainability by promoting a plastic-free environment in trains, station premises, and railway stations. • Viral Desai's 'Tree Plantation' campaign In honour of World Environment Day, environmentalist and social activist Viral Desai, also referred to as the "Greenman," will launch a 7-day tree-planting campaign on June 5. The initiative to plant 1,000 trees at Surat and Navsari in Gujarat demonstrates Desai's persistent dedication to urban greening and conservation. The program will increase green space and increase public awareness of residents' ecological responsibility. The initiative is highly strategic, promoting ecological improvement, civic engagement, and climate resilience. • UP organises its education system for a huge environmental awareness campaign 1. The state's Directorate of Environment has mandated all 75 districts to execute student-centred activities under the 2025 theme, "End Plastic Globally." 2. A 100-foot collaborative art piece created from recycled materials, 45-minute expert-led workshops, and 12 street plays performances by school groups are all part of the main event at Lucknow's Regional Science Centre, Aliganj. It is anticipated that 30 schools in Lucknow will send around 5,000 students to the main event. 3. Sushant Sharma, the director of environment, confirmed that 22,000 government schools, state-wise, will have local events simultaneously. Additionally, 147 recognised NGOs are organising community cleanup campaigns at significant bodies of water. During awareness walks facilitated by National Service Scheme volunteers, urban local bodies will distribute 50,000 cloth bags in marketplaces. 4. Using microscopes and interactive displays, environmental experts from Lucknow University will lead special workshops that explain the 100-year degradation cycle of plastic items. For student-led plantation campaigns, the state horticulture department has set aside 25,000 saplings, along with monitoring systems to check the survival rates of the saplings for 6 months after the event. To commemorate World Environment Day 2025 and promote the 'Fit India Movement', the Department of Youth Services and Sports (YSS) J&K planned many exciting events in several UT districts. 132 people participated in Ramban's cyclothon, and Rajouri's Sundays on Cycle for all zones promoted eco-friendly transportation.
