Articles by: Souparna Lahiri

Demanding Forest Rights is ‘Anti-Government’ According to the West Bengal Government

Demanding Forest Rights is ‘Anti-Government’ According to the West Bengal Government

21 July: In a bizarre turn of events, Lila Gurung, a high school teacher in Kalimpong district in Darjeeling Hills of West Bengal was accused by the district administration of ‘anti-government activity’ and for stirring up unrest in the area as he supported the forest villagers to demand the implementation of the Forest Rights Act. Following a letter sent by[Read More…]

Photo by Neil Tackaberry

FAO’s Bioenergy Themed International Day Of Forests Is A Threat To Mother Earth

Every year, 21st March is celebrated as the International Day of Forests, so designated by the United Nations to highlight the importance of forests. This year, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has announced the theme of “Forests and Energy”, calling forests “nature’s power house,” highlighting that forests are not anymore just energy providers for basic cooking and heating needs,[Read More…]

CAMPA Has Greed Written All Over It

CAMPA Has Greed Written All Over It

The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill, also known as the CAMPA bill, which was passed last week by the RajyaSabha (Upper House) of the Indian Parliament will not just lead to more cutting offorests, but also compromise forest and indigenous communities rights. That the fund has accumulated a whopping Rs 42,000 crores during the last decade is worrying enough considering the[Read More…]