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Panaji: Scientists have mapped the troubling forest structure dynamics in Goa, revealing a steep decline in forest health in a study. They have called for an urgent need for ecological safeguards. The study used over five decades (1973-2022) of satellite data and spatial modelling to quantify forest cover loss, fragmentation, and its cascading impacts on ecosystem services in the central Western Ghats region -- an ecological treasure trove that includes Goa. "Total forest cover declined by 3.75 per cent during the post-1990s due to market forces associated with globalisation," the report has said, warning of the increasing urbanisation and shrinking evergreen forests. The research, titled 'Insights into the linkages of forest structure dynamics with ecosystem services', and led by Prof TV Ramachandra and team from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru and Kuvempu University, Shivamogga employed cutting-edge machine learning to track forest degradation and quantify the economic value of Goa's vanishing green spaces. The study modelled two scenarios using the CA-Markov and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP): a Business-As-Usual (BAU) scenario and an Agent-Based Simulation scenario incorporating ecological and social drivers to visualise future risks and formulate adaptive land management strategies. "The AHP scenario, characterised by multi-criteria evaluation, presents more robust land use estimates than the BAU scenario," it adds. According to the research, the evergreen forest cover, once rejuvenated in the 1970s with protective policies, is projected to fall to 10.98 per cent by 2038 under AHP if current trends persist. Moist deciduous forests, too, are in peril, declining from 27.81 per cent in 1977 to 22.64 per cent in 2022 which will further decline to 19.74 per cent in 2038 under AHP model. "Dry deciduous and shrubland areas increased notably, from 477.03 sq km (12.89 per cent) in 1973 to 616.99 sq km (16.67 per cent) in 2022 and will increase to 20.52 per cent in 2038 under BAU scenario," indicating degradation and vegetation shift toward more arid landscapes. Urbanisation is set to intensify in both models -- rising from 4.89 per cent in 2022 to 6.31 per cent in the AHP scenario -- while mining area is projected to rise from 0.61 per cent (2022) to 0.7 per cent (BAU) and 0.84 per cent (AHP) by 2038. Exotic species plantations increase from 2.43 per cent to 2.56 per cent (BAU) and 5.23 per cent (AHP), challenging sustainability. Mangroves and wetlands rise in BAU (1.69 per cent, 2.41 per cent) but fall in AHP (1.06 per cent, 1.85 per cent). Waterbodies drop to 3.30 per cent (BAU) and 4.19 per cent (AHP). Agriculture expands in BAU (9.34 per cent), declines in AHP (6.65 per cent). The loss of dense, intact forests not only reduces biodiversity but threatens the ecosystem's ability to regulate climate, soil, and water. "The carbon sequestration potential of forests in Goa... highlights the storage of 56,131.16 Gg of carbon, which accounts for Rs 373.47 billion (US $4.49 billion)," the study has noted. This figure underscores the monetary value forests provide by absorbing carbon dioxide, thus mitigating climate change. One of the major strengths of the study is its quantification of Goa's total ecosystem supply value (TESV) -- a holistic economic measure combining provisioning (timber, food), regulating (carbon capture, flood control), and cultural services (recreation, heritage). "The total ecosystem supply value... accounts for Rs 481.76 billion per year," the report adds. The research also prioritised ecologically sensitive regions (ESRs), categorising 54.41 per cent of Goa's forested land as highly sensitive zones (ESR1 and ESR2). These areas, the researchers have argued, must be shielded from any form of anthropogenic activity. "ESRs with attribute information can be geo-visualised... depicting the highest ecologically sensitive zones," the study has said, using a GIS-powered Western Ghats Spatial Decision Support System. The study comes at a time when Goa faces pressure from real estate, mining, and monoculture plantations. "Unplanned developmental activities... contributed to rapid urbanisation leading to sprawl," it has warned, linking ecological fragility directly to economic choices. The authors have recommended integrating ecosystem service valuation into state-level GDP accounting, echoing global calls for a 'Green GDP'. They have stressed that "natural capital accounting will aid in ascertaining the economic and social significance of natural ecosystems." The findings present a strong case for policymakers to reassess land-use strategies. "Forest ecosystems in Goa provide diverse services vital for human well-being... valuing these services is crucial for prudent management," the study has said.
