Second new bird to be found in Indian territory this year

A group of scientists from the Zoological Survey of India have discovered a new species of bird. The bird, called Rallina, otherwise known as the ‘Great Nicobar Crake’, is found in the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. Scientists said that the bird was unknown before. It was found while cataloguing local fauna and animal-life in the reserve, under the man and biosphere programme of Unesco, sponsored by Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Ramadevarabetta in Ramanagara district is declared sanctuary

The State government has declared 346.14 hectares in Ramanagara as Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary (RVS), to protect long-billed vultures, which are on the verge of extinction. The 15 vultures on cliffs of Ramadevarabetta are now protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, in the sanctuary which is claimed to be the first of its kind in the country.

Maruthi Power Gen diverted from original plan, says PCCF report

The Maruthi Power Gen (India) Private Limited which is setting up a mini hydel project near Hongadahalla in Sakaleshpur has tried to mislead the High Court on the extent of the project site, according to a report of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. The High Court on June 18 directed the Forest Department to take a decision on cancelling the land lease of the private agency for alleged violation of green norms.

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), set up in 1999 by the State government to regulate power tariff and protect the consu­mers’ interests, draws power without any agreement with Bescom.

It pays its monthly electricity bills, and at commercial rates, in the name of a owner whose identity and address are not clear. The reply it has provided to an RTI query, filed by City advocate Manjunath Rao, about ownership and RR number of the building where it is located is vague.