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Japan’s Official Development Loan Assistance to India

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japan_india_flag_indianbureaucracy

The Notes were exchanged between Mr. S. Selvakumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Government of India and H.E. Mr. Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan to India. The Govt. of Japan has committed Official Development Assistance loan of an amount of JPY 242.2 billion (approx. Rs.14,251 Crores at Exchange Rate: Rs.1 = JPY 1.70). The ODA loan assistance has been committed to Transmission System Strengthening Project in Madhya Pradesh (JPY 15. 45 Billion); Odisha Integrated Sanitation Improvement Project (II) (JPY 25.7 Billion); Dedicated Freight Corridor Project (Phase 1) (III) (JPY 103.6 Billion); North East Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project (Phase 1) (I) (JPY 67.1 Billion); and Jharkhand Horticulture Intensification by Micro Drip Irrigation Project (JPY 4.65 Billion). The Govt. of Japan has committed a total of JPY 390 Billion in the current financial year which is the highest amount committed in a year.

India and Japan have had mutually beneficial economic development cooperation since 1958.  In the last few years, the economic cooperation between India and Japan has strengthened and grown into strategic partnership.With general political consensus and popular support for the greater cooperation between Indian and Japan the partnership is poised for a great future.

DRDO/Defence PSUs Showcase Cutting Edge Technology During Defexpo

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DRDO
DRDO

Leading from front, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) participated in the Defexpo 2016 in full strength.  The largest Land, Naval and Internal Homeland Security Systems Exhibition of India is aimed at promoting exports in the Defence Sector in the country.   During a press conference in the exhibition site Shri Manohar Parrikar said that the Government aims at increasing the exports of Defence equipment by 3 to 4 times in the coming 5 to 7 years.  He said that new policy initiative will permit Defence PSUs to export up to 10% of defence equipment.  As export sales generate higher revenue the profit accrued will be plowed back into capacity enhancement for improving supply to the Armed forces in the long run. Export from DPSUs will be subject to clearances from the partner concerns and Ministry of External Affairs. Drdo-indianbureaucracy

DRDO had booked largest area in the exhibition which included indoor and outdoor display.  This year the design theme of DRDO Pavilion is “Rise of Futurism”. DRDO Futurism emphasises its vision to make India prosperous by establishing world class science and technology base and provide our Defence Services a decisive edge by equipping them with internationally competitive systems and solutions. drdo-indianbureaucracy

The DPSUs Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), BrahMos Aerospace, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) and Ordinance Factory Board (OFB), showcased latest products and cutting edge technology.

Kanha – Pench Wildlife Corridor- NHAI committed to scientifically designed & optimised mitigation measures

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NHAI
NHAI

Some reports have emerged in the media that have created an impression that the Kanha – Pench Wildlife Corridor is going to be adversely impacted as a result of upgradation of the National Highway-7.  It is being claimed that the efforts of conservationists in providing adequate mitigation measures on the said stretch have been overlooked.

NHAI wishes to clarify that the project under question involves widening of the existing NH-7, which is the longest National Highway in the country and the lifeline for millions of people, connecting North and South India.  Mitigation measures suggested earlier by WII and NTCA were re-examined to optimize resources on the basis of scientific studies, while at the same time ensuring that conservation needs are not compromised. The mitigation measures finalized by these premier wildlife institutes of the country are based on rigorous scientific studies, considering all the available knowledge and best practices available in the field of road ecology. The criteria that were specifically considered during the review of the design of wildlife passages include the Openness Ratio, height of wild animals (the height of their sensory receptors like eyes and ears), nature of animals (solitary or moving in herds),  time of movement of animals (nocturnal or diurnal), geomorphological features along the highway corridor, etc. In fact, the measures being adopted in the extant case are far superior to those followed elsewhere in the World.

It appears that there is a fresh attempt to re-open a well settled issue without any scientific basis.  NHAI is fully sensitive to the requirement of wildlife conservation.  It has reviewed the subject matter of wildlife conservation vis-à-vis road construction thoroughly and is convinced that the measures finalized by the wildlife institutions will fully meet the requirement of habitat connectivity.  NHAI continues, and will continue, to work hand in hand with the Wildlife Institutions and other experts in taking care of the conservation and mitigation needs associated with highway development. NHAI is open to consider other effective measures, like Wildlife Over-crossings of different types, improvisation of cross-drainage structures for safe movement of smaller animals, guide fences, speed restrictions, cautionary sign boards, etc., on any highway stretch as per the specific requirement. Those interested in wildlife conservation may send their suggestions to [email protected].

