Latest news with #DepartmentsofEnvironment
The Hindu
05-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Stalin hands over appointment orders to 1,304 forest staff
As many as 1,304 newly recruited frontline forest personnel were given appointment orders by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin during the World Environment Day event held by the Departments of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, in Chennai on Thursday. A total of 1,411 recruits were selected through the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission's exams conducted in June 2024. They included 515 forest guards, 192 forest guards with driving licence, and 684 forest watchers. While a total of 1,358 recruits have already reported to their respective divisions, 1,238 were present at the function to formally receive their appointment orders. An additional 66 recruits selected for the Tamil Nadu Forest Plantation Corporation (TAFCORN), also participated in the event. This recruitment is the first large-scale induction into the department since the previous round held between 2019 and 2021, which saw the appointment of only 372 personnel. The Chief Minister also laid the foundation for the Research and Development Centre of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), to be constructed in Guindy at an estimated cost of ₹44 crore. It will house facilities for ambient air quality monitoring, emissions and wastewater monitoring, biomedical and hazardous waste surveillance, and will also feature an integrated environmental laboratory and monitoring unit. Fishnet recovery Mr. Stalin also inaugurated 14 Fishnet Recovery Centres set up in Tamil Nadu's coastal districts as part of the Tamil Nadu Sustainable Habitat for Ocean and Resources Enhancement initiative. These centres, established at a cost of ₹1.75 crore, aim to retrieve abandoned fishing nets from the sea, which pose a serious threat to marine ecosystems. Fishermen involved in collecting these discarded nets are compensated between ₹40 and ₹46 per kg, including a ₹4-₹6 incentive. As of now, over 17,044 kg of fishing nets and plastic waste have been retrieved, with 10,700 kg already recycled, an official release said. To honour exceptional contributions to environmental protection, Mr. Stalin presented awards to top-performing Collectors and District Forest Officers. As many as 38 individuals received the Chief Minister's Waterbody Conservator Award along with ₹1 lakh cash prize. Five industries were recognised with Voluntary Green Rating Certificate for eco-friendly operations and social responsibility. Finance and Environment Minister Thangam Thennarasu, MSME Minister T.M. Anbarasan, Forests Minister R.S. Rajakannappan, Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to Departments of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, and diplomats from various countries, including Deputy High Commissioner of the U.K. Halima Holland, were present.
The Hindu
05-06-2025
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu notifies Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi
The Tamil Nadu government has officially declared a Greater Flamingo sanctuary at Dhanushkodi in Ramanathapuram district. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the sanctuary via video conferencing on the occasion of the World Environment Day event organised by the Departments of Environment, Climate Change and Forests in Chennai on Thursday (June 5, 2025). Thangam Thenarasu, holding additional charge as Minister for Environment, R.S. Rajakannapan, Minister for Forests, and Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to Departments of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, participated in the event. The move aims to preserve a critical stopover point along the Central Asian Flyway for thousands of migratory wetland birds. The sanctuary spans 524.7 hectares and encompasses both revenue and forest lands within Rameshwaram taluk. The designated area, part of the ecologically sensitive Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, is home to a variety of ecosystems, including mangroves, sand dunes, mudflats, and marshes. These unique features support a rich biodiversity, from migratory birds and marine life to nesting sea turtles. A Government Order (G.O.) issued on June 4, 2025, by Ms. Sahu, noted that according to the recent 2023-2024 wetland bird survey, the Dhanushkodi region recorded over 10,700 wetland birds, representing 128 species including herons, egrets, sandpipers, and both Greater and Lesser Flamingos. Mangrove species such as Avicennia and Rhizophora dominate the Dhanushkodi lagoon, providing essential breeding grounds and natural defenses against coastal erosion. The sanctuary status is expected to encourage responsible ecotourism, generate local employment, and raise public awareness about wetland conservation, the G.O. said. T.M. Anbarasan, Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Srinivas Reddy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), Rakesh Kumar Dogra, Chief Wildlife Warden, also participated.
