Tripura closes down all brick kilns for want of green nods
The Tripura government has shut down all the 350 brick kilns in the state after they failed to obtain environmental clearances, a senior official said on Thursday. The decision comes in the wake of a recent high court order in this regard, Tripura State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) Chairman Dr. B K Agarwal said. “As per the July 3 Tripura High Court order prohibiting brick kilns from operating without environmental clearances, we have shut down all the brick kilns in the state as they do not possess the necessary certificates," Dr. Agarwal told. The brick kiln owners, however, can submit fresh applications at their respective district magistrate offices from Friday onwards, after meeting the requisite environmental criteria, he said. Dr. Agarwal said the department officials will then conduct fresh inspection of the kilns and send the reports to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The Tripura government has shut down all the 350 brick kilns in the state after they failed to obtain environmental clearances, a senior official said on Thursday. The decision comes in the wake of a recent high court order in this regard, Tripura State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) Chairman Dr. B K Agarwal said. “As per the July 3 Tripura High Court order prohibiting brick kilns from operating without environmental clearances, we have shut down all the brick kilns in the state as they do not possess the necessary certificates," Dr. Agarwal told. The brick kiln owners, however, can submit fresh applications at their respective district magistrate offices from Friday onwards, after meeting the requisite environmental criteria, he said. Dr. Agarwal said the department officials will then conduct fresh inspection of the kilns and send the reports to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Tripura launches project for sustainable catchment forest management
Tripura Chief Minister Sri Biplab Kumar Deb launched a project for Sustainable Catchment Forest Management at State Forest Academy Ground in Hatipara in West Tripura and said the project would help develop the quality of forestlands and livelihood of forest dwellers in the state. The project is jointly funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Government of India. JICA is providing us Rs. 1,000 crores for a span of 10 years to improve forestlands in targeted catchment areas of Tripura. This will involve sustainable forest management, soil and moisture conservation and livelihood development. Eighty per cent of the project would be funded by JICA while Government of India would fund 20 per cent of the project value. Sri Deb said that forest dwellers and people at large have faced problems to access forest resources due to soil erosion caused by massive degradation of forestlands. The new project has got provisions to built 1,447 check dams in hilly terrains of Tripura. This new project has got many components including fisheries, agriculture, forest, tourism etc. 1,447 check dams would be constructed in hilly terrains of the state to make sure that there is no chance of a flood in the plains. The water thus conserved would be used for agricultural purposes and for fisheries and poultry farming (ducks), Sri Deb said.
Tripura Chief Minister Sri Biplab Kumar Deb launched a project for Sustainable Catchment Forest Management at State Forest Academy Ground in Hatipara in West Tripura and said the project would help develop the quality of forestlands and livelihood of forest dwellers in the state. The project is jointly funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Government of India. JICA is providing us Rs. 1,000 crores for a span of 10 years to improve forestlands in targeted catchment areas of Tripura. This will involve sustainable forest management, soil and moisture conservation and livelihood development. Eighty per cent of the project would be funded by JICA while Government of India would fund 20 per cent of the project value. Sri Deb said that forest dwellers and people at large have faced problems to access forest resources due to soil erosion caused by massive degradation of forestlands. The new project has got provisions to built 1,447 check dams in hilly terrains of Tripura. This new project has got many components including fisheries, agriculture, forest, tourism etc. 1,447 check dams would be constructed in hilly terrains of the state to make sure that there is no chance of a flood in the plains. The water thus conserved would be used for agricultural purposes and for fisheries and poultry farming (ducks), Sri Deb said.
Tripura mulls roads with recycled plastic
A statement issued by the chief minister's office on Thursday said Chief Minister Sri Biplab Kumar Deb has asked Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) to construct "at least half-a-kilometre road" with recycled plastic waste after initiating a massive door-to-door drive to collect plastic waste. Sri Deb initiated the plan on Thursday after reviewing a host of activities conducted by the AMC. He said the initiative would help reduce environmental pollution by preventing water bodies and drains from being blocked by plastic.Deb also instructed municipal officials to ensure that Agartala was made open defecation-free (ODF) by August 15 this year by using funds provided under the Swachh Bharat Mission (urban). He directed the civic body to start garbage collection in every area of the AMC. If necessary, he added, the work should be outsourced to an expert agency. Sri Deb laid stress on periodic cleaning of municipal drains to prevent stagnation of water during showers. Agartala gets flooded even after minimal rainfall. The Government in the State had sanctioned Rs 7 crore to the AMC for cleaning drains after coming to power in March this year. Deb asked officials to promote use of biodegradable and environment-friendly paper bags, cloth bags and jute bags instead of plastic packets.
