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Indian Express
6 days ago
- Indian Express
Jharkhand to set up its first tiger safari: The plan and concerns around it
The Jharkhand government plans to establish the state's first tiger safari in the fringe area of the Barwadih Western Forest Range in Latehar district, which falls under the Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR). The government believes that the project will help boost tourism in the state, and serve as a conservation and education centre for wildlife, offering experiential learning and nature-based recreation. However, experts have raised numerous concerns about the project, including the potential displacement of local communities. Tiger safari is not defined under The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 which says 'no construction of commercial tourist lodges, hotels, zoos and safari parks shall be undertaken inside a sanctuary except with the prior approval of the National Board' [for Wild Life] constituted under the Act. The concept was first envisaged in the Guidelines for Tourism issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in 2012, which provided for such establishments in the buffer areas of tiger reserves 'which experience immense tourist influx in the core/ critical tiger habitat for viewing tigers'. The idea was to build an enclosure within tiger reserves where animal sightings are not left to chance, unlike in the case of traditional wild safaris that are undertaken, for example, in the Jim Corbett National Park. This would be done by housing animals in large naturalistic enclosures within a tiger reserve. In 2016, the NTCA issued guidelines for establishing tiger safaris in the buffer and fringe areas of tiger reserves for rescued, conflict-prone, or orphaned tigers with the clear restriction that no zoo-bred animals would be introduced. Three years later, however, the NTCA made an amendment that allowed tigers from zoos to be housed in safari parks. The authority to identify and approve such zoo animals was delegated to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), which also became responsible for overseeing animal welfare, enclosure design, and compliance with zoo standards in safari projects. In March 2024, the Supreme Court directed that tiger safaris should be established outside the core and buffer areas of tiger reserves. It said that such initiatives should not disturb natural habitats or compromise conservation goals. Keeping in line with the apex court's directive, the Jharkhand government plans to create the safari in the fringe area of the Barwadih Western Forest Range, beyond the protected core and buffer zones of PTR. The safari will be set up in around 150 hectares of forest land. The project will not feature any wild animals — it will house only conflict, injured, or orphaned animals rescued from tiger reserves and zoos across India. The Jharkhand government believes that the safari would not only increase tourism but also generate direct jobs for at least 200 locals in the tourism sector. People would be required for the roles of guides, support staff, and maintenance crews. Currently, the project is in the ideation stage. Once the state Forest Department gives the go-ahead, the Deputy Director of PTR will prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and send it to the NTCA and CZA. The CZA will evaluate the proposed area and the selection of species. The entire approval and clearance process could take up to five to six months, followed by a construction period of around 18 months. Speaking to The Indian Express, Madhe Gowda, a Soliga tribal leader and conservationist based at Karnataka's BRT Tiger Reserve, says that although tiger safaris attract tourists, they tend to erase the presence and contributions of forest-dwelling communities, portraying them as a threat rather than stewards of biodiversity. As a result, such initiatives often lead to the displacement of local tribal communities. Speaking on the concerns pertaining to displacement of people, state officials have clarified that the project site falls under forest administration and no relocation or displacement is expected. Tiger safaris also threaten the disruption of local economies. The projects restrict livestock grazing and collection of forest produce, which severely impacts the livelihoods of Adivasis. George Monippally, a senior activist and member of Van Adhikar Manch (VAM) in Latehar, tells The Indian Express that before establishing the tiger safari the Jharkhand government should ensure that the project has the consent of local communities. 'If this tiger safari is planned on forest land, the Forest Department must consult the Gram Sabha and allow them to deliberate on all details — location, impact, and plan. Otherwise, it's a clear breach of law,' he said. Shubham Tigga hails from Chhattisgarh and studied journalism at the Asian College of Journalism. He previously reported in Chhattisgarh on Indigenous issues and is deeply interested in covering socio-political, human rights, and environmental issues in mainland and NE India. Presently based in Pune, he reports on civil aviation, other transport sectors, urban mobility, the gig economy, commercial matters, and workers' unions. You can reach out to him on LinkedIn ... Read More
