Latest news with #WildLife(Protection)Act
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Woman power leads peaceful eviction of forest encroachment
Raipur: Frontline women forest and police personnel have led an operation to clear nearly 60.7 hectares of encroached forest land in the Indagaon buffer range of Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR). Joint teams from USTR, Gariaband and Dhamtari forest divisions and Gariaband police carried out the mission as part of ongoing efforts to remove illegal settlements from wildlife protected areas. Preliminary offence reports (POR) were registered in 2021 and 2023 under Wild Life (Protection) Act and Indian Forest Act. Showcause notices were issued to the encroachers in June 2023, asking them to provide proof of possession of the forest land. The encroachers failed to submit any valid proof, and their claims for forest rights were rejected by the Forest Rights Committee. Investigations of the PORs, supported by satellite imagery from ISRO revealed that the encroachments occurred after 2008, as clearly indicated by changes in forest canopy cover. The entire eviction process was peaceful. Local villagers from Pipalkhunta and Kandsar also extended their support. Encroachers were permitted to take their personal belongings. Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve Deputy Director Varun Jain said that over the past three years, the reserve team has removed 750 hectares of encroachments from core and buffer zones, creating inviolate spaces for wildlife. He added that these anti-poaching and anti-encroachment operations have contributed to a reduction in man-animal conflict within the reserve, facilitating coexistence between the 110 villages in the area & its wildlife population. Jain also mentioned that Supreme Court, in the case of TN Godavarman vs Union of India had issued directions to Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary (as it was then known) to remove encroachments from wildlife habitats and strive to reduce human-wildlife conflicts to ensure wildlife protection. Frontline staff present during the operation included rangers Pratibha Meshram and Ramshila Dhruw, forest guards Rinki Joshi, Gunja Dhruw, Tikeshwari Sahu, Manisha Netam, Jankibai, Banita Yadav, Indumati Chauhan, Saraswati Sahu and Bhumika Sahu, along with members of the forest management committee from Pipalkhunta village. Raipur: Frontline women forest and police personnel have led an operation to clear nearly 60.7 hectares of encroached forest land in the Indagaon buffer range of Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR). Joint teams from USTR, Gariaband and Dhamtari forest divisions and Gariaband police carried out the mission as part of ongoing efforts to remove illegal settlements from wildlife protected areas. Preliminary offence reports (POR) were registered in 2021 and 2023 under Wild Life (Protection) Act and Indian Forest Act. Showcause notices were issued to the encroachers in June 2023, asking them to provide proof of possession of the forest land. The encroachers failed to submit any valid proof, and their claims for forest rights were rejected by the Forest Rights Committee. Investigations of the PORs, supported by satellite imagery from ISRO revealed that the encroachments occurred after 2008, as clearly indicated by changes in forest canopy cover. The entire eviction process was peaceful. Local villagers from Pipalkhunta and Kandsar also extended their support. Encroachers were permitted to take their personal belongings. Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve Deputy Director Varun Jain said that over the past three years, the reserve team has removed 750 hectares of encroachments from core and buffer zones, creating inviolate spaces for wildlife. He added that these anti-poaching and anti-encroachment operations have contributed to a reduction in man-animal conflict within the reserve, facilitating coexistence between the 110 villages in the area & its wildlife population. Jain also mentioned that Supreme Court, in the case of TN Godavarman vs Union of India had issued directions to Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary (as it was then known) to remove encroachments from wildlife habitats and strive to reduce human-wildlife conflicts to ensure wildlife protection. Frontline staff present during the operation included rangers Pratibha Meshram and Ramshila Dhruw, forest guards Rinki Joshi, Gunja Dhruw, Tikeshwari Sahu, Manisha Netam, Jankibai, Banita Yadav, Indumati Chauhan, Saraswati Sahu and Bhumika Sahu, along with members of the forest management committee from Pipalkhunta village.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
HC disposes of suo motu proceedings to declare Samanatham tank as bird sanctuary