A statement issued by the chief minister's office on Thursday said Chief Minister Sri Biplab Kumar Deb has asked Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) to construct "at least half-a-kilometre road" with recycled plastic waste after initiating a massive door-to-door drive to collect plastic waste. Sri Deb initiated the plan on Thursday after reviewing a host of activities conducted by the AMC. He said the initiative would help reduce environmental pollution by preventing water bodies and drains from being blocked by plastic.Deb also instructed municipal officials to ensure that Agartala was made open defecation-free (ODF) by August 15 this year by using funds provided under the Swachh Bharat Mission (urban). He directed the civic body to start garbage collection in every area of the AMC. If necessary, he added, the work should be outsourced to an expert agency. Sri Deb laid stress on periodic cleaning of municipal drains to prevent stagnation of water during showers. Agartala gets flooded even after minimal rainfall. The Government in the State had sanctioned Rs 7 crore to the AMC for cleaning drains after coming to power in March this year. Deb asked officials to promote use of biodegradable and environment-friendly paper bags, cloth bags and jute bags instead of plastic packets.
Tripura mulls roads with recycled plastic
A statement issued by the chief minister's office on Thursday said Chief Minister Sri Biplab Kumar Deb has asked Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) to construct "at least half-a-kilometre road" with recycled plastic waste after initiating a massive door-to-door drive to collect plastic waste. Sri Deb initiated the plan on Thursday after reviewing a host of activities conducted by the AMC. He said the initiative would help reduce environmental pollution by preventing water bodies and drains from being blocked by plastic.Deb also instructed municipal officials to ensure that Agartala was made open defecation-free (ODF) by August 15 this year by using funds provided under the Swachh Bharat Mission (urban). He directed the civic body to start garbage collection in every area of the AMC. If necessary, he added, the work should be outsourced to an expert agency. Sri Deb laid stress on periodic cleaning of municipal drains to prevent stagnation of water during showers. Agartala gets flooded even after minimal rainfall. The Government in the State had sanctioned Rs 7 crore to the AMC for cleaning drains after coming to power in March this year. Deb asked officials to promote use of biodegradable and environment-friendly paper bags, cloth bags and jute bags instead of plastic packets.
A statement issued by the chief minister's office on Thursday said Chief Minister Sri Biplab Kumar Deb has asked Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) to construct "at least half-a-kilometre road" with recycled plastic waste after initiating a massive door-to-door drive to collect plastic waste. Sri Deb initiated the plan on Thursday after reviewing a host of activities conducted by the AMC. He said the initiative would help reduce environmental pollution by preventing water bodies and drains from being blocked by plastic.Deb also instructed municipal officials to ensure that Agartala was made open defecation-free (ODF) by August 15 this year by using funds provided under the Swachh Bharat Mission (urban). He directed the civic body to start garbage collection in every area of the AMC. If necessary, he added, the work should be outsourced to an expert agency. Sri Deb laid stress on periodic cleaning of municipal drains to prevent stagnation of water during showers. Agartala gets flooded even after minimal rainfall. The Government in the State had sanctioned Rs 7 crore to the AMC for cleaning drains after coming to power in March this year. Deb asked officials to promote use of biodegradable and environment-friendly paper bags, cloth bags and jute bags instead of plastic packets.
Activists in Tripura raise alarm over rising plastic pollution in villages
Ahead of the World Environment Day on June 6, several social organizations in Tripura participated in the ‘Himalayan cleanup’ initiative in a bid to discourage the use of plastics. The initiative took off last year with a massive cleanup drive in 12 hilly states across India, bordering the Himalayan Range. This year, the cleanup was held in Nagaland, Meghalaya and Tripura. Activists who took part in Sunday’s drive claimed that plastic pollution in rural Tripura has alarmingly reached the levels recorded in cities and semi-urban town. In Agartala, 25 kg of plastic waste was collected within a kilometre radious near Ujjayanta Palace, which once home to Tripura’s erstwhile royals. And in the semi-suburban town of Fatikroy, 63 kg of plastic waste was recovered.
Ahead of the World Environment Day on June 6, several social organizations in Tripura participated in the ‘Himalayan cleanup’ initiative in a bid to discourage the use of plastics. The initiative took off last year with a massive cleanup drive in 12 hilly states across India, bordering the Himalayan Range. This year, the cleanup was held in Nagaland, Meghalaya and Tripura. Activists who took part in Sunday’s drive claimed that plastic pollution in rural Tripura has alarmingly reached the levels recorded in cities and semi-urban town. In Agartala, 25 kg of plastic waste was collected within a kilometre radious near Ujjayanta Palace, which once home to Tripura’s erstwhile royals. And in the semi-suburban town of Fatikroy, 63 kg of plastic waste was recovered.