It is noteworthy that completion of NH-7 has been pending on the aforesaid stretch for the last almost 10 years.

Over 84% projects stuck in different stages of implementation: Study

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ASSOCHAM_IndianBureaucracy
ASSOCHAM_IndianBureaucracy

Over 84 per cent of total investments attracted by irrigation sector in India as of FY 2014-15 have remained stuck in various stages of implementation, while all investment projects in irrigation sector in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal have remained stuck the scenario was no different in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Jharkhand where almost 99 per cent of such investments have remained stuck, noted a recent sector-specific ASSOCHAM study.

“Of the total 361 live investment projects in irrigation sector in India as of FY 2014-15, 248 projects with investments worth over Rs 4.7 lakh crore have remained stuck in different stages of implementation and out of these 189 projects have reported either time or cost overruns ranging between 1-288 months, while costs have increased by over 61 per cent i.e. by over Rs 2.5 lakh crore of their actual costs of Rs 4.1 lakh crore,” highlighted the ASSOCHAM study titled ‘Irrigation investment in India: Analysis of state-level experiences.’

A whopping 98 per cent of investments attracted by irrigation sector in India come from public sector as private players have shown poor interest in developing the irrigation sector.

“Almost half of the total live investments worth over Rs 5.5 lakh crore attracted by irrigation sector across India as of financial year 2014-15 are concentrated in Telangana (11 per cent share), Andhra Pradesh (10 per cent), Maharashtra & Karnataka (nine per cent) and Madhya Pradesh (six per cent),” noted the study prepared by The ASSOCHAM Economic Research Bureau (AERB).

Investments attracted by irrigation sector across India have grown at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 11 per cent during the course of last decade (2004-05 and 2014-15).

“There is an urgent need to reform the current irrigation policy and strategy to further its contribution to agriculture, employment, income and economic growth,” said the chamber’s study. “Such reforms shall gear up the irrigation sector and lead to production optimisation.”

Tamil Nadu has ranked on top with over 32 per cent of CAGR clocked by the states in terms of attracting investments in irrigation sector during the last decade followed by Jammu and Kashmir (25.5 per cent), Chhattisgarh (22.6 per cent), Jharkhand (20 per cent) and Telangana (19 per cent) that are amid top five states in this regard.

Interestingly, Punjab which is also known as the ‘rice bowl of India’ and has significant potential in attracting investments in irrigation sector has ranked 16th amid top 21 states with decadal CAGR of about 10 per cent which is even less than the average growth rate of India (11 per cent).

Investment projects in irrigation sector have recorded maximum delay of 229 months in Jammu and Kashmir followed by Jharkhand (216 months), Bihar (197 months), Uttar Pradesh (195 months) and Kerala (185 months).

Irrigation projects in Maharashtra have recorded maximum share of about 21 per cent in terms of cost escalation followed by Karnataka (18 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (14 per cent), Gujarat (12 per cent) and Telangana (nine per cent).

Within states, Assam has recorded maximum cost escalation rate of about 97 per cent, Jammu & Kashmir and Kerala (95 per cent), Maharashtra (92 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh (87 per cent).

In its study, ASSOCHAM has suggested that all state governments should set up irrigation development authority to look after all projects and ensure their timely completion.

Besides, the government should bring in policy changes to improve efficiencies, encourage accountability, transparency and willingness to promote irrigation development.

“The objective should be to ensure irrigation services are more resource-efficient, responsive to farmer needs and equitable,” suggested the ASSOCHAM study.

It has further recommended for moving away from government controlled institutions to commercially oriented, effective and efficient autonomous service institutions. “The need is to encourage participatory management in irrigation sector, shift from current emphasis on physical expansion to performance improvement, and encourage wider adoption of irrigation equipment by providing incentives.”

Increasing farmer participation for development of irrigation projects by making land acquisition easier is another significant suggestion, highlighted the ASSOCHAM study.

