PATNAGARH: For generations they have been weaving magic, from bamboo. But, traditional bamboo workers are now close to breaking and the onslaught of substitute materials and government policies since past some decades have driven bamboo weavers to poverty and starvation.

Madhya Pradesh Forest Minister Sartaj Singh has said strict action will be taken for protecting forests and forest land and no compromise will be made against forest crimes.

Warm nights impacting Output, Shows Study Based On 50 Yrs of data
S Sanandakumar KOCHI

New Delhi: Pushing hard its development agenda to tackle the Naxal menace, the UPA government is working out a package of around Rs 3,400 crore to upgrade the infrastructure in 34 districts worst affected by the Naxal violence.

To supplement developmental activities in Naxal-hit areas, the Central government is all set to invoke the provision of the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996. This will enable it to directly intervene in tribal regions (Schedule V areas) directing states to grant complete rights to tribals over the minor forest produce (MFP) to address their livelihood issues.

VEERAPPAN

Washington: Money sure doesn

Shishir Prashant / New Delhi/ Dehra Dun June 11, 2010, 0:21 IST

Agro-forestry-based industry is all set for a robust growth following tax incentives by the Uttarakhand government.

In a cabinet decision, the government lowered VAT from 12.5 per cent to 4 per cent on fibre and particle boards made from eucalyptus and poplar trees.