Initiative to promote bamboo treatment
In a bid to encourage the farmers and the users to take bamboo treatment on commercial basis and to add value to the product made out of Bamboo, CFLE and TRIBAC have join hands to promote Bamboo Treatment on commercial basis. The product launching ceremony will take place at Common Facility Centre of Gandhigram Craft Processing Cluster today. On the occasion, a number of prospective bamboo farmers, entrepreneurs and experts have been invited. Tripura is facing a scarcity of bamboo because of large scale flowering and resultant dying of the plants, specially Muli Bamboo. In such a situation to conserve and enhance the durability of bamboo, Both CFLE and TRIBAC have decided to promote Bamboo treatment on commercial basis. Pawan K Kaushik, Regional Director, CFLE said bamboos treated with a chemical formulation in machines have an extended life up to 5 times as compared to untreated bamboos. A bamboo which is not treated will rot or become infested by termites or other insects in a year, but the treated bamboo will be free of pests for 5 years, thus adding life of furniture, fences or housing material made of Bamboo, Kaushik added. He said that RFRIICFRE, Dehradun under which the Centre operates, patented the bamboo treatment machine. The machine is further modified to be able to treat 6 Bamboos in one batch within 30 minutes in total.
In a bid to encourage the farmers and the users to take bamboo treatment on commercial basis and to add value to the product made out of Bamboo, CFLE and TRIBAC have join hands to promote Bamboo Treatment on commercial basis. The product launching ceremony will take place at Common Facility Centre of Gandhigram Craft Processing Cluster today. On the occasion, a number of prospective bamboo farmers, entrepreneurs and experts have been invited. Tripura is facing a scarcity of bamboo because of large scale flowering and resultant dying of the plants, specially Muli Bamboo. In such a situation to conserve and enhance the durability of bamboo, Both CFLE and TRIBAC have decided to promote Bamboo treatment on commercial basis. Pawan K Kaushik, Regional Director, CFLE said bamboos treated with a chemical formulation in machines have an extended life up to 5 times as compared to untreated bamboos. A bamboo which is not treated will rot or become infested by termites or other insects in a year, but the treated bamboo will be free of pests for 5 years, thus adding life of furniture, fences or housing material made of Bamboo, Kaushik added. He said that RFRIICFRE, Dehradun under which the Centre operates, patented the bamboo treatment machine. The machine is further modified to be able to treat 6 Bamboos in one batch within 30 minutes in total.
Paddy to be cultivated in 7,040 hectors at Khowai
In a bid to raise the production of paddy, Khowai agricultural department has taken the initiative to cultivate variety of “Amon” paddy at 7040 hectare of land at Khowai poddobil block area and Khowai block area. Under the government scheme RKVY (SRI) paddy to cultivate in 1804 hector of land, 90 hector of land will be cultivated with Hybrid (SRI) paddy and about 270 hector of land will be dedicated for RKVY (NFSM). However, 80% of paddy cultivation is already done, said Khowai Agriculture department SA Biswajit Das. He further said that with SRI system of paddy cultivation the production will be increased in the coming days. He also said that the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) methodology is aimed to be adopted for increasing the yield of rice production. To reduce hunger and extreme poverty by improving productivity of rice and other crops based on environment-friendly agricultural practices that preserve and improve the natural resource base and help to better withstand changing climate conditions, the SRI is to be adopted, added Das. It is to be mention here that in the previous year paddy was cultivated in 6000 hector of land and many of the farmers were benefitted with this cultivation. The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is a methodology aimed at increasing the yield of rice produced in farming. It is a low water, laborintensive, organic method that uses younger seedlings singly spaced and typically hand weeded with special tools. SRI technique will establish and increase yield and helps farmers get a better income. The system of rice intensification (SRI) is a new and evolving alternative to conventional methods of rice cultivation.
In a bid to raise the production of paddy, Khowai agricultural department has taken the initiative to cultivate variety of “Amon” paddy at 7040 hectare of land at Khowai poddobil block area and Khowai block area. Under the government scheme RKVY (SRI) paddy to cultivate in 1804 hector of land, 90 hector of land will be cultivated with Hybrid (SRI) paddy and about 270 hector of land will be dedicated for RKVY (NFSM). However, 80% of paddy cultivation is already done, said Khowai Agriculture department SA Biswajit Das. He further said that with SRI system of paddy cultivation the production will be increased in the coming days. He also said that the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) methodology is aimed to be adopted for increasing the yield of rice production. To reduce hunger and extreme poverty by improving productivity of rice and other crops based on environment-friendly agricultural practices that preserve and improve the natural resource base and help to better withstand changing climate conditions, the SRI is to be adopted, added Das. It is to be mention here that in the previous year paddy was cultivated in 6000 hector of land and many of the farmers were benefitted with this cultivation. The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is a methodology aimed at increasing the yield of rice produced in farming. It is a low water, laborintensive, organic method that uses younger seedlings singly spaced and typically hand weeded with special tools. SRI technique will establish and increase yield and helps farmers get a better income. The system of rice intensification (SRI) is a new and evolving alternative to conventional methods of rice cultivation.
