Is India Winning the War Against Pollution? The fight for cleaner air and water intensifies as the nation grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change. From the devastating floods in Assam to the alarming rise in air pollution levels in Delhi, environmental challenges demand urgent action. This week saw crucial discussions on sustainable agriculture and renewable energy sources at the India Climate Change Conference, highlighting the government's commitment to tackling deforestation and promoting biodiversity conservation. But are these efforts enough? Experts warn of looming water scarcity and the need for stricter regulations on industrial emissions. The future of India's environment hangs in the balance, demanding collective responsibility and innovative solutions. Explore Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and the latest updates on environmental policies, climate activism, and the ongoing struggle for a sustainable India. Discover how you can contribute to a greener tomorrow.
New Delhi: An 11-year-old female hyena died at the Delhi Zoo on Thursday under "mysterious" circumstances, zoo officials said, stating a post-mortem examination will be conducted to ascertain the actual cause of death. The zoo is now left with only two hyenas, a male and a female. The hyena was found lying in its den -- within the enclosure. The body was retrieved and sent to the zoo hospital, where it was discovered that she had already died. Typically, hyenas stay inside dens created in the enclosure area, but they feed on the backside of the enclosure -- where zoo staff serves food to them. Delhi zoo director Sanjeet Kumar said the cause of death is still unknown. "The hyena, which was 11 years old, was found dead on Wednesday morning in its enclosure. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death. We now have two hyenas left," Kumar said. A second zoo official, alleged mismanagement. "While hyenas are left in the den, a tab is kept on them at night - when food is kept to invite them out. In this case, the hyena did not come out for three to four days and eventually, flies and a foul smell led to the keepers discovering it was dead inside its den," the official said, on condition of anonymity. Kumar did not comment on the allegation. The Delhi zoo has been shut since August 30 following multiple bird deaths due to avian influenza (bird flu). However, no positive samples have been reported since September 2 onwards. The zoo, on October 12 had announced that despite no birds testing positive for bird flu in the last one month, it would still collect more samples, with the zoo not opening before October 30. To be sure, this is the third closure of the Delhi zoo due to avian influenza in recent years -- previous shutdowns were recorded in 2016 and 2021. Established in 1959, the zoo houses 96 different species of animals, birds, and reptiles and is spread across an area of 176 acres.
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 >
Amritsar: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey from Jharkhand has claimed that Britain assisted India in executing the 1984 Operation Bluestar at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, stoking a new controversy.In a post on X on Monday, Dubey alleged that then PM Indira Gandhi "launched an attack on the Golden Temple in collaboration with Britain", with British Army officers present in Amritsar.He uploaded a classified British document, "Sikh Community", claiming that on Feb 23, 1984, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office mentioned in a letter that the Indian govt had sought British advice over a plan to remove Si ...Read More >
Kendrapara (Odisha), Jan 14 (PTI) With the annual crocodile and migratory birds' headcount exercise getting underway, the Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha's Kendrapara district would remain shut for nine days from Tuesday. Several teams have been constituted to count the crocodiles and birds in the creeks, rivers, wetland sites and mangrove forests within the park and its nearby areas, an official said. Any form of human activity could disrupt the process, and that is why the national park will remain closed till January 22, he said. The restrictions for visitors will also prevent noise ...Read More >
New Delhi: An 11-year-old female hyena died at the Delhi zoo on Thursday. Officials said a postmortem will be conducted to ascertain the cause of death. The zoo now has two hyenas left. The hyena was found dead inside its den within the enclosure. The body was taken to the zoo hospital, where it was confirmed that the animal was already dead. Normally, hyenas rest inside the dens built within the enclosure but feed in the rear section, where the zoo staff work. Delhi zoo, which has been shut since Aug 30 following multiple bird deaths due to avian influenza (bird flu), is likely to reopen next ...Read More >