National Conference on Waqf gets underway

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Govt of India
Govt of India

National Conference of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of State Waqf Boards got underway.Inaugurating the conference  Dr. Najma Heptulla, the Union Minister for Minority Affairs  expressed concerns over indifferent attitude of some of the State Waqf Booards.The Minister said   Central Waqf Council is the Advisory cum regulatory body to oversee the functioning of the State Waqf  Boards and due administration of the Auqaf across the country. The main objective of the Cnetral Waqf Council is to safeguard the interest of the Waqf and to bring transparency in the affairs of the Auqaf. The annual conference provides us the platform to share our previous year’s experiences in connection with waqf administration and to chalk out strategies to further improve the same. Our aim is to take up the issues directly with State Waqf Boards as they are the administrative unit, so that the various problems faced by the Auqaf across the country are comprehended and remedial steps be taken to resolve them too.

The Waqf Act 1995 as amended has provided significant provisions for completion of survey of the Auqaf, to deal with illegal encroachment, for protection of Waqf Properties from alienation, for the constitution of the three- member waqf tribunals etc. The Act further strengthened the role of the Central Waqf Council giving it powers to issue directives to the State Waqf Boards and the State Governments as the case may be. Hence the members need to study the new provisions and be ready to take up new challenges. The representative of the Waqf Boards, the Chairmen and the Chief Executive Officers are expected to ensure the protection, safety and retrieval of the Auqaf for which the Waqf Boards have come into existence and let the Auqaf serve its benign objective of charity. The Central Waqf Council and even my Ministry have engaged with the Waqf Boards and the State Governments on several occasions by writing letters and by organizing seminars and conferences. Nevertheless, important provisions of the Act such as survey of the Waqf properties, constitution of Waqf Tribunals, framing of Rules & Regulations, timely re-constitution of State Waqf Boards and appointment of full time Chief Executive Officer etc have not been implemented or are partly implemented by many State Waqf Boards and State Governments. As a resulf, no major changes have taken place in the Boards.

It should be noted that the Survey of Auqaf was not completed in any state except in two union territories of Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli. Based on such experiences, the provisions of the Waqf Act, 1995 were amended by The Wakf (Amendment) Act, 2013 which came into force on 1stNovember, 2013. As per section 5 (1A) of the Act, survey of Auqaf should have been completed within one year. But unfortunately, it is not completed in any of the states. I am told that as on date Survey commissioners have been appointed only in 18 States covering 20 boards out of the 31 State Waqf Boards.

Similarly, most States have not established the three members Waqf Tribunals as provided for in the Act. As you may be aware, the Supreme Court has recorded its serious exception on the issue and has directed the State Govts. to constitute the three member tribunals within four months from the date of judgment ie, 15 December, 2015. I am told that so far only 14 Waqf tribunals have been established covering 16 SWBs. Only a proper survey will give us information about the number, value and the current status of the waqf to understand whether it is free or encroached, generating proper income or not and whether it is properly developed or not. Similarly, the delay in establishing the Waqf Tribunal is also adversely affecting the administration of the Auqaf.

Some of the State Waqf Boards (SWBs) have not been remitting the mandatory 1% contribution to the Central Waqf Council (CWC) regularly. Needless to mention, this amounts to a violation of the provisions of the Act. Similarly, substantial loan outstanding due to CWC also has not been remitted by the loanee waqf. I would, therefore, appeal to the State Boards to fulfil their obligations under the Act more seriously and promptly.

To increase the income of the Auqaf and to fairly streamline the leasing of the auqaf the Govt. of India has made The Waqf Properties Lease Rules, 2014 and it is expected that the Boards should lease the properties as per the policy laid down and let the achievement be in the public domain as there are demands from various corners for the same. It should be assured by the Waqf Boards today that the follow up proceedings of the Council will be suitably responded to. It has been genuinely felt that there should be a stringent legislation to deal with unauthorized occupation and encroachment on the Waqf properties across the country since the provisions of the Waqf Act, 1995 have not been found to be effective. Let me assure you that our government is committed to curbing the menace of illegal occupation of Waqf properties and is in the process of bringing a standalone legislation to be called “The Waqf Properties Eviction of Unauthorised Occupant Bill” along the lines of Public Premises (EOU) Act.