Mohanpur to move towards renewable energy
With an aim to transform in to a model village, altogether four hospitals and one village panchayat of Mohanpur sub-division is making a move towards renewable energy „Solar Light System‟, informed Sabadhipati of West Tripura District Council Dilip Kumar Das while addressing a general meeting of Mohanpur Panchayat Samiti. Addressing the meeting Das mentioned that the state government has been taking several initiatives to provide house and land to the poor people who are deprived from land and houses and to enforce the initiatives soon, the District council was asked to come forwards for health work progress. BDO Sandeep Chakraborty in the meeting informed that spending Rs. 35.63 crore, altogether 12, 07, 884 working days has been created under MGNREGA Scheme at eighteen village panchayet of Mohanpur. He said that by the current month a total of 1, 82, 197 working days will be generated. Presenting the data of the last financial year, he said that spending a total amount of Rs. 15.96 crore, 33 rain water control dam, 239 new roads has been constructed at the village panchayet. Besides, 301 water bodies had dig-out and 225 water bodies have been mended.
With an aim to transform in to a model village, altogether four hospitals and one village panchayat of Mohanpur sub-division is making a move towards renewable energy „Solar Light System‟, informed Sabadhipati of West Tripura District Council Dilip Kumar Das while addressing a general meeting of Mohanpur Panchayat Samiti. Addressing the meeting Das mentioned that the state government has been taking several initiatives to provide house and land to the poor people who are deprived from land and houses and to enforce the initiatives soon, the District council was asked to come forwards for health work progress. BDO Sandeep Chakraborty in the meeting informed that spending Rs. 35.63 crore, altogether 12, 07, 884 working days has been created under MGNREGA Scheme at eighteen village panchayet of Mohanpur. He said that by the current month a total of 1, 82, 197 working days will be generated. Presenting the data of the last financial year, he said that spending a total amount of Rs. 15.96 crore, 33 rain water control dam, 239 new roads has been constructed at the village panchayet. Besides, 301 water bodies had dig-out and 225 water bodies have been mended.
Now adopt a crocodile or a tiger in Tripura zoo
Ever thought of adopting a tiger, a rhino or a crocodile? Here’s your chance to do that at a Tripura wildlife sanctuary and zoo. Anyone can adopt a wild animal by paying for its upkeep under a scheme to make people participate in the conservation of wildlife, specially the endangered, at the Sepahijala wildlife sanctuary and zoo, located 25 km south of state capital Agartala."Interested people and institutions may adopt an animal of their choice by contributing amounts ranging from Rs.5,020 to Rs.2,81,000 per year for its upkeep," said Tripura’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Atul Kumar Gupta.
The idea is not novel, having been tried elsewhere in the country, but new in Tripura.Gupta, who is also the chief wildlife warden, told IANS: "In return, the zoo and sanctuary authorities would offer certificates of adoption, complimentary passes to visit the zoo, publication of names in leading newspapers, besides income–tax exemptions on the amount contributed."The name of individual and the institutions would also be displayed at the enclosure of the adopted animal.Animals listed for adoption include the Royal Bengal tiger, lion, clouded leopard, rhinoceros, Himalayan black bear, hornbill, peacock, crocodile, leopard, hoolock gibbon, slow loris, pig–tailed macaque, pelican, capped langur, leopard cat, and even a vulture.
"We are trying to replicate the model of people’s participation in wildlife management followed in Mysore, Lucknow and Hyderabad zoos," said Gupta. Gupta, a senior Indian Forest Service officer, said the money collected through this adoption process would be spent on the upkeep and feeding of the animals."Adoption of an animal is noble not only for an individual alone but for his family too. An adoption may make a great gift for birthdays, anniversaries for near and dear ones and is always unique. This shows one’s concern towards conservation of animals." Krishna Gopal Roy, another wildlife official, said that so far state–owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and an engineering student Mahashweta Saha, 23, have adopted a Royal Bengal Tiger and a python respectively for six months. Another businessman adopted a Himalayan black bear for six months. "My daughter Mahashweta always loved animals and environment," former Tripura minister Jawahar Saha said. Roy said that "Sepahijala wildlife sanctuary and zoo is the only centre in eastern and northeastern India where adoption of animals has already started". The Sepahijala zoo, set up in 1972 within the sanctuary, is home to 655 animals belonging to 55 different species. According to the adoption rules, the animals cannot be taken home. This is perhaps the only zoo in India located in the middle of a sanctuary. A portion of the sanctuary was declared the clouded leopard national park."India altogether has very few clouded leopards, of which Sepahijala has 16," a wildlife official said. The Tripura government has finalised an ambitious master plan for the development of the Sepahijala wildlife sanctuary and zoo.
