Latest news with #SupriyaSahu


Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Forest officials identify 104 heritage trees for spl protection
Chennai: Forest officials in Chennai launched an initiative to identify and protect rare and endangered trees by officially designating them as 'heritage trees' in recognition of their ecological, cultural, historical, and aesthetic value. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Tamil Nadu forest secretary Supriya Sahu said these heritage trees will receive special protection to ensure their survival and to highlight their role within the urban ecosystem. Spread across different parts of the city, these trees include the iconic Adyar Banyan Tree—estimated to be over 450 years old—which stands as a living symbol of Chennai's natural and cultural history. To carry out the initiative, the Chennai forest division collaborated with botany professor D Narasimhan and the environmental NGO Nizhal Trust to identify suitable trees across the district. A special team, formed under the supervision of district forest officer V A Saravanan, conducted extensive fieldwork and identified 104 trees that qualify as heritage trees. These were chosen not only for their age but also for their historical associations, ecological value, and relevance to community life. Among the notable examples is an African Baobab tree located on a school campus in Rajapalayam, Virudhunagar district, believed to be planted by Arab travellers more than a century ago. Another Baobab tree stands inside the Theosophical Society campus in Chennai, reflecting the diverse origins of heritage trees in Tamil Nadu. While the current phase covers Chennai, the initiative is expected to expand to other districts. By documenting and conserving these botanical landmarks, the forest department aims to foster environmental awareness and ensure that future generations stay connected to their natural heritage.


The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Supriya Sahu honoured for contribution in fight against financial crimes
Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to the Departments of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, Government of Tamil Nadu, has been recognised for her contribution to the fight against financial crimes. At the 41st Plenary Meeting of the Eurasian Group (EAG) held in November 2024 in Indore, Sahu was one of the few individuals honoured for her exemplary leadership and service. In recognition of her work, Ms. Sahu received a commemorative certificate of merit presented by Vivek Aggarwal, former Additional Secretary and Head of the Indian Delegation to Financial Action Task Force (FATF). In a letter, dated April 30, Mr. Aggarwal expressed deep appreciation for Ms. Sahu's dedication, highlighting how her efforts had strengthened the integrity of the financial system and enhanced India's position within the international community. The event, which also marked the 20th Anniversary of the EAG, brought together global leaders, representatives from member States, and international observers committed to anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). The recognition highlights Ms. Sahu's role in India's successful evaluation under the FATF, where the country was placed under the 'regular follow-up category,' an honour afforded only to a select few of the world's leading economies.


The Hindu
3 days ago
- The Hindu
12 pangolins released after rescue operations in T.N.
Two pangolins, including a baby, were recently rescued from wildlife traffickers near Chennai and released back into their natural habitat by the Tamil Nadu Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (TNWCCB). This action is part of the bureau's ongoing efforts to combat pangolin trafficking. Pangolin is an endangered species protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. As many as 50 individuals remanded in related operations over the past few months, Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to Departments of Environment, Climate Change and Forests, wrote in a post on social media platform X. Twelve pangolins have been safely released following similar operations from across Tamil Nadu, Ms. Sahu said. As the world's most trafficked mammals, pangolins face severe threats from poaching for their scales and meat, pushing them towards extinction.


Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Tamil nadu turtle nesting season records highest number of eggs and hatchlings released
In a complete turnaround, Tamil Nadu's turtle nesting season, which started distressingly in December with more than 1,100 turtle carcasses washing ashore along the Chennai coast, has now seen an all-time high. Wildlife officials collected an unprecedented 113,933 eggs and released 106,595 hatchlings into the sea in Cuddalore — the highest figures recorded in the state over the past five years. This was followed closely by the Chennai wildlife division, which collected 65,649 eggs and released 54,917 hatchlings into the sea. Forest Secretary Supriya Sahu says hatcheries in eight of the nine districts have completed operations for the season, with the final hatchery in Chennai expected to close by the first week of June. "The increased enforcement of fishing regulations contributed to reducing turtle fatalities. The govt is now considering distributing turtle excluder devices to fishermen to ensure sustainable fishing," says Supriya. To safeguard the vulnerable olive ridleys, wildlife and fisheries officials also launched joint coastal patrols to monitor fishing activities, which led to the rescue of several live turtles caught in nets and penalties for violators. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning For Working Professionals. BITS Pilani WILP Apply Now Undo During the critical nesting period, the Tamil Nadu forest department established 53 hatcheries in nine coastal districts, sheltered from predators and human interference. "We launched a Tamil Nadu Turtle Guardian app that allowed real-time monitoring of egg collection, hatching, and hatchling releases. It enhanced coordination among volunteers and officials," says Supriya. The forest department, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, has also initiated telemetry studies to track the turtles' migratory patterns and pinpoint key nesting sites. "These studies are complemented by habitat restoration projects, including mangrove mapping and seagrass regeneration, aimed at improving the coastal ecosystem," says Supriya. Email your feedback with your name and address to


The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
The Hindu wins in content, marketing and green initiatives at Abby Awards 2025
The Hindu Group made an impact at the Abby Awards 2025, securing accolades across multiple categories that recognise excellence in publishing, content creation, and sustainability. The innovative branded content project 'The Interface' by The Hindu won the bronze award under the category 'Best Use of Native or Branded Content for Client Brand-Marketing by a Publisher'. This project, crafted in collaboration with AMD, was a weekly podcast series that delves into the dynamic technological landscape, offering expert insights and diverse perspectives to deepen listeners' understanding of the technology shaping the future. The Hindu executed this project along with ThinkROI. The Group's city campaign 'Made of Chennai' won silver award for 'Best Marketing of a Printed Newspaper/Edition' under the Publisher Abby category. The campaign successfully deepened local engagement, celebrating the spirit, stories, and people of Chennai through print and on-ground activities. In addition, The Hindu's campaign for World Wildlife Day titled 'The Last Pack' earned a merit position under the Green Awards category. The approach was to offer a glimpse into a possible future, one where readers may no longer be able to enjoy their morning coffee, biriyani made with basmati rice, their favourite evening potato chip snack or beat the summer with a sip of mango juice – because someday, it may be their last pack. With key personalities such as Kiran Bedi, former Lieutenant-Governor of Pondicherry; Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Climate Change and Forests, Tamil Nadu; and Arun Krishnamurthy, founder, Environmentalist Foundation of India, talking about the issue, the campaign highlighted the urgent need for wildlife preservation.