environment cess: The Delhi government has decided to levy an environment cess on diesel fuel at the rate of 25 paisa per litre. The revenue from the cess will be used to create a fund to finance clean air action plan in Delhi. The cess is expected to generate a fund of around Rs 48 crore. The decision comes in the wake of strong pubic concerns about rising numbers of diesel vehicles and diesel-related pollutants in Delhi's ambient air. Despite the proposed cess, diesel fuel prices will still be 29.4 per cent cheaper than petrol.

troubled billy: Tiger conservationist Billy Arjan Singh has been charged with illegally occupying forestland by the North Kheri Forest Division, Uttar Pradesh. The forest officials claim Singh has encroached 40 hectares belonging to the forest division. Officials say around 8,115 ha have been encroached by 3,078 persons. The forest department has sent notices to 10 land grabbers including Billy, known to be instrumental in establishing the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. "Reply to the notice should be given within the time allotted. If the person fails to do so, we will send eviction notices,' said K K Singh, division forest officer, North Kheri Forest Division.