august 2011 vana premi
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August 2011 VANA PREMI
45
LIfe Time Subscription - Rs. 2000/- Single Copy Rs. 20/-
AUGUST - 2011Vol .12 No. 8
JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED FOREST OFFICERSANDHRA PRADESH
Yearly Subscription - Rs. 200/-
August 2011 VANA PREMI
1
1. President : Ex-Officio President of Assn.2. Editor : Qamar Mohd. Khan
Tel : 40121132, 9849233624e-mail : qamar_asima@yahoo.com
3. Associate Editor : Sardar Navratan Singh,
: Tel : 233405854. Member : A.H. Qureshi, IFS (Retd.)5. Convenor : Ex-officio Secy.of Assn
VANA PREMI
Vol : 12 No. 8August 2011
Editor : Qamar Mohd. Khan Associate Editor : Sardar Navratan SinghThe Association of Retired Forest Officers,
Andhra Pradesh(Regd. No. 557/1990)President : Sri. S.D. Mukherji, I.F.S. (Retd.)
Tel : 23551065, 9885236493Vice President : Sri. Krishna Bhoopal Rao, I.F.S. (Retd.)
Tel : 23743774, 9866307808Secretary : Sri K. Santokh Singh, I.F.S. (Retd.)
Tel : 27962929, 9848808101Jt. Secretary : Sri. P. Upender Reddy, Dy. C.F.(Retd.)Cum Treasurer Tel. 23342582, 9848754778
Editoriral Board
Contents
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VANA PREMI
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Excutive committee members1. Sri C. Subba Rao, I.F.S. (Retd.), 9848018796
2. Sultan Mohiuddin, I.F.S.(Retd.), 9440057333
3. Sri M. Padmanabha Reddy, I.F.S. (Retd.), 9849269105
4. Sri J.V. Subba Rao, 9848486146
5. Sri A. V. Govinda Rajulu, 9440764611
Totla pages 44
1. Editorial ..................... QMK 22. letters to the Editor...... 43. Thought for The Day 44. My Dabbling In Experiments
,............................M. Kamal Naidu 65. Did you Know?.......... 86. The tale of two four horned
Antelopes Ram and Sita .......................B. Jagannath Shetty 9
7. Cabinet Reshuffle : What is inStore for MoEF? ....... J.V. Sharma 11
8. Eight Gifts That Do Not CostA Single Penny. ......... 13
9. Creating ProsperityConsciousness .....Surendra K.Bali 14
10. Getting Sandwiched.......................V. Santhaseela Babu 15
11. News and Notes ....... 2012. 'Leave alone tiger, today people
are even saving sparrows' 2513. Tigers ........................ 2814. Tum Ko Na Bhula Payenge
.................................... Moqeem Syed 2915. Our M.Ps ................... Pritish Nandy 3116. Kidney Stones .......... 3317. Legal Notes .............. K.B.R. 3518. Invitation .................. 3619. Appeal to Members .. Secretary 3620. Birthday Greetings .. S.S.S. 3721. Nature, Here we Come 3822. Minutes of 60th General Body
Meeting of the Association 43
August 2011 VANA PREMI
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India’s Independence Day :- We all know that
the British East India Company arrived in India in
the early 1600s, struggling and nearly begging
for the right to trade and do business. By the late
1700s the firm of British merchants, backed by
its own army, ruled India. The Mogul Empire had
been established in India in the early 1500s,
when Babur invaded India from Afghanistan. The
Moguls conquered most of northern India, and
by the time the British arrived the Mogul Empire
was immensely powerful.The Mogul Empire was
in a state of collapse by the 1720s.The East India
Company gradually strengthened its hold, even
instituting a court system. British citizens began
building an "Anglo-Indian" society within India,
and English customs were adapted to the
climate of India.The British rule in India became
known as "The British Raj," which was derived
from the Sanskrit term raja meaning king.The
Indian Rebellion of 1857, which was also called
the Indian Mutiny, or the Sepoy Mutiny, was a
turning point in the history of Britain in India.The
Indian Mutiny erupted in May 1857, when sepoys
rose up against the British in Meerut and then
massacred all the British they could find in Delhi.
Following the Indian Mutiny, the East India
Company was abolished and the British crown
assumed full rule of India.
On April 12, 1919, General R E H Dyer who had
taken over the troops in Punjab the day before
prohibited all meetings and gatherings. When a
EDITORIALgroup of unarmed people congregated at the
Jallianwala Bagh, a walled park with only a single
narrow entrance, on April 13, 1919 to celebrate
the festival of Baisakhi. What followed was to
blight the pages of Indian History and its
peoples’ minds for a very long time to come. A
peaceful congregation had been transformed
into an unmitigated blood bath.Later, during the
court martial, General Dyer coldly observed that
he had fired only 1600 rounds of ammunition
on the crowd as that was all he had. He added
that he would have fired more had he so deemed
fit.
The brutality of the Jallianwallah Bagh massacre
shocked the country. Under the leadership of
Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian National Congress
launched the first movement of protest – the
Non-Cooperation Movement. It involved
surrendering all titles, honorary offices and
nominated posts in local bodies. Government
functions and darbars were to be boycotted.
Parents were requested to withdraw their
children from government schools and colleges.
Indians stayed away from the British courts and
army, and were to stand for elections to
government and legislative bodies. Ahimsa or
non-violence was to be observed strictly.
However, there were too many emotional ties –
the British and the Indians went too far back
together for the British to just pack up and leave.
Mountbatten was entrusted with the
August 2011 VANA PREMI
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responsibility of transferring power to the
Indians, safeguarding British interests and
prestige for future interaction with independent
India and Pakistan.
In March of 1947 Lord Mountbatten came to
India and recommended a partition of Punjab
and Bengal. But this was not acceptable to many
nationalist leaders, including Nehru. In July
Britain's Parliament passed the Indian
Independence Act. According to it August 14 and
15 were set for partition of India. Thus came into
existence two independent entities- India and
Pakistan. About 190 years old rule of British
(British East India Company: 1757-1858, and
British Government: 1858-1947)came to an end
and we got independence.
A few days before India gained its freedom in
August 1947, the Constituent Assembly was
formed. To select a flag for independent India, on
23 June 1947, the assembly set up an ad hoc
committee headed by Rajendra Prasad and
including Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Sarojini
Naidu, C. Rajagopalachari, K. M. Munshi and B.R.
Ambedkar as its members. On 14 July 1947, the
committee recommended that the flag of the
Indian National Congress be adopted as the
National Flag of India with suitable
modifications, so as to make it acceptable to all
parties and communities. The spinning wheel of
the Congress flag was replaced by the Chakra
(wheel)of Ashoka. The flag was proposed by
Nehru at the Constituent Assembly on 22 July
1947 as a horizontal tricolor of deep saffron,
white and dark green in equal proportions, with
the Ashoka wheel in blue in the centre of the
white band. Saffron represents courage, sacrifice,
and the spirit of renunciation; white signifies
purity and truth; green stands for faith and fertility;
the blue chakra symbolizes the wheel of life in
movement and death in stagnation The
resolution was approved unanimously and has
served as the flag of the Republic of India since
then.At the stroke of mid-night on August 14,
1947, the first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru
had hoisted the first tricolour in the Central Hall
of Parliament amid the presence of august
audience including Lord Mountbatten.The next
day a crowd witnessed the lowering of the Union
Jack and the hoisting of Indian national flag amid
thunderous applause at India Gate at 8.30 in the
morning.
Large number of leaders and common Indians
sacrificed their today for our better tomorrow.
Thousands and thousands of ordinary and extra
ordinary Indians sacrificed their lives, freedom,
and careers to see that we live in free India today.
We owe a lot to the people who sacrificed their
lives in the past so that we could live free today.
Let us not forget their sacrifices, remember
them, and pay homage to the people who are
behind the India’s Independence. Let us be
united let us help each other and see a
developed strong and powerful India. Together
definitely we can achieve this. QMK
August 2011 VANA PREMI
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1.Sir,
Hats off to you for bringing out VanaPremi every month regularly with beautiful pictures on the
front cover page. Your choice of editorials is timely and is welcome. But think of making it short and
sweet.
The contents of the journal are very attractive and make it more popular day by day for the readers
in the country as reflected in the letters you received last month and before. Regular contributors
like J.V, Sharma, S.D. Mukherji, M. Kamal Naidu etc. have done well in writing articles on varied
subjects.
The contributions received from R. Rajamani and Shivakumar were of special interest. Sri Rajamani,
besides being an able administrator, is an environmentalist of international repute.He is a lifetime
subscriber of the VanaPremi. It would be of great service if he can set apart some time to contribute
articles now and then for the benefit of the readers.Shivakumar was a birdwatcher in Hyderabad
presently a journalist in North India. As he is a nature lover I will request him to write articles for our
journal.
Biston MA K.B.R. Reddy
July 21, 2011
LETTERS TO EDITOR
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
When I Asked God for Strength
He Gave Me Difficult Situations to Face
When I Asked God for Brain & Brown
He Gave Me Puzzles in Life to Solve
When I Asked God for Happiness
He Showed Me Some Unhappy People
When I Asked God for Wealth
He Showed Me How to Work Hard
When I Asked God for Favours
He Showed Me Opportunities to Work Hard
When I Asked God for Peace
He Showed Me How to Help Others
God Gave Me Nothing I Wanted
He Gave Me Everything I Needed
August 2011 VANA PREMI
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VanaPremi, It’s subscribers,Writers, Retired, And In Service
Foresters Pay Rich Homageand Tributes To All Those Who
Sacrificed Their Lives,Freedom, And Careers To
Achieve India’s Independence,Who Gave Up Their Today For
Our Better Tomorrow, Andwanted us To Live In Free
India Today.The Association Of Retired Forest Officers,
Andhra Pradesh.
August 2011 VANA PREMI
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It was in June 1966 that the rains started in great
torrents for 3-4 days, the ground was adequately
soaked, the heat in the soil subsided, it seemed
ideal for planting. It was my second year in
service as DFO Atmakur. I was overjoyed and
thrilled to complete the 300 acres of planting
with teak. Soon thereafter the stumps started to
sprout, but the rains deserted Atmakur from
around the 25th June, and never rained till the
3rd August. Most of the sprouted stumps
withered, barely 5% survived. I was crestfallen.
My maiden effort was thwarted. However we
replanted in August, but the results at the
commencement of monsoons in 1967 was
about 20-25%. I was sad, how can I overcome
the truants of nature. I was bent on defeating the
black-mailing Nature by application of science.
I remember the experiments and pot culture
studies done by me for my Masters in Soil
Science. I remembered Mr. Mumtaz Ali, CF at
Kurnool when I first joined, snide at me, and my
M. Sc. (Agri.), if I cannot solve the regional
occurrence of Red Sanders. As I was under
training at Cuddapah, I was asked to seek the
help of Prof. in geology known to him at
TirupathiUniversity. He gave me a six months’
time frame. It was like the ticklish problem given
to the Greek scientist Archimedes by the King
MY DABBLING IN EXPERIMENTSBy
M. Kamal Naiduto solve the problem of purity of gold. His finding
resulted in the “Principle of Archimedes”. But
thankfully for me, CF was transferred within 3
months, and Mr. MunawarHussain took over, and
so also the Herculean problem shelved. I was
saved.
I therefore wanted to find a solution ‘to speed
up rooting of the stumps’ so that they become
active while moisture remained in the soil, so
that if drought sets in, the roots can go seeking
moisture at the deeper levels. Wow! A great idea
and a great finding it would be I thought. I later
presented the results of my experiments at the
“Silviculture Conference” at Dehra Dun in 1973
titled as “Use of Hormones in Teak Plantations”,
hoping it would be a great contribution after
ChatuMenon, more than a century back.
Having studied about Auxins and Hormones in
depth in Horticulture, and having written an
article ‘Role of Hormones in Agriculture’ to the
Agriculture College Magazine in 1959, I was
prompted to try the ‘hormones magic’ in
practice with teak stumps.
I planned out experimental plots at Bairluty and
Pechuru over quarter acre plots with adequate
controls. I used ‘Seradix’ for rooting of hard
stumps. The experiment was straight and
August 2011 VANA PREMI
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simple---treated and not treated stumps---were
planted in alternate rows.
