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Friday, August 22, 2025
TopicIndian forests

Topic: Indian forests

‘Broad definition of forests & imprecise data’. Why govt forest cover report might be too optimistic

The latest State of Forests Report highlighted that India's total forest and tree cover accounted for 25.17% of the country’s total geographical area—an increase of 3.41% since 2021.

India losing its status as a conservation leader. Our laws aren’t stopping march to decline

Environmental concerns are often neglected, if not entirely absent, from the national agenda. They’re rarely a talking point in election campaigns, says conservationist Prerna Singh Bindra.

What are green credits & why are former civil servants objecting to them

A group of 91 retired officers who served in govt has written to environment ministry urging it to withdraw a notification outlining green credit rules, calling them 'unscientific'.

What interim SC order on Modi govt’s forest conservation law means for environmental protection

Court order comes in response to petition challenging Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023. SC asks states, UTs to revert to 'dictionary definition' of forests while preparing records.

Indian govt still doesn’t know what a ‘forest’ is. FCA amendment takes us back to British era

We don’t know how much of India’s real forests are officially documented. Now, we may never get to know it all—with the amendment, these forests can be chopped down without permit.

India experimented with tree plantation for 200 yrs. Foresters must learn from past mistakes

The success of forest restoration efforts cannot be measured by tree cover alone. Some of the best practices of communities such as Gadchiroli should be studied and scaled up.

Will Modi govt’s new bill dilute existing protections for forests? All about proposed law

Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha Wednesday. It aims to ‘remove ambiguities’ surrounding the applicability of the 1980 law.

Govt wants to drill for oil, gas in forest areas, but Wildlife Institute of India wary of new tech

Months after giving ‘in-principle approval’ for oil/gas drilling, govt’s Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has asked for further studies after Wildlife Institute’s recommendations.

Shot, stabbed, mauled, killed — it’s all in a day’s work for MP’s unarmed forest staff

Madhya Pradesh forest dept says arming forest guards will allow them to defend themselves against poachers. But granting the power to bear and use arms isn't as simple.

Chhattisgarh looks to tap ‘Rs 1,200 cr potential’ of minor forest industry, plans big push

Around 17 lakh tribal families will benefit under the plan. Chhattisgarh set a record with its procurement of MFP under MSP this financial year — accounting for nearly 73% of Centre's pan-India procurement.

On Camera

Swraj Paul was the original NRI powerbroker. Helped Indira’s return, shaped India Inc

When he was asked why he was so loud in his criticisms of Indian industry when his purpose could be better served by a shrewder approach, he said, “Because I am a Punjabi, not a Marwari”.

New insolvency frameworks to shorter timelines, how 2025 amendment bill proposes to transform IBC

New bill aims to fix key issues with IBC 2016, including delays & patchy implementation, and protect creditors, with window for genuine promoters to retain control of their companies.

India and France to jointly develop and manufacture 120 kN engine for homegrown AMCA

The new engine, set to be developed over the next 10 years, will power the second tranche of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. First set will be equipped with GE 414 engines.

War of IAF, PAF doctrines: As Pakistan obsesses over numbers, India embraces risk, wins

Now that both IAF and PAF have made formal claims of having shot down the other’s aircraft in the 87-hour war in May, we can ask a larger question: do such numbers really matter?