Samajwadi Party (SP) president and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday accused the Union government of rushing through the women’s reservation Bill without adequate consultation, alleging that the move is aimed at ensuring that the ongoing caste count – to be
Omar Abdullah emphasised that better access to finance for local enterprises is key to strengthening tourism and driving inclusive growth in J&K. The discussion, held with Axis Bank, highlighted collaboration between government and financial institutions to boost tourism-led economic development
April 15 Birthday Horoscope: Here's what the tarot cards have in store for youIf your birthday falls on April 15, here’s what your year ahead looks like, as per Tarot. Published on: Apr 15, 2026 11:00 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link The Page of Wands and The Star bring a beautiful
A leader from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken oath as the new chief minister of eastern state of Bihar after veteran politician Nitish Kumar stepped down. Samrat Choudhary, who was Kumar's deputy, has been sworn-in Bihar's first BJP chief minister
CBSE Class 10 Exam 2026 results are expected to be announced soon. Once declared, students and parents will be able to access the scorecards on the official websites: cbse.gov.in, results.cbse.nic.in, parikshasangam.cbse.gov.in and saras.cbse.gov.in. It can also be checked at cbseresults.nic.in
Amazon said Tuesday that it had signed a deal to buy the U.S. telecoms satellite group Globalstar to expand its own space-based internet network and compete with Elon Musk's Starlink. Amazon said it would make a cash-and-stock offer worth $90 to shareholders in Globalstar
Snap Inc., the parent of Snapchat, is preparing to announce significant job cuts on Thursday, according to Alex Heath, author of the Sources newsletter.Citing people familiar with the matter, Heath reported that layoffs could affect around 15-20% of Snap’s workforce, which currently exceeds 5
Sensex up 1,400 points, Nifty 50 nears 24,300 after Trump says Iran war ‘is close to over’The 30-share S&P BSE Sensex rose 1.48%, or 1,133.53 points, to 77,981.10 even as the wider NSE Nifty 50 regained 24,000 levels. Updated on: Apr 15, 2026 9:34 AM IST By HT Business Desk Share via Copy link
Digitally map forest limits
Digitally map forest limits: Govt to states
Digitally map forest limits: Govt to states
The case, Lafarge Umiam Mining Pvt. Ltd. vs. Union of India & Ors dealt with environmental clearance conditions for limestone mining in Meghalaya
Published on: Apr 15, 2026 10:58 AM IST By Jayashree Nandi Share via Copy link New Delhi: The Union environment ministry has asked states and UTs to begin the process of demarcating forest boundaries digitally in keeping with its order in a 2011 case in a move that it expects to help address issues such as misclassification of forest areas, prevent encroachments, and resolve overlapping claims under the Forest Rights Act, 2006 . Since 2011, only Odisha has completed more than 90% of the settlement and digitisation process. (File picture) The case, Lafarge Umiam Mining Pvt. Ltd. vs. Union of India & Ors dealt with environmental clearance conditions for limestone mining in Meghalaya, and the order addressed a number of issues related to environmental governance in India. It ordered the creation and regular updating of a GIS based decision support database with coordinates of forests as defined in the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980; the core, buffer and eco-sensitive zone of the protected areas constituted as per the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; the important migratory corridors for wildlife; and forest land diverted in the past. Since 2011, only Odisha has completed more than 90% of the settlement and digitisation process, according to environment ministry officials. “States and UTs like Assam, Andaman & Nicobar, Uttarakhand, UP, Jharkhand, Bihar, Meghalaya, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra are at different stages of carrying out settlement and digitisation process of forest boundaries of the forest lands in their jurisdictions,” a senior official said responding to HT’s queries. To address delayed compliance of the SC order on demarcating forest boundaries, the ministry organised a workshop on April 10 with participation from all states and UTs . “The above judgment (2011) directed all States/UTs to create and regularly update a GIS-based decision support database of geo-referenced forest land. Despite this unambiguous directive, a large number of States/UTs are yet to show meaningful progress even after more than fourteen years. Historically, forest boundaries have been recorded using traverse sketches and non-geo-referenced maps, leading to misclassification of forest areas, untraceable encroachments, overlapping claims under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and difficulties in implementing the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980,” the ministry said in a note on April 10. The demarcation process will also mean finalisation of “deemed forests” or areas that meet the dictionary meaning of forests as held by SC in TN Godavarman Thirumulpad vs. Union of India & Others in judgement dated December 12, 1996, a process that, again, many regions are yet to complete. States and UTs can claim funding for the exercise from Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds, it said adding that CAMPA will take up the task of providing technical, financial and managerial support to the States and UTs to accomplish demarcation of forest areas. “This initiative will enable accurate identification of all forest lands irrespective of their legal notification status, strengthen monitoring of forest diversions and compensatory afforestation sites. It will further protect customary and statutory rights, and ensure compliance with Supreme Court mandates and national forest policy,” the ministry added. Siddhanta Das, Chairman of SC’s Central Empowered Committee who is advising the ministry on the demarcation process said the process may be expensive and time consuming. “To effectively manage forest resources, it is critical for forest departments to know their boundaries.This process may be a bit expensive and time consuming, but it is not only legally binding but also essential. However, it is very important that this demarcation exercise is carried in association with the revenue department to make the demarcated boundaries have robust legal backing.” “It is found that CAMPA plantations continue to affect land and forest rights of local communities and biodiversity across the states. Some plantation projects are implemented under annual plan of operation (APO) without any compliance of FRA and without getting consent of the Gram Sabhas- a mandatory legal requirement under FRA. In recent years creation of land banks in the states for implementation of CAMPA has seen alienation of forest and common land which communities have been depended on for their livelihoods and rights. These issues need to be addressed,” said Tushar Dash, independent researcher and expert on forest rights act. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jayashree Nandi I write on the environment and climate crisis and I believe these are the most important stories of our times. Forest Rights Act Check India news real-time updates, latest news from India and TS Telangana Inter Result 2026, latest at HindustanTime Home/India News/Digitally Map Forest Limits: Govt To States See LessNew Delhi: The Union environment ministry has asked states and UTs to begin the process of demarcating forest boundaries digitally in keeping with its order in a 2011 case in a move that it expects to help address issues such as misclassification of forest areas, prevent encroachments, and resolve overlapping claims under the Forest Rights Act, 2006 .
The case, Lafarge Umiam Mining Pvt. Ltd. vs. Union of India & Ors dealt with environmental clearance conditions for limestone mining in Meghalaya, and the order addressed a number of issues related to environmental governance in India. It ordered the creation and regular updating of a GIS based decision support database with coordinates of forests as defined in the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980; the core, buffer and eco-sensitive zone of the protected areas constituted as per the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; the important migratory corridors for wildlife; and forest land diverted in the past.
Since 2011, only Odisha has completed more than 90% of the settlement and digitisation process, according to environment ministry officials. “States and UTs like Assam, Andaman & Nicobar, Uttarakhand, UP, Jharkhand, Bihar, Meghalaya, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra are at different stages of carrying out settlement and digitisation process of forest boundaries of the forest lands in their jurisdictions,” a senior official said responding to HT’s queries. To address delayed compliance of the SC order on demarcating forest boundaries, the ministry organised a workshop on April 10 with participation from all states and UTs .
“The above judgment (2011) directed all States/UTs to create and regularly update a GIS-based decision support database of geo-referenced forest land. Despite this unambiguous directive, a large number of States/UTs are yet to show meaningful progress even after more than fourteen years. Historically, forest boundaries have been recorded using traverse sketches and non-geo-referenced maps, leading to misclassification of forest areas, untraceable encroachments, overlapping claims under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and difficulties in implementing the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980,” the ministry said in a note on April 10. The demarcation process will also mean finalisation of “deemed forests” or areas that meet the dictionary meaning of forests as held by SC in TN Godavarman Thirumulpad vs. Union of India & Others in judgement dated December 12, 1996, a process that, again, many regions are yet to complete.
States and UTs can claim funding for the exercise from Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds, it said adding that CAMPA will take up the task of providing technical, financial and managerial support to the States and UTs to accomplish demarcation of forest areas.
“This initiative will enable accurate identification of all forest lands irrespective of their legal notification status, strengthen monitoring of forest diversions and compensatory afforestation sites. It will further protect customary and statutory rights, and ensure compliance with Supreme Court mandates and national forest policy,” the ministry added.