Disposing of the suo motu proceedings initiated to declare Samanatham tank in Madurai as a bird sanctuary, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday observed that such decisions have to be taken by the government on the recommendation of the competent authorities and after obtaining expert reports from the authorities concerned. A Division Bench of Justices S. M. Subramaniam and A. D. Maria Clete observed that no doubt bird migration activities were going on in Samanatham tank in Tirupparankundram. However such decisions have to be taken by the government. For declaration of the tank as a sanctuary it requires certain procedures to be followed. The High Court may not be in a position to issue a positive direction in the nature of a declaration to declare Samantnam tank as a sanctuary in terms of Section 18 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, the court observed. The court observed that it was of the considered view that authorities may take note of the facts reiterated by the Division Bench of the court while initiating the suo motu proceedings. The Act contemplates various conditions and circumstances warranting such declaration in public interest. The court, not being an expert body, cannot substitute the expert views and directives of the executives, the court observed and disposed of the petition. The court in February initiated suo motu proceedings to declare Samanatham tank as a bird sanctuary. The Registrar (Judicial) said that Samanatham tank was a habitat to more than 150 species of birds. These birds species were declared as nearly threatened as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN-Red List). The tank was under the control and maintenance of the Public Works Department. Owing to the biodiversity and unique natural birds habitat, there has been an appeal to protect the waterbody by declaring it as a bird sanctuary under Section 18 of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the Registrar said. The action was necessitated in light of the fact that the birds coming to the waterbody were vulnerable to poaching and easily accessible to the public which gravely threatened the natural habitat of the birds. If the waterbody was declared as a sanctuary, it would be subjected to restriction as to entry in terms of Section 27 of the Act and various other protective measures as envisaged under Chapter IV of the Act, as a protected area, the Registrar said. Article 48 A of the Constitution ordains that the State should endeavour to protect and improve the environment and safeguard the forest and wildlife of the country. There was also a fundamental duty cast on every Citizen under Article 51 A (g) to protect and improve the natural environment and wildlife, the Registrar said.
Scroll.in
2 days ago
- Health
- Scroll.in
Livestock is out grazing the majestic wild goat in the Kashmir Himalayas
In the mountainous terrain of the Kashmir Himalayas, a rare and majestic wild goat – the Kashmir markhor – is competing for space. A new study has revealed that increasing livestock populations in the alpine and sub-alpine areas are restricting the feeding and movement of this animal in its natural habitat. The markhor (Capra falconeri) is the world's largest wild goat and is known for its spiral horns. Listed as 'near threatened' in the IUCN Red List, the markhor is found across the mountain ranges of India as well as Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Of the three sub-species, the Capra falconeri cashmeriensis is found in India, mainly in Kashmir, and is protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. There are two viable populations of markhor in Kashmir – a smaller group in the Pir Panjal range (Hirpora and Tatakutti Wildlife Sanctuaries in Shopian and Poonch district), and a larger one in the Kazinag range (Kazinag National Park in Baramulla district). The recent study, published in the Journal for Nature Conservation, looked at the impacts of livestock (mainly sheep and goats) on the movement and habitat use of markhor across different altitudes. The study was conducted in the Kazinag region, in the Lacchipora and Limber wildlife sanctuaries. As Lacchipora receives fewer livestock, due to restrictions at a check post as it is nearer to the Line of Control, this helped the researchers to better understand and compare how livestock impact the markhor. Seasonal habits and habitats Female markhor and their young typically migrate to the higher alpine and sub-alpine habitats during the summer. These habitats are crucial as they provide ample and nutritious food for the animals to build the strength necessary to survive harsh winters. Common food plants for the markhor at these elevations are shrubs and trees such as redberry honeysuckle, Himalayan wayfaring tree, and Himalayan birch. Females markhor give birth during May and June each year, notes Gopal Singh Rawat, a senior scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, and co-author of the study. This period also coincides with the arrival of migratory livestock; herders move into the area in May, when rising temperatures and melting snow at lower and middle elevations lead to fresh vegetation growth. According to the study, the livestock population exceeds that of the markhor by over 30 times each season. The study found that the markhor primarily used areas with low to medium livestock pressure and avoided areas with high livestock pressure in both the valleys. In Lacchipora valley, where livestock numbers were less, they observed that markhor migrated to higher elevations to access the 'fresh and better quality forage' in the few areas that were free from livestock. But in Limber, where there was more livestock presence, both male and female markhor remained at lower elevations, thus possibly missing out on the benefits of nutritious forage. The paper thus noted that high livestock pressure negatively impacted the markhor. This was also evidenced by a lower population density and extremely low ratio of yearlings to adult females in the Limber valley. The study concluded that keeping the habitats of markhor relatively free from grazing could help maintain the population of this threatened caprid within India. 