Kendrapara (Odisha), Feb 16 (PTI) Migratory birds of the trans-Himalayan region have started their homeward journey from Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha's Kendrapara district after a four-month-long winter sojourn, a forest official said on Monday. More than 1.52 lakh feathered guests of 106 species had flocked to the Bhitarkanika wetland sites this year to avoid the harsh winter, Rajnagar Mangrove (wildlife) Forest Division assistant conservator Manas Das said. Every year, birds fly thousands of miles to Bhitarkanika to escape the severe cold conditions in northern Asia and some centra ...Read More >
Srinagar, June 7: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on Saturday, congratulated the University of Kashmir for getting an A++ grade in the NAAC inspection. The Lt Governor extended his heartiest congratulations to the Vice Chancellor, faculty, staff, and students of the University of Kashmir for attaining the prestigious A++ Grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), and securing an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.68 on a seven-point scale. Calling it a proud moment for J&K UT, the Lt Governor said, "The A++ Grade places the Un ...Read More >
Vadodara: A large crocodile was found dead in the Vishwamitri river near Kashiba Children Hospital in Karelibaug on Saturday, marking the ninth crocodile death in the past seven months.The crocodile was first spotted by workers involved in the Vishwamitri river project near the hospital. When the animal remained motionless for several hours -- a rare but not unheard-of behaviour -- they alerted rescuers, who suspected it may have died.Forest department officials later arrived at the spot and confirmed the death. The crocodile's body was taken for an autopsy to determine the exact cause.Range f ...Read More >
VISAKHAPATNAM: In a first for any zoological park in Andhra Pradesh, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) in Visakhapatnam has successfully hatched 27 bird chicks through artificial incubation, while seven others were hatched naturally. The chicks belong to five bird species, including Blue Gold Macaw, Lutino Parakeet, Peach-Faced Lovebird, Red Junglefowl, and Indian Peafowl. The zoo's veterinary team, including one senior veterinarian, one conservation biologist, and two paravets and animal keepers, carried out the work. Among the 34 chicks, three Lutino Parakeets and four Peach-Faced ...Read More >
Guwahati: The Congress party has raised concerns about a "proposed agreement" between the Delhi Zoo and Vantara, an animal rescue and rehabilitation center operated by the Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani's youngest son Anant Ambani. The party questioned whether this agreement could be a precursor to the privatization of the zoo. Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge! As of now, neither the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, which oversees the zoo, nor the Reliance group has made any official statement on the potential agr ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 7 (PTI) Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Saturday dismissed Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's criticism regarding the Delhi Zoo's proposed agreement with the Reliance Group's Gujarat-based wildlife facility, saying such collaborations are routine and aimed at improving animal care and management practices. "Some people have made it a habit to create doubts in the mind of the public at every instance," Yadav said on X in response to Ramesh's remarks. He clarified that the National Zoological Park (NZP), also known as the Delhi Zoo, had signed a memorandum of understa ...Read More >
Jaisalmer, Jun 7 (PTI) To honour the armed forces following Operation Sindoor, a special tribute is taking shape in the border state of Rajasthan - rare Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chicks born under a conservation project in Jaisalmer have been named after key officers and significant milestones linked to the operation. Names like 'Sindoor', 'Atom', 'Mishri', 'Vyom', and 'Sophia' now resonate through the conservation centres at Sudasari and Sam, where science, strategy and national pride are working together to revive one of India's most endangered bird species. "By giving these chicks these ...Read More >
Mumbai: Drugs, gold and other expensive or illegal items are often seized from passengers during inspection at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, the country's financial capital. However, this time, customs officials seized as many as 48 poisonous snakes and 5 turtles from a passenger. Even the security guards were alarmed when it came to light that the passenger had been found with poisonous snakes. The passenger concerned had been to Thailand and had taken a flight from Bangkok on his way to India. At Mumbai's airport, customs found 48 poisonous snakes and five tur ...Read More >
Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], June 29 (ANI): Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in saving Jaipur's Dol Ka Badh forest from destruction. The Rajasthan government plans to convert the forest into a commercial hub, featuring a Prime Minister's Unity Mall, a Fintech Park, and hotels, which would involve cutting down approximately 2,400 trees. Sanjay Singh, in a letter to PM Modi, mentioned that the project is against the 'ideology' of PM Modi's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' mission and would harm the natural form and ecological balance of the area, exacerbat ...Read More >
Mumbai: The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group and Mandai Wildlife Group have joined hands to enhance the country's appeal as a top travel destination by co-creating customer experiences through exclusive privileges, and spotlighting the crucial work of wildlife conservation for the planet. The partnership will also extend assistance from SIA in transferring animals from Singapore's wildlife parks to accredited zoos across the world. As part of efforts to boost inbound travel from key international markets, SIA has announced to provide its customers with curated wildlife experiences, exclusive c ...Read More >
A sub-adult tiger spotted moving between Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh has prompted wildlife authorities to explore the possibility of developing Ratanmahal in Dahod as a tiger sanctuary as part of the Union govt's Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR) Project. The three-year-old male tiger, first sighted near Gujarat border in Feb, has been frequently captured on camera traps in Ratanmahal's core area since late May. This marks the second tiger sighting in the region within six years. A National Tig ...Read More >
Lucknow: Taking cognisance of the potential threat of bird flu, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday directed concerned departments to coordinate and take measures to prevent the prevalence of the H5 virus in the state. He said that efforts should be stepped up in all zoos, sanctuaries, national parks, etc.On Monday, the bird flu virus was diagnosed in the poultry birds in Rampur after an estimated 15,000 chickens died.The chief minister also instructed the health department to conduct an in-depth study of the potential impacts of H5 avian influenza on human health and present a report ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], November 19 (ANI): Special measures, including the use of water sprinklers, have been implemented at the Delhi Zoo to combat air pollution and ensure that wild animals are not adversely affected. The Director of the National Zoological Park, Dr. Sanjeet Kumar, on Monday, highlighted the challenges faced by zoo management during winter. Speaking to ANI, Dr. Kumar said, "As soon as the winter season begins, the zoo management faces two challenges. First, the pollution levels rise after Diwali, and second, the onset of winter... The area around the zoo is very green, and loca ...Read More >
Chennai: Madras high court has clarified that private self-financing medical colleges are required to pay only a stipend, and not a full salary, to in-service govt doctors pursuing postgraduate or super-specialty courses under the govt quota.A division bench of Justice R Subramanian and Justice K Surender passed the order while partly allowing a batch of appeals moved by Karpaga Vinayaga Medical College and others. They challenged a single judge's order that directed private colleges to pay salaries to in-service doctors studying in their institutions.The appeals were moved based on a GO dated ...Read More >
Pune, July 15 (PTI) As many as 14 deer have died over the last four to five days in the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune due to unidentified reasons, officials said on Tuesday. A Pune Municipal Corporation veterinary officer said authorities are examining various possibilities including infection through the deer feed to identify the cause behind the fatalities. He said medical reports are awaited to understand the details. "Bucks are drying every day since the last four to five days. On Tuesday, no fresh fatality was reported. The death toll so far is 14," a civic official said without ...Read More >
Srinagar, Aug 3 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday expressed condolences on the untimely demise of daughter of Udhampur SSP Amod Nagpure Ashok. Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief Ghulam Nabi Azad also condoled the death, saying "there can be no greater pain for a parent than losing a child". In a message, LG Sinha said, "Shocked and heartbroken by the tragic news of the passing of the daughter of SSP Udhampur Shri Amod Nagpure Ashok. My deepest condolences to the grieving family. May the Almighty give them courage an ...Read More >
Itanagar: A total of 89 different bird species were recorded during a two-day bird survey conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Birding Club at Nongsaya Lake, located at Jona in Namsai district.The survey was conducted earlier this year in association with the public works department, Namsai division, conservationist Koj Mama said.Nongsaya Lake, situated around 9km from Namsai district headquarters, offers an opportunity for biodiversity protection. Its surrounding environment has the potential for bird and butterfly conservation, as well as providing natural spaces for environmental education an ...Read More >
