Compromise on no go forest areas

In a compromise that effectively destroys the divide between “go” and “no go” areas with regard to coal mining in forested land, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has offered to let his Ministry consider clearance applications from both “go” and “no go” categories, and send the rejected projects to the Cabinet for a final decision.

At the meeting of the Group of Ministers which discussed the issue on Thursday, Mr. Ramesh made a presentation that offered to reduce the “no go” zone from 53 per cent to 71 per cent of the total area being considered. He also offered that all projects which had been given a Stage-I forest clearance would not be considered under the “no go” categorisation at all.

In a third compromise, Mr. Ramesh offered to let all projects be considered for a clearance by his Ministry's Forest Advisory Committee (FAC). Those in “no go” zones would be “subject to strict scrutiny, and if possible, a compromise [will be] arrived at.” The example given was the case of IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited) in Chhattisgarh, where dense forest area diversion was reduced by 61 per cent.
The original purpose of the categorisation was that coal projects in the heavily forested “no go” zones should not be considered for clearance at all.
Finally, in “no go” cases where the FAC was unable to find any possible compromise, “the Ministry of Environmental Affairs was prepared to bring them to [the consideration of] the Union Cabinet along with its recommendation for rejection.”
This would allow Mr. Ramesh and his Ministry to wash their hands off of controversial cases and leave the final decision — along with any resulting brickbats — to the Union Cabinet.

“Yes, I am making a compromise,” Mr. Ramesh told The Hindu. “I cannot be a fundamentalist in these issues.”

However, it was not sufficient for Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal, who reportedly stuck to his stand at the meeting, insisting that the entire categorisation be scrapped. Ironically, the categorisation was the result of a joint survey of nine major coal fields carried out jointly last February by the Coal and Environment Ministries, which superimposed forest maps onto coal maps to identify “go” and “no go” zones. After the GoM meeting, Mr. Jaiswal told reporters that the government was trying to find a “middle path” so that both environment and power needs were taken care of.
On its part, the Power Ministry told the GoM that a fast-track decision on coal mining projects was important as any delay could jeopardise the commissioning of plants having a generation capacity of around 24,000 MW over the next two years. In a note, it warned that the coal shortage would become acute in 2011-12 as State-run Coal India could supply only 331 million tonnes as against a requirement of 426 MT. The immediate impact means that plants commissioned in 2009-10, generating a total of 5,593 MW would operate at just 42 per cent of their stipulated Plant Load Factor.

The Environment Minister hit back at such warnings, pointing out that Coal India already had 200,000 hectares of land in its possession. “The GoM should ask why production targets cannot be met from this area,” said Mr. Ramesh in his presentation. He listed at least five mines — Hingula II, Kulda, Garjanbahal, Bharatpur and Bhubaneshwari — which were producing coal at levels well below their permitted amounts. The Coal Ministry reportedly accepted that under-production was largely due to internal problems relating to rehabilitation and resettlement, land acquisition and equipments.

Source: The Hindu, 8th April 2011

International Year of Forest 2011

Forests play an integral part in the livelihoods of 1.6 billion people worldwide, supply the habitat for millions of species, and play a critical role in mitigating the effects of climate change. But deforestation continues at a rate of 50,000 square miles per year. Within this mind, the United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2011 as the International Year of Forests (Forests 2011). Everyone from Governments and the UN system, to major groups and other forest-related organizations are invited to come together to raise awareness on strengthening the sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests for the benefit of current and future generations.

Quick Facts:

• Forests cover 31 percent of total global land area.
• Forests store more than 1 trillion tons of carbon.
• Over 1.6 billion people’s livelihoods depend on forests.
• Trade in forest products was estimated at $327 billion in 2004.
• Forests are home to 80 percent of terrestrial biodiversity.
• 30 percent of forests are used for production of wood and non-wood products
• Forests are home to 300 million people around the world.
• Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
  

Goals

Forests 2011 is a unique opportunity to highlight the key role of forests in our lives. By showcasing success stories and solutions, the year will galvanise greater public participation in forest-related activities.

