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Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Chhattisgarh govt to form Tiger Foundation Society to control depleting number of big cats
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh cabinet on Wednesday decided to establish state Tiger Foundation Society, in a move for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism, which will focus on tiger conservation, over a concern towards deteriorating tiger population. Chhattisgarh presently has around 18-20 tigers. Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai chaired the cabinet meeting at his official residence in Raipur and this decision was taken during the meeting. Officials said that a similar society has been operational in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh since 1996 and Chhattisgarh's Tiger Foundation Society will function under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the state has four tiger reserves, since its foundation in year 2000. According to information, the Tiger Society will be self-financed, and will not put any additional burden on the govt exchequer. It will raise funds from individuals and institutions. This society will be directly involved in activities related to the conservation of tigers and other wildlife, the govt release said. IT added that the society will ensure availability of external funds, expertise and resources for conservation, which will provide new employment opportunities to local communities and maintain the environmental balance of the state, The statement said that the society will promote eco-tourism with the participation of the local community, which will not only increase tourism but also create employment and income opportunities for the local people. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Co-Founder of Google Brain, Andrew Ng, Recommends: "These 5 Books Will Turn Your Life Around" Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Meanwhile, it will encourage environmental education, research and training, giving scope to conservationists. It will prove to be a milestone in the field of wildlife conservation in Chhattisgarh, which will protect biodiversity as well as give a strong base to promote eco-tourism, the release said. Cabinet also took other key decision and gave its nod to provide financial assistance to consumers for setting up solar rooftop plants in their houses under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to promote renewable energy. Besides the Centre's fund, the scheme will be provided with additional financial assistance from the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) for installing solar rooftop plants at the homes of domestic consumers, which will vary based on the capacity of the solar plant (1 kW, 2 kW, 3 kW and above), the statement said. A total of Rs 45,000 will be provided for a 1 kW plant (Rs 30,000 as central assistance and Rs 15,000 as state aid), while for a plant of 3 kW or more, the assistance will be Rs 1,08,000 (Rs 78,000 as central assistance and Rs 30,000 as state aid), it said. Similar assistance has been proposed for housing societies/residential welfare associations. This grant amount will be received by CSPDCL in advance and will be disbursed later to the beneficiaries. A target has been set to install 60,000 such solar power plants in 2025-26, and 70,000 solar power plants in 2026-27. This will entail a financial burden of Rs 180 crore in the financial year 2025-26 and Rs 210 crore in 2026-27, officials said. CSPDCL will be the implementing agency of this scheme as per the guidelines of the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), it added. Cabinet approved the extension of certain benefits to communities that were technically excluded from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC) lists due to technical reasons. The Dehari Korva , Baghel Kshatri , Sansari Oraon, and Pavia/Pabiya communities' students will be provided state scholarships and access to hostels/ashrams under the Scheduled Tribes category. This move aims to ensure equal opportunities for students from marginalized communities. Cabinet approved the merger of the Vivekananda Institute of Social Health Welfare & Services (VISHWAS) with Ramkrishna Mission Ashram Narayanpur. This merger aims to streamline the operations of the organization and expand its impact. A major step towards agricultural education was taken as the Cabinet agreed to provide 94.290 hectares of land in Belgav village, Saja tehsil, Bemetara district, for the establishment of a Horticulture University. This land will be provided free of cost to the Horticulture Department. In an effort to promote local products and empower women's self-help groups , the Cabinet approved transfer of the 'JashPure' brand (under which herbal and mahua tea are being produced) to the state government or Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation (CSIDC) . This will help expand the market for these products, boost local raw material demand, and provide employment opportunities for tribal women. The transfer will not place any additional financial burden on the state.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Chhattisgarh government announces eight big decisions
