Dumping of non-biodegradable waste, burning of plastic and rampant fishing along the Garhi Mandu city forest, a natural biodiversity habitat on the left bank of the Yamuna, seem to have taken a tol

The Ministry of Environment and Forests has “in principle” agreed to one-km buffer zone for four wildlife sanctuaries of Goa ~ Mhadei, Netravali, Bhagwan Mahaveer and Bondla. The eco-sensitive zone for the Cotigao sanctuary has been extended upto 3 kms.

In all total 33 mining leases are located within one km buffer zone, of which 20 were operational prior to the Supreme Court ban order, which would directly stand cancelled once the notification on buffer zone is issued.

The state government has decided to amend rules under the Indian Forest Act (IFA) 1927 to make them more adaptable and people-friendly besides ensuring effective conservation of forests.

Jaipur:Around 29,692 hectares of forest land is under encroachment in Rajasthan, according to the latest figures of the ministry of environment and forests. While the country boasts of over 19.57 lakh hectares of encroached forest land as compared to 17,94,879 hectares in 2009.

The data shows that the encroachments on forest land have increased over the past five years in the country. Rajasthan already has very few natural forests. The statistics for the last five years show that Bundi district in the state leads with 8878 hectares of encroached forest land. Followed by Chittorgarh 6354 hectares and Dungarpur 4426 hectares. Alwar had 454 hectares, Dausa 372 hectares, Hanumangarh 113 hectares and Ajmer had 45 hectares of forest land under encroachment.

The forest department is reviewing all pending cases regarding illegal tree felling in Goa in a bid to expedite these and the department is also contemplating action against officers who delay the

New Delhi: The forest department has finally filed an FIR against “some persons” who laid a road in the Rajokri forest area from the BSS Camp up to Church Road.