Theme

“Forests for People” is the main theme of the Year. It highlights the dynamic relationship between forests and the people who depend on them.

Forest management includes eliminating clear-cutting to keep forest environments intact. The cutting that does occur should be balanced by planting enough new trees to replace the ones felled. While the number of new tree plantations has been growing each year, the total trees grown are still a small fraction of the Earth’s current forested land.

Among the planned events for 2011 International Year of Forests are tree plantings and the distribution of seedlings. Ethiopia, Georgia, Jamaica, Lebanon and Poland, and some non-governmental organizations all have plans to organize mass tree plantings as part of their International Year activities. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has specifically indicated plans to plant over 1 billion trees throughout the country during 2011.

Mangrove survey spots a centenarian in Kollam

KOLLAM:The sighting of a mangrove tree estimated to be over 100 years old has been projected as one of the most remarkable discoveries of a mangrove survey undertaken by an expert team in Kollam district on Saturday and Sunday. The survey is part of an exercise to prepare a database on the surviving mangrove forests in the State.

Former chairman of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board V.S. Vijayan led the survey conducted by the Kerala Sastra Sahithya Parishad. Convener of the team V.K. Madhusudanan said the centenarian mangrove tree from the Sonneretia caseolarisspecies was seen surviving in a healthy condition at a private property on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake at Kureepuzha in Kollam city.

The team plans to name it ‘Mother Mangrove' and make recommendations to the city corporation for providing a regular incentive to the property owner for the upkeep of the tree. The tree has a girth of 50 inches and its roots cover an area of more than 50 sq ft.

All known major mangrove pockets in private and public land in the district were surveyed. While government data showed that the district had 58 hectares of true mangrove forests, the two-day survey found that the district had a true mangrove forest coverage of more than 100 hectares and another 20 hectares of mangrove associates.

source: The Hindu 12 July 2010

Lok Sabha passes Green Tribunal Bill

NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Friday adopted the National Green Tribunal (NGT) Bill, 2009. It envisages the setting up of a national tribunal, a judicial body exclusively to deal with environmental laws and to provide citizens a right to environment.

The main Bench of the tribunal will be set up in Bhopal, “the site of humanity's one of the worst industrial tragedies.” This way the government and Parliament could show some sensitivity to the people of Bhopal, said Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh, replying to a debate.

The Tribunal would have four circuit Benches. It would deal with all environmental laws on air and water pollution, the Environment Protection Act, the Forest Conservation Act and the Biodiversity Act. With this effort, India would join Australia and New Zealand, which have such specialised environment tribunals.

Mr. Ramesh said a Bill to set up the National Environment Protection Authority would be introduced in the monsoon session. It would monitor the implementation of environment laws.

The Tribunal members would be chosen by a committee.

Source: The Hindu, Saturday, May 01, 2010

State forests facing fire threat with onset of summer

KOCHI: Forest tracks of Kerala are facing the risk of fire as the mercury levels are soaring. The State has already lost around 700 hectares of pristine forest land to fire this season starting December 2009. Increased atmospheric temperature and absence of summer rain have put the forest areas in perilous position.

“The forests of the State are facing the increased risk of fire,” said T.M. Manoharan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest. Summer rain had evaded the State and it had not rained in the forests too. The delayed summer shower would further worsen the situation, he said. The fire that broke out last year had destroyed over 2,000 hectares of pristine forest land raising major environmental concerns. February proved to be the worst month in terms of loss of forest area this year. The figures available with the Forest Department showed that 441.58 hectares was gutted during the month.