Accepting the honour, Acharya Prashant delivered a powerful address, "The climate crisis is not just outside, it's inside. The glaciers are melting because our minds are burning with greed. Oceans are rising because our desires know no bounds. Before we can act responsibly, we must first think clearly. And that is where true environmentalism begins, not in policy, but in consciousness." "When we talk about the environment, we usually refer to forests, rivers, air, and wildlife. But do we ever as ...Read More >
Lucknow: UP is set to celebrate Van Mahotsav from July 1 to 7 under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath wherein the forest and wildlife department plans to plant a record 35 crore saplings across Uttar Pradesh, the highest in country.The department, working in close coordination with various other departments, has gathered 52.33 crore saplings and completed advance soil work on 72,912 hectares of land.A review meeting led by forest and environment minister Arun Kumar Saxena was held fo ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: Nature lovers have a fresh reason to visit Nandankanan Zoological Park in Odisha's Bhubaneswar, as the famed wildlife sanctuary welcomed seven baby yellow anacondas into its reptilian fold on Sunday -- a rare and exciting addition that underscores the zoo's growing reputation as a haven for exotic species. The tiny hatchlings were born to a breeding pair of yellow anacondas brought to Nandankanan from the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust in Chennai in October 2019. With these new arrivals, the zoo now proudly houses a thriving family of 14 yellow anacondas -- two adult males, two adul ...Read More >
Ludhiana: As International Plastic Bag Free Day is observed on July 3, rising use of plastics, including plastic bags, are posing an unprecedented threat to bird population. Ornithologists and conservationists are sounding urgent alarms about the growing menace of plastic pollution -- that is choking habitats, contaminating food chains, and pushing several bird species to the brink of collapse.Plastic has turned into a long-lasting hazard in natural ecosystems. Each year, over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally, and a staggering amount finds its way into the open environment. ...Read More >
Itanagar, Jun 7 (PTI) The flood situation in Arunachal Pradesh improved on Saturday with water levels of most rivers receding, even as 33,000 people in 24 districts remained affected, officials said. Twelve people lost their lives and one person went missing in rain-related incidents, including landslides, after the monsoon set in, they said. In its daily report, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said 33,200 people in 215 villages remained affected due to floods and landslides in the state. The water levels of most major rivers and their tributaries were showing a receding trend o ...Read More >
HYDERABAD: Telangana continues to be among the states with the highest number of forest fire incidents in the country, with most fires attributed to human activities rather than natural causes. Negligence and, in some cases, deliberate acts have led to repeated and widespread fires, even within critical tiger reserves. Between November 2023 and January 2024, Telangana reported 13,479 forest fire incidents, including large and recurring fires. The numbers are consistent with previous years -- 13,737 in 2021-22 and 13,117 in 2022-23. According to the EnviStats India 2025, a survey by the Forest ...Read More >
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charged five individuals, including goldy Brar, in relation to the 2024 Gurugram club bombing plot, as revealed in a recently filed chargesheet. This case involves a conspiracy to bomb two clubs, aiming to disrupt communal harmony in Haryana, with the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) implicated. The NIA's investigation highlights the severity of the plot. Those charged include satinderjit Singh (Goldy Brar), Sachin Talian, Ankit, Bhavish, and Randeep Singh. News Directory 3 provides crucial updates on sensitive cases such ...Read More >
To boost agroforestry and double farmers' income, the Centre has introduced model rules for tree felling on agricultural land. These rules aim to simplify permissions, promote sustainable land use, and align with climate goals. By registering on the National Timber Management System (NTMS), farmers can gain transparency and access better market prices for their timber, including international markets.The Centre has issued model rules for the felling of trees on agricultural land in a bid to promo ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is probing from all angles, including sabotage, in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that killed 274 people on board and on the ground last month, Minister of State (MoS) For Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said. Mohol said the black box of the Air India flight AI 171 that has been recovered is in AAIB's custody and will not be outside the country for a thorough assessment. The MoS was speaking at the Pune chapter of the Emerging Business Conclave. "It (plane crash) was an unfortunate incident. The AAIB has begun a full investig ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: Zeenat, the three-year-old tigress from Maharashtra brought to Odisha's Similipal last year under translocation project, is believed to be pregnant after mating with a melanistic male tiger named T-12 Mahabal in May this year. If her pregnancy is confirmed, Zeenat would deliver cubs around August or September this year, said Prem Kumar Jha, Odisha's Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife). Love blossomed after Zeenat was released into the wild in April this year. She made the forests between Yamunagarh and Gudugudia in Similipal her new home. In May, she came across a r ...Read More >