Siddhanta Das, Chairman of SC’s Central Empowered Committee who is advising the ministry on the demarcation process said the process may be expensive and time consuming. “To effectively manage forest resources, it is critical for forest departments to know their boundaries.This process may be a bit expensive and time consuming, but it is not only legally binding but also essential. However, it is very important that this demarcation exercise is carried in association with the revenue department to make the demarcated boundaries have robust legal backing.”
“It is found that CAMPA plantations continue to affect land and forest rights of local communities and biodiversity across the states. Some plantation projects are implemented under annual plan of operation (APO) without any compliance of FRA and without getting consent of the Gram Sabhas- a mandatory legal requirement under FRA. In recent years creation of land banks in the states for implementation of CAMPA has seen alienation of forest and common land which communities have been depended on for their livelihoods and rights. These issues need to be addressed,” said Tushar Dash, independent researcher and expert on forest rights act.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: How to organise travel documents digitally for smoother access Crossed All Limits OPEC+ Raises Oil Production Limits Tariff ruling limits Trump's leverage but won't end uncertainty for trade partners Running beyond limits El Salvador Abolishes Presidential Term Limits Trump’s Iran war drive exposes limits of ‘Yes sir’ cabinet Crossed all limits of flattery YouTube introduces new parental controls and limits on Shorts for teens Digital gap limits reach of affordable healthcare services
United States President Donald Trump claimed on Tuesday that the war with Iran was “close to over” and that Tehran wanted to make a deal with the US “very badly”. “I think it’s close to over, yeah,” Trump said in an interview to Fox News. “I view it as very close to over
22 minutes ago
Exclusive | Dhurandhar singer Afsana Khan on Bigg Boss: ‘Achhe logo ke liye nahi bana’In a chat with HT City, singer Afsana Khan remembers Bigg Boss and opens up about how she bagged two songs in Dhurandhar's album Published on: Apr 15, 2026 11:12 AM IST By Mahima Pandey Share via Copy link
22 minutes ago
Saudi Arabia will provide $3 billion in fresh support to Pakistan and extend a $5 billion deposit rollover to help it manage upcoming debt repayments, including obligations to the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia will help Pakistan bridge a multibillion dollar gap in its finances linked to an
23 minutes ago
Sooraj Barjatya praises Aditya Dhar, calls Dhurandhar a ‘perfect picture after Sholay’Aditya Dhar's Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar praised by Sooraj Barjatya as a perfect picture after Sholay amid the film's success. Apr 15, 2026, 11:09:11 IST Written by Riya Sharma Share via Copy link
23 minutes ago
Another woman has alleged that Eric Swalwell raped her, adding to a growing list of misconduct allegations against the former Democratic lawmaker. Speaking on Tuesday, Lonna Drewes said she had been reluctant to come forward with her allegations that Swalwell drugged and raped her in a hotel room
23 minutes ago
One of India’s finest squash players, Saurav Ghosal, has always been someone who put 100% into whatever he did. After retiring from professional squash in June last year due to a hip issue, the first Indian male player to break into the World’s top-10 has remained active on several fronts
23 minutes ago
Australia's wealthiest person Gina Rinehart must part with some of her riches, a court has ruled in a high-profile dispute over her mining empire. Worth an estimated A$38bn (£20bn; $27bn), Rinehart inherited the iron ore ventures of her father in 1992
23 minutes ago
A home security camera in Northern California has captured a disturbing break-in that is now being widely shared online. According to the Los Angeles Times, the incident took place on April 7 in Fairfield, where a Ring camera recorded a man aggressively trying to force his way into a house while a
23 minutes ago
Want a healthy snack? Nutritionist shares a protein-fibre combination that supports blood sugar balance and gut healthEven snacks can be healthy when they are balanced and rich in nutrients. Deepsikha shares a combination that can help regulate blood sugar and support the gut. Published on: Apr 15
23 minutes ago
Israeli and Lebanese envoys will meet in Washington on Tuesday (April 14, 2026) as Israel presses its war on Hezbollah, a diplomatic milestone overshadowed by conflicting agendas, with Israel ruling out discussion of a ceasefire and demanding Beirut disarm the group
23 minutes ago
There has been no respite for Ajinkya Rahane this season. Amid Kolkata Knight Riders’ struggles in IPL 2026, where they remain winless after their first five games for the first time in a league season, the captain has now been found guilty of breaching the Code of Conduct in the match against
22 minutes ago
