Latest news with #KTR
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Kaziranga roars to success with world's third-highest tiger density
1 2 Guwahati: Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR) is roaring with success, now claiming the title of the world's third-highest tiger density. The tiger population has surged from 104 in 2022 to an impressive 148, as revealed in the latest report from Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) on International Tiger Day. The "Status of Tigers in Kaziranga, 2024" report unveiled that KTR's three divisions are home to 148 adult tigers, including 83 females, 55 males, and 10 of undetermined sex. This achievement underscores KNPTR's unwavering commitment to wildlife preservation for future generations. A significant part of this growth comes from the first-time sampling of the Biswanath Wildlife Division, contributing 27 tigers. Meanwhile, the core Eastern Assam Wildlife Division saw its numbers rise from 104 to 115 tigers between 2022 and 2024, with the Nagaon Wildlife Division maintaining a steady count of six tigers. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma took to Facebook to share the exciting news, stating, "From Kaziranga to Manas, Assam is not only limited to protecting the tiger, but it is also playing an important role in restoring the tiger's habitat. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 8 speakeasy bars and restaurants in Singapore to check out CNA Undo With the third highest tiger density in the world, extensive forest cover and bold steps against infiltration, the tiger, the treasure of Assam's forests, is walking proudly and bravely today. " Kaziranga now ranks third globally with a density of 18.65 tigers per 100 sq km, trailing only Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Corbett National Park. This remarkable achievement was made possible through the use of remotely triggered camera traps, following protocols set by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India. Between Dec 2023 and April 2024, these traps were strategically placed across 1,307.49 sq km within KTR's divisions. KNPTR field director Sonali Ghosh said, "Key drivers of this encouraging rise in the tiger population in Kaziranga are habitat expansion and protection. An additional area of 200 sq km, including 12.82 sq km of encroachment-free area, was added in recent years under Burhachapori-Laokhowa sanctuaries under Nagaon Wildlife Division, bringing more habitat under the protection of the tiger rserve. This strategic extension significantly expanded the landscape available to tigers, allowing for increased movement, breeding, and dispersal opportunities across divisions. " The implementation of advanced technology, such as M-STrIPES, drones, and "Electronic Eye" surveillance systems, has significantly bolstered monitoring capabilities. "These technological advancements greatly improved anti-poaching measures, movement tracking, and habitat monitoring, leading to greater safety and better data," KNPTR stated. The combined efforts of forest staff, including 113 'Van Durgas' and community support, have enhanced data collection, providing detailed insights into tiger demographics. Officials emphasize that the growing tiger numbers reflect a thriving ecosystem. "The thriving tiger population is a testament to our successful conservation efforts. While we celebrate this milestone, we also recognize the responsibility it brings. It is crucial to continue investing in conservation initiatives, strengthen community involvement, and promote awareness about the importance of biodiversity,"a KNPTR statement said.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Telangana BJP MP Ramesh's claims spell fresh trouble for BRS
HYDERABAD: Misfortunes continue to pile up for the BRS, one after another. The latest blow comes from BJP MP from Andhra Pradesh, C M Ramesh, who claimed that BRS working president K T Rama Rao had approached him with an offer to merge the BRS into the BJP. In return, Ramesh alleged that KTR had sought help in quashing cases against his sister and BRS MLC K Kavitha, who is embroiled in the Delhi liquor policy scam. The BJP leader's explosive allegations have triggered a political storm in Telangana, with the BRS camp now engaged in a heated debate over their authenticity. The controversy has gained traction, especially since Kavitha herself had earlier alleged that attempts were made to merge the BRS with the BJP — a move she claimed to have opposed firmly. The BJP MP's remarks quickly went viral on social media, forcing the BRS into damage control mode. Party leaders are scrambling to counter Ramesh's claims and protect KTR's image. However, their response has been hesitant, raising questions within the party ranks. Many are wondering why KTR has not yet denied outright the allegations or launched an aggressive rebuttal. Sources suggest that the BRS leadership is treading cautiously, fearing that Ramesh might release CCTV footage of KTR's alleged meeting with him in Delhi. Such a revelation could be disastrous for the party, especially as it prepares for the upcoming local body elections.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
KTR pins hooliganism tag on Cong; says industries fleeing
Hyderabad: The BRS working president KT Rama Rao on Sunday alleged that the Congress leaders were threatening the Kitex company which has come forward to set up Textile Park in Warangal to provide 25,000 jobs and expressed concerns that there was a danger of industries fleeing due to hooliganism by the Congress leaders. The BRS leader made these comments while participating in the distribution of sewing machines and KCR kits to women in Parakala constituency as part of the Gift A Smile program on Sunday. Rama Rao alleged that Congress leaders were threatening Kitex, which has announced that it will provide 25,000 jobs in the country's largest Kakatiya Textile Park. 