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New Indian Express
14 hours ago
- New Indian Express
'Lohandi to Ladakh' book released
BHUBANESWAR: 'Lohandi to Ladakh', a travelogue by author Om Prakash Singh, was released at an event organised by publisher Ketaki Books here on Monday. While Singh spoke about stories of Lohandi to Ladakh, offering glimpses into moments of solitude, adventure, and introspection that shaped the narrative, the event also featured address by PCCF & HoFF Suresh Pant, who spoke on travel and forest preservation. Retired IFS Debidutta Biswal, PCCF (KL) Uma Nanduri and PCCF (WL) Prem Kumar Jha reflected on the synergy between conservation, literature and travel. 'I am overwhelmed by the incredible support. I hope this book inspires others to find adventure and beauty, near or far,' Singh said. An interactive session with the author allowed readers to explore the creative process and personal motivations behind the book.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Waterholes a lifeline for wildlife amid peak summer
As Uttar Pradesh goes through peak summer, animals in the core forest areas are heavily dependant on waterholes to keep themselves hydrated at a time when most of the natural sources have dried up. Around 350 ponds/saucer pits have been prepared/rejuvenated in core forest areas, with Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) and Kartaniyaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS) being the focused ones where state's majority feline reside. 'This year, number of solar waterpumps and waterholes have been increased. The requirement was assessed via field survey, and hopefully it will serve the purpose,' said Sunil Chaudhary, principal chief conservator of forest (PCCF) and head of forest force, Uttar Pradesh. According to 2022 Census, UP is home to 205 tigers and the State recorded 18.49% rise in tiger count. The DTR has been ranked fourth among tiger reserves in India, with a tiger population of 135. The DTR has Suheli and Mohana rivers, tributaries of Ghaghra river, flowing through the forest areas, but during summer, these water bodies flow with little or no water, making it tough for animals to quench their thirst. The KWS has Ghaghra and Girwa rivers, along with numerous swamps and wetlands, under a fragile Terai ecosystem. But the sanctuary undergoes a notable shift between April and June. There are three types of waterholes - first are natural waterholes (geological depressions), like small ponds or lakes. They are a key source of water for wildlife the as routes to such waterholes are in the memory of animals. But as majority of them dry up during summer, man-made waterholes become the only dependable option. The second are manmade waterholes. These are fed water by boring deep into the earth surface with the help of waterpumps, both electrical and solar. At least 10 waterholes in DTR have solar waterpumps that run for a specific period only during daytime. The third type, which is also man made, is the waterhole fed water with the help of pumps fitted on rickshaw trolley. The forest staff take the trolley from one location to another and feed water into ponds. At many places ponds are made of cement. 'Animals look for water during day, hence solar water pumps are fit for the purpose,' said H Rajamohan, director, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR). KWS is home to a number of endangered species including gharial, tiger, rhino, Gangetic Dolphin, swamp deer, Hispid hare, Bengal florican, the White-backed and Long-billed vultures in a total area of 400.9 sq km. DTR represents one of the few outstanding examples of an extremely varied Terai ecosystem, supporting a large number of endangered species. It is the largest and thickest forest reserve of India. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve deputy director Manish Singh said: 'We have 38 waterholes, of which 24 are solar pump equipped. Though monsoon is expected to arrive early, water holes are playing a crucial role in the current situation.' 'Cemented water ponds are created on forest routes that lack natural water sources. Such ponds are fed with water by trolley-mounted pumps once a day. They are deep and long enough to store water for over a day,' said a senior forest official. A tiger might drink up to 30 litres of water in a day, depending upon the heat. Water pumps fitted at one place have a drawback - big animals such as elephants often damage these pumps. Hence, these are under constant watch, and at some places, have been replaced with trolley-mounted pumps.
Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Tree census ordered after allegations that hundreds were cut down for cricket stadium in Madhya Pradesh
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Bhopal has directed forest authorities in Madhya Pradesh to carry out a state-wide tree census and implement geo-tagging of trees, following a plea alleging that 700 trees were illegally felled in an ecologically sensitive area to make way for a cricket stadium and a road. A bench comprising judicial member Sheo Kumar Singh and technical member Afroz Ahmad ordered that the census be conducted city-wise and district-wise across the state. 'There should be a tree census within the state, city-wise and district-wise to be monitored by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest or an official nominated by the PCCF,' the tribunal said. The NGT also directed a joint committee to submit a report on the tree-felling allegations. This committee will include representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change's integrated office in Bhopal, the Central Pollution Control Board (Bhopal), the Additional Chief Conservator of Forest (Bhopal), and the State Pollution Control Board. The NGT said it would take between 70 and 100 years to regenerate the green cover provided by 700 trees. '…thus the destruction of so many trees adversely affects the environment and lives of several human beings. Accordingly, the compensation of compensatory afforestation should be in ratio to that period and ratio to the oxygen generated by the plant during the lifetime of the trees,' the tribunal said. The order came in response to a plea filed by Nitin Saxena, who alleged that 700 trees were illegally cut down in violation of the state's tree conservation law — Madhya Pradesh Vrikshon Ka Parirakshan (Nagariya Kshetra) Adhiniyam, 2001. The trees were allegedly felled to facilitate construction within the catchment area of the Bhoj Wetland, near the Neelbad-Barkheda Nathu area in Bhopal. Saxena emphasised the ecological significance of the Bhoj Wetland, a designated Ramsar site — a site that is designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The NGT also directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Divisional Forest Officers to ensure that geo-tagging of all trees be made mandatory, so that accurate records of their location, species, and number can be maintained. The geo-tagging data must be published and reported to the Chief Conservator of Forests, the tribunal added.
Hans India
25-05-2025
- Hans India
Forester killed by poachers
Bhubaneswar: A forester was killed allegedly by poachers near Kai reserve forest in the early hours of Saturday, officials said. Acting on a tip-off, an eight-member team of the Forest department went to Tantichira village around 3.30 am when they came face to face with the poachers. Soon, the poachers opened fire, and Prahallad Pradhan, the in-charge forester of Hindol range, was shot in the stomach, officials said. He was rushed to a nearby health facility, from where he was taken to Angul district headquarters hospital. There, he was declared dead. Dhenkanal Divisional Forest Officer Sumit Kar said four poachers were arrested and a gun was seized. Expressing grief over the death of the forester, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a compensation of Rs 30 lakh for his family. The Chief Minister directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Prem Kumar Jha to visit the spot and investigate the incident. In a post on X, Jha said, 'In this sad moment, I, on behalf of the Forest and Wildlife department family, wish the departed soul peace and extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family.' Following the incident, Forest Employees' Association secretary (Dhenkanal) Birendra Dehuri said forest guards should be adequately equipped to deal with armed poachers. Forest guards in the State are not provided with firearms, except those in Similipal Tiger Reserve. They patrol the forests with sticks, he said.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
Forest guard shot dead by poachers in Dhenkanal
B Tired of too many ads? go ad free now hubaneswar: A 37-year-old forest guard was shot dead by a gang of four poachers with his own firearm during a melee in Rajmohanpur forest in Dhenkanal district early on Saturday. The deceased was identified as Prahlad Pradhan, in-charge forester of Hindol range. The poachers were arrested. Divisional forest officer (Dhenkanal), Sumit Kar, said Pradhan was leading an eight-member squad on routine patrol when they intercepted four poachers. A scuffle ensued where Prahlad suffered a gunshot injury. He was first taken to a hospital in Hindol and later referred to the Angul district headquarters hospital. However, he died on the way. SDPO (Hindol), Satya Nanda, told TOI, "As per the FIR lodged by the forest department, the forester was shot with his own firearm. There was a tussle between the poachers and the forest squad. One of the poachers snatched the gun and shot in his abdomen. The gunshot injury indicates it is from a sophisticated weapon which is used by forest personnel only." The DFO said, "It was a combination of a scuffle and a few gunshots by poachers. It was not an exchange of fire. Other forest squad members were trying to de-escalate the fight. However, one of the gunshots injured Prahlad. The poachers were arrested and taken to the range office before they were handed over to police." He said the incident occurred between 2.30 and 3.30 am. "We have given firearms to forest patrolling staff, and they can use them as per the need of the situation. The poachers mostly hunt wild boars, sambar and spotted deer for meat," he said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now An ex gratia of Rs 30 lakh was announced by chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi for the next of kin of the deceased. The CM condemned the incident and asked the principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) to conduct further probe into the incident. PCCF (wildlife), Prem Jha, said, "We will take strict action against the poachers and his associates. In the coming days, we will take preventive measures and also inform police to avert such situations. Wife of the deceased is also a forest guard. So providing a job to the family of Prahlad is unlikely. Only the ex gratia amount will be sanctioned."