Former US President Joe Biden on Tuesday (local time) faced netizens’ ire after a lighthearted moment Biden had with a Syracuse trustee sparked a row. Biden returned to his alma mater, Syracuse University, on Tuesday for the unveiling of his official portrait
24 minutes ago
As the financial year 2026-27 gets underway, taxpayers would do well to keep a close eye on key compliance deadlines to avoid penalties and last-minute hassles. The year is packed with important tax due dates for individuals, businesses as well as financial institutions
24 minutes ago
“Goodbye the Queen, you’ll be missed forever as your voice was never just India’s, it was a gift to the entire world,” reads one of the heartfelt tributes by Pakistani actors and singers to legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle, who passed away on April 12, 2026.“Goodbye the Queen
24 minutes ago
Water supply in key Delhi areas to be disrupted till tomorrow due to Chandrawal plant shutdown | Full listA senior DJB official told HT earlier that the impact is expected to be less severe than last month, and the repair work should be completed quickly. Published on: Apr 15
24 minutes ago
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Samrat Choudhary on Wednesday took oath as the chief minister of Bihar, replacing Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar. Choudhary is the first BJP chief minister of Bihar. Kumar, Bihar’s longest-serving chief minister, resigned from his post on Tuesday
24 minutes ago
Xi meets Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, outlines four-point peace proposal to ease Middle East tensionsThe proposal comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, following the breakdown of ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran in Pakistan. Published on: Apr 15
24 minutes ago
BIEAP Inter Results 2026: The Board of Intermediate Education, Andhra Pradesh has declared the AP Inter Result 2026 today, 15 April, for both 1st year and 2nd year students — and the numbers tell a remarkable story. This year's pass percentage is the highest recorded in 12 years
24 minutes ago
Workers at Shiv Nadar University in Greater Noida protested for salary increases and more overtime pay. Police reported the situation remained peaceful and was resolved after discussions. Security was heightened across Gautam Buddha Nagar following recent protests
24 minutes ago
Oil tankers are successfully transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Vessels from various nations are carrying crude oil and refined products to destinations including Vietnam, Malaysia, China, India, Pakistan, and Thailand. These movements occur despite ongoing tensions and a US blockade
24 minutes ago
The strain in Dhaka–Delhi ties during Yunus’s tenure has begun to ease following the formation of a new government under Tarique Rahman in Bangladesh. New Delhi: In a significant development, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has called his recent visit to India “excellent
24 minutes ago
Why did Erika Kirk skip TPUSA event with JD Vance? Candace Owens slams 'PR' as CEO makes huge statementErika Kirk has revealed the reason why she skipped a recent Turning Point USA in Georgia, while Candace Owens slammed her explanation. Published on: Apr 15
24 minutes ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Heat wave warning; temperature to rise above 40 degrees; 5 natural ways to help reduce the effects in your homeSimple, practical ways to cool your home naturally using plants
24 minutes ago
The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids on businesses linked to Ashok Mittal in Punjab as part of a FEMA investigation, targeting multiple locations in Jalandhar and Phagwara. Jalandhar/New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday conducted raids at business entities linked to AAP in
24 minutes ago
Before becoming chief minister, the BJP leader served as the deputy chief minister and home minister in the Nitish Kumar-led government. Samrat Choudhary, who was elected as the leader of the NDA legislative party on Tuesday, has taken oath as the chief minister of Bihar. With this
23 minutes ago
JD Vance tells Indian-origin student about 'obligations' when asked about green cardsUS Vice President JD Vance answered a question about the country’s immigration system by referring to his wife’s Indian roots Published on: Apr 15, 2026 11:31 AM IST By Sanya Jain Share via Copy link US Vice
24 minutes ago
The United States on Tuesday (April 14, 2026) eased sanctions against Venezuela's central bank in the Trump administration's latest move to build ties with the oil-rich Latin American giant after toppling its longtime leader. The Treasury Department issued a license authorising commercial links
24 minutes ago
![Beijing [China], April 15 (ANI): Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Lin Jian on Wednesday busted media reports saying that China is](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/china-junks-reports-about-giving-military-aid-to-iran.webp?width=120&height=70)