The rainfall in 1967 was fairly normal, did not
ditch me as it happened in 1966. So I planted
the selected stumps, seeing that all the stumps
were of almost same spindle shaped, and same
length. The site was given same treatment as the
plantation, with no special treatment as an
experimental plot. The general result of
plantation was good to start with.
I dug out every tenth stump from each category
at every ten days interval, trying very carefully
not to disturb nor destroy the roots and rootlets,
thanks to the luxury of ordering around by a
young DFO, when things get done with
enthusiasm by the staff. I studied the vigor of
growth of roots in the two categories. As I
believed, the treated stumps had a better and
sturdier root growth. I found the success rate
better in the treated stumps at the beginning of
the monsoon in July 1968. Lo! I could not go
ahead in my study further as I was transferred to
Nizamabad in September 1968. However I got
an idea of the success, though it would be a costly
venture. Then I wondered, which would be a
better proposition, a higher success rate in year
of planting, or replacement of casualties in the
second, and maybe third year.
At Nizamabad it was too late to try out, rather
repeat the experiment in 1968. Here teak was
being raised on a small scale of 50 acres
between Nizamabad and Armoor. However
taking advantage of the plantation plot, I
continued the experiment in 1969 as done at
Atmakur. In addition to above field trial, I
requested JV Sharma, then an enterprising RO
Nizamabad for obtaining 40 medium sized pots,
filled with normal soil from the plantation site,
well before the planting season. The pot culture
was done to study the root growth with least
damage to the root system.
When the planting operation was commenced
in the field as per design with and without
‘Seradix hormone by Mr JV Sharma (I wonder if
he remembers the exercise, not being too much
research oriented, but a good field officer). I
planted the identical shaped and sized stumps
in the pots at my residence. The stumps at my
residence were watered if it did not rain, once
every five days till they were taken out for study
of root system.
I took out ten pots---five treated and five not
treated--- at every 10 days interval to see the
root formation. It was seen that the treated
stumps had more vigorous callous formation at
root tip compared to the untreated stumps, at
the first tenth day observation. Thereafter the
shoot sprouting and root sprouting was more
vigorous and denser in the treated stumps as
compared to control. After extracting the
sprouted stumps after breaking the pots, I
August 2011 VANA PREMI
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washed the stumps under tap water so the roots
are not damaged. Then I counted as to how many
roots developed from each of the stump, and
measured their individual lengths. Yet later at
the end of the month the density of roots was
assessed by counting and measuring some of
the tertiary roots developed as well. It was a very
laborious exercise as the roots got lengthier and
denser, but it was a great satisfaction to me as a
practical forester in trying to find solutions to
plantation problems.
Now in retrospect I realized that my findings lay
deeply buried in the Silviculture Conference files
of 1973. The results were neither of interest to
the research scholars of IGNFA, nor to the field
foresters, for the results were not transmitted
down to the grass root levels. As R & D conservator
I tried to get some field officers interested in the
findings, but found no takers. This reminds me of
finding a single solitary Casuarina standing erect
after the cyclone in Nov.1996 in a plantation off
Amlapuram in Kakinada division. I passed on the
photo of the destroyed plantations and the
single erect tree which looked different in shape,
to be propagated for future coastal plantations.
My several future enquiries about the tree
revealed that it was sadly forgotten, and lost as a
savior.
Ants Problem: Ants hate cucumbers. Keep the skin of cucumbers near the place or ant hole.
To get pure and clean ice: Boil water first before freezing.
To make the mirror shine: Clean with alcohol
To remove chewing gum from clothes: Keep the cloth in the freezer for an hour.
To whiten white clothes: Soak white clothes in hot water with a slice of lemon for 10 minutes
To give a shine to hair: Add one teaspoon of vinegar to hair, then wash hair.
To avoid tears while cutting onions: Chew gum.
To remove ink from clothes: Put toothpaste on the ink spots generously and let it dry completely,
then wash.
To get rid of mice or rats: sprinkle black pepper in places where you find mice or rats. They will
run away.
DID YOU KNOW?
August 2011 VANA PREMI
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The four horned antelope ( Tetraceros
quadricornis) – in Hindi ‘Chou singha’ and in Tamil
‘NariKombu man’ is unique in certain respects.
It is the only animal with four horns (though the
front pair may sometimes be nothing more than
horn covered studs or mere bony knobs under
the skin) and India is its only home Its traditional
habitat extends over the whole of peninsular
south of Himalayas barring the west coast. Its
population has declined over the years and it
has become a rare animal confined to small
pockets of areas in its wide habitat. In Orissa it is
said to occur in the dry sal forests up to
Singbhoom bordering the north. In Tamil Nadu
it is found in the Javadis confined to the thinly
wooded undulating country containing tall grass
striking the plains. As the grass cutting season
coincides with the fawning season many a young
one of the species fall in to the hands of the grass
cutters. Even in the few places where it may be
found, its shy nature keeps it away from public
eye.
The Vellore forest division has a pair of these
animals Ram and Sita in the small zoo maintained
by it at a place called Amardhi, 24 kilometres
from Vellore. Ram and Sita are three and half and
three years old respectively. On 24-3-1973 Sita
THE TALE OF TWO FOUR HORNED
ANTELOPES RAM AND SITABy
B. Jagannath Shetty
made history for herself and the zoo by
performing a rare feat of delivering 2 male fawns.
This zoo is located in a well wooded natural forest
and the resultant homely environment has been
conducive to breeding in captivity of this and
other species in the zoo.
It is only a small animal withy narrow muzzle.
The male measures about 63 cm at the shoulder,
and the female being only 2 to 3 cm shorter.
The female is hornless. The male may have one
or two pairs of straight horns. The longer pair
which measures about 8 to 10 cm are always
present in mature males and placed in the usual
position between the ears. The shorter one
which are a mere apology for horns may vary
somtimes between 1 to 2.5 cm and when
present are placed between the eyes. An animal
with a fore horn of 7.60 cm and hind one of 18.40
cm was recorded in the Bombay Natural History
Society journal in 1929.
Stern dale has observed that “The fore horns may
be absent in fully adult animals in the Madras
Presidency.”This statement is borne out by Ram
the male antelope in our zoo referred to above.
Hence it may be noted that the name four
horned antelope may sometimes seem to be
August 2011 VANA PREMI
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misnomer. But in judging on this point,
allowance has to be made for the fact that there
may be a time lag of one year between the
development of the anterior and the posterior
horns which may make their appearance in the
3rd and 2nd year respectively of the animal life.
However the animal when provoked can use
even its small horns to good advantage by
attacking with spring.
The period of gestation fawning season of the
animal have been variously estimated by
experts. According to Prater the period of
gestation is 8 to 8and half months, and the young
are born from October to February. Hodgson has
put down the gestation period at 6 months.
Thanks to the Forest Guard in charge of the
above stated pair in the zoo, for having written
on the corner of the rest house wall the date of
their mating as 26-6-72. It provides for a check
on the above said observations of experts. As
already noted earlier, the young ones were born
on 24th March 1973. Hence the period of
gestation exceeds the above estimates and
extends to nearly 9 months and the young may
be born beyond February too. It was further
observed at the time of birth, the young ones
measured about 16 cm each at the shoulder.
It was touching site to see Sita, the mother put
in a separate enclosure after delivery, insisting
by means of persistent calls that her mate Ram
should share the same enclosure with her and
the young ones; she quieted down only after he
was brought and tied in her enclosure.
Sita suffered bereavement by losing one of the
twins on the 5th day after the birth. After the
tragedy struck her, she was more insistent than
ever before (as would be guessed perhaps more
subjectively) by the frequent and intensity of her
calls that Ram should be by her side almost
always.
Insufficiency of the mother’s milk for two might
have been the cause of the mortality though one
cannot be too sure of it.
(Editor’s Note: This article was first published in
Indian Forester of September 1973 issue, and
the author is from Indian Forest Service, officer
originally of the Tamil Nadu Cadre, transferred
in 1975 to Karnataka in which state he retired as
Chief conservator of Forest and Chief Wild Life
Warden in - 1982. He worked as Instructor in
Southern Forests Rangers College Coimbatore
from 1961 to 1970”.)
Nothing is more destructive of respect for theGovernment and the law of the land thanpassing laws which cannot be enforced.
(Albert Einstein)
August 2011 VANA PREMI
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Long awaited cabinet reshuffle is now over. Given
the beating the earlier team had taken, the
people hoped that the Prime Minister would go
in for a major surgery and induct some new blood
and the experience of known integrity, to boost
up the image of the Government during the run
up to elections due in 2014. Nothing of the sort
happened except a few changes which hold no
great promise or hope.
The change which caught the attention of all
political analysts alike is the elevation of
Mr.Jairam Ramesh to cabinet rank and his shift
from Ministry of Environment & Forests to Rural
Development. Near unanimous view is that his
performance in MoEF was refreshingly good and
he brought a great deal of importance and
respectability to the Ministry it deserved but
denied all these years due to lacklustre
performance of his predecessors in office.
Informed sources say that he was objective,
frank, vocal and assertive in performance, some
amount of tentativeness in early stages
notwithstanding. While his elevation to cabinet
rank thoroughly deserves, some political
commentators doubt whether his shift from
MoEF is warranted at all. They argue that the no-
nonsense attitude of the Minister in
environmental matters earned him a handsome
CABINET RESHUFFLE: WHAT IS IN
STORE FOR MoEF?By
J V Sharma
number of detractors who include some cabinet
colleagues. Powerful and influential lobbies have
been keen to see his back from the ministry. He
was bold enough to write to the Chief Minister
of a State like Andhra Pradesh, the State which
sent him to RajyaSabha, that certain actions
taken by his government in respect of an Eco-
Tourism Project of Kothaguda RF in RR District
are not only unacceptable but would also invite
punitive action. With his uncanny knack to
understand complicated issues, he made the
seasoned bureaucrats and professional forest
officers look pigmies to prove that they are too
small for the shoes they wear. Aadarsh, Lavasa,
Vedanta, Eco-Tourism Project in Botanical
Garden in Hyderabad are mere examples where
Mr.Jairam Ramesh had taken tough and
principled stand antagonizing powerful lobbies
including political heavyweights of his own
party. So, there is ample reason to suspect the
hand of the vested interests in squeezing him
out of MoEF. Kicking one up (in the name of
elevation and shift) is one of the standard
practices of getting rid of an uncomfortable
person. One journalist remarked that Mr.Jairam
had rather ‘over-performed’. General opinion
among the informed public is that Mr.Jairam
Ramesh is penalised for his commitment and
August 2011 VANA PREMI
12
efficiency, however cosmetic the elevation is
made to look. His insistence on good
environment is construed and dubbed as ‘anti-
development’ by the vested interests and their
lobbyists in Government.
The change means Mr.Jairam Ramesh is going
to preside over the Ministry of Rural
Development controlling an annual budget to a
tune of one lakh crore rupees. Despite the fact
his area of operation will extend to over 69% of
the country’s population, the pitfalls he has to
contend with are too many. Unlike in MoEF
where the subjects dealt are on the Concurrent
List and the Ministry has some superintending
role, Rural Development is a State subject and
the Centre’s role in implementing the schemes
on field is extremely limited. Given the inherent
weaknesses of the system in place and the
interference of the unscrupulous politicians and
people’s representatives at various levels, it is
next to impossible for the Central Minister to
be effective as to ensure satisfactory
performance. Thus Mr.Jairam Ramesh who had
been a master of his area of operation, with this
change, is reduced to be a privileged ring-side
spectator in a circus show.
Ms.JayanthiNatarajan is the new Minister of
State in independent charge of MoEF. Her views
on environment and commitment thereto, are
yet to be known. She has been one of the official
spokespersons of the Congress Party the job she
performed reasonably well. It is no easy task to
be a spokesperson of an important political
party, particularly if it is a ruling party. The job
involves a lot of fire-fighting and the person will
be often required defend the indefensible. The
job becomes that much more difficult when
there are too many chinks in the armour when
the spokespersons have to be extra-insensitive.
They had to be, brave to face bitter truth, bold to
not buckle, be unreasonable in argument,
dogged in defence and shameless when
exposed. To be fair, Ms.JayanthiNatarajan had
been civil and composed in her task while some
of her colleagues were brash and aggressive. It
can be assumed that the PM and Soniaji have
rewarded her for steadfast loyalty.