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
SAG-AFTRA National Board Overwhelmingly Approves Commercials Contracts Deal
SAG-AFTRA's National Board overwhelmingly approved 2025's Commercials Contracts tentative agreements reached with the Joint Policy Committee April 12, meaning the agreements will now move on to the membership for ratification. The decision, made at the regularly scheduled, two-day, in-person assembly, yielded a deal valued at an increase of $218.4 million in new earnings and benefit plan contributions over three years. If ratified, the agreements would provide compounded increases in performer compensation at a rate of 5% in year one, 4% in year two and 3% in year three. More from Deadline Nicolas Cage Urges Young Actors To Protect Themselves From AI: "This Technology Wants To Take Your Instrument" SAG-AFTRA Praises New California Bill Restricting AI Usage Of Dead Performers Hollywood's Mental Health Crisis: How Film & TV Workers Can Seek Support From Their Unions With the board recommending a vote of 'yes,' one-year streaming use fees would increase by up to 33.33% to keep stride with the transforming advertising industry; additionally, paid use now commands a 12% increase over the current Traditional Digital rates — a restructuring that reflects its rise as a premium platform. 'A huge congratulations goes out to the Commercials Contracts negotiating committee for their diligent work in this agreement which is an important step forward for protecting the stability of performers' livelihoods during this time of major technological upheavals in the ad industry,' SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said in a statement. 'The Committee was co-chaired by Katie Von Till and Erin Fritch who led with strength, wisdom, intellect and patience. Brava ladies! The Commercials Contracts are a real powerhouse when it comes to addressing tech with more A.I. protections than any contract so far! Well done!' SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland added, 'This deal, hard-won thanks to an incredibly dedicated negotiating committee, achieves real wage growth and puts rules and a price tag on digital replica use — essential progress for a changing industry. I'm thrilled the National Board has approved this forward-thinking agreement and that members will now have a chance to review its many gains. I also want to extend my deepest appreciation to our extraordinary and courageous negotiating committee, especially co-chairs Erin Fritch and Katie Von Till, and the best co-lead negotiator anyone could ask for, SAG-AFTRA Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez.' Other highlights from the deal include the following: performers' data can't be used to train artificial intelligence without consent; performer consent is required before any digital replica is created; use of a digital replica to generate a performance requires informed consent and triggers a 1.5x session fee plus applicable holding and use fees; provisions that ensure a level playing field in generative AI and remove economic advantages to the use of synthetic performers; the total pension and health contribution rate is raised from 20.5% to 23.5%, subject to a waiver reduction for JPC authorizers to 19.95%; an initiative to develop an automated commercial use monitoring service; created a new extra zone and preference of employment for Austin, Texas; disability accommodation(s) must be offered, in writing, at the time of engagement; dramatic improvements in protections for minor performers; late fee penalties have been strengthened and streamlined; per diems are required to be paid on the first day of work and/or travel; dancers who are asked to lip-synch now earn an extra 25% of session; singer wage increases for non-air demos; a brand new digital structure in the Audio Commercials Contract. Eligible SAG-AFTRA members will have until 5 p.m. PDT on May 21 to cast their vote on ratification. Best of Deadline Francis Ford Coppola's Career In Photos, From 'Apocalypse Now' To 'The Godfather' Everything We Know About The 'Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping' Movie So Far Everything We Know About Netflix's 'The Thursday Murder Club' So Far
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
SAG-AFTRA National Board Overwhelmingly Approves Commercials Contracts Deal
SAG-AFTRA's National Board overwhelmingly approved 2025's Commercials Contracts tentative agreements reached with the Joint Policy Committee April 12, meaning the agreements will now move on to the membership for ratification. The decision, made at the regularly scheduled, two-day, in-person assembly, yielded a deal valued at an increase of $218.4 million in new earnings and benefit plan contributions over three years. If ratified, the agreements would provide compounded increases in performer compensation at a rate of 5% in year one, 4% in year two and 3% in year three. More from Deadline Nicolas Cage Urges Young Actors To Protect Themselves From AI: "This Technology Wants To Take Your Instrument" SAG-AFTRA Praises New California Bill Restricting AI Usage Of Dead Performers Hollywood's Mental Health Crisis: How Film & TV Workers Can Seek Support From Their Unions With the board recommending a vote of 'yes,' one-year streaming use fees would increase by up to 33.33% to keep stride with the transforming advertising industry; additionally, paid use now commands a 12% increase over the current Traditional Digital rates — a restructuring that reflects its rise as a premium platform. 