In a Cabinet Meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai at his Civil Lines residence office today, following significant decisions were taken: 1. Cabinet approved a major decision to extend certain educational benefits to communities that have been technically excluded from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes lists. Accordingly, students belonging to the Dihari Korwa, Baghel Kshatriya, Sansari Oraon, and Pabia/Pavia/Paviya communities will be eligible to receive state-funded scholarships and stipends equivalent to those granted to Scheduled Tribes. Similarly, students of the Domra caste will be granted benefits equivalent to those for Scheduled Castes. These communities will also be allowed hostel and ashram admissions within approved seat limits. 2. With the objective to promote renewable energy and provide economic benefits to electricity consumers, the Cabinet has approved state financial aid for the installation of rooftop solar plants under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Through the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL), beneficiaries will receive both central and state financial support depending on plant capacity (1kW, 2kW, 3kW and above). For example: * For a 1kW system: Total aid of Rs 45,000 (Rs 30,000 from Centre + Rs 15,000 from State) * For a 3kW or higher system: Total aid of Rs 1,08,000 (Rs 78,000 from Centre + Rs 30,000 from State) Similar benefits are proposed for Housing Societies and Residential Welfare Associations. The subsidy amount will be provided to CSPDCL in advance for disbursal to beneficiaries. Targets have been set for installation of 60,000 solar plants in 2025–26 and 70,000 in 2026–27, with respective budgetary implications of Rs 180 crore and Rs 210 crore. CSPDCL will be the implementing agency, and a dedicated bank account will be opened for transparent management of subsidies. Priority for state aid will be given to those whose grid synchronization occurred on or after 1 April 2025. 3. In a landmark move for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism, the Cabinet has approved formation of Chhattisgarh Tiger Foundation Society under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This self-financed society—on the lines of a similar body functioning in Madhya Pradesh since 1996—will work towards protecting the rapidly declining tiger population in Chhattisgarh (currently estimated at 18–20). It will raise funds through voluntary contributions and will not place any additional burden on the state exchequer. The society will undertake direct conservation efforts, promote eco-tourism through local community involvement, and encourage environmental education, research, and training—creating opportunities for employment while preserving biodiversity. 4. Cabinet has approved the merger of Vivekananda Institute of Social Health, Welfare and Services, Chhattisgarh (VISHWAS)—an allied organisation of the grant-in-aid educational institution Ramkrishna Mission Ashram Narayanpur—into the parent Ashram. 5. In a move to promote horticultural education, the Cabinet has approved the transfer of 100 acres of government land (out of a total 94.290 hectares) in Belgaon, under Saja Tehsil of Bemetara district, free of cost to the Horticulture Department for the establishment of a Horticulture College under the Horticulture University. 6. Cabinet has approved the proposal to transfer ownership of the 'JashPure' brand—under which women's self-help groups in Jashpur district produce traditional items such as herbal and mahua tea—to the state government or the Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation (CSIDC) to expand market reach and boost marketing efforts. The move is expected to promote agro and food processing units, increase demand for local raw materials, and generate more employment opportunities for tribal women. The trademark transfer will not impose any additional financial burden on the state. 7. Acknowledging the supreme sacrifice of martyred police personnel, the Cabinet has amended Clause 13(3) of the Unified Revised Guidelines–2013 for compassionate appointments. Now, in cases where a police officer is martyred in Naxalite violence, any eligible family member (male or female) may opt for a compassionate appointment in any department across any district or division of the state. Previously, such appointments were generally restricted to the same department or office where the deceased was employed. 8. To ensure systematic exploration and infrastructure development of minor minerals in the state, the Cabinet has approved the draft notification for the establishment of State Mineral Exploration Trust (SMET). Modeled after the National Mineral Exploration Trust of the Government of India, SMET will receive an additional 2% of the royalty revenue from all minor minerals. The fund will be utilized for high-tech exploration, infrastructure development, information systems, logistical support, and human resource development in the mining sector. (This is a press release by the Chhattisgarh government.)