Ever thought of adopting a tiger, a rhino or a crocodile? Here’s your chance to do that at a Tripura wildlife sanctuary and zoo. Anyone can adopt a wild animal by paying for its upkeep under a scheme to make people participate in the conservation of wildlife, specially the endangered, at the Sepahijala wildlife sanctuary and zoo, located 25 km south of state capital Agartala."Interested people and institutions may adopt an animal of their choice by contributing amounts ranging from Rs.5,020 to Rs.2,81,000 per year for its upkeep," said Tripura’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Atul Kumar Gupta.
The idea is not novel, having been tried elsewhere in the country, but new in Tripura.Gupta, who is also the chief wildlife warden, told IANS: "In return, the zoo and sanctuary authorities would offer certificates of adoption, complimentary passes to visit the zoo, publication of names in leading newspapers, besides income–tax exemptions on the amount contributed."The name of individual and the institutions would also be displayed at the enclosure of the adopted animal.Animals listed for adoption include the Royal Bengal tiger, lion, clouded leopard, rhinoceros, Himalayan black bear, hornbill, peacock, crocodile, leopard, hoolock gibbon, slow loris, pig–tailed macaque, pelican, capped langur, leopard cat, and even a vulture.
"We are trying to replicate the model of people’s participation in wildlife management followed in Mysore, Lucknow and Hyderabad zoos," said Gupta. Gupta, a senior Indian Forest Service officer, said the money collected through this adoption process would be spent on the upkeep and feeding of the animals."Adoption of an animal is noble not only for an individual alone but for his family too. An adoption may make a great gift for birthdays, anniversaries for near and dear ones and is always unique. This shows one’s concern towards conservation of animals." Krishna Gopal Roy, another wildlife official, said that so far state–owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and an engineering student Mahashweta Saha, 23, have adopted a Royal Bengal Tiger and a python respectively for six months. Another businessman adopted a Himalayan black bear for six months. "My daughter Mahashweta always loved animals and environment," former Tripura minister Jawahar Saha said. Roy said that "Sepahijala wildlife sanctuary and zoo is the only centre in eastern and northeastern India where adoption of animals has already started". The Sepahijala zoo, set up in 1972 within the sanctuary, is home to 655 animals belonging to 55 different species. According to the adoption rules, the animals cannot be taken home. This is perhaps the only zoo in India located in the middle of a sanctuary. A portion of the sanctuary was declared the clouded leopard national park."India altogether has very few clouded leopards, of which Sepahijala has 16," a wildlife official said. The Tripura government has finalised an ambitious master plan for the development of the Sepahijala wildlife sanctuary and zoo.
Tripura set to begin captive breeding of vulture
Wildlife authority of Tripura will start captive breeding of vulture in Sepahijala wildlife sanctuary following steady decline of the bird species in the state over past few years. Chief Wildlife Warden and Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Atual Kumar Gupta said here today that Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has agreed to support the mission technically to figure up the nature cleaner.
According to Dr Gupta, as advised by Cambridge based World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC), BNHS and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), along with state forest department, have initiated to ensure Tripura as Diclofen (a painkiller and anti-inflammatory drug commonly administered to the cattle that are a mainstay of the vultures’ diet) free state. “The state has already issued ban on use of Diclofenic drug by health department, department of animal resources and state drug control authority but it required a strong surveillance otherwise, the entire mission will go into vein,” Dr Gupta stated. He, however, pointed out that in his last meeting with WCMC in Cambridge last year, the issue of vulture conservation had got highest priority. BNHS also agreed to take part in the activities in Tripura, which is expected to begin within next few months.Referring to lastest wildlife survey, Dr Gupta said only 55 vultures had been spotted in the state including a pair in Sepahijala sanctuary and the figure indicated a steady decline of the species in Tripura over the year. Vulture, an extremely endangered species has been shifted under intensive care in the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. Across the country the species had decreased rapidly because of rampant use of Diclofenic drug on animal in last three decade, Dr Gupta underlined.
Tripura will implement the project to bring back the vulture with the ornithologists’ report of gradual disappearance of nature’s most cleaning machine from the skyline.Besides, launching public campaign against superstitious myths about vulture, the forest department of Tripura has sought help from UK based organisation Royal Society of Preservation of Birds (RSPB) to protect the species. According to official report, not a single vulture has been sighted in urban locations of Tripura during the last eight years while the number of the bird has sharply declined in interior locations and forest areas. “The human corpses are rarely dumped in the open, while animal carcasses are now safely disposed of, which has been depriving the vultures of their natural food,” Gupta said quoting ornithologists observation. Not only in Tripura, the vulture populations have declined by 97 per cent in the world in the past decade. (UNI)
Wildlife authority of Tripura will start captive breeding of vulture in Sepahijala wildlife sanctuary following steady decline of the bird species in the state over past few years. Chief Wildlife Warden and Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Atual Kumar Gupta said here today that Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has agreed to support the mission technically to figure up the nature cleaner.