During the first week of March, 203.82 hectares had been gutted. It was mostly in the Southern Forest Range that most of the fire incidents had occurred this month The drying up of bamboo groves in forest areas was another cause of concern for the forest officials during this summer. Bamboo groves die after the flowering season. Large tracts of bamboo groves had dried up after its flowering last year. The dry bamboo could trigger large fires, he said. Extra caution would be exercised in forest areas with dried bamboo. The closure of such areas to visitors was one such measure.

The department was unable to remove the bamboo following an apex court verdict preventing the removal of forest produces for commercial purposes. The Forest Department was monitoring the fire situation closely with the support of a web site (web fire mapper) which tracks forest fire across the world. The satellite images of any fire that broke out in a forest area of minimum one hectare would be posted on the web site. The fire data was followed up every day and SMS alerts were sent to forest officials in the region where the fire was reported. Subsequently, the officials would be directed to file action taken reports. All major incidents of fire could thus be tracked and controlled effectively, Mr. Manoharan said. The general public could access the site and alert the department about the fire incidents. The data of earlier incidents of fire was also available on the web site, he said.

Source: The Hindu, Dated: 10.03.2010

Forest fire in Ranni (Vayyatupuzha)

Source: Malayalamanorama, Dated: 5.03.2010

Parambikkulam in Kerala declared Tiger reserve

Parambikkulam, Feb 19 (PTI) Parambikkulam wildlife sanctuary in central Kerala was today declared the country?s 38th Tiger reserve as part of efforts to protect the big cat. Spread over 643.65 sq km in Palakkad and Thrissur districts, Parambikkulam is the second tiger reserve in Kerala after Periyar in Idukki district. Formally declaring the area as a tiger reserve, Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said Rs two crore would be allotted for tiger preservation in Kerala. Government would also pay Rs ten lakh each to 73 families of the 240 in the area who have opted to move out for their rehabilitation. Of the total area of Parambikkulam reserve, 390.88 sqkm would comprise core area and rest buffer area.The reserve is spread over forest divisions of Chalakkudy, Vazhachal and Nenmara. Wildlife officials said Periyar and Parambikkulam tiger reserves together have the most conducive and healthy environment for growth and sustainability of tiger population. - Press Trust of India, 19 Feb 2010.

Source: Mathrubhumi, Dated: 19.02.2010

Govt to ban nailing of boards on trees

Express News Service
First Published : 02 Feb 2010 01:22:00 AM IST

KOCHI: Forest Minister Benoy Viswom on Monday said the government would ban the practice of nailing advertisement boards on wayside trees.

“The government has decided to ban the practice after considering various reports that it is causing severe damage to the trees. Palakkad District Collector has already started taking action in this regard,” said the Minister after evaluating an afforestation scheme here.

The Minister also directed the forest officials to plant tree guards within four weeks.

“The Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra scheme has been very successful and the paper works are on for entering the scheme in Guinness Book of World Records.

The saplings planted by over 25 lakh students three years ago have grown. After coming to power, the LDF Government has removed Acacia from the social forestry scheme,” the minister said.

Sugathakumari expresses solidarity

Express News Service

PALAKKAD: Poet Sugathakumari has expressed solidarity with the Wayside Shady Tree Protection Campaign held here on Monday. The campaign aims at removing the display boards nailed on the roadside trees, which eventually leads to the trees drying up.

The campaign was organised by the wild life wing of the Forest Department in association with green activists, nature lovers and forest protection committees.K K Divakaran MLA, District Collector K V Mohan Kumar and Eastern-circle forest conservator Babu Bonaventure were present.

Sugathakumari in her speech said that the trees were the source of love, protection, blessings, shade, pure air and water and destroying them would spell disaster for the human race.

“People are crazy that they build concrete structures, use luxury cars, but neglect these little things in life.

This is an injustice on the future generation”, she said.Sugathakumari joined the brigade of nature lovers, Forest Department staff , environmentalists and students who removed the boards. District Collector K V Mohan Kumar briefed on the aim of this campaign. Advocate Namisvayam was also present.

expressbuzz.com

Govt to ban nailing of boards on trees

Express News Service

KOCHI: Forest Minister Benoy Viswom on Monday said the government would ban the practice of nailing advertisement boards on wayside trees.

