PUNE: The state has lost about 1,400 hectare (14sqkm) forest cover between 2011 and 2013 to encroachments, according to the latest 'India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2013' released by the Union m

At a time when the country has recorded an increase of 5,871 sq km in its forest cover in the past two years with West Bengal alone contributing 60% of the total rise, Maharashtra lost 14 sq km for

Sheer negligence on the part of authorities concerned in implementation of Forest Rights Act, 2006 has resulted in lakhs of forest-dwellers being deprived of their rights, alleged the officials of

Strongly pitching for "drastic" reforms in green clearance processes, an environmental think tank today urged the Modi government to set up an independent body for such approvals and a task force s

On paper, much done to restore traditional tribal rights but govt prerogative & industry interests are a formidable barrier

Green crusaders, however, believe forest destruction is a likely cause of delay

Acrucial appointment and general elections have delayed the biennial government report on the state of Indian forests. This report, which was due in 2013, was first delayed because the Forest Survey of India (FSI), which conducts the survey, was headless for six months.And then, the ministry of environment held back the report, citing elections and Election Commission approval.