According to Dr Gupta, as advised by Cambridge based World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC), BNHS and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), along with state forest department, have initiated to ensure Tripura as Diclofen (a painkiller and anti-inflammatory drug commonly administered to the cattle that are a mainstay of the vultures’ diet) free state. “The state has already issued ban on use of Diclofenic drug by health department, department of animal resources and state drug control authority but it required a strong surveillance otherwise, the entire mission will go into vein,” Dr Gupta stated. He, however, pointed out that in his last meeting with WCMC in Cambridge last year, the issue of vulture conservation had got highest priority. BNHS also agreed to take part in the activities in Tripura, which is expected to begin within next few months.Referring to lastest wildlife survey, Dr Gupta said only 55 vultures had been spotted in the state including a pair in Sepahijala sanctuary and the figure indicated a steady decline of the species in Tripura over the year. Vulture, an extremely endangered species has been shifted under intensive care in the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. Across the country the species had decreased rapidly because of rampant use of Diclofenic drug on animal in last three decade, Dr Gupta underlined.
Tripura will implement the project to bring back the vulture with the ornithologists’ report of gradual disappearance of nature’s most cleaning machine from the skyline.Besides, launching public campaign against superstitious myths about vulture, the forest department of Tripura has sought help from UK based organisation Royal Society of Preservation of Birds (RSPB) to protect the species. According to official report, not a single vulture has been sighted in urban locations of Tripura during the last eight years while the number of the bird has sharply declined in interior locations and forest areas. “The human corpses are rarely dumped in the open, while animal carcasses are now safely disposed of, which has been depriving the vultures of their natural food,” Gupta said quoting ornithologists observation. Not only in Tripura, the vulture populations have declined by 97 per cent in the world in the past decade. (UNI)
Water tankers rushed to 399 Tripura villages
The Tripura government rushed water tankers to 399 villages to tackle a drought-like situation in the state, a minister said on Tuesday.
"Due to scanty rainfall and heat wave, water sources in many villages have dried up. We have arranged water for 399 villages," minister for drinking water supply and sanitation Ratan Bhaumick told reporters.Chief minister Manik Sarkar, in a meeting on Monday, reviewed the prevailing drought-like situation in the presence of Bhaumick, power minister Manik Dey, chief secretary S K Panda and other senior officials.
Adequate stock of essential medicines will be kept in all hospitals so that any disease outbreak could be tackled. Rapid Action Forces were created in all eight districts so that they could be rushed to the affected areas, said a source.
"There is no information of any disease outbreak yet, but the district administrations have been asked to remain alert. Helicopter services may be availed for the purpose as and when necessary," Bhaumick said.
The Tripura government rushed water tankers to 399 villages to tackle a drought-like situation in the state, a minister said on Tuesday.
"Due to scanty rainfall and heat wave, water sources in many villages have dried up. We have arranged water for 399 villages," minister for drinking water supply and sanitation Ratan Bhaumick told reporters.Chief minister Manik Sarkar, in a meeting on Monday, reviewed the prevailing drought-like situation in the presence of Bhaumick, power minister Manik Dey, chief secretary S K Panda and other senior officials.
Adequate stock of essential medicines will be kept in all hospitals so that any disease outbreak could be tackled. Rapid Action Forces were created in all eight districts so that they could be rushed to the affected areas, said a source.
"There is no information of any disease outbreak yet, but the district administrations have been asked to remain alert. Helicopter services may be availed for the purpose as and when necessary," Bhaumick said.
One killed, more than 1400 houses damaged in Agartala cyclone
A tribal woman had died and at least 1450 houses damaged and unspecified number of people displaced from their homes due to a cyclone accompanied by hail storms in two districts of Tripura, official sources said on Wednesday.One Sandhya Rani Debbarma (52) had died last night when her thatched house collapsed because of the cyclone at Lakkhipur village under Jirania subdivision of West Tripura district, sub-divisional Magistrate Samit Lodh told PTI.
At least 200 families were displaced from their houses in Ambassa subdivision of Dhalai district and many trees and electric posts were uprooted due to the storm Tuesday night, official sources said.
“About 250 houses were totally damaged and more than 1000 houses partly damaged due to the cyclone and hailstorm last (Tuesday) night,” the SDM said. Around 200 families were evicted from their houses from two villages — Shabdakarpara and Bongshipara and they took shelter in government buildings. At least 50 electric posts were uprooted from the subdivision on Tuesday night, sources added. (PTI)
A tribal woman had died and at least 1450 houses damaged and unspecified number of people displaced from their homes due to a cyclone accompanied by hail storms in two districts of Tripura, official sources said on Wednesday.One Sandhya Rani Debbarma (52) had died last night when her thatched house collapsed because of the cyclone at Lakkhipur village under Jirania subdivision of West Tripura district, sub-divisional Magistrate Samit Lodh told PTI.