Besides the challenges mentioned above, there are other contentious issues like computerization of the records of the State Waqf Boards. This scheme which has been implemented by our Ministry with the involvement of the Central Waqf Council will definitely serve the larger interest of proper administration of the Auqaf. We need to speed up the process to complete the remaining work of the scheme within the recommended timeline. The Central Waqf Council has been implementing a scheme for developing the Waqf properties since 1974-75 with the annual Grant-in-Aid received from the Ministry. The Scheme has helped a number of Waqf institutions to develop their properties on commercial lines to augment their income for the welfare of the community. More than 16 states have benefited from it and over 200 projects have been funded. In this regard the Government has taken another initiative to speed up the development of the Waqf properties by establishing a separate specialized corporation- the National Waqf Development Coporation (NAWADCO). The State Waqf Boards thus have two duties one to pay amount of share to NaWADCO and to provide details in respect diligently discharge their duties for the progress of our community. Let me also say that Members of the Council may like to visit some of the projects to ascertain their contribution towards community welfare. With this, I conclude my words and with for a meaningful discussion on the Waqf Act, 1995 as amended and other issues pertaining to Auqaf.

,Sh. Rakesh Mohan ,JS Waqf, Ministry of Minority Affairs informed about the various measures taken to improve and strengthenthe Waqf bodies.

North East will become destination for Young Start-Ups- Jitendra Singh

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Jitendra Singh
Jitendra Singh

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the North eastern region along the international borders should be developed for the overall development of the region. There are regional and cultural similarities on both sides of the international borders, the Minister said. He was addressing at the seminar on Sub Regional Cooperation between India, Myanmar and Bangladesh .

During the inaugural session, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the business, all over, is evolving and it has to be carried forward professionally. He said that India is on the threshold of becoming a super power and for that, he emphasized on the youth power and the equitable growth of all the regions within India. He said that North East India needs little push in the developmental aspect and the Ministry of DoNER takes care of this aspect in coordination with other ministries.

Dr Singh said that a number of initiatives have been taken in the recent past for the overall development of North East region, such as Destination North-East festival and designating Sikkim as the first organic state in the country. Stressing upon trade and business, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that without creating stakeholders, we cannot proceed and the stakeholders need to be facilitated. He said that, in food industries for example, the food items produced should be of cost effective and authentic.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said the North East India has a huge potential for start ups and for this purpose, venture funds and other initiatives can be provided for the start ups in North East India. He said that, in years to come, North East India will become the destination for young start ups. Dr. Jitendra Singh said that there are some challenges in India’s march towards global economy such as optimum utilization of resources, optimum channelization of youth energy and best use of technology.

On India’s “Act East” policy, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, it is his considered view that to “Act East” effectively, we first need to act for the development of North Eastern region along the international borders. He said that connectivity is an issue in the North East India and in this regard, he suggested that new airports and chopper service can be an option.

The daylong event consisted of four sessions to discuss the subjects like Economic Cooperation in the Sub Region, Trends and patterns of trade between India, Myanmar and Bangladesh, Economic Cooperation through connectivity and FDI.

Md Mustafa appointed DGP, Human Rights Punjab Police

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IPS Logo
IPS Logo

Shri Md Mustafa IPS (Punjab 1985) presently posted as ADGP, Policy & Rules, Punjab Police Chandigarh, has been appointed as DGP, Human Rights Punjab Police.

IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Mustafa the very best .

A Kumar given addl. charge of Secy. Social Welfare W&CD- Delhi

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IAS
IAS

Shri Ashwani Kumar IAS (AGMUT 1992) presently posted as Secretary Environment, Delhi Government, has been given additional charge of Secretary Social Welfare(Woman& Child Development),Delhi Government.

IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Kumar the very best .

Organizational Restructuring of EPFO Approved to Address Career Progression of Over 20000 Officials

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EPFO-indianbureaucracy
EPFO-indianbureaucracy

EPFO’s highest decision making body, the Central Board of Trustees methere last evening . This was its 212th meeting.The Union Minister for Labour and Employment (Independent Charge) and Chairman CBT, Mr BandaruDattatreya after the conclusion of the meeting said that the Board has taken two important decisions.