Bengaluru: Three tiger cubs that were allegedly abandoned by their mother after littering have died in Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) recently, officials said on Saturday. Tigress Hima Das gave its third litter of three cubs on July 7, and after giving birth, she did not take care of them, and consequently, all three cubs were injured, they said. According to the BBP, the cubs were shifted to a Hospital for intensive care and hand-rearing. Despite all interventions by doctors, the cubs didn't survive. On July 8, a male cub died, and on July 9, another male and a female cubs died. "A pos ...Read More >
Guwahati, Jul 14 (PTI) Over 40 bird species, including a critically endangered and two endangered ones, have been recorded in the first-ever grassland survey in Assam's Kaziranga National Park, a state minister said on Monday. "Thrilled to share that @kaziranga_'s first-ever grassland survey has recorded 43 grassland bird species - including 1 Critically Endangered, 2 Endangered, and 6 Vulnerable species, plus several regional endemics," Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said in a post on X. The Brahmaputra floodplain ecosystem boasts the highest diversity of grassland obligate birds in ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 18 (PTI) India's most valuable company Reliance Industries on Friday reported its highest-ever quarterly profit of Rs 26,994 crore for the April-June quarter, reflecting a growth of 78.3 per cent over the year-ago period, driven by consumer businesses and investment sales. The oil-to-retail-to-telecom conglomerate's consolidated net profit attributable to owners of the company stood at Rs 26,994 crore, or Rs 19.95 per share, in April-June 2025 compared to Rs 15,138 crore earnings in the year-ago period, according to an exchange filing. The net profit was also 39 per cent highe ...Read More >
India's Vantara Sets a Global Benchmark: CITES endorses Transparency, Ethics and Scientific Rigor in Private Conservation In a rare commendation from international regulators, India's Vantara initiative has earned high praise from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), marking a milestone in private-sector conservation. Following detailed inspections and document reviews, CITES concluded that Vantara's Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre and the Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust operate with "exceptionally high standards" -- fully complia ...Read More >
Meanwhile, the state health department has been instructed to submit a report on preventing the spread of H5 Avian Influenza to humans A bird flu alert was issued in Uttar Pradesh this Wednesday, with orders issued on guidelines for prevention against the potential threat of H5 Avian Influenza. After a review, the Chief Minister directed all the concerned departments to ensure the safety of the "protected animals and birds", warning against negligence. Meanwhile, the state health department ha ...Read More >
Mumbai: The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs intercepted two passengers who flew in on an Air India flight from Bangkok early on Thursday morning. The duo were caught smuggling a cargo of wild reptiles and small furry mammals in violation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The smugglers' luggage contained two Sumatran striped rabbits (Nesolagus netscheri), a Waigeo spotted cuscus (Spilocuscus papuensis), two Brown basilisk lizards (Basiliscus vittatus), and a green iguana. While the rabbits and the lizard are not listed in CITE ...Read More >
Pilibhit (UP), Jul 15 (PTI) A day after a farmer was killed by a tiger in Fulhar village of Pilibhit district, forest officials said on Tuesday that their team was tracking the animal and it would be captured as soon as the conditions are favourable. Dayaram, 39, was mauled to death by the tiger in his field in Bari Phulhar village, the sixth tiger attack in two months in the region. According to the forest team engaged in tracking the tiger, the animal also attempted to attack its personnel, though fortunately no serious injuries occurred. The tiger was last spotted near Auraiya village, l ...Read More >
Pune, July 15 (PTI) As many as 14 deer have died over the last four to five days in the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune due to unidentified reasons, officials said on Tuesday. A Pune Municipal Corporation veterinary officer said authorities are examining various possibilities including infection through the deer feed to identify the cause behind the fatalities. He said medical reports are awaited to understand the details. "Bucks are drying every day since the last four to five days. On T ...Read More >