Like the quality of pudding is in its eating, the
new Minister needs to be judged by her
performance. The outgoing minister set some
standards and she will be keenly watched
whether she will honour these benchmarks. The
acid test will be the stand she is going to take on
issues which Mr.Jairam Ramesh considered vital
for good environment but his distracters painted
as an obstruction to development. Her initial
observations that she would care for
development as well as environment, do not
infuse the needed confidence among
environmentalists in as much as everyone knows
to what extent the meaning of ‘development’
can be stretched and abused. Case in point is
the numerous populist programmes and
unviable irrigation projects undertaken in
Andhra Pradesh in the name of development.
August 2011 VANA PREMI
13
1. THE GIFT OF LISTENING...But, you must REALLYlisten.No interrupting, no daydreaming,No planning
your response.Just a good listening.
2. THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...Be generous with appropriate hugs,kisses, pats on the back, and
handholds.Let these small actions demonstrate theLove you have for your family, friends and
associates
3. THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...Clip cartoons, share articles and funny stories / jokes.
Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you"!
4. THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...It can be a simple,"Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet.A brief,
handwritten note may be rememberedfor a lifetime, and may even change a life!
5. THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...A simple and sincere,"You look great in red,"
"You did a super job,"Or, "That was a wonderful meal," A mere expression can make some one's day.
6. THE GIFT OF A FAVOUR...Every day, go out of your wayto do something kind to some one.
7. THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...There are times when we want nothing better
than to be left alone.Be sensitive to those times and givethe gift of solitude to others.
8. THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION. ..The easiest way to feel good isto extend a kind word to
someone.Really, it's not that hard to say,Hello or Long Time.
EIGHT GIFTS THAT DO NOT COST
A SINGLE PENNY.
A word needs to be said about the Prime
Minister in this context. All said and done, it is
PM’s prerogative to choose his team of ministers
and assign portfolios to them. While no one
questions his integrity, his managerial skills are
being increasingly called to question in recent
times. Compulsions of coalition and pressures
from within or outside cannot be credible
explanations for administrative lapses. The
overall responsibility for good governance rests
upon the Prime Minister and he should convince
the Nation that the change in MoEF is not made
to please the vested interests. As one senior
journalist said, the PM has also to be a good
butcher. He should not hesitate to weed out
people who have no commitment to the job
entrusted to them. People will not be prepared
to accept hemlock even if it is offered by honest
person.
August 2011 VANA PREMI
14
(Nine Spiritual Principles for activating the Law
of Abundance to Supply Your Needs in Good
times and Bad times")
1.Know that God's plans for the world are
abundance and joy: All people are of one blood.
By potent good thought, and actions rouse to
create positive prosperity wherever you grow.
2. Apply your knowledge that consciousness is
the creator: By strengthening your thoughts, you
can reach whatever good you want to attain. You
remember "God helps him who helps himself".
3. Use the Law of cause and effect to create
prosperity: A man's success depends not only
upon his intelligence and efficiency but upon
the nature of his past actions. However there is a
way to overcome the unfavorable results of the
past actions.
4. Contact the super conscious source of success
and prosperity: Attune your mind to GOD, sure
of success. More time should be given to art of
controlling the mind, in order to achieve
scientifically all-round success.
5. Exercise the Manifesting powers of
affirmations: when you do your part and rely on
God to do his, you will find that the mysterious
CREATING PROSPERITY
CONSCIOUSNESSBy
SurendraK.Bali
forces come to your aid and your constructive
wishes soon are materialized. Change your
thoughts if you wish to change your
circumstances.
6. Create the right balance between needs &
wont's: Know the difference between needs &
wants. If perception of needs is boiled down
then necessity for a happy life can be easily met.
7. Activate the Law through generosity &
unselfish service, start with this thought: "My life
duties are to make others happy...."
8. Tune with infinite sustaining power of God: One
should seek God first, last and all the time, not
for his gift but as once ultimate aim. Have him
who is the source of all things. Have Him!! "If you
have in your consciousness the desire to reach
God above all else, he will look after you"
9. Practice gratitude and thanks giving: Thanks
giving and praise opens in your consciousness
the way for spiritual growth and supply to come
to you-Great source of all supply. He is with you
always and nothing can interfere with success if
you acknowledge the divine power within you.
Wisdom Legacy of Sri. Sri. Parmanhnansa
Yogadanda
August 2011 VANA PREMI
15
Between 1989 and 1992 I worked as Divisional
Forest Officer, Flying Squad Division Cuddapah.
One day at about 8 PM there was a Phone call
from M.L.A, Jammalamadugu, (Late) Mr. P. Siva
Reddy (Known as Bambula Siva Reddy who was
later killed in a Bomb attack by his rivals at
‘SathyaSaiNigamagamam’ at Hyderabad). He said
“Mr. Babu! I am calling from my native place
Gundlakunta. If you come to my village
immediately I will see that you get a good case.”
I told him that it would take minimum two hours
for me to reach his place and asked him whether
it was OK? He said “it is alright; till you reach
here I shall take care of the situation”.
Immediately I summoned my staff and the Jeep
Driver and left to Proddatur and thence to
Jammalamadugu and reached Gundlakunta by
about 10.30 PM. I was surprised to see the MLA
himself on the road along with about hundreds
of his men who blocked the road completely
with stones and boulders. As soon as I reached
there and met the MLA, he gave a warm welcome
to me and said that some people were resorting
to smuggling of timbers from Nandyal Division
and recently he came to know about this and
that today they have gone to indulge in the same
activity and they are expected to come back in
GETTING SANDWICHEDBy
V. SANTHASEELA BABU
this route at any time tonight and so he had
informed me about this.
Then I told him that since I am on the spot I shall
take care of the situation and requested him to
go and relax at his home. He said that there is no
question of going home till they are caught and
said that he would also remain with me. I told
him that so many people are on the road and if
the smugglers get the information about this,
they may Changed the route. He said that there
are his people watching the movement of the
lorry well ahead of his village and as soon as the
lorry passes that area, he would get telephonic
information from them.
He made his men to bring some cots and chairs
on to the road and settled down on a cot. I was
sitting in a chair near him and we were discussing
about smuggling activity from forests about Red
sanders smuggling and so many other topics.
After some time he fell asleep and I was sitting
there only. After some time my staff came and
informed that they found some country bombs,
big sickles and knives kept in a nearby hut and
some people are sitting there guarding them. I
found majority of the people assembled there,
were under the influence of alcohol. Here these
people are equipped with bombs and deadly
August 2011 VANA PREMI
16
weapons and are in highly charged moods. I do
not know how the other party which is coming
with the smuggled produce is armed and
equipped to guard themselves. I was in a
dilemma as to what would happen if the vehicle
comes during that night and was unable to guess
the resultant consequences. I was praying God
that the vehicle should not come at that dead of
night. Entire night all of us were on the road and,
thank God, nothing transpired.
It was dawn and the M.L.A woke up and said that
he would come back after refreshing himself and
requested me to be there till he returns.
Accordingly he came back within half an hour
and asked me to go to his house and get myself
refreshed. I went with some staff to his house
leaving the other staff on the road; refreshed
myself and Mrs. Siva Reddy fed us with
sumptuous breakfast. I was alone sitting in the
drawing room looking at the newspaper, sipping
coffee and suddenly the telephone rang up. As
none were available in the vicinity, I answered
the call. The person from the other side shouted
at the pitch of his voice that lorry with load
covered with a tarpaulin has just crossed an
adjoining village about 15 Kms away from
Gundlakunta village. I thought over the situation
for some time. Since the emotions of all the
people at Gundlakunta were in a highly charged
state and if I intercept the lorry here it is likely
that some untoward incident may occur which
would be beyond anybody’s control. So I felt it
is better to go in the opposite direction and
intercept the vehicle far away from this place.
After taking this decision in my mind I
immediately came running to the road and got
in to my jeep with my staff.
Seeing me getting in to my jeep, the MLA asked
me where I was going. I told him that the lorry is
coming in that route and if they come to know
that we are waiting here they may stop in
between or divert to some other route and so I
am going to intercept them en route. He said he
would come along with me and I told him that it
is not necessary and dissuaded him from his
attempt. Then he asked me to be careful while
intercepting them. I nodded my head and
proceeded on my way in the opposite direction
of the expected vehicle.
After going for about 10 kms.or so we noticed a
Lorry coming opposite to us and we stopped
the lorry. The body was covered with a tarpaulin
and the contents of the lorry were not visible.
The driver and the inmates of the lorry got down
from the lorry and my Range Officer told them
that I am the Flying Squad DFO. When I asked
them as to what was the load in the lorry, one
person replied that it is paddy husk. I went
behind the lorry and opened a portion of the
tarpaulin cover and found timber in the body of
the lorry. There were lofty NallaMaddi (Terminalia
tomentosa) timber which was neatly rough
August 2011 VANA PREMI
17
dressed. I was furious after seeing the timbers
and shouted at the person why he was telling
lies and caught his wrist and twisted his hand
pretending as if I was about to beat him. He said
“Sir, kindly do not beat me I am a saw mill owner
and a close relative of Mr. xxxxx MLA.” Then I left
him and asked him to show me the transit permit
for the transport of the timber and he failed to
produce any permit. Then I got in to the lorry
and sat by his side. I asked the driver to move the
lorry leaving instructions to my staff to follow
the lorry.
When we reached Gundlakunta, Mr. Sivareddy
came to the lorry and asked me to complete
the formalities of booking the case there itself. I
was in no mood to get down and expose the
accused to the mercy of Mr. Reddy’s men and I
politely told him that I shall deal the case after
taking the lorry to my office at Cuddapah. Then
he told me in a strong voice “Mr. Babu !Please
remember that you have seized the lorry with
illegal timbers right before a People’s
Representative. If anything goes wrong, I shall
be constrained to raise the matter in the
Legislative Assembly. Please note that.” I assured
him that stern action would be initiated against
the accused and the illegal produce and left the
place.
After reaching Cuddapah, there were a host of
Telephone calls from so many responsible
persons enquiring me about the seizure and
requesting me to take a lenient action. Some
people came to me personally also and
requested to see that the lorry is released. I went
ahead with drafting of the connected records
meticulously and booking the case. I released
all the accused on bail by obtaining personal
bonds from them. In the meanwhile the
Conservator of Forests, Kurnool, on his return
journey from Rajampet camp came to my office
at Cuddapah and after seeing the timbers
instructed me to initiate confiscation
proceedings in this case.
Next day in the evening while I was in my office,
Mr.xxxxx, MLA, said to be the relative of the
accused caught by me in the lorry, came to me
along with his men in two cars and the owner of
the lorry. I invited him courteously and made him
to be seated. He started shouting at me for
booking the case on the initiative of an
opposition M.L.A. He said “You did not book the
case on your own and booked it at the instance
of somebody else. Better you leave the lorry and
the timbers immediately.” I expressed my
inability stating that it is a pucca case of illegal
transport of timbers from the reserved forest
and that I cannot take a lenient view and I have
decided to initiate confiscation proceedings
against the lorry along with timbers. When I
offered him Tea, the MLA refused to have it and
got up saying “ I am giving you three days’ time
to settle the matter as directed by me.
August 2011 VANA PREMI
18
Otherwise I shall not be responsible for the
resultant consequences.” By saying these words
he left my office.
After thinking over for some time, I thought it is
better that I inform the District Collector about
this and went to his residence to meet and
appraise him of the happenings that took place
in these three days. He was in a meeting with
Officials at his camp office. When he saw me
entering in to the meeting room, he asked me
“What is the matter Mr. Babu?” I told him that it is
confidential. He abruptly left the meeting room
and took me in to his drawing room and asked
me to tell him as to what happened.
I narrated the entire incident to the Collector
including the threatening made by the MLA. He
said that the same person had earlier
misbehaved with some of the District Officers
also and that he would ask the Superintendent
of Police to post ‘Armed Guard’ at my office. I
said that it is not necessary and told him that I
shall keep my staff with ‘Arms’ for protecting the
lorry. But however, the Collector asked me not to
hesitate to contact him by giving a ring during
any time in the night if any exigency is there and
he said that he would ask his night duty staff to
connect my call to him.