The first is in relation to Organisational Restructuring of EPFO. While approving the report in principle, the Board also constituted a Committee to look into the anomalies/gaps pointed out by the Board members. The committee chaired by the Central Provident Fund Commissioner has been asked to submit this report to the Board in a month’s time.

The Second major decision was to allow crediting of interest on inoperative accounts. Accounts of members who do not receive contributions for a continuous period of three years are treated as “Inoperative accounts”. Interest on these accounts was stopped in 2011. The Board decided to resume crediting interest on such accounts w.e.f. 01.04.2016

This is in view of recent amendment to paragraph 69(1) (a) that has been amended to provide for withdrawal of full amount on retirement from service after attaining the age of 58 years.Thus, the employer’s share of contribution in the provident fund account of a member would be withheld by EPFO up to the age of retirement. Hence the decision has been taken, to credit interest as per paragraph 60 of the employees ‘Provident Funds Scheme, 1952. Such an account would not be classified as an “Inoperative Account” for the purpose of paragraph 72(6) of EPFO Scheme, 1952.

The Union minister on the occasion also launched a Software module for disbursal of Salaries to EPFO. The Organisation is bringing IT (Information Technology) enabled systems to manage its Human Resources.  Better Human Resources management would bring further improvement in the service delivery by the offices.

The software will achieve the following objectives: –

-Uniformity in preparation of salary across all offices of Organization.

– Provision of Upload facility for existing data to enable speedy & correct data capture.

–  No need to enter data for subsequent months.  Only changes are required to be entered.

–   Automated TAX calculation.

 – Automated Staff Provident Fund and Loan Accounting.

– Provision to make calculation of arrears when required.

User friendly unified, simplified Building Bye-laws for Delhi announced

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Venkaiah Naidu
Venkaiah Naidu

Unified Building Bye-laws for Delhi, revised after 33 years were  announced by the Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu. Elaborating on the new laws, Shri Naidu said they have been made user friendly through unification and simplification of a host of amendments made over the last three decades and integration of approvals by different agencies into a single platform.

Shri Venkaiah Naidu further said that henceforth, building proponents i.e applicants can make one single online application to concerned urban local body instead of approaching various agencies there by reducing human interface and enabling approvals in just 30 days. He said that a single window mechanism comes into effect  so as to improve the ease of doing construction business in the national capital as desired by the Prime Minister’s Office besides promoting investments.

Delhi’s Building Bye-laws were last revised in 1983 and several amendments were made over the last 3 decades resulting in complexity and even confusion in understanding various changes and filing applications accordingly. To do away with this problem, the Bye-laws have been unified for easy reference besides simplification of processes” said shri Naidu.

The Minister said that building plan approvals have been streamlined through simplification and integration of processes through following new provisions:

1.One common single application form has been devised for online submission by the building proponents (applicants) to the concerned urban local body instead of applying to various agencies like Airports Authority of India, National Monuments Authority, Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Urban Arts Commission, Delhi Metro, Power Distribution Companies, concerned central ministries like Forests, Railways, Defence etc.

  1. Applicants will not be required to make required payments to various agencies separately and instead can make single payment to the concerned urban local body electronically.
  2. Seamless integration has been put in place so that concerned urban local body will obtain approvals from other concerned agencies online there by drastically reducing the time taken for sanctions besides eliminating human interface with various agencies. AAI, NMA, DUAC, DMRC etc have been integrated for single window clearance. Central ministries concerned will be integrated shortly. By this, applicants will not be required to separately approach these agencies for approvals/No Objection Certificates.

4.Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change has now concurred to integrate approvals by agreeing to empower urban local bodies to accord Environmental Clearence for built up area up to 1,50,000 sq.mt as against the present norm of obtaining EC from State Environment Assessment Authorities under  that Ministry for built up area of 20,000 sq.mt and above up to 1,50,000 sq.mtrs.

5.SARAL Scheme : For residential plots of size up to 105 sq.mtrs, the plot owner need not obtain sanction of building plans. He/she has to just to submit an undertaking intimating about construction along with requisite fees and other documents to start construction.