At least 200 families were displaced from their houses in Ambassa subdivision of Dhalai district and many trees and electric posts were uprooted due to the storm Tuesday night, official sources said.
“About 250 houses were totally damaged and more than 1000 houses partly damaged due to the cyclone and hailstorm last (Tuesday) night,” the SDM said. Around 200 families were evicted from their houses from two villages — Shabdakarpara and Bongshipara and they took shelter in government buildings. At least 50 electric posts were uprooted from the subdivision on Tuesday night, sources added. (PTI)
Environmental issues hit ONGC's gas exploration in Tripura
State-owned ONGC found huge gas reserves in the Trishna area of southern Tripura 14-years ago but couldn't proceed as it is yet to get environmental clearance, an official said here Monday.
"We have found huge natural gas at Trishna in 2000. But we are yet to explore the gas in 14 years as we did not get the forest and environment clearance due to cumbersome procedures," said Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Tripura asset manager V.P. Mahawar.
"It would take more 3-4 years to get the forest and environment clearance and the Supreme Court approval as the area falls under the Trishna wildlife sanctuary. As per law and the apex court direction, no mining work can be done in the wildlife sanctuary without proper sanction," he told reporters.
He said the ONGC have to drill many wells in the Trishna areas (110 km south of Agartala) to unearth the natural gas to supply them to the existing and upcoming power projects in Tripura.
According to the official, the ONGC, which first found gas in Tripura in 1975, has so far invested Rs.3,400 crore in the northeastern state. It has found 11 gas fields (including Trishna field) in Tripura and currently exploring gas from six fields.
"At present, our capacity to generate gas is 3.95 million standard cubic meter per day (MSCMD) and it would increase to 6.35 MSCMD in 2-3 years," he added.
The ONGC has commissioned its first mega commercial power project in southern Tripura by floating a company -- ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC).
The Rs.10,000 crore 726 MW capacity combined cycle gas-based thermal power project (using both water and natural gas) at Palatana, 60 km from here, in southern Tripura is ONGC's first commercial power project in India.
"The generation from the first unit (363.3 MW capacity) of the power plant began Dec 31 last year and the generation from the second unit (363.3 MW capacity) likely to start in September," said Mahawar, who is also one of the group general managers of ONGC.
The ONGC, in association with Rajasthan-based Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited and the Tripura government, would also set up a Rs.5,000 crore fertilizer plant in northern Tripura.
"The process is on in full swing to set up the fertilizer project," said Mahawar, who was accompanied by senior ONGC officials.Besides, the ONGC would soon deploy a Chinese-made rig to intensify it gas exploration activities in Tripura.
State-owned ONGC found huge gas reserves in the Trishna area of southern Tripura 14-years ago but couldn't proceed as it is yet to get environmental clearance, an official said here Monday.
"We have found huge natural gas at Trishna in 2000. But we are yet to explore the gas in 14 years as we did not get the forest and environment clearance due to cumbersome procedures," said Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Tripura asset manager V.P. Mahawar.
"It would take more 3-4 years to get the forest and environment clearance and the Supreme Court approval as the area falls under the Trishna wildlife sanctuary. As per law and the apex court direction, no mining work can be done in the wildlife sanctuary without proper sanction," he told reporters.
He said the ONGC have to drill many wells in the Trishna areas (110 km south of Agartala) to unearth the natural gas to supply them to the existing and upcoming power projects in Tripura.
According to the official, the ONGC, which first found gas in Tripura in 1975, has so far invested Rs.3,400 crore in the northeastern state. It has found 11 gas fields (including Trishna field) in Tripura and currently exploring gas from six fields.
"At present, our capacity to generate gas is 3.95 million standard cubic meter per day (MSCMD) and it would increase to 6.35 MSCMD in 2-3 years," he added.
The ONGC has commissioned its first mega commercial power project in southern Tripura by floating a company -- ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC).
The Rs.10,000 crore 726 MW capacity combined cycle gas-based thermal power project (using both water and natural gas) at Palatana, 60 km from here, in southern Tripura is ONGC's first commercial power project in India.
"The generation from the first unit (363.3 MW capacity) of the power plant began Dec 31 last year and the generation from the second unit (363.3 MW capacity) likely to start in September," said Mahawar, who is also one of the group general managers of ONGC.
The ONGC, in association with Rajasthan-based Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited and the Tripura government, would also set up a Rs.5,000 crore fertilizer plant in northern Tripura.