Next day in the early morning around 5 AM, there
was a Telephone call from Mr. Siva Reddy. He said
“ Mr. Babu ! I am calling from Hyderabad. I came
to know that the fellow came to you and
threatened you of dire consequences. Please tell
me as to how I could help you? Shall I send my
men to you and keep them guarding you at your
bungalow?” Then I replied him not to resort to
any such type of actions as I am capable of
guarding myself. I told him that ‘come what may’
I am ready to face the situation. Finally he
requested me to call him whenever the situation
demands his intervention. In the morning
newspapers the news of threat made by the MLA
Mr.xxxxx has appeared as a headline in the
District Editions with a caption “Seize the timbers
of an MLA and face Suspension.” Some of my
relatives and well-wishers, who were local
politicians at Cuddapah, after reading the
newspapers came to me and enquired about
the incident. After coming to know the details,
they assured me that they would meet the MLA
and tell him in his language about me and my
relationship with them so that he would
understand as to whom he was dealing with.
Subsequently I was informed by the same
people that the MLA Mr.xxxxx told them that he
did not know about my relationship with them
and assured them that he would not resort to
any untoward action.
One more day passed on peacefully and there
was a call in which the person on the other side
introduced himself as Chief Minister’s P.A and
said the PS desires to speak to me. The person
August 2011 VANA PREMI
19
said to be the PS of Chief Minister enquired me,
about the seizure of the lorry and wanted me to
impose some nominal fine and release the lorry.
I replied him that the case is under investigation
and that I shall go by the merits of the case and
take appropriate action and that I cannot assure
anything in this matter. However he again
advised me to release the lorry. Pressure was
mounting upon me for the release of the lorry
and at the same time Mr. Siva Reddy was
pressurizing me to take severe action in this case
and thereby I was literally sandwiched between
the two politicians.
After two days or so again there was a call stating
that it was from Chief Minister’s Peshi and I was
instructed to come to Hyderabad on a date fixed
after 2 days along with the connected file of the
case in which the lorry was booked and meet
the Chief Minister. I told them politely that until
I receive orders from my Prl. Chief Conservator
of Forests, I cannot come and meet the Minister.
I was informed that directions would be issued
to the Prl. CCF to give necessary instructions to
me.
On the next day in the afternoon the Chief
Conservator of Forests, Vigilance telephoned to
me and enquired me about the case. I informed
him all the details of the case. The CCF, Vigilance
asked me to consider for compounding of the
case to the maximum extent and release the
lorry stating that there is lot of pressures on Prl.
CCF from many circles for this. I agreed for the
same and informed the Conservator of Forests
about this who asked me to follow the
instructions received from higher ups.
Then I initiated compounding proceedings and
ordered for payment of one plus four times the
value of the produce which I remember must
have been around Rs. One Lakh or so in those
days. I informed Mr. Siva Reddy about my action
of penalizing the accused so heavily and he was
also satisfied with my decision. Thus I was
sandwiched between the politicians belonging
to two rival groups while discharging my duties
and could come out of the same successfully by
satisfying both the parties and meeting the ends
of justice.
In forest community each member plays a uniquerole assigned to it, by nature, in the continuingcycle of life, death, and regeneration. All other
species except humans have remainedtrue to this role.
August 2011 VANA PREMI
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1.The law of the wild says kill only when you
are hungry!! :-! Photographer Michel Denis-
Huot, who captured these amazing pictures on
safari in Kenya's Masai Mara in Octoberlast year,
said he was astounded by what he saw
"These three brothers (cheetahs) have been
living together since they left their mother at
about 18 months old,' he said. 'On the morning
we saw them, they seemed not to be hungry,
walking quickly but stopping sometimes to play
together. 'At one point, they met a group of
impala who ran away. But one youngster was not
quick enough and the brothers caught it easily'".
(Please see photo on front cover page)
2.The Ten Most Live-able Cities in the World:-
In an annual survey conducted by the Economist
Intelligence Unit, four Australian cities are listed
in the top ten of the most liveable cities in the
world. Living conditions in these cities were
analysed according to several factors like
political stability, environment, health care,
culture, education, and infrastructure.
In this beauty contest for cities of some sort,
Vancouver emerged as the world’s most liveable
city in 2011. If you are looking to find a perfect
place to live at Odusee then it would make sense
to choose the world’s most live able city.
1. Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)
NEWS AND NOTES
The 2010 Winter Olympics host grabbed the
gold medal for an unprecedented fifth straight
time by beating other cities as the world’s most
liveable city. Despite having murder rate higher
than the national average, the hosting of the
Olympics may have provided the big boost in
the city’s infrastructure and tourism thereby
helping Vancouver retains the title.
2. Melbourne, Victoria (Australia)
Melbourne, the most liveable city in Australia
for the second straight year, has edged out rival
Sydney for the top spot. From politics to sports,
both cities have vied for Australia’s best but the
city still managed to cling into its Marvellous
Melbourne heritage by becoming one of the
“best” cities in the world.
3. Vienna (Austria)
Vienna is the top European city to be included
in the list because of its old-world charm and
sophistication. If you take a walk into the city’s
fairy tale streets and buildings, not to mention
the unforgettable sights and sounds, then you
will know why Vienna is one good place to live.
4. Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
Being one of the most ethnically diverse urban
centres in the world, Toronto has emerged as one
of the favourite places to live. Unlike their
American counterparts, Canadian cities like
August 2011 VANA PREMI
21
Toronto have vibrant downtown communities
that encourage people to live peacefully.
5. Calgary, Alberta (Canada)
Calgary may not a typical large North American
metropolitan city but it is the most favoured
tourist destination for people who are into
winter sports and ecotourism. With a number of,
Major Mountain resorts in the city and suburbs.
6. Helsinki (Finland)
The picturesque city of Helsinki made it to the
top ten most liveable cities in 2011 because of
its friendly and hardworking people that made
it an interesting place to live. It is a modern city
that pride itself for its rich cultural heritage
7. Sydney, New South Wales (Australia)
Despite being Australia’s largest city, Sydney has
fallen behind Melbourne in the rankings.
Unfortunately, the city’s growth was hampered
by the policies of the New South Wales
government such as the restrictions imposed on
land release for housing.
8. Perth, Western Australia (Australia)
Being the most populous city in the western end
of Australia, Perth has emerged as a surprising
entry in the list. It is the country’s fastest growing
city brought about its growing tourism sector
and music and performance arts scene.
9. Adelaide, South Australia (Australia)
Adelaide is a new entry in the list because of its
notable festivals and sporting events. Famous
for its food and wine, the city remains one of the
most liveable cities in the region according to
the Property Council of Australia in 2011. Aside
from being home to numerous educational
institutions and research centres, it is also has
leading defence industry complexes.
10. Auckland (New Zealand)
Auckland, New Zealand’s capital has been a
favourable destination for people who live the
peace and serenity of the countryside and the
wild and breathtaking outdoor attractions of
nature.
3. National Board for Wild life Accepts Panel’s
Report On Kolleru :- In a swift move,the
National Board for Wild life accepted the Azeez
Committee recommendations on retaining the
Kolleru Wild life sanctuary area at plus five feet
contour. The move comes as a blow to the State
Wild Life Board as it is learnt that it was planning
to meet, discuss and reject the proposal.
According to source thinking the State
Government perturbed over the committee
report had wanted to call for a meeting of the
SWLB and declare that the recommendations, if
accepted would go against the interest of the
aqua farmers in the area.
Meanwhile unaware of the State Government
the NBW which met earlier this week decided
to accept the committee recommendations.
August 2011 VANA PREMI
22
The NBW had set up the seven member
committee headed by Dr.Azeez of Coimbatore
on April 29, 2010 to study the conditions related
to the Kolleru Lake and recommend whether its
contours could be reduced to plus three feet
from the existing plus five feet. The committee
which visited the lake, con ducted intervi9ews
with a large cross section of the population of,
studied material available on the subject and
submitted its report last week (third week of
April) The committee concluded that the villages
around the lake are facing frequent floods owing
to human intervention that is interfering with
the hydrological regimes and flow pattern (From
‘Times of India’ daily, with thanks)
4. Burning issue: NGO plans turning dry
leaves into compost:- OIDA: A group of
environmentalists has launched a campaign
against burning of fallen leaves by sweepers,
gardeners and residents. The Citizens'
Environment Improvement Society, an NGO, has
roped in Noida Authority officials to support their
movement and create awareness about the
hazard that are caused by open burning of leaves.
An interactive session on 'Harmful effects of
burning leaves and its solution' was held by the
RWA of ArunVihar, sector 29 after which a decision
was taken to seek the assistance of schools,
residents and the Authority to put an end to the
problem. The solution offered included creating
vermi-compost from the waste.
"Burning leaves is a practice that goes unnoticed
for its environmental hazards. The world over, this
practice has been banned by most governments.
Why should leaves be brunt when they can be
fruitfully used to make garden compost that adds
vital organic matter to build up the soil and
retain more moisture," said one of the activists.
"Composting is the most eco-friendly
alternative to burning. Dry leaves take a long
time to break down, but mixing them in
materials such as grass trimmings and organic
kitchen waste from households will speed up
the process. All this can be collected by the
Authority and mixed with rich sources of
nitrogen, such as livestock manure, besides a
handful of earthworms, to make Noida greener
and healthier," said Cdr VK Nagpal, who heads
the society.
Taking the initiative of converting the green
waste into vermi-compost, sector 29 residents
harvested the first lot of compost weighing 20kg
on Friday. Nagpal said, "All one needs is to invest
20 minutes a day for making the vermi-compost,
a handful of worms and a 20ft x 3ft area. It saves
water, energy, landfills, and helps rebuild the soil.
The worms' ability to convert organic waste into
nutrient-rich material reduces the need for
synthetic fertilizers."
Leaf burning is banned because it leads to air
pollution, health problems and fire hazards. Leaf
August 2011 VANA PREMI
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smoke may also contain hazardous chemicals
such as carbon monoxide, which can bind with
haemoglobin and reduce the amount of oxygen
in the blood and lungs. "While breathing in leaf
smoke can irritate the eyes, nose and throat of
adults, it can wreak havoc on small children, the
elderly and people with asthma or other lung or
heart diseases," said R K Chopra, another
resident.
5.Definition of "forest" still being thought by
Ministry:- New Delhi, July 3 (PTI) What
constitutes a forest in India?There is no answer
for this simple and plain question even 62 years
after independence if one goes by a RTI reply
from the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
The reason cited by the ministry in its reply is
that "definition" of forests is under active
consideration and it is yet to be "finalised".
"Definition of forests is under active
consideration and yet to be finalised. However
regarding definition of Forest, we may like to
refer to the judgement of Honourable Supreme
Court dated December 12, 1996 in the case of
TN Godavarman versus Union of India and others
in Writ Petition civil No. 202/1995," an official of
the Forest Policy Division with the ministry said.
Ajay Marathe, a resident of Mumbai, had filed a
Right To Information (RTI) application asking for
state-wise and area-wise comparison statement
showing increase in forest area and the forest
cover in the last decade.
Marathe said, "It’s surprising that in the report
on ''Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and
Forest Degradation'' updated on 30 March 2011
they talk in length and breadth on how 3 million
hectares of forest cover have been added over
the last decade.
"This too when we get to read news reports of
encroachment on forest area by builders,
chopping off trees in other places leading to
forest being completely erased in many states.
This is why I asked them to provide what was
the definition of forests for preparing the
report."
Marathe also said he sought a definition of the
quality of forests.
"The report speaks of shifting focus from
increasing the quantity of forest towards
increasing its quality and improving provision
of ecosystem goods and services. That is why I
have asked them to define quality of forest and
how it is measured." (Contributed by Sri
.S.Reddy)
6. AP Govt. to approach Centre over
pollution due to Vedanta plant:- Hyderabad,
Jul 1 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh government has
decided to approach the Centre with regard to
the pollution of river Vamsadhara in Srikakulam
district due to effluents from Vedanta aluminium
August 2011 VANA PREMI
24
factory in the neighbouring Orissa. Government
sources said Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy
today directed the AP Pollution Control Board to
survey the affected areas. The report would be
forwarded to the Centre. "The Chief Minister has
taken a serious view of the pollution as people
in many mandals of Srikakulam district are facing
health hazards due to contaminated drinking
water. He has directed the APPCB officials to
probe this and submit a report," sources said.
7. WHEN A SWALLOW FALLS: - Here a female
mate is injured and the condition is soon fatal.
She was hit by a car as she swooped low across
the road.Here he brought her food and attended
to her with love and compassion. He brought
her food again, but was shocked to find her dead.
