Environmental clearance (EC) is likely to pave the way for revival of the defunct Ashok Paper Mill. An application to the effect submitted by Assam Government is pending with the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF).

Himachal Pradesh Forest department has taken up an ambitious project to save Chilgoza trees, a valuable non-wood forest trees found only in Kinnaur and some parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Chamba in Himachal Pradesh.

- Two years ago, only two villages were involved; now there are more than 50

Dhanbad, April 22: A pilot project to revive the forest-based economy of the region that began with lac production in three remote villages has now grown to benefit over 50 villages spread over six blocks of Dhanbad.

Famous for its lush forests, the Kashmir valley is slowly loosing its green cover as there is no stopping the haphazard and illegal cutting of trees and timber smuggling. The green gold in Kashmir is openly being plundered by vested interests and the authorities seem to have turned a blind eye to the forests.

AIZAWL, April 12 : Mizoram

The Joint Forest Management Committees in the State will observe Bamboo Plantation and Energy Conservation Week from Monday.

The year 2010 is being observed as Bamboo Year in the State. This year, five crore bamboo rhizomes will be planted in the State. The Joint Forest Committees have been formed for making the Bamboo Year successful.

By 2020 tobacco will be responsible for 13 per cent of all deaths in India and millions of people are likely to die prematurely due to smoking, reveals a latest study.

Andhra Pradesh tobacco farmers have written to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi asking her to facilitate the banning of foreign direct investment (FDI) in cigarette manufacturing. With one letter from the commerce ministry already having been presented before the Cabinet in support of the ban, the ministry has been directed to put its position in writing again, this time by the party leader.