“The government has decided to ban the practice after considering various reports that it is causing severe damage to the trees. Palakkad District Collector has already started taking action in this regard,” said the Minister after evaluating an afforestation scheme here.

The Minister also directed the forest officials to plant tree guards within four weeks.

“The Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra scheme has been very successful and the paper works are on for entering the scheme in Guinness Book of World Records.

The saplings planted by over 25 lakh students three years ago have grown. After coming to power, the LDF Government has removed Acacia from the social forestry scheme,” the minister said.

expressbuzz.com

A rainforest’s saga of survival

Rainforests have been under extreme pressure all across the earth for more than a century now, and they now cover only an estimated 3 per cent of the earth’s land surface. In India, they are now distributed mainly in the Western Ghats and in the northeastern region. Even here, they are shrinking in area. Rainforests are repositories of biodiversity, especially the unexplored and wild kind. The antiquity of the rainforest ecosystem and its fine-tuned physico-chemical conditions have led to a very high degree of endemism of the species found there. Hence, the destruction of rainforests is opening up the floodgates of species extinction. Of late, the linkage between rainforests and climate change has also become an issue that has caught the attention of scientists and governments the world over.
The struggle in the 1970s and 1980s to protect the unique Silent Valley rainforests in the Western Ghats system in Palakkad district of Kerala was something of a watershed event. It helped focus attention worldwide on the need to protect the few remaining patches of rainforests in the country. The Nilgiri Hills occupy a pivotal position in the southern peninsula because of its location at the junction of the Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats, the Carnatic Plains and the Malabar Coastal Strip. The Silent Valley is a small plateau located on the southwestern corner of the Nilgiri Hills, a part of the Western Ghats hill chain in southern peninsular India. This forested plateau is the point of origin of the Kunthi river which joins the west-flowing Bharathapuzha. The Silent Valley also forms the core area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The ‘Save Silent Valley movement’ resulted in the creation of the Silent Valley National Park following the intervention of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. It was the culmination of an environmental saga and a milestone in the environment movement in the country, said M.K. Prasad, who was then president of the Kerala Shastra Sahitya Parishad. He was himself a key figure who led the struggle. The environmentalists who had battled then to conserve the forests and the ecology had another creditable victory when Union Minister for Environment and Forest Jairam Ramesh and Kerala Forest Minister Binoy Viswam declared, while inaugurating the silver jubilee celebration of the Park in Palakkad on November 21, that the buffer zone of the Park would be made an integral part of it in order to ensure better protection of the area. Silent Valley symbolises hope for all the people who stand up for nature, and remains a beacon for rainforests everywhere. Thus it is no longer merely the name of a place but part of a universal vocabulary as a word that indicates an untrammeled wilderness that would last beyond human greed and wilful destruction, and protected through the efforts of the people sustained by hope.
A national seminar organised by Kerala Forest Department and the Wild Life Department as part of the silver jubilee celebrations of the Silent Valley National Park at Mundur in Palakkad district on November 21 on the theme of ‘Rainforest and Climate Change’ highlighted some of the imperatives in this context. The conservation of entire Silent Valley forest area is vital to ensure the perennial flow of water through the Bharathapuzha, the Bhavani and the Cauvery providing water to Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Kunthipuzha, which originates from the Silent Valley National Park area, is the main source of water for Bharathapuzha, Kerala’s longest river. It provides drinking and irrigation water to the districts of Palakkad, Malappuram and Thrissur. A tributary of the Bhavani that originates on the eastern side of the Silent Valley forest area is the perennial source of water for this major inter-State river. Its protection is vital for drinking water and irrigation water projects in a couple of districts of Tamil Nadu. It later empties into the Cauvery. Thus the protection of the Silent Valley and its adjacent forests that form the core area of the Nilgiri Biosphere is vital for the peaceful sharing of the water sources of three major rivers by the three neighboring States. This major benefit to the people of three States is the best justification for the struggle for the protection of the Silent Valley and its adjoining buffer zone covering an area of 237.52 sq km, said Dr. Satheeshchandran Nair, a well-known field biologist. The Park comprises essentially two parallel south-sloping valleys. The western Kunthi valley is part of the basin of the west-draining Bharathapuzha. The eastern, Bhavani Valley is part of the basin of the east-flowing Cauvery. In the estimation of scientists such as M.S. Swaminathan, the Silent Valley evergreen rainforest is more than 50 million years old. It is perhaps the only remaining undisturbed tropical rainforest in peninsular India. The flora and fauna here are quite unique. The Silent Valley’s dark and cool ambience, vibrating with life, has been described as “the richest expression of life on earth” and a “cradle of evolution.” Ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali observed that the “Silent Valley is not just an evergreen forest, it is a very fine example of one of the richest, most threatened and least studied habitats on earth.” Thus, it is the “sacred grove” for the world, and a gene pool of rare flora and fauna. The Silent Valley receives the second highest rate of rainfall in the country after the Mawsynram-Cheerapunji belt in the Khasi Hills of the Himalayan ranges in Meghalaya, known as the world’s wettest place. Some areas of the Valley like Valakkad received a record annual rainfall of 9,569 mm in 2006. In 2005 the area received 9,347 mm of rainfall and in 2004 it had 8,465 mm. In 2007, Valakkad received 7532 mm of rainfall. In 2008, the Puchipara area received a rainfall of 7,639 mm. Malayalam poet Sugathakumari, a key figure in the struggle to save the Silent Valley, said that the biggest justification for the protection of the Valley is that it gives the second highest rainfall in the country. Recalling her three-decade-long efforts to save the Silent Valley, she said that this precious chunk of dense forest is perhaps India’s last, largest and oldest tropical rainforest remaining undisturbed, undisturbed because of its relative inaccessibility, oldest because its age is estimated to be 50 million years.
The echoes of the campaign to save the Silent Valley have served to ignite other campaigns in the region over the last 25 years, and conservation initiatives were made in the Nelliampathy Hills of Palakkad, the Vembanad lake, Kochi-Mangalavanam, Athirappally, Sabaramala-Pampa and so on, although some of these have had only mixed results. But the gains that have been made ought to be consolidated and taken forward.
The hindu, December 1, 2009