He tried to move her ... a rarely-seen effort for
swallows! Aware that his sweetheart is dead and
will never come back to him again, He cries with
adoring love.He stood beside her, saddened of
her death. Finally aware she would never return
to him, he stayed beside her body chirping out
his sadness and sorrow.Millions of people cried
after seeing these photos in America, Europe,
Australia, and even India..The photographer sold
these pictures for a nominal fee to the most
famous newspaper in France. All copies of that
edition were sold out on the day these pictures
were published.And many people think animals
don't have brains or feelings?You have just
witnessed Love and Sorrow felt by God's
creatures.Live simply, love generously, care
deeply and speak kindly. (Please see photos on
last cover page)
8. Leopard mauls six in Siliguri:- In a horrifying
moment, a fully grown leopard pounced on a
forest guard in Siliguri. A leopard was shot dead
after it attacked and injured six people in a slum
in West Bengal's Darjeeling district Tuesday. The
leopard attacked a woman in Lumbu slum near
Siliguri town Tuesday afternoon and then
pounced upon two men, including a forest
department employee, saidMr. V.K. Sood,
conservator of forest (wildlife), north
Bengal.Hearing the news, forest and wildlife
officers reached the spot, but the animal took
refuge in a bush, as thousands of locals gathered
in the area - some to see the fun, and others
terrified.In the evening, the leopard emerged
again and attacked three people, including a
policeman. 'The police and forest officials then
fired in self-defence. The injured leopard was
taken to the Sukna forest office, where it died,'
said Mr.sood.(For photographs please see last
cover page)
Until lions have their historians, tale of the huntshall always glorify the hunters.
(African proverb)
August 2011 VANA PREMI
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People from all walks of life will come together
today to observe the World Environment Day by
talking about a cleaner, greener and brighter
outlook about environment. But, more than the
frenzied and mere propaganda, some action is
needed on the ground for sustainable forest
management, conservation and sustainable
development of forests for the benefit of current
and future generations. With forest and wildlife
conservation getting a new meaning amid
development vs. sustenance debate, AK Joshi,
head of the state forest force (HoFF), explains how
Maharashtra has shifted its focus to new
approaches that involve cross-sectoral
coordination and integration of environmental
and social concerns into all development
processes.
Excerpts
Q. Why do people and leaders have a negative
image about the forest department and consider
it as a hurdle in development
A. Forests and wildlife are bound to be
controversial subjects as there is no other public
interest area that underlines so strongly the
trade-off between development and
conservation, with formidable stakes weighed
against the latter. Conservation of forests and
wildlife is not a politically popular concept as
'LEAVE ALONE TIGER, TODAY
PEOPLE ARE EVEN SAVING
SPARROWS'matters like grazing and discouraging people
from not collecting fire wood are very
sympathetic issues related to daily lives of the
people. Despite working against all odds, the
department is playing its role in economic
development. Roughly speaking, per day we
have been diverting 10 hectare forest land for
various projects, after the Forest Conservation
Act (FCA) came into force in 1980. We diverted
over 1.05 lakh hectares through 1,732 proposals
till now. It is imperative that activities related to
forest conservation are not looked upon merely
as a mechanical way to meet requirements of
FCA
Q. Forest Rights Act (FRA) is considered as threat
to forests. Can you tell us about its success and
implications?
A. The FRA has defined a new role for the
department vis-A -vis the gram sabha for forest
conservation and regeneration. Since its
implementation in 2008, of the, 3.34 lakh
individual claims, 1.04 have been finally
accepted and 82,310 titles were issued for over
1.49 lakh acre land till February 2011. Besides,
under the community rights, of the 4,062 claims,
814 have been accepted and title were issued
in 727 cases involving over 2.50 lakh acre land.
Of this, 99% cases pertain to Gadchiroli. In some
districts like Dhule, Jalgaon, Nandurbar and
August 2011 VANA PREMI
26
Nashik, illicit felling and clearing of forest have
been reported. This is despite the fact that as
per provisions, people encroaching upon forest
land after December 13, 2005, are not qualified.
I feel, the FRA should be understood in right
spirit.
Q. If huge tracts of forest land have been
recognized under FRA, how do you justify to
increase the state forest cover to the mandatory
33% under the 1988 National Forest Policy?
A. Recognizing forest rights doesn't mean loss of
forest cover. Rights have been granted to
cultivate the land. As per the 2009 Forest Survey
of India (FSI) report, state's forest cover is 61,939
sq km. The government is serious about
increasing the forest cover. A state-level steering
committee headed by chief secretary has also
been constituted involving all departments. The
land revenue code which allows felling in non-
forest areas is also being looked into. Increasing
forest cover should not be left to the department
but all departments need to contribute. There is
huge biotic pressure on state forests. Firewood
needs to be replaced with biogas and eco-
friendly 'chulas' in villages. We also need to
rework grazing policy which is in force since
1967. Unproductive cattle need to be
discouraged. All this will surely lead to increase
in green cover.
Q. With environment, forests and tigers getting
global attention, why does the forest department
get less importance in the form of a meagre
budget?
A: The funding for the department has been
slowly but surely increasing which is reflecting
in the state plan outlays. This year, our budget is
pegged at Rs 372 crore, which is 0.89% of the
plan outlay. Last year, it was Rs 243 crore (0.64%).
Apart from this, Rs 89 crore was received in 2010-
11 under compensatory afforestation fund
management and planning authority (CAMPA).
Besides, the state’s Rs 1,160, crore money is lying
with the Centre, of which 10% can be withdrawn.
Thus, we will get about another Rs 100 crore in
2011-12. The allocation under NREGA is
expected to go up. For ecotourism, Rs 32 crore
has been proposed in 2011-12.
Q. You were PCCF (wildlife) earlier. Have seen
any change anywhere?
A. You can't expect any short-term success, but,
yes, I see there is huge awareness about wildlife
and forest protection. Awareness and a sense of
responsibility for protection of wildlife and its
habitats are not only growing among officials
and field staff but also among people. Media,
NGOs, courts, stakeholders etc have played their
bit. Amendment to various wildlife and
environment laws is also contributing. Earlier,
even the death of a tiger went unnoticed. Today
people are coming forward to save even
sparrows.
Q. Tigers protection vs man-animal conflict. What
steps are the department taking?
A. It is true that man-animal conflict is at its peak
and 51 lives have been lost in 2010-11 in the
state owing to conflict. Of this, 21 deaths were
reported from Chandrapur alone. Of the 1,736
villages in Chandrapur district, 839 are
August 2011 VANA PREMI
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surrounded by forests. Like wildlife, villagers also
depend on forests for MFP and fuel wood. In such
a situation conflict is inherent. There is need to
reduce huge biotic pressure on forest to reduce
conflict and combined efforts are needed to
meet the challenge.
Q. The 2010 estimation of tigers by the NTCA
shows increase in state tiger population. How
far has the department been successful in
sustaining tiger population?
A. Overall, reproduction of tigers and leopard
population in the state is a positive indication.
Tiger numbers show an increase by 66 as
compared to 2006, when there were 103 tigers.
Now the reported number is 169. You can't
expect any short-term success in wildlife
management as you are dealing with a system
that is very vulnerable to any kind of damage
and yet responds slowly to restorative
intervention. However, even as the number game
hardly matters, several steps have been taken to
save tigers and wildlife. Notifying buffer zones
around tiger reserves; declaring Mansingdeo
area a sanctuary; tiger conservation foundations
for three tiger reserves are some of the
progressive steps that we have taken.
Q. What about relocation of villages in protected
areas (Pas)?
A. To ensure that (PAs) are made inviolate,
relocation of villages is being taken up on priority.
Till now we have relocated 34 villages (2,195
families) from 17 PAs. Efforts are now on to
relocate 93 villages (12,559 families) with
preference to tiger reserves. Recently, three
villages - Nagartas, Amona and Barukheda were
relocated from Melghat in record time.
Q. Nagpur (Waghpur) has been declared as the
'gateway to tiger capital'. The forest department
always talks of boosting ecotourism in the region
but results are not so forthcoming. Why?
A. There is tremendous potential for
development of ecotourism here not only for
domestic tourists but for international visitors
too, many of whom come to Central India to have
a glimpse of the majestic tiger. However, entire
ecotourism development has to be done within
the given legal framework and the fact that
tourism development is subservient to wildlife
conservation and hence no activity is taken up
which is non-compatible to the needs of tiger
and wildlife conservation. A non-recurring
budget of Rs 50 crore and recurring budget of Rs
2 crore has been proposed to boost ecotourism.
Q. What is your message on 'World Environment
Day'?
A. Every individual is now better aware about
forests. A large area is there outside the forest.
For example, in Sindhudurg district, the official
forest area is about 10%, whereas forest cover is
50% of the district. Our endeavour should be to
conserve forest cover whether it is forest land or
not. We should be conscious and think positively
as small efforts matter.
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may lookback and realize they were the big things.
(Robert Brault.)
August 2011 VANA PREMI
28
The tiger is the largest of the four big cats (lions,
jaguars, leopard and tigers) and is an apex
predator, meaning it resides at the top of their
food chain with no predators of their own.
The larger tiger subspecies can reach up to 3.3
metres (11 ft) in total length, weighing up to 300
kilograms (660 pounds), with canines up to 4
inches long.Tigers are obligate carnivores,
meaning they depend solely on the nutrients
found in animal flesh.Tigers are territorial and
generally requiring large contiguous areas of
habitat that support their prey demands.
Coupled with the fact that they are indigenous
to some of the more densely populated places
on earth, has caused significant conflicts with
humans.
Three of the nine subspecies of modern tiger
have gone extinct, and the remaining six are
classified as endangered, some critically so. The
primary direct causes are habitat destruction,
fragmentation, and hunting. The remaining sub-
species of tigers are: Bengal, Indochinese,
Malayan, Sumatran, Siberian, and South China.The
largest sub-species of tiger is the Siberian Tiger,
while the most numerous is the Bengal tiger.
Among the big cats, only the tiger and jaguar are
strong swimmers; tigers are often found bathing
in ponds, lakes, and rivers. During the extreme
heat of the day, they often cool off in pools. Tigers
are excellent swimmers, and are able to carry
prey through the water.
Hybridisation among the big cats, including the
TIGERStiger, was first conceptualised in the 19th
century, when zoos were particularly interested
in the pursuit of finding oddities to display for
financial gain. Lions have been known to breed
with tigers to create hybrids called ligers and
tigons.Like other big cats; tigers have a white
spot on the backs of their ears. These spots, called
ocelli, serve a social function, by communicating
the animal’s mental state to other tigers in the
gloom of dense forest or in tall grass.
There is a well-known mutation that produces
the white tiger, technically known a chinchilla
albinistic, an animal which is rare in the wild,
but widely bred in zoos due to its popularity.
Breeding of white tigers will often lead to
inbreeding (as the trait is recessive).
Mating can occur all year round, but is generally
more common between November and April.
The gestation period is 16 weeks and the litter
size usually consists of around 3-4 cubs of about
1 kilogram (2.2 lb) each, which are born blind
and helpless.
The females rear the cubs alone, sheltering
them in dens such as thickets and rocky crevices.
The father of the cubs generally takes no part in
rearing them.
Tigers appear on many flags and coats of arms,
as mascots for sporting teams, and as the national
animal of several Asian nations, including India.
(Contd. on page No. 32 )
August 2011 VANA PREMI
29
After an association of fourteen years it is difficult
to break a relationship. A bond developed and
cemented over this long tends to be a strong
one and breaking that union is painful, if not
excruciating. Recently I had to go through the
agonizing experience of severing a productive
relationship that at times gave me warmth and
comfort. I had become so close to her that my
wife deemed her a Chipkoo. This is when the
trouble started. Aankh me khatakna in other
words. I was told to get rid of her. Alas, it had to
end.
With looming threat of the relationship turning
sour, memories flooded in a flashback. It all
started fourteen years ago. I saw her in a parking
lot; it was love at first sight. She was small, could
be considered petite and khush rang or
Gehonkemafiqsawonli. I preferred to call her
"Choti" lovingly. My wife, considering her origins,
nicknamed her Chapti. Whenever I went out with
her alone, my wife used to snidely quip
PhirChaptikesaathjaaraheho?