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Supriya Sahu honoured for contribution in fight against financial crimes
Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to the Departments of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, Government of Tamil Nadu, has been recognised for her contribution to the fight against financial crimes. At the 41st Plenary Meeting of the Eurasian Group (EAG) held in November 2024 in Indore, Sahu was one of the few individuals honoured for her exemplary leadership and service. In recognition of her work, Ms. Sahu received a commemorative certificate of merit presented by Vivek Aggarwal, former Additional Secretary and Head of the Indian Delegation to Financial Action Task Force (FATF). In a letter, dated April 30, Mr. Aggarwal expressed deep appreciation for Ms. Sahu's dedication, highlighting how her efforts had strengthened the integrity of the financial system and enhanced India's position within the international community. The event, which also marked the 20th Anniversary of the EAG, brought together global leaders, representatives from member States, and international observers committed to anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). The recognition highlights Ms. Sahu's role in India's successful evaluation under the FATF, where the country was placed under the 'regular follow-up category,' an honour afforded only to a select few of the world's leading economies.
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- The Hindu
12 pangolins released after rescue operations in T.N.
Two pangolins, including a baby, were recently rescued from wildlife traffickers near Chennai and released back into their natural habitat by the Tamil Nadu Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (TNWCCB). This action is part of the bureau's ongoing efforts to combat pangolin trafficking. Pangolin is an endangered species protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. As many as 50 individuals remanded in related operations over the past few months, Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to Departments of Environment, Climate Change and Forests, wrote in a post on social media platform X. Twelve pangolins have been safely released following similar operations from across Tamil Nadu, Ms. Sahu said. As the world's most trafficked mammals, pangolins face severe threats from poaching for their scales and meat, pushing them towards extinction.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu records 397 wetland bird species, 401 terrestrial bird species in synchronised survey
A total of 397 bird species were recorded in the wetland bird survey, while 401 species were identified in the terrestrial bird survey this year, according to the synchronised bird survey report released by Forests Minister R.S. Rajakannappan during the inaugural of International Biodiversity Day events on Thursday. The wetland survey revealed that 397 species are directly or indirectly associated with wetlands. Notably, 136 long-distance migratory species were observed, making up 34% of the total species recorded. Key bird species observed in wetlands include the Greylag Goose, Greater Flamingo, Eurasian Curlew, Pied Avocet, and Lesser Crested Tern. Surveys were conducted across 934 wetland sites, with all forest divisions instructed to cover approximately 20 locations per district. In terms of species richness, the districts of Coimbatore, Erode, and Dindigul recorded more than 200 species each. 1,093 locations covered The terrestrial survey covered 1,093 locations across urban, rural, and protected areas, again aiming for around 20 spots per forest division. The survey identified 401 bird species associated with terrestrial habitats, with 2,32,519 individual birds directly counted. Of the birds identified, 41% are long-distance migrants, and 6% are either partial migrants or local migrants. Noteworthy species recorded include the Ashambu Laughingthrush, Indian Nightjar, Black and Orange Flycatcher, Lesser Fish-Eagle, Nilgiri Pipit, Brown Fish-Owl, and the Nilgiri Wood-Pigeon. Speaking about the importance of biodiversity conservation, Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to the Departments of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, stressed that it must be addressed in conjunction with climate change, human impact, and habitat preservation. She noted that in the past four years, over two lakh hectares of forest areas have now been brought under legal protection. 7,000 hectares of new forest areas have been created, which contributes significantly to the protection of both habitats and species, she said. During the event, the Minister also distributed awards to forest officials and divisions, along with non-governmental organisations, for their significant contributions. Headmasters of tribal schools managed by the Forest Department were honoured for achieving the highest pass percentages. The event was attended by senior forest officials including Srinivas R. Reddy (PCCF & Head of Forest Force), Mita Banerjee (PCCF, Research & Education), Rakesh Kumar Dogra (PCCF & Chief Wildlife Warden), Debasis Jana (PCCF, Administration), and I. Anwardeen (PCCF & Chief Project Director).