75,000-ha teak plantations to be made natural forest

Head of the State Forest Department and Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) T.M. Manoharan has said that the department will “revert 75,000 hectares of teak plantation in the State to natural forest without much tree felling in these plantations.”

Talking to The Hindu here on Tuesday he said that the 75,000 hectares would not include the teak plantations in wildlife sanctuaries like Parambikulam, where tree felling is banned by the Supreme Court. Mr. Manoharan said that only 20 per cent of the State’s forest could be classified as evergreen forest now. “More areas should come under this category to meet the challenges posed by climate change due to global warming. So, the department will try to create maximum forest cover by protecting the existing ones and by developing more areas,” he added. One third of the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, that is 90 sq. km, is under teak plantation. When the forest department began clearing teak trees a few years ago, the Supreme Court had ordered against it. So teak trees in Parambikulam cannot be felled, he said.

Teak plantations are ready for felling nearly 60 years after they are planted. In between there is thinning in the plantation, that is removal of a certain percentage of trees every five years, to help the growth of the remaining ones. Conversion of teak plantations to forest land would result in revenue loss. Also, regeneration of forests is a costly process. Hence, the State government would seek Central help in these efforts, Mr. Manoharan said.
The Hindu, November 4th , 2009

Forest and wildlife conservation should moderntize

Source: Deshabhimani, 19th August 2009