'The Congress' hooliganism to provide jobs to only those they recommend has led to a situation where industries are fleeing,' said Rama Rao, criticising that while BRS wanted to bring industries to the Kakatiya Mega Textile Park and provide jobs to the youth of Telangana, Congress leaders were conspiring to loot it vertically. The BRS leader further said that the estimates of Rs 137 crore prepared in January for the construction of a canal in the Kakatiya Textile Park have increased to Rs 297 crore due to the greed of Congress ministers and MLAs. The Congress leaders of Warangal district wanted to loot Rs 167 crore in the name of canal construction. He said that the looting being done by Congress leaders will not stop if they are not questioned and said that they will protest against these irregularities in the upcoming assembly sessions. KTR further said that KCR has done justice to BCs in the past, and he was the only one who would give due priority to the common people tomorrow too. He said that Congress MLAs and ministers would fall in line only if BRS candidates win with impressive majorities in the local body elections. KTR said that the state government owes Rs 50,000 to every girl child in Telangana. The Revanth government, which should have given Rs 3,000 crore to self-help groups was celebrating by giving only Rs 300 crore. He said that the Congress government gave Rythu Bandhu during Lok Sabha elections and now as there are Panchayat elections.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Bandi sanjay slams Cong govt over BC Declaration
Hyderabad: UnionMinister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar stirred a major controversy on Sunday after launching a direct attack on the Telangana Congress government, accusing it of introducing a 'Muslim Declaration Bill' under the guise of a Backward Classes (BC) Declaration. Speaking to the media after inaugurating the Central government-funded 'Critical Care Block' at Karimnagar District Main Hospital, Bandi Sanjay claimed the state government's reservation proposals unfairly favor Muslims at the expense of BCs and Hindus. 'Under the so-called BC Declaration, 27 percent reservations are being implemented for BCs, and an additional 5 percent is supposedly for BCs, but out of that, 10 percent is indirectly being granted to Muslims. Effectively, the Congress is making a 100 percent reservation for Muslims in Telangana in the name of the BC Declaration. This is not a BC Declaration, it is a Muslim Declaration,' asserted Bandi Sanjay. He further alleged there was a wider 'conspiracy' to turn Hindus into a minority in Telangana, warning that if what he called this 'poisonous tree' was left unchecked, it could spread across India. Minister Bandi Sanjay firmly stated he would oppose the bill unless Muslims were removed from the BC category and demanded that full 42 percent reservations go only to BCs. 'I will convince the Centre to approve the bill only after Muslims are excluded from the BC list,' he insisted. In a political challenge, Bandi Sanjay referred to claims that the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) would merge with the BJP if cases against K. Kavitha were filed, stating the proposal by K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) before CM Ramesh was 'absolutely true' and daring KTR to a public debate. 'If you have the courage, let's discuss in front of everyone and see who is right,' he challenged. On the hospital's new Critical Care Block, Sanjay emphasized that the entire Rs 23.75 crore funding came from the Centre's PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM ABHIM). He pressed the state government to quickly appoint medical staff and allocate operational funds, warning of adverse effects on patient care due to poor state support. He presented budget statistics, attributing the near doubling of health and education budgets to Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014. He highlighted the rapid expansion of AIIMS, medical colleges, and the increase in MBBS and postgraduate seats across India. He also claimed that there have been revolutionary changes in healthcare access for the poor under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Switching focus to the Jubilee Hills by-election, the Union Minister strongly criticized the alleged demolition of the Banjara Hills Peddamma temple, attributing the action to an attempt to appease Muslim voters. 'If this is not rectified and an apology issued, Hindus will unite and send a clear message at the ballot box,' he warned. Bandi Sanjay also questioned Rahul Gandhi's religious loyalties and accused the Congress party of orchestrating a 'grand conspiracy' to grant Muslims undue reservations while dividing Hindus. 'Rahul Gandhi's comments and actions make his contempt for Hindus and India evident,' he alleged, urging the electorate to send a strong rebuke to the Congress in the upcoming local body polls.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
No merger of BRS with any party, asserts KTR
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. Taraka Rama Rao (KTR) ruled out the BRS merging with any political party and said it would remain relevant to Telangana politics till the State exists. 'We have no reason to merge with anyone, and we will remain in public service as long as we have the people's blessings,' he said, arguing that the BRS was the only party that was rooted in the spirit of Telangana. He made these remarks while addressing a meeting of the Bhupalapally district party workers. His assertion came at a time when the BRS is cornered over allegations that there were efforts to merge it with the BJP. This gained credence after BJP MP C.M. Ramesh claimed that KTR personally visited him at his residence with the proposals. 'I have the evidence to prove it,' he claimed. As the BRS workers were caught in a dilemma, KTR categorically dismissed any such possibility and said this was a ploy to play with the sentiments of the party workers. He further said that people were now waiting for the Congress government to go, so that K. Chandrasekhar Rao could lead the State again. Mr. Rama Rao claimed that the Congress government's incompetence had pushed the State into chaos. 'A single wrong vote has pushed Telangana into danger. It is now up to the people to correct that mistake,' he argued, appealing to the Backward Classes, farmers, and women to reject the Congress in the upcoming local body elections. The former Minister said power was never permanent. What mattered was whether the poll promises were kept and history will remember who contributed to Telangana's development. 'Telangana's development and welfare could only continue if KCR returns as Chief Minister.' Further attacking Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for 'betraying' the Backward Classes (BCs) he said the promise of allocating ₹ 20,000 crore per year for BC welfare in the Kamareddy Declaration was not kept. And the Congress has no right to seek their votes.