6.Under risk based classification newly adopted for residential plotted buildings and warehouses/storage facilities/godowns, architect/engineer is empowered to issue building permits for Low Risk residential buildings (105-500 sq.mtrs) and Very Low Risk godowns of up to 250 sq.mtrs. For Low Risk and Moderate Risk category buildings, local bodies will be required to grant permits with in 10 to 20 days.

7.Approvals /No Objection Certificates by external agencies like AAI, NMA, Delhi Fire Services, DMRC, Ministry of Environment etc., shall be issued within 15 days.

8.The number of documents to be submitted for obtaining building permits has been reduced from 40 to just 14.

9.Procedure for obtaining Completion-cum-Occupancy Certificate has been simplified by reducing the number of documents to be submitted by the owner from 36 to just 9.

10.Obtaining permission for commencement of construction has been removed. Instead, the applicant, who had already obtained building permit can intimate the concerned local body and proceed with construction work.

11.The maximum time limit for granting building permit has been reduced from 60 days to just 30 days to enhance the ease doing business.

12.Local bodies shall prepare an automated calculator for building permit fee including betterment levy, additional FAR etc and be made available on website for use by the applicants.

Promoting safe, green and sustainable construction :

In the context of climate change challenge, the Unified Building Bye-laws for Delhi -2016 seek to promote green and sustainable construction practices.

-All buildings on plot sizes of more than 105 sq.mtrs have to conform to the mandatory green building norms for obtaining sanctions. These include provisions for Water Conservation and Management, Solar Energy Utilization, Energy Efficiency and Management. These measures help in making Delhi more sustainable and environment friendly.

-New Bye-laws require measures for ensuring safety in terms of provisions for structural design and  earthquake disaster mitigation.

Other provisions:

-All buildings and facilities used by the public such as educational, institutional, assembly, commercial, business, mercantile buildings and group housing etc., shall have provision for universal design for differently abled persons, children and the elderly.

-Owners of plots of more than 3,000 sq.mtrs area shall construct public washroom complexes with access from outside, in addition to other mandatory sanitary requirements.

-To present an aesthetically pleasing and vibrant environment, public art shall be promoted in built up areas.

New knowledge for managing tree-killing bark beetles

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science indianbureaucracy
science indianbureaucracy

Summary:Outbreaks of the southern pine beetle can’t be stopped by its main predator, but risks to forests from this tree-killing insect can be predicted with a simple, inexpensive monitoring program, according to a study.

Outbreaks of the southern pine beetle can’t be stopped by its main predator, but risks to forests from this tree-killing insect can be predicted with a simple, inexpensive monitoring program, according to a study by Dartmouth College and other institutions.

The findings appear in the journal Ecography. The study included researchers from Dartmouth, the U.S. Forest Service and Texas A&M University.

The southern pine beetle has coexisted with North American pines for millions of years, but recent warming of winter temperatures has allowed the beetle’s range to extend as far north as New York and Massachusetts.

The researchers used data from a forest monitoring program to evaluate how forest risk varies from location to location and to evaluate whether the southern pine beetle’s natural predator, the checkered beetle, can stop outbreaks. Their results show that southern pine beetle outbreaks rise and fall remarkably synchronously across hundreds of miles. This means that the risks in any year and any region can be predicted with a simple, inexpensive monitoring program that measures their abundance by using traps baited with the pheromones that the southern pine beetles use themselves to find each other. The results also provide further evidence that weather, such as the coldest night of the winter, influences pest abundance and affects epidemics.

“The checkered beetle tracks the abundance of the southern pine beetle very closely,” says senior author Matt Ayres, a professor of biological sciences at Dartmouth. “Unfortunately, the pest affects the predator more than the predator affects the pest. Thus, the predator cannot be relied upon to stop outbreaks and epidemics can persist for years, kill enormous numbers of pine trees and change forests in ways that last for decades or longer.”

Pine beetle outbreaks have historically affected virtually all aspects of southern pine ecosystems and caused incalculable costs to local communities, state economies and the enormous forest products industry based on southern pines. Now, the pest is killing pine trees much farther north, raising major challenges to natural resource management and the maintenance of ecosystem services.

“Our study provides a rare empirical assessment of how local processes scale up to produce landscape patterns that influence forest ecology and forest management,” says lead author Aaron Weed, a former