'This research raises serious concerns for markhor conservation in the region. The severe competition with livestock for space and resources in summer, combined with the disturbance by herders and herding dogs, will affect their migration patterns as well. This may force the markhor to sub-optimal habitats, thereby exposing them to several risks,' says Tawqir Bashir, an assistant professor at the Division of Wildlife Sciences, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, who was not associated with the study. He adds that the study provides a sustainable and ecologically sound solution to address this issue by recommending regulation of livestock, restricting heavy livestock at markhor fawning sites and few peak summer markhor habitats, and using alternate summer grazing sites as a long-term management approach. Rising threat After the 'Markhor Recovery Project' was launched in Jammu and Kashmir in 2004, researchers from the Wildlife Trust of India have been monitoring the region's markhor population trends. While the population in the Kazinag range has shown a slow but steady increase – from 155 individuals in 2004 to 221 in 2023 – the smaller Pir Panjal population has declined sharply, with numbers dropping from around 55 individuals in 2004 to only a handful of sightings in recent years, according to the Wildlife Trust of India . 'Interestingly, during our field surveys, markhor groups were sighted in areas adjacent to the Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary after a gap of 60 years. This led to the notification of the Tatakutti Wildlife Sanctuary in the Pir Panjal range, providing an alternative refuge for the dwindling Pir Panjal population,' says Tanushree Srivastava, Head of Jammu and Kashmir Projects at Wildlife Trust of India. She notes that livestock herding is a threat not only to the markhor but also other hoofed animals in the Himalayas, as it increases competition for limited food. 'Although livestock herding has been practiced for centuries, the pressure has increased in recent years due to rising human and livestock populations. This exposes the markhor to competition for food and space, the transmission of diseases, and an increased risk of predation – particularly of young ones – by guard dogs accompanying herders,' she points out. Beyond grazing pressure, there are additional threats such as infrastructure development. The construction of roads, such as the Mughal road through Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as mining activities, installation of power lines, and border fencing, have severely restricted markhor movement. 'The increased livestock grazing by migratory herders after the road's construction has further impeded markhor population recovery,' she says. 'Poaching, especially targeting large-bodied males for their horns, remains a serious concern, particularly during seasonal migrations when markhor venture closer to human settlements.' While the specific impact of climate change on markhor has not yet been studied, she notes that it could affects mountain ungulates (hoofed animals) through its influence on plant growth patterns. 'Rising temperatures could push vegetation to higher elevations, which would, in turn, shift grazing zones upward, impacting markhor and other high-elevation species,' she says. Long game To address livestock pressure in the Pir Panjal range, WTI has been monitoring herders and assisting Kashmir's Department of Wildlife Protection, in establishing anti-grazing camps at key locations in and around Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary. At these camps, WTI and DoWP teams check herders' legal documents and discourage non-bonafide herders from entering the sanctuary. 'We have also identified critical markhor habitats within the protected areas, where we are actively working to reduce livestock pressure through these measures,' Srivastava says. 'Additionally, we have connected herders and local communities in fringe villages to government welfare schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, aiming to reduce their dependency on resources from markhor habitats.' She adds that it is important to involve local communities in conservation efforts, such as engaging them in patrolling and in activities that help prevent illegal grazing and poaching. Wildlife Warden North Kashmir, Intesar Suhail told Mongabay India that livestock grazing – or rather, overgrazing – in highland pastures has been recognised as a major limiting factor affecting wild herbivore populations across the Himalayan landscape, and the markhor is no exception. 'We have successfully identified several critical markhor habitats within Kazinag National Park and the Limber and Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuaries, and efforts are underway to make these areas grazing-free,' says Suhail. The critical markhor habitats identified have been systematically mapped and subjected to intensive management interventions, with a strong focus on minimising human disturbances. 'Particularly strict protective measures are enforced during the rutting season (November-December) and the birthing season (May) to ensure minimal disruption to the species during these sensitive periods,' Suhail says.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