"The process is on in full swing to set up the fertilizer project," said Mahawar, who was accompanied by senior ONGC officials.Besides, the ONGC would soon deploy a Chinese-made rig to intensify it gas exploration activities in Tripura.
Tripura to set up elephant reserve in Gomati district
Tripura government will set up an elephant reserve at Gandhari in Gomati district for better conservation of the jumbos whose population was dwindling in the state.
The reserve would be spread over 123.8 sqkm area in Gomati district at the initiative of the state government and the site has been selected where there is no human habitation, Tripura Information Minister Bhanu Lal said today. The decision to set up the elephant reserve was taken in the meeting of the council of ministers yesterday, Saha said.
"The area encompasses Baramura and Devtamura hill ranges and there is no human habitation. As many as 25 elephants of Asian varieties were found to be living in the proposed reserve areas which is ideal for habitation of elephants," the minister said.
Meanwhile, forest officials in a raid at the house of one surrendered insurgent of banned National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT), Rathindra Debbarma at Tuisidrabari in Khowai district on Monday recovered two tusks of an elephant and four skulls of deer, Divisional Forest Officer Shaktiman Sinha told reporters.
Sinha said the price of the tusks in the black market is at least Rs 10 lakh and added that cases against Debbarma had been filed.
Tripura government will set up an elephant reserve at Gandhari in Gomati district for better conservation of the jumbos whose population was dwindling in the state.
The reserve would be spread over 123.8 sqkm area in Gomati district at the initiative of the state government and the site has been selected where there is no human habitation, Tripura Information Minister Bhanu Lal said today. The decision to set up the elephant reserve was taken in the meeting of the council of ministers yesterday, Saha said.
"The area encompasses Baramura and Devtamura hill ranges and there is no human habitation. As many as 25 elephants of Asian varieties were found to be living in the proposed reserve areas which is ideal for habitation of elephants," the minister said.
Meanwhile, forest officials in a raid at the house of one surrendered insurgent of banned National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT), Rathindra Debbarma at Tuisidrabari in Khowai district on Monday recovered two tusks of an elephant and four skulls of deer, Divisional Forest Officer Shaktiman Sinha told reporters.
Sinha said the price of the tusks in the black market is at least Rs 10 lakh and added that cases against Debbarma had been filed.
Agartala to be first LED illuminating city in NE
Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), an undertaking of Ministry of Power has agreed to replace existing city illuminating system of Agartala with Light Emitting Diode (LED) without initial capital investment, said secretary Urban Development Ashutosh Jindal.
“We are expecting the signing of MoU with EESL by next week to install most modern energy efficient illuminating lights in the city roads. This will not only reduce our energy billing, also provides better lighting on streets and gives a modern look,” Jindal stated.
He however, pointed out that the MoU will be signed between EESL and Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) and initially, EESL will undertake the replacement of illuminating system on VIP Road from the Raj Bhawan to Agartala airport.
The EESL has already conducted technical survey on the road and ready to start the work after formal signing of MoU and followed by first phase of illumination replacement, EESL will go for replacing existing lighting of other roads in the city in phase manner. Agartala will be the first city of Northeast and second city in eastern India after Kolkata where LED street lighting system is going to be installed, Jindal said, adding that lighting system of Agartala will be replaced completely for the first time in the country.
In Kolkata, LED was not installed in entire city yet but in Agartala it will be replaced fully, Jindal stated. So far, Hyderabad and Vijayawada have been replaced with LED lighting by EESL.According to Jindal, EESL will bear all capital investment and AMC will refund the money in seven years of time out of the savings of electricity bill.
Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), an undertaking of Ministry of Power has agreed to replace existing city illuminating system of Agartala with Light Emitting Diode (LED) without initial capital investment, said secretary Urban Development Ashutosh Jindal.
“We are expecting the signing of MoU with EESL by next week to install most modern energy efficient illuminating lights in the city roads. This will not only reduce our energy billing, also provides better lighting on streets and gives a modern look,” Jindal stated.
He however, pointed out that the MoU will be signed between EESL and Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) and initially, EESL will undertake the replacement of illuminating system on VIP Road from the Raj Bhawan to Agartala airport.
The EESL has already conducted technical survey on the road and ready to start the work after formal signing of MoU and followed by first phase of illumination replacement, EESL will go for replacing existing lighting of other roads in the city in phase manner. Agartala will be the first city of Northeast and second city in eastern India after Kolkata where LED street lighting system is going to be installed, Jindal said, adding that lighting system of Agartala will be replaced completely for the first time in the country.
In Kolkata, LED was not installed in entire city yet but in Agartala it will be replaced fully, Jindal stated. So far, Hyderabad and Vijayawada have been replaced with LED lighting by EESL.According to Jindal, EESL will bear all capital investment and AMC will refund the money in seven years of time out of the savings of electricity bill.