Andhra Pradesh government launched a massive greening campaign on World Environment Day, initiating "Vana Mahotsav" and an "End Plastic Pollution" drive. The goal is to increase the state's green cover from 29 to 50 percent by planting one crore saplings statewide. The initiative includes advanced monitoring and aims to achieve 37 percent green cover by 2029.The Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday launched a massive greening campaign to mark World Environment Day, aiming to increase the state's ...Read More >
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Delhi Minister of Development and Tourism Kapil Mishra visited Shri Krishna Gaushala in Sultanpur Dabas, Bawana, in the Northwest District. The minister, who was accompanied by Model Town MLA Ashok Goyal, environmentalists and gaushala caretakers, took part in a tree plantation drive at the cow shelter, one of the largest gaushalas in the Delhi-NCR region. During the visit, Mishra reviewed the arrangements at the cow shelter. He held extensive discussio ...Read More >
New Delhi: Three Indian citizens vanished mysteriously in Tehran. Darkness closed in as hope seemed lost. A ruthless Pakistani gang with potential links to ISI snatched them away, casting a shadow of fear. But relentless Indian diplomats refused to back down. Against all odds, a daring rescue mission ignited. Now, the captives are free, and a chilling game of espionage comes to light. The Punjab-based trio - Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur, Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar and Hushnapreet Singh from Sangrur - had landed in Iran on May 1. Promised a clandestine route to Australia via Dubai and Tehra ...Read More >
Srinagar- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said foreign countries were told clearly during the post-Operation Sindoor diplomatic outreach that in case of a fresh provocation, India would repeat its action. Speaking at a discussion at the Ahmedabad Management Association, Tharoor said Indian delegations which visited foreign countries in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor managed to convey that India acted with restraint and responsibility. "In other places, we actually were able to get some very high-placed people to say not only that they respected and supported India's right of self- ...Read More >
Navi Mumbai: In a tragic incident that has sparked outrage among environmentalists, a golden jackal was crushed to death by a speeding vehicle around midnight on Sunday near DPS Flamingo Lake, Nerul. The accident occurred on the service road parallel to Palm Beach Road, an area known for its rich biodiversity. According to a volunteer from the Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA), the jackal was hit on its back by an unidentified four-wheeler, leaving it badly mangled. The volunteer rushed to the spot after receiving a distress call around 12 a.m., but the animal could not be saved. The incide ...Read More >
Varanasi: A massive drive was organised in Varanasi as part of the statewide campaign to plant a record 37 crore saplings across the state on a single day on Wednesday.Varanasi was assigned a target of planting over 18 lakh saplings under the campaign.UP minister Ravindra Jaiswal, district panchayat president Poonam Maurya, and MLC Dharmendra Singh inaugurated the event by planting sacred Triveni trees (Peepal, Banyan, Neem) at the STP Ramna premises. Following this, all public representatives, officials, and school children planted trees. District magistrate Satyendra Kumar said that over 18 ...Read More >
International Jaguar Day 2024: Tomorrow, November 29th, people from across the globe will celebrate International Jaguar Day, a special occasion dedicated to one of the rarest species in the wild -- the majestic jaguar. This day is a significant effort to raise awareness about jaguars, iconic symbols of biodiversity and ecological balance. It also highlights the importance of protecting these incredible creatures, which are not only the largest wild cats found in the Americas but also crucial apex predators that play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. International Jaguar Day pro ...Read More >
Mysuru: The forest department in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar has initiated a comprehensive drive to identify and reclaim encroached forest lands. Early this week, the Mysuru forest department reclaimed eight acres of forest land in Hunsur.The forest department is currently investigating encroachments of a minimum of three acres and above, and measures are being taken. They are either evacuating encroachments by individuals or cancelling illegal grants of land by the revenue department by producing records.About eight acres of land in Gagenahalli in Hunsur, which was granted to an individual in e ...Read More >
New Delhi: Alleging "blatant misuse" of agencies to defame its leaders, AAP on Thursday questioned why the first information report filed against former Delhi ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj and Satyendar Jain was being kept under wraps and "selective" press notes were being leaked to the media.Bharadwaj, who is Delhi AAP convener, alleged that only two former ministers were named in the case without any reasonable cause while all the officers of the health and public works departments, who were actually responsible for executing the hospital projects, were spared. "Is the FIR so baseless that BJP ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The Union environment ministry has issued model rules for felling of trees in agricultural land with the objective of supporting states and UT in simplifying regulatory frameworks and promoting agroforestry.It also asked states and UTs to examine the model rules and consider their adoption in order to enhance "ease of doing business" in agroforestry and incentivise farmers to integrate trees into their farming systems without facing undue procedural hurdles.The move will help pulp and paper industries, including newsprint production, besides encouraging farmers to opt for agroforest ...Read More >
