Efforts To Streamline FRA Implementation Gain Steam
It has been the most contentious of UPA

If bamboo is a tree or timber, it belongs to forest dept; if it is a grass, then it would be classified as a minor forest produce

The definition is contested as the answer has immense economic implications. If bamboo is a tree or timber, it belongs to the forest department and can be auctioned to the paper and pulp industry, often at throwaway rates.

NEW DELHI: In a bid to give local communities a key role in managing forest resources, the Forest Department's smallest unit at the grassroots-level will now report to panchayati-raj institutions instead.

In a letter to all Chief Ministers on Friday, Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh directed State governments to amend State acts and rules to bring all Joint Forest Management Committees

THE Forest Advisory Committee of the environment ministry appears to be undecided on the future course of action on Posco

Move To Help Tribals Get Better Price For Goods

Ahigh-level committee appointed to examine introduction of minimum support price (MSP) for non-timber forest produce is considering a national cooperative revolution similar to Operation Flood to empower tribals collecting sal seeds, gum kariah and other minor forest produce.

The committee, which was appointed in August under Mr T Haque

Madhya Pradesh State Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Federation earned a net profit of Rs 104 crore from tendu leaf (diospyros melonoxylon) trade previous year.
Federation's Chairman Vishwas Sarang told reporters here today that families of 31 lakh tendu leaves pluckers will be provided Rs 62 crore as cash incentive before Deepawali.

Pointing out that the Federation had clocked a profit of me

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has rejected the Planning Commission