For love of paneer, Kanpur temple turtles throw diet out of pond
1 2 Kanpur: Like Jerry the mouse drawn irresistibly to cheese, turtles in a Kanpur temple pond surface eagerly for cubes of paneer — a bizarre twist in their dietary tale that has both devotees and conservationists doing a double take. Roughly 150 turtles reside in a 2-bigha pond beside Panki Dham , a temple complex also known as Panki Nageshwar temple. Each Wednesday, heads bob above water as softshell turtles paddle swiftly to snag chunks of cottage cheese offered by visiting devotees. It's a scene that has turned this serene pond into an unexpected ecological hotspot. Temple administrator Mahant Devi Dayal Pathak, whose family has managed the shrine for more than 350 years, recalled when this peculiar feeding habit began to emerge. "A visiting professor was apparently the first to introduce paneer to the reptiles," Pathak said. "They once ate atta balls offered by devotees, but now clearly prefer paneer. Why they developed this taste, no one really knows."Turtles are largely averse to dairy, but this shift has become a consistent feature of temple life. Religious lore also plays a role — turtles are associated with planet Mercury, encouraging crowds to gather midweek to feed them in hopes of astrological Rajeev Chauhan, secretary general of Society for Conservation of Nature, called the paneer-loving behaviour rare and research-worthy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo "These Indian softshell turtles — Nilssonia gangetica — are carnivores and scavengers. Because of that, they can easily digest cheese," he said. Found primarily in rivers such as Ganga, Indus, and Mahanadi, the softshell turtles usually feast on fish, amphibians, carrion, and aquatic vegetation. Despite their adaptability, they remain protected under Schedule I, Part II of India's Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 — making it illegal to capture or harm them. Pathak said the temple grounds have grown into a sanctuary. An artificial island in the centre offers nesting space, while embankments help curb erosion. Local shopkeepers now stock approved feeding items, and municipal boards provide ecological guidance to visitors. "Conservation is taken seriously," said Pathak. "Water quality is monitored regularly, turtles undergo health checks by wildlife officials, and during hot months, the pond is replenished. Fresh sand and soil are added to the island when needed." Efforts to balance devotion and preservation continue. Proposed upgrades include shaded viewing decks, cleaner waste systems, and educational kiosks for school groups and researchers. "There's talk of documenting the turtles' odd behaviour," said Pathak, "so we can understand them better — and maybe help others learn something too." For now, paneer remains top pick on the turtle menu. And every Wednesday, as cubes hit water, heads rise like clockwork — a scene part sacred ritual, part ecological marvel.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
For these temple turtles in Kanpur, paneer is the top pick
KANPUR: Like Jerry the mouse drawn irresistibly to cheese, turtles in a Kanpur temple pond surface eagerly for cubes of paneer - a bizarre twist in their dietary tale that has both devotees and conservationists doing a double take. Roughly 150 turtles reside in a 2-bigha pond beside Panki Dham , a temple complex also known as Panki Nageshwar temple. Each Wednesday, heads bob above water as softshell turtles paddle swiftly to snag chunks of cottage cheese offered by visiting devotees. Temple administrator Devi Dayal Pathak, whose family has managed the shrine for more than 350 years, recalled when this peculiar feeding habit began to emerge. "A visiting professor was apparently the first to introduce paneer to the reptiles," Pathak said. "They once ate atta balls offered by devotees, but now clearly prefer paneer. Why they developed this taste, no one really knows." Turtles are largely averse to dairy, but this shift has become a consistent feature of temple life. Religious lore also plays a role - turtles are associated with planet Mercury, encouraging crowds to gather midweek to feed them in hopes of astrological goodwill. Rajeev Chauhan, secretary general of Society for Conservation of Nature, called the paneer-loving behaviour rare and research-worthy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Viral Video: मृत्यू कसाही येऊ शकतो! सीसीटीव्हीत कैद झाली काळीज पिळवटणारी घटना Latest News Read More Undo "These Indian softshell turtles - Nilssonia gangetica - are carnivores and scavengers. Because of that, they can easily digest cheese," he said. Found primarily in rivers such as Ganga, Indus, and Mahanadi, the softshell turtles usually feast on fish, amphibians, carrion, and aquatic vegetation. Despite their adaptability, they remain protected under Schedule I, Part II of India's Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 - making it illegal to capture or harm them. Pathak said the temple grounds have grown into a sanctuary. An artificial island in the centre offers nesting space, while embankments help curb erosion. Local shopkeepers now stock approved feeding items, and municipal boards provide ecological guidance to visitors. For now, paneer remains top pick on the turtle menu. And every Wednesday, as cubes hit water, heads rise like clockwork - a scene part sacred ritual, part ecological marvel.