Initially, all was well. She was an integral part of
our household. We were newly married then and
spent quite a bit of time with her. I would spend
some time with her most mornings after I saw
my wife off. On my way back home from work, I
would pour out my heart to her about all the
stress and dreadful things at work. She always
listened to me in silence letting me vent out my
frustrations before I went to the house to spend
TUM KO NA BHULA PAYENGEBy
Moqeem Syed
the evening with my lovely wife. She had
become a part and parcel of the family and was
present for almost all the wonderful and sad
happenings in my life. She was there with us
when we brought home our daughters from the
hospital, our graduations, first day of our kid's
school, when we became US citizens, Eids, etc.
Over the years, my fascination for her grew. She
never asked for anything special in return for all
she did for us. We did our basic duty towards her,
providing the bare necessities with sometimes
a bit extra. I had come to depend on her too
much and missed her when she was not around.
I remember an evening when she had gone out
with my wife, and while awaiting them on the
porch, I started serenading, "Suhaaniraat dhal
chuki, najaane tum kabaaoge." I was not sure who
I was singing the ballad for; my wife or her?
Tenacity of our relationship was put to test
starting a year back. My wife was slowly
developing an aversion for her. I could not
understand why. The one who had been so
faithful to us suddenly fell out of my wife's favour
and she wanted her out of our lives, specifically
mine. I was devastated. Fourteen years in my life;
I just could not throw her out. She was getting
old for sure and did not look as pretty as she did
years ago. Her Sawonla colour was fading, skin of
her face cracking, spots and disfigurement due
to age and abuse showed on her body.
August 2011 VANA PREMI
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My wife stopped accompanying me whenever I
went out with her. When all of us did go out
together, people stared at us judgingly, as if
suggesting, "How could you, are not you
ashamed?" At my wife "How could you let him"
or "Pity you have to deal with this scrap?" My
wife persisted to get rid of her citing people
talking about me and her behind our back;
Kuchtoh log kahenge, logon kakaamhaikehnahai.
Loyalty will not let me abandon her, she was not
a cat or dog to be put to sleep as she got old or
discard her if I got bored. My wife wailed
"Gaironpekaram, apnopesitam. Aeijanawafa, ye
zulmnakar."
Seeing my reluctance to give her up, my wife
gave me an ultimatum. Going out with her was
beneath me and not befitting my status
"Acchegharke log aisenaiphirtekisikebhisaath."
My wife opted out of vacations this summer, if I
decide to take her along too. Decide soon, it is
either her or me. I was tormented. Understanding
my dilemma, my wife assured me that if I get rid
of her now, she will think about allowing me to
have a new one in my life later again.
My friends were bewildered and jealous hearing
this. They could not believe that I was not taking
up my wife on this offer. They urged me to go for
it. In their opinion, going by the "7 year Itch rule,"
instead of being stuck with just one old haggard,
I could have gone through two new ones if I had
only listened to my astute wife.
For the sake of maintaining sanity, I finally
decided to make peace. Keeping in line with my
wife's wishes, I decided to give her up. Strangely,
it was the saddest day in my life. Deep down, I
knew that it was the right thing to do. That night
I could not sleep while my wife was ecstatic. I
kept tossing in the bed. My wife felt my anguish
but snickered at my sensitivities.
The next morning, I got up early and went out to
do the inevitable. One look at me and she sensed
something wrong. I was not jolly and cheerful as
usual. In fourteen years, we had come to
understand each other well. Without me saying
anything, everything was said. I reached out to
her for comfort; she was cold, quiet and
indifferent. We spent a long time staring at each
other; she with a hurt look whiles mine guilty.
I made the call and they came to get her. My
guts wrenched as they rolled her on the back of
a tow truck and wheeled her away. As the tow
truck with my "Choti" on top of it faded into the
distant, tears rolled down my face. In that
moment of shattering silence, I could only think
of Jaanewalaykabhi lout karnahiaate,
unkiyaataatihai.
Choti, Chapti or our Small Imported Car finally
had a good resting place. This was a place where
nobody judged her for the looks or age. She had
all the freedom to do what she liked, nobody to
tell her where to go or who to take. A huge place,
with acres of play area full of her compatriots.
Dignity intactfor when, I let her go, I had filled
her tank up and doubled her value. I shudder for
the moment when the chop man from the
junkyard goes for her and destroys the beauty
and grace. Strangers touching and handling her
felt repulsive. Now, when I think about her, I do a
sigh and a silent prayer; ‘Tum ko na bhoola
payenge’
August 2011 VANA PREMI
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The below article is taken from blog of
PritishNandy. PritishNandy (born 15 January
1951) is an Indian poet, painter, journalist,
politician, media and television personality,
animal activist and film producer. He is Bengali
by ethnicity. He was member of RajyaSabha (for
6 years from 1998 to 2004), the upper house of
the Indian parliament representing Maharashtra
based party Shiv Sena.
I was an MP not very long ago. I loved those six
years. Everyone called me sir, not because of my
age but because I was an MP. And even though I
never travelled anywhere by train during those
years, I revealed in the fact that I could have gone
anywhere I liked, on any train, first class with a
bogey reserved for my family. Whenever I flew,
there were always people around to pick up my
baggage, not because I was travelling business
class but because I was a MP. And yes, whenever
I wrote to any Government officer to help
someone in need, it was done. No, not because I
was a journalist but because I was an MP.
The job had many perquisites, apart from the
tax free wage of Rs 4,000. Then the wages were
suddenly quadrupled to Rs 16,000, with office
expenses of Rs 20,000 and a constituency
allowance of Rs 20,000 thrown in. I could borrow
interest free money to buy a car, get my petrol
paid, and make as many free phone calls as I
OUR M.PSBy
PritishNandywanted. My home came free. So did the furniture,
the electricity, the water, the gardeners, the
plants. There were also allowances to wash
curtains and sofa covers and a rather funny
allowance of Rs 1,000 per day to attend
Parliament, which I always thought was a MP's
job in the first place! And, O yes, we also got Rs 1
crore a year (now enhanced to Rs 2 crore) to
spend on our constituencies. More enterprising
MPs enjoyed many more perquisites best left
to your imagination. While I was embarrassed
being vastly overpaid for the job I was doing,
they kept demanding more.
Today, out of 543 MPs in LokSabha, 315 are
crorepatis. That's 60%. 43 out of the 54 newly
elected RajyaSabha MPs are also millionaires.
Their average declared assets are over Rs 25
crore each. That's an awfully wealthy lot of people
in whose hands we have vested out destiny. The
assets of your average LokSabha MP have grown
from Rs 1.86 crore in the last house to Rs 5.33
crore. That's 200% more. And, as we all know, not
all our MPs are known to always declare all their
assets. Much of these exist in a colour not
recognised by our tax laws. That's fine, I guess.
Being a MP gives you certain immunities, not all
of them meant to be discussed in a public forum.
If you think it pays to be in the ruling party, you
are dead right: 7 out of 10 MPs from the Congress
August 2011 VANA PREMI
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are crorepatis. The BJP have 5. MPs from some of
the smaller parties like SAD, TRS and JD (Secular)
are all crorepatis while the NCP, DMK, RLD, BSP,
Shiv Sena, National Conference and Samajwadi
Party have more crorepatis than the 60%
average. Only the CPM and the Trinamool, the
two Bengal based parties, don't field crorepatis.
The CPM has 1 crorepati out of 16 MPs; the
Trinamool has 7 out of 19. This shows in the state-
wise average. West Bengal and Kerala have few
crorepati MPs while Punjab and Delhi have only
crorepati MPs and Haryana narrowly misses out
on this distinction with one MP, poor guy, who's
not a crorepati.
Do MPs become richer in office? Sure they do.
Statistics show that the average assets of 304
MPs who contested in 2004 and then re-
contested last year grew 300%. And, yes, we're
only talking about declared assets here. But then,
we can't complain. We are the ones who vote for
the rich. Over 33% of those with assets above Rs
5 crore won the last elections while 99.5% of
those with assets below Rs 10 lakhs lost! Apart
from West Bengal and the North East, every other
state voted for crorepati MPs. Haryana grabbed
first place with its average MP worth Rs 18 crore.
Andhra is not far behind at 16.
But no, this is not enough for our MPs. It's not
enough that they are rich, infinitely richer than
those who they represent, and every term
makes them even richer. It's not enough that they
openly perpetuate their families in power. It's
not enough that all their vulgar indulgences and
more are paid for by you and me through back
breaking taxes. It's not enough that the numbers
of days they actually work in Parliament are
barely 60 in a year. The rest of the time goes in
squabbling and ranting. Now they want a 500%
pay hike and perquisites quadrupled. The
Government, to buy peace, has already agreed
to a 300% raise but that's not good enough for
our MPs. They want more, much more.
And no, I'm not even mentioning that 150 MPs
elected last year have criminal cases against
them, with 73 serious, very serious cases ranging
from rape to murder. Do you really think these
people deserve to earn 104 times what the
average Indian earns?
The size of a tiger's home range mainly
depends on prey abundance, and, in the case
of male tigers, on access to females. A tigress
may have a territory of 20 square kilometres,
while the territories of males are much larger,
covering 60 t0100 sq km. The range of a male
tends to overlap those of several females.
India is home to the world's largest
population of tigers in the wild. According to
the World Wildlife Fund, of the 3,500 tigers
around the world, 1,400 are found in India.
(Contd. from page No. 28)
August 2011 VANA PREMI
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A kidney stone is a hard mass developed from
crystals that separate from the urine and build
up on the inner surfaces of the kidney.
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are made of salts and minerals in
the urine that stick together, creating small
"pebbles" formed within the kidney or urinary
tract. They can be as small as grains of sand or as
large as golf balls. Kidney stones are a common
cause of blood in the urine and often severe pain
in the abdomen, flank, or groin. One in every 20
people develops a kidney stone at some point
in their life.The most common cause of kidney
stones is not drinking enough water.
What causes kidney stones?
Kidney stones form when a change occurs in the
normal balance of water, salts, minerals, and other
substances found in urine. Other chemical
compounds that can form stones in the urinary
tract include uric acid and the amino acid
cysteine. Dehydration through reduced fluid
intake and strenuous exercise without adequate
fluid replacement increase the risk of kidney
stones. Some people are more likely to get
kidney stones because of a medical condition or
family history, as the tendency to form kidney
stones may also be inherited. If other people in
your family have had them, you may have them
too.The number of people in the United States
with kidney stones has been increasing over the
past 30 years.
Who is likely to develop a kidney stone?
For unknown reasons, the number of people in
the United States with kidney stones has been
KIDNEY STONESincreasing over the past 30 years. The prevalence
of stone-forming disease rose from 3.8% in the
late 1970s to 5.2% in the late 1980s and early
1990s. White Americans are more prone to
develop kidney stones than African Americans,
and they occur more frequently in men. The
prevalence of kidney stones rises dramatically
as men enter their 40s, and it continues to rise
into their 70s. For women, the prevalence of
kidney stones peaks in their 50s. Once a person
gets more than one stone, others are more likely
to develop.Symptoms and signs of a kidney
stone include excruciating, cramping pain in the
lower back and/or side, groin, or abdomen as well
as blood in the urine.
What are symptoms of kidney stones?
Kidney stones often cause no pain while they
are in the kidneys, but they can cause sudden,
severe pain as they travel from the kidneys to
the bladder. Symptoms and signs include
excruciating, cramping pain in the lower back
and/or side, groin, or abdomen as well as blood
in the urine. If infection is present in the urinary
tract along with the stones, there may be fever
and chills. A doctor should be called
immediately.A helical CT scan without contrast
material is the most common test to detect
stones or obstruction within the urinary tract.
How are kidney stones diagnosed?
The diagnosis of kidney stones is suspected by
the typical pattern of symptoms when other
possible causes of the abdominal or flank pain
are excluded. Imaging tests are usually done to
confirm the diagnosis. A helical CT scan without
August 2011 VANA PREMI
34
contrast material is the most common test to
detect stones or obstruction within the urinary
tract. In pregnant women or those who should
avoid radiation exposure, an ultrasound
examination may be done to help establish the
diagnosis.Depending on the size, most stones
eventually pass on their own within 48 hours.
What is the treatment for kidney stones?