'A huge congratulations goes out to the Commercials Contracts negotiating committee for their diligent work in this agreement which is an important step forward for protecting the stability of performers' livelihoods during this time of major technological upheavals in the ad industry,' SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said in a statement. 'The Committee was co-chaired by Katie Von Till and Erin Fritch who led with strength, wisdom, intellect and patience. Brava ladies! The Commercials Contracts are a real powerhouse when it comes to addressing tech with more A.I. protections than any contract so far! Well done!' SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland added, 'This deal, hard-won thanks to an incredibly dedicated negotiating committee, achieves real wage growth and puts rules and a price tag on digital replica use — essential progress for a changing industry. I'm thrilled the National Board has approved this forward-thinking agreement and that members will now have a chance to review its many gains. I also want to extend my deepest appreciation to our extraordinary and courageous negotiating committee, especially co-chairs Erin Fritch and Katie Von Till, and the best co-lead negotiator anyone could ask for, SAG-AFTRA Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez.' Other highlights from the deal include the following: performers' data can't be used to train artificial intelligence without consent; performer consent is required before any digital replica is created; use of a digital replica to generate a performance requires informed consent and triggers a 1.5x session fee plus applicable holding and use fees; provisions that ensure a level playing field in generative AI and remove economic advantages to the use of synthetic performers; the total pension and health contribution rate is raised from 20.5% to 23.5%, subject to a waiver reduction for JPC authorizers to 19.95%; an initiative to develop an automated commercial use monitoring service; created a new extra zone and preference of employment for Austin, Texas; disability accommodation(s) must be offered, in writing, at the time of engagement; dramatic improvements in protections for minor performers; late fee penalties have been strengthened and streamlined; per diems are required to be paid on the first day of work and/or travel; dancers who are asked to lip-synch now earn an extra 25% of session; singer wage increases for non-air demos; a brand new digital structure in the Audio Commercials Contract. Eligible SAG-AFTRA members will have until 5 p.m. PDT on May 21 to cast their vote on ratification. Best of Deadline Francis Ford Coppola's Career In Photos, From 'Apocalypse Now' To 'The Godfather' Everything We Know About The 'Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping' Movie So Far Everything We Know About Netflix's 'The Thursday Murder Club' So Far
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New organization, Columbus Georgia United, hosts town hall meeting
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — Community leaders and residents gathered in Columbus to discuss unity, representation, and the path toward the 2026 elections. A new civic coalition is working to amplify community voices and strengthen local influence at the ballot box. Dozens packed the Page-Doleman Complex Thursday evening in response to a call for unity. The grassroots organization Columbus, Georgia United is taking a new approach to civic engagement—focusing on education, strategy, and collective action ahead of the 2026 election. Member of the National Board for the NAACP, Edward DuBose said, 'We're not just trying to win elections. We're trying to build power to serve the people and change the game. That takes discipline, collaboration and a love for our community. The vetting process is not about control. It's about strategy.' The group shared 2024 voter turnout data, revealing that only 41 percent of Muscogee County's registered voters cast a ballot—despite high-stakes races. They say that in local elections, slim margins and split votes can shift outcomes. That's where their Candidate University Program comes in, a candidate vetting program aimed at unifying support behind one strong contender per race. Beyond election strategy, the core message was clear: real change begins with the people. President of the Columbus Branch NAACP, Melvin Tanner Jr. said, 'If you are unhappy with the way things are going on, you have to do something about it. It's not about Columbus United, as far as what we're going to do next. The thing should be, what are we as a community going to do next?' Organizers say this is just the beginning. More town halls and training sessions are planned, with a focus on community outreach and campaign support launching this summer. In vetting potential candidates, the group says they are committed to cultivating leaders who show up every day — not just during the election cycle. For now, Columbus, Georgia United is urging residents to stay informed, involved, and—above all—united. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