Time of India
17-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Light at the end of decades: Electricity reaches 17 villages
Raipur: Seventeen forest villages in Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district received electricity for the first time. A state govt spokesperson made the announcement and this development under the chief minister majratola electrification scheme has brought much-needed hope to the residents, officials said. The electrification of remote villages such as Katuljhora, Kattapar, Bodra, Bukmarka, Sambalpur, Gattegahan, Pugda, Amakodo, Pitemeta, Tatekasa, Kundalkal, Raymanhora, Nainguda, Metatodke, Kohkatola, Edasmeta, and Kunjkanhar was completed at a cost of Rs 3 crore. Officials highlighted the significant challenges involved in reaching these areas, citing difficult terrain, dense forests, and the presence of Naxals. Previously, 540 families in these villages relied on solar energy and lanterns. Many solar installations were either stolen or non-functional, leaving the villagers in darkness. So far, 275 families have been provided with electricity connections, and work on connecting the remaining households is in progress. Villagers expressed joy when electric lights first illuminated their homes in villages. Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) executive director Shirish Selat operationalised the 25 kVA transformer in Tatekasa village. The project involved laying a 45 km long 11 kV line, installing 87 low-tension poles, and setting up 17 transformers. Selat said that obtaining the NOC from the forest department and transporting equipment to these remote locations posed significant hurdles. He credited the efforts of the technical team for the completion of the task.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Maoist-hit villages in Chhattisgarh see light for first time
Seventeen Maoist-affected forest villages in Chhattisgarh's Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district have been electrified for the first time under the Majratola Electrification Scheme RAIPUR: Seventeen forest villages in the Maoist-affected Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district of Chhattisgarh have been electrified for the first time, state officials announced. Under the chief minister Majratola Electrification Scheme , remote villages including Katuljhora, Kattapar, Bodra, Bukmarka, Sambalpur, and others were connected at a cost of Rs 3 crore. Previously, around 540 families depended on solar energy and lanterns, many of which were stolen or non-functional, leaving residents in darkness. So far, 275 households have received electricity connections, with work ongoing to connect the rest. Villagers celebrated as electric lights illuminated their homes for the first time. Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) Executive Director Shirish Selat inaugurated the project in Tatekasa village. The work involved laying 45 km of 11 kV lines, installing 87 low-tension poles, and setting up 17 transformers. Mr Selat said the challenges of obtaining forest department clearances and transporting equipment through difficult terrain and dense forests, as well as the presence of Maoists in the region. He praised the Chief Minister Majratola Electrification Scheme and the technical team for completing the project.
News18
08-05-2025
- Business
- News18
How Modi Govt Is Fast-Tracking 4 Big Hydropower Projects Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
Last Updated: The four hydro-power projects being fast-tracked are - Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar and Kirthai. 'Now, India's water will flow for India's rights, will be stored for India's rights, and will serve only India's needs"- So said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, reflecting his firm stance on managing India's water resources more effectively and ensuring they benefit the country first. After the big surgical strikes in Pakistan, India is planning the big squeeze on water going to Pakistan. But how will this be executed? Four major hydro-power projects are being fast-tracked by the government. This comes at a time when India has put the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in abeyance following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed by cross-border terrorists. 1. Pakal Dul HE Project: Located in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar, the concrete-faced rock fill dam, standing at 167m, is the highest of its kind in India, with 72m of dam height progress and 24.78 lakh cum filling achieved. The completion of the Head Race Tunnel is vital for the timely completion of the project, and excavation is progressing rapidly. The government has approved the setup of transmission lines. The spiral casing erection for Unit-1 and Unit-2 was completed in February 2024. 2. Kiru HE Project (624 MW): Located in Kishtwar, the timely completion of dam concreting works is essential for the project's completion, with 3.5 lakh cum of concreting achieved out of a total of 13.95 lakh cum. The project is expected to be completed within the fixed timeline. 3. Kwar HE Project (540 MW): A major milestone, the diversion of the River Chenab, was achieved in January 2024, allowing the start of main dam works, which are currently in progress. 4. Kirthai Stage-I (930 MW): Located in the Kishtwar district, J&K, upstream of the Kiru HE project on the Chenab River, this run-of-river project will generate 3329.52 MU annually in a 90% dependable year. It involves the construction of a 121m high concrete gravity dam. The project is set to begin without the need for an earlier Indus Water Treaty clearance application. The power generated will be distributed widely. More Developments Power Purchase Agreements for Pakal Dul HE Project and Kwar HE Project have been signed with Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) and Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL). Consents for power purchase have been received from Haryana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka for both projects. A Power Purchase Agreement for Kiru HE Project, covering 543 MW, has been signed with GUVNL, and consents for power purchase have been received from Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. First Published: May 08, 2025, 08:18 IST