Most kidney stones eventually pass through the
urinary tract on their own within 48 hours, with
ample fluid intake. Pain medications can be
prescribed for symptom relief. There are several
factors which influence the ability to pass a
stone. These include the size of the person, prior
stone passage, prostate enlargement,
pregnancy, and the size of the stone. A 4 mm
stone has an 80% chance of passage, while a 5
mm stone has a 20% chance. Stones larger than
9-10 mm rarely pass on their own and usually
require treatment.
What is the treatment for stones that do not
pass on their own?
For kidney stones that do not pass on their own,
a procedure called lithotripsy is often used. In
this procedure, shock waves are used to break
up a large stone into smaller pieces that can then
pass through the urinary system. Surgical
techniques have also been developed to remove
kidney stones. This may be done through a small
incision in the skin (percutaneous
nephrolithotomy) or through an instrument
known as a ureter scope that is passed through
the urethra and bladder up into the ureter.To
help prevent kidney stones, drink enough water
to keep your urine clear.
How can kidney stones be prevented?
The most common cause of kidney stones is not
drinking enough water. Try to drink enough water
to keep your urine clear (about eight to 10
glasses of water a day). Drinking grapefruit juice
may increase your risk for developing kidney
stones.
Dietary choices can affect kidney stone
development.
What are risk factors you can control?
If you think that your diet may be a problem,
schedule an appointment with a dietitian and
review your food choices. Vitamins C and D can
increase your risk of kidney stones when you take
more than the daily recommendations. Levels
of calcium in the diet may also affect your risk of
kidney stones. Getting the recommended
amounts of calcium combined with a low-
sodium, low-protein diet may decrease your risk
of kidney stones. Diets high in protein, sodium,
and oxalate-rich foods, such as dark green
vegetables, also increase your risk for
developing kidney stones.
Learn about additional risk factors you can
control.
Weight gain can result in both insulin resistance
and increased calcium in the urine, which can
result in a greater risk for kidney stones. In one
study, weight gain since early adulthood, a high
body mass index (BMI), and a large waist size
increased a person's risk for kidney stones.
People who are not very active may also have
problems with kidney stones. Additionally, some
medicines, such as acetazolamide (Diamox) or
indinavir (Crixivan), can cause kidney stones to
form.
August 2011 VANA PREMI
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D.F.O., Eluruvs. District Judge, West Godavari
The facts of the case are that Bhogolu was an
estate where there was a forest land of an extent
of 4900 acs. Consequent upon the abolition of
estates, the forest land was handed over to the
forest department in 1952 for its management.
The area was notified as protected land under
the Madras Forest Act, 1882. The notification was
published in the West Godavari District Gazette
dated 06.07. 1953. Survey of the land was
undertaken in the year 1959.
In the course of survey of the forest land some
patta lands and land required for communal
purpose was excluded and the rest of the area of
4100 acs. was proposed to be constituted as
reserved forest.
A notification to that effect was issued under
section 4 of the Andhra Pradesh Forest Act, 1967
in G.O.Ms.No. 3 dated 03.01.1970, published in
the Andhra Pradesh Gazette dated 29.01.1970.
The same notification was also published in the
W.G. District Gazette dated 07.08.1976. The
Government appointed Forest Settlement
Officer, Nellore to enquire into any claims
relating to the area included in the proposed
reserved forest. The F.S.O. issued a notification
dated 06.05.1977 inviting objections and to
prefer claims, if any.
LEGAL NOTESTwo persons viz. Inuganti Rama Krishna Ranga
Rao and Inuganti Papa Rao filed Claim petitions
before the F.S.O. The F.S.O. after enquiry allowed
the claims, as he was satisfied that the claimed
land was sub-divided in the year 1969, even
before Sec. 4 notification was issued. The claimed
land has an extent of 342.50 acs.
Since the area in question was a forest land, the
F.S.O. considered that it requires clearance from
the Government of India under the Forest
Conservation Act. He therefore addressed a letter
to the Secretary to Government in F. & A.
Department to obtain the necessary permission
from the Central Government in terms of section
of the Forest Convservation Act so as to exclude
the land from the proposed reserved forest.
The D.F.O., Eluru preferred an appeal against the
decision of the F.S.O. before the District Judge,
West Godavari on the ground that no
opportunity was given to him to put up his claim.
It was therefore requested to remand the matter
to the F.S.O. for disposal of the matter afresh. The
appeal was dismissed on 17.10.1988.
The order of the District Judge was assailed in
Writ Petition No. 12394 of 1989. It was urged
that the letter dated 18.12.1984 is not an award
under the Forest Act. But the High Court
comprising S.R. Nayak and S.R.K. Prasad,JJ were
of the opinion that the claims allowed by the
August 2011 VANA PREMI
36
F.S.O. are well founded. The scope and meaning
of an order, decision and judgment was
explained and these words are said to be
interchangeable. In the result, the writ petition
was dismissed.
The F.S.O. addressed a letter to the Registrar
stating that he has not passed an award. It was
condemned and held as illegal and improper.
K.B.R. A.I.R.
2002 A.P. 224
Note:- After lapse of considerable time it was found
that the decision of the F.S.O. was the result of a
fraud by the claimants in collusion with the F.S.O. It
is by ingenuity and skillful investigation the fraud
was unearthed. A review petition challenging the
judgment in W.P. No. 12394 of 1989 filed by the
D.F.O., Eluru was allowed and the order of the
District Judge, West Godavari which confirmed the
decision of the F.S.O. is set aside. The latter
judgment by a Division Bench of the High Court is
reported in ‘2011 (2) A.L.T. at Page 130’ Vide
VanaPremiVol 12 No.5.
INVITATION
The Association of Retired Forest Officers, Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad Congratulates the following
Forest Officers, who are retiring from service on attaining the age of superannuation on the dates
mentioned against their names and cordially invites them to join the Association of Retired Forest
Officers to keep in touch with their old colleagues and to keep themselves occupied.
For further details they may contact the following –
Sri. K. Santokh Singh, Secretary Mobile Number…. 9848808101
Sri. P. Upender Reddy, Jt.Secretary Mobile Number….9848754778
1. P.Rajendranath 31-08-2011, 2. L.R.Sekher 31-08-2011
XII SFRC ALUMNI MEET AT MYSOREThe XII SFRC Alumni Meet will be held in Mysore from 25-11-2011 to 28-11-2011. Last date for
receiving Bio-Data with D.Ds is 10-08-2011 and the subscription fee is fixed at Rs.6000/= for single
person & Rs.12000/= for couple. The members who need travel arrangements may contact the
undersigned by 15th August 2011 without fail. -P.Upender Reddy (Mobile No. 9848754778 )
APPEAL TO MEMBERS
The attendance at General Body Meetings is depleting gradually leading to adjournment,
reconvening and the food is wasted due to members absence. All the members are requested to
attend the meetings. Due to any reasons if the member is not attending the meeting he is requested
to inform the Secretary at least (3) days in advance. -SECRETARY
August 2011 VANA PREMI
37
We wish the following born on the dates mentioned
“ A very Happy Birth Day”
Birth Day Greetings
S.No. Name of the member D.O.B.
Sarva Sri
1. S.AppaRao 18-08-1925
2. M.Kamal Naidu 21-08-1939
3. A.Sudhakar 24-08-1948
4. P.Vishweshwaraiah 27-08-1951
5. K.PapaRao 28-08-1941
6. C.MuralidharRao 28-08-1941
7. T.V.RangaRajan 31-08-1935
S.No. Name of the I.F.S. Oficer D.O.B.
Sarva Sri
1. Prashanth Kumar Jha 07-07-1959
1. Smt.M.Revathi 09-08-1970
2. A.A.RamaRaoChoudhary 10-08-1952
3. R.VenkateshwarRao 10-08-1954
4. P.S.SrinivasaSastry 14-08-1962
5. A.Bharath Kumar 15-08-1959
6. Sunil Kumar Gupta 19-08-1958
7. Dr.BhaskaraRamana Murthy 24-08-1961
8. Smt.Sunita Mahesh Bhagwat 26-08-1970
9. P.SatyanarayanRao 27-08-1953
10. B.Srinivas 02-09-1962
S.No. Name of the S.F.S. Oficer D.O.B.
Sarva Sri
1. B.N.Rajendran 06-08-1954
2. S.V.G.M.S.RamaRao 09-08-1954
3. S.Venkatesh 09-08-1969
4. P.Rajendranath 10-08-1953
5. L.R.Sekhar 13-08-1953
6. P.Anjaneyulu 15-08-1955
7. B.NageshwaraRao 15-08-1955
8. Venkatesh 15-08-1977
9. S.Rajasekhar 20-08-1970
10. KasiVishwanadhamRaju 20-08-1967
11. S.M.Hussainy 20-08-1961
12. M.Pradyumna Reddy 23-08-1955
13. S.Srikantanatha Reddy 25-08-1974
14. P.Anil Kumar 30-08-1965
15. K.Ashok Kumar 31-08-1976
16. M.Narasimha Reddy 02-09-1954
17. M.Ravi Prasad 04-09-1966
S.S.S.
August 2011 VANA PREMI
38
The occasion of World Environment Day seems
like the perfect time to embrace our ability to
see glory in nature and make this earth a better
place to live in, says Melanie P Kumar, even as
she recounts the damage inflicted on Mother
Nature.
Another World Environment Day has come
around and I am wondering whether the world
has got a lot worse since the last one, or is it
status quo? Hard to say because, unfortunately,
Mother Nature does not speak with a human
voice to tell us whether we have been kinder to
her in the past one year or whether we have just
carried on regardless.
I think what poses the greatest challenge to
environmentalists is to convince non-believers
about the grave consequences of human actions
on nature. I, for one, am convinced that there is a
threat to the world’s resources, which in turn is
having an impact on the climate, natural
resources and plant and animal species. Most of
us would remember seeing the public service
advertisement, which keeps reiterating, “If there
are no tigers, there will be no us.” Surely, this is
reflected in the concept of Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam or the inter-connectedness of
living things and nature. But, how many of us are
seriously convinced about the need to maintain
this delicate balance? To complicate matters is
the school of scientists called the Climate
Sceptics who have a huge following.
These would have us believe that the changes
that are happening to the earth are only
negligible and do not pose a serious threat.
Perhaps it is more comfortable to accept this
theory so that I can carry on with my carefree
lifestyle. Future generations be damned! Let’s
worry about Climate Doomsday when it comes
upon us!
Looking ahead
It strikes me as funny that we live in a country
filled with astrologers, palmists and soothsayers.
Buildings are constructed, demolished or re-
designed based on VaasthuShastra. If a Vaasthu
expert decrees that in its present state, a
particular house will hamper the prosperity or
peace of mind of the family living within its
precincts, the family will go to any length to
make the changes, never mind the cost. Even
offices are not spared the influences of FengShui
or Vaasthu. I remember working in an office
where the position of the managing director’s
table and chair were repositioned to improve
the business at the behest of an employee, a
self-anointed Vaasthu expert. I do not know
whether the shift really did help because the
tenure of the MD was not renewed and I did not
stay long enough to find out if it brought any
NATURE, HERE WE COME
August 2011 VANA PREMI
39
benefit to his successor or the company!
Similarly, weddings, house-warming or other
auspicious functions simply cannot go ahead in
many Indian homes without the customary
meetings with an astrologer and his trusted
almanac. I am told that even scientists in India
are not above looking at RahuKalam before
deciding to send a satellite into space.
The latest prediction to spread fear is the
Discovery Channel’s publicity to the Mayan
Calendar, which is said to end in 2012. When I
entered my dentist’s office for an appointment,
the receptionist anxiously asked me if I thought
that the world was going to end in 2012! Since I
watch very little television, I had no clue as to
what she was speaking about but suggested that
she not worry too much, as there were far bigger
threats looming at our doorstep. Of course, I was
speaking about global warming and climate
change.
It is strange to think that people will go to any
extent in terms of paying for consultations and
offering up oblations to ward off supernatural
threats to family, jobs, homes and the like, but
will hardly wonder how we will all survive if
Mother Nature turns against us for the abuse that
we are heaping upon her. It is not that
newspapers and the electronic media are not
speaking about the threats to the environment.
But, if 100 column centimetres of newspaper
space speaking of the threats from fossil fuels
are flanked by 1,000 column centimetres
extolling the virtues of a man-made creation that
is greatly responsible for the creation of fossil
fuels, there is definitely going to be confusion
created in the minds of people.
