4,374 birds belonging to 10 different species were seized on the morning of August 13, 1998 by the Regional Deputy Director (Wildlife), Western Regional Office, Ministry of Environment & Forests, GOI, Mumbai and the Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Government of Maharashtra, Thane and their officials who conducted raids on the pet shops in Crawford Market, Mumbai. Among the seized birds, were Jungle Myna (20), Barn Owl (1), Pariah Kite (2), Alexandrine and Rose ringed Parakeets (150), Weaver birds (50), White Back Munia (65), Black Headed Munia (1,510), Spotted Munia (875) and Red Munia (1,550). Other species included in the seizure lot were Bonnet monkeys (2) and turtles (9). Offence cases have been booked against the offenders in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 by the Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Thane. Most of the caged birds were released inside the Karnala Sanctuary on August 15, 1998.
The National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC), being organised by the Ministry of Environment & Forests every year since 1986 with the objective of creating environmental awareness at the national level, is being continued this year also. The theme of NEAC - 1998-99 is:-
"Keep our Water Resources Clean"
Proposals are invited from registered NGOs/ Voluntary Organisations, Educational Institutions, State Government Departments etc. working in the field of environment and sustainable development for conducting various activities such as Seminars/Work-shops, Camps/Padyatras/Rallies, Competitions, Festivals etc. for creating environmental awareness amongst the masses.
The guidelines and proforma for submission of proposals can be obtained free of cost from the Regional Resource Agency (RRA) designated for the respective State/UT either in person or by post. The last date for submitting proposals, complete in all respects, to the concerned RRA is 17.10.98.
In view of the growing realisation that public participation through Joint Forest Management (JFM) Programme is crucial for effective protection of forests in the country, a Joint Forest Management Monitoring Cell within the Ministry of Environment & Forests has been constituted to monitor the impact of JFM Programme being carried out by the state governments in the improvement and protection of forests. The work of this Cell will be handled by the Forest Protection Division.
The Environmental Information System (ENVIS) of Ministry of Environment & Forests collects, collates, stores and disseminates information to its users on a wide range of subjects of environment through its focal point located in the Ministry. The ENVIS focal point networks with 24 ENVIS centres working on diverse specialised areas of environment. These centres are located in different regions in the country. ENVIS, thus, has a rich information base to respond to your queries related to environment and sustainable development.
So, the next time you look for environmental information, do not forget to get in touch with the ENVIS focal point at the following address:
Senior Adviser (HS)
Environmental Information System (ENVIS)
Ministry of Environment & Forests
Paryavaran Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,
Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110 003
Tel : 011- 436 4687
Fax : 011- 436 0740
Email : envis@envfor.delhi.nic.in
harjit@envis.ernet.in
Homepage : http://www.nic.in/envfor/envis