MADURAI: Likening the custodial murder of Ajith Kumar in Tiruppuvanam to an 'organised crime by police where the state kills its own citizens,' Madras high court lambasted the Tamil Nadu police and said the action against the perpetrators should be more stringent than in normal murder cases.A division bench of Justice S M Subramaniam and Justice A D Maria Clete pointed to 44 external injuries on the person of Ajith Kumar and said no part of the body was spared by the delinquent cops. "Even an ordinary murderer would not have inflicted such kind of injuries," the bench said on Tuesday.The natur ...Read More >
Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday announced to plant over 37 crore saplings on July 9 to bolster PM Modi's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative, stressing that "a sapling we nurture today will sustain our lives tomorrow"."If we plant flowering trees on the roads' median and give the responsibility of protecting them to NGOs or other organisations, it will give out a good message. We have to do it on expressways, highways, interstate connectivity or municipality roads... I appeal to everyone to join the campaign on July 9 from 7 am to 7 pm, and take a selfie after planting a tree," t ...Read More >
As winter approaches, Coorg, often called the "Scotland of India," offers the perfect retreat for nature lovers. Nestled in the Western Ghats, this hill station promises unforgettable experiences, from trekking Tadiandamol Peak to exploring serene coffee plantations on the Kopatty Trail. Stay at Blyton's Bungalow, an eco-friendly haven, and indulge in stargazing at Nalaknad Palace. For a deeper connection with nature, camp by the Kaveri River or explore the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Coorg's stunning waterfalls, including Abbey and Iruppu Falls, provide a perfect setting for relaxation, ma ...Read More >
Agartala (Tripura) [India], June 5 (ANI): Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu on Thursday urged people to plant trees in their homes and avoid the use of plastic on the occasion of World Environment Day. Governor of Tripura Indrasena Reddy Nallu said, 'Today is World Environment Day. Tripura is a green land, a green state. We must always strive to maintain this greenery and take the state even further on the path of environmental progress. I would like to tell the people of the state to avoid the use of plastic. I urge everyone to plant trees in their own homes.' Tripura joined the global ...Read More >
Hyderabad: The Government of Telangana, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is set to launch India's first state-led Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Artificial Intelligence (AI) the Telangana Data Exchange (TGDeX) on Wednesday, July 2. Developed by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, TGDeX is supported by the Emerging Technologies Wing of the state's ITE & C Department, with strategic and technical input from JICA's Digital Transformation Lab (DXLab). TGDeX is designed to provide access to high-quality datasets and collaborative tools ...Read More >
Pune: As per Pune Municipal Corporation's latest Environment Status Report (ESR) 2023-24, the city houses as many as 55,81,578 trees, with the figures showing a steady annual increase.But for a city that claims to host over 55 lakh trees, deteriorating air quality makes the essential act of breathing rather difficult for residents.Even as the civic body boasts of planting lakhs of trees and expanding the city's green footprint, the on-ground reality is riddled with data inconsistencies, opaque processes and a visibly shrinking urban canopy.Citizens, environmentalists and independent researcher ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Telangana continues to be among the states with the highest number of forest fire incidents, with a majority linked to human activities rather than natural causes. Forest officials point to negligence and deliberate acts, even within ecologically sensitive zones such as tiger reserves. From November 2023 to January 2024, the state recorded 13,479 forest fire incidents, including large, continuous and recurring outbreaks. Similar figures were reported in the previous two years -- 13,737 incidents in 2021-22 and 13,117 in 2022-23. Only Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Odisha, Chhattisgar ...Read More >
Lucknow: The state govt will give saplings to children born between July 1 and July 7 in district hospitals, CHCs, PHCs, and other govt hospitals. Symbolising prosperity and growth in the child's life, the sapling will be given as a gift to a newborn, said an official, adding that the parents of the newborns will be informed about planting trees in vacant spaces.The move is a part of Van Mahotsav to be celebrated across UP from July 1 to July 7. Under it, UP has set itself a target of planting 35 crore trees during the monsoon this year. Apart from saplings, the newborns will also be presented ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) It was a belligerent, brilliant, and breathtaking performance from the Chennai Bulls, who were crowned the first ever champions of the Rugby Premier League, here in Mumbai, at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex. The Chennai Bulls thrashed the Delhi Redz by a scoreline of 41-0 in the final, to clinch the title. In fact, the margin of victory is the biggest across Season 1 of the GMR RPL. Meanwhile, the Hyderabad Heroes, who had finished top of the table in the league stage, came away with a third-place finish, after they won 17-12 against the Bengaluru Bra ...Read More >
Bengaluru: Following the poisoning of five tigers at MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, forest minister Eshwar Khandre on Tuesday ordered an audit of tiger mortality in various tiger reserves (national parks) and wildlife sanctuaries of Karnataka. Delving into the activities of the wildlife wing, shortly after sending errant forest officials of MM Hills sanctuary on compulsory leave, the minister sought within 10 days a complete review of tiger deaths over the past five and a half years.As per the All-India Tiger Estimation report of 2022, Karnataka stood second in the country in tiger population, w ...Read More >