I am a regular shopper at a chain of departmental
stores, run by a leading Rajasthani industrial
group. Every one of their outlets carries a huge
poster saying, “Use less plastic. Save the
environment.” The first time I saw this poster, I
looked around and realised that many of the
things up for sale in the store are wrapped in
plastic. Even vegetables have to be placed in
plastic covers before they are weighed. Many a
time, I have tried to skip placing the vegetables
in plastic, but not all the employees co-operate,
even when I point to their poster. It doesn’t take
rocket science to figure that the poster is but
paying lip sympathy to a cause that the company
is not seriously committed to. So those who walk
into the shop, whether they are well or ill-
informed on climate issues, will be receiving a
dichotomous message on the issue of plastic.
Such conflicting messages certainly do
contribute to a lack of awareness on
environment issues. If someone felt strongly
about plastics, they would offer an alternative
to them rather than just putting up posters!
It is very clear to me that Bangalore has
completely moved from being an air-
conditioned city to a city that is facing acute
summers. Every year, we hear people saying that
August 2011 VANA PREMI
40
Bangalore is hotter than last year. But, it would
be good to find out the statistics of how many
are truly worrying about it and linking it to the
cutting down of trees; the disappearance of lakes,
in other words, man’s over-consumption of
natural resources.
Every year, during the monsoons, there is water-
logging in areas where there has been
encroachment into storm-water drains.
Sometimes, these drains are clogged because
of the dumping of plastics and other waste like
the debris from construction sites. Publicity is
given to all these issues, but the following year,
we are again back to square one!
One of the greatest risks from changes in climate
is food security. In India, we have already seen
the rise in food prices of essential commodities,
starting with the humble dals, all varieties of
which are nearing the Rs 100 mark per kilogram
since the past one year. In recent times,
unpredictable weather conditions have played
havoc with food crops, sometimes leading to
their destruction. Who can forget the crisis with
onions last year when untimely rains destroyed
local crops resulting in the price of these
vegetable touching crazy figures!
Climate change
Undoubtedly, it is the poor farmers who are the
worst affected. They plant according to weather
patterns and incur heavy losses if unseasonal
rains or too much of heat damage their crops.
Farmer suicides have been on the increase in
the last decade but those of us who are relatively
well-fed have perhaps not yet been touched by
the tragedies of climate change. World Bank
estimates reveal that an additional 44 million
people have been pushed into poverty because
of a rise in food prices. Unfortunately, it is always
the poor who bear the brunt of any natural or
man-made disaster. But it might be wise not to
be too complacent, for from a situation of an
increase in food prices, we will be reaching a
situation of food shortages. Equally worrying is
the fear of diminishing water resources because
of changing climactic conditions. Predictions are
that the next world war will be fought over food
and water, as they become scarce. A chilling
thought indeed!
Having just returned from a trip to the land of
milk and honey, namely the United States of
America, I have come back educated on what
consumption is all about! Everything goes into
the ubiquitous garbage bin, which occupies
pride of place in this country.
People pay obeisance to this “deity”, as they
dump all their waste, which is cleaned out every
half an hour in all public places like airports,
shopping areas and tourist attractions. From the
huge vehicles that people drive (invariably one
family will certainly have more than one car and
quite often, each member of the family will own
August 2011 VANA PREMI
41
one!) to the tons of food that are dumped into
trash cans (as they are called there), to the
amount of tissues that an average person uses
and throws in a given day, there is no concept of
conservation. I despaired wondering whether
anybody could ever think of adopting a
sustainable lifestyle in the US of A. But I was glad
to be driven past Amish country and see the men
drive buggies that do not consume petrol whilst
the women use brooms to sweep their yards,
just as it is done back home.
But I came back and realised that there is no
point in feeling smug about the wastage there
when I see how little concern there is for the
environment in my own city of Bangalore. From
the rotting garbage dumps where plastic flirts
with leftover food, to leaky public taps all over
the city. Here, people use hose pipes to fill the
water into their sumps for which they are not
charged. Unfortunately, the notion most people
have is that one need not have to worry about
what one does not have to pay for. So even if the
public tap drips the whole day and night, it is no
concern of mine because it will not be attached
to my water bill. When planning a rainwater
harvesting connection, we were told we were
being foolish as “in Bangalore, there is no dearth
of water!” This pretty much sums up our attitude
towards Mother Nature. She is the bountiful one
with unlimited resources, which we, with our
anthropocentric world view, can dip into
limitlessly. Why speak of the USA and its
consumption patterns when we in a globally
inter-connected world are all hurtling towards
an environmental disaster of our own making?
It’s just that the developed world is ahead of us
by a few paces, but India with its new found
economic success, is not far behind.
Conservation is key
I keep wondering when tissues became a part
of the Indian household. We know that trees are
cut for the purpose. So, why are we shifting from
the humble handkerchief which can be washed
and re-used to the paper towels that are very
often hardly left in a state to be recycled? I also
find glass bottles being replaced by plastic ones
for foodstuffs like health drinks and pickles.
Once at a seminar on water conservation, there
was a discussion on bottled water. The lead
speaker, MedhaPatkar, spoke about how the
bottled water industry was an assault on the
commons and leading to environmental
degradation. She made a fervent plea to people
to shun bottled water. At many of these water
conservation talks, people raise the same old
issue. In the absence of potable water, there is
no choice but to buy water.
have only one response to people who have
such problems. Please carry your own bottle
with you and perhaps a small filter to plug on to
August 2011 VANA PREMI
42
a tap from which you are refilling the bottle.
There was a time when I was growing up where
the word “recycle” was built into one’s
constitution even before it became a part of one’s
vocabulary. Books and clothes went down to the
next in the family or to younger cousins. Nothing
was wasted. I recall with nostalgia the times
when I helped my mother shift brown paper
bags filled with provisions into containers.
Sometimes, the paper bags broke and we had
to pick up the spilt item from the table or kitchen
counter, without leaving a single grain behind.
But, there was never a dilemma of what to do
with the empty plastic bag, as those were just
not in existence. Now the mantra to save the
environment is “Reduce, Re-use and Re-cycle”. It
is a pity that many of us are being forced to learn
and relearn what was so much a part of our
sustainable culture.
Indian weddings and parties are places where
one sees a huge drain on the resources of
families, first with the lavish spreads that are
expected. The other tragedy is to see the amount
of food that is wasted on people’s leaves and
plates. Why not take just what one needs? Also, if
the organisers of these parties could have an
understanding with orphanages or homes for
the abandoned, a lot of food would go where it is
really needed and appreciated, rather than being
served to people who will walk out saying, “The
salt was too much” or “I did not like the burfi!” In
a country where there are people who die from
starvation, lavish weddings are a misnomer. With
the increase in food shortages, it might be a good
idea for the government to bring in Guest
Control to restrict the number of people who
can be fed at one go.
With 2011 seeing the start of World Bio-Diversity,
this World Environment Day may be a good time
for us to take an oath and say, “I solemnly pledge
to extend every effort to conserve the rich
biological heritage of Mother Earth, and promise
practical action in my sphere of study, work as
well as at home. I will also make efforts to
educate myself and others about the
importance of biodiversity. I will promote global
awareness of the value of different species and
do my utmost to generate momentum towards
their conservation.” Let us all unite and work
towards making our Mother Earth a better place
to live in.
APPEAL
We would like to hear from our readers. If readers have any comments about any
article, published in VanaPremi or have some information to share with our readers
please do write to the Editor.
August 2011 VANA PREMI
43
At the outset Sri K.Santokh Singh, Secretary of
the Association, welcomed the Members &
Ladies to the 60th General Body meeting, and
placed the agenda before the President with a
request to preside over the function.
1. SHRADDANJALI – Before taking upany subject
the members stood in silence for Two minutes
to pay homage to the departed souls of Sri
T.Ramakrishna, who expired on 11/04/2011 & Sri
G.Shankar Rao, who expired on 25/05/2011
2.ACTION TAKEN REPORT of the SECRETARY- The
Secretary in his report explained to the General
Body, the action taken on the decisions of 59th
GBM held on 13/03/2011 and 71st E.C.meeting
held on 15/05/2011 and there upon the General
Body has taken the following decisions on various
issues.
3. Welfare Fund - The Secretary informed the
members that an amount of Rs126889/= has
been collected and the response for the future
collections is very poor. Sri C.SubbaRao,
E.C.member, strongly felt that this amount is too
meager to take up any welfare activity from the
interest accrued from this amount and desired
to wind up this activity. Reacting to this
suggestion, the President also felt that this
amount is too small to take up any welfare
MINUTES OF 60TH GENERAL BODY MEETING OF THE
ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED FOREST OFFICERSHELD
ON 26-06-2011 AT KBR PARK, JUBILEE HILLS, HYDERABAD
activity and sought the opinion of the General
Body. The General Body unanimously agreed to
drop this activity. There upon the President
announced the winding up of welfare Fund
programme and sought the opinion of the
members on the amount collected so far. While
the opinion of the members was unanimous in
winding up the Welfare Fund Programme, the
opinion on the collected money was divided.
Some members suggested adding this amount
with the Association’s account and some others
suggested to return the money to the Donors.
Since the opinion was divided it was decided to
seek the option of each Donor in writing by
publishing a notice in VanaPremi, for the
knowledge of the members who have not
attended the meeting. The Secretary was asked
to publish a notice in VanaPremi fixing a time
limit for sending their option letters and to place
them before the Executive Committee which
will meet in August 2011, for taking final action.
4. Internal Auditing:- The General Body
unanimously appointed Sri K.Mohan Reddy as
the internal auditor to audit the accounts of the
Association before they are audited by the
regular Chartered Accountant.
August 2011 VANA PREMI
44
5.Adoption of Forest Fringe Villages:- The
President desired that some interested
members of the Association may come forward
to adopt One or Two forest fringe villages for their
overall development on one hand and
protecting and improving the forests with the
cooperation of villagers on the other hand. He
further stated that this activity is purely
independent of Association and the members
have to equally contribute for this work. In all (6)
members came forward for this Social work. Any
other member who wants to participate in this
Social work may contact Sri S.D.Mukherji.
6. Adoption of Slums in G.H.M.C.:- Sri
Padmanabha Reddy invited the members to join
his Organization in adopting some Slums in
Greater Hyderabad limits for their development.
Any member interested in this activity may
contact Sri Padmanabha Reddy.
7. Election of E.C. member:- Sri Sultan Mohiuddin
has been unanimously elected as E.C. member
in place of Sri T.Ramakrishna, who expired
recently.
8. Attendance of members:-The attendance of
members is found quite discouraging as the
meetings are regularly getting adjourned and
reconvened for want of Quorum. Since the
members are not intimating their presence or
absence it is becoming difficult in making food
arrangements resulting in wastage. It is decided
to appeal the members to attend the meetings
regularly and also to take little trouble to
indicate their presence or absence through SMS
to the Secretary, at least three days in advance,
for making correct food arrangements.
9.Vote of Thanks- Sri P.Upender Reddy,
Jt.Secretary cum Treasurer proposed vote of
thanks to ladies and members who attended the
meeting. Thanks were extended to the Wild Life
Division staff for providing meeting hall and also
for making necessary arrangements. On behalf
of all the members, special thanks were
extended to Sri ChIyalaiah, Sri A.V.GovindaRajulu
and Sri V.RangaRao who hosted LUNCH to the
members. Sri K.S.Raogaru agreed to be the host
for the next General Body Meeting.
Secretary
Notice to Claim Welfare Fund Donations
During the discussion in the General Body
meeting held on 26th June, 2011, it was
unanimously decided to wind up WELFARE FUND.
All the members who have paid towards welfare
fund are requested to claim the amount paid by
them on or before 20th August 2011.
THE CLAIMS RECEIVED AFTER THE DUE DATE WILL
NOT BE ENTERTAINED FOR RETURN OF MONEY.
K.Santokh SinghH.No. 11-38/2, Golnaka, Alwal,
Secunderabad- 500 010
-President
August 2011 VANA PREMI
45
Registered with RNI R.No. Apeng/2002.2185Postal Regn. No.HSE-743/2009-11
BOOK POST
To
If Undelivered, Please return to : Editor : VANA PREMIOffice of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Aranya Bhavan,
5th Floor, Room No. 514, Saifabad, Hyderabad - 500 004, A.P.
For details please see page no. 24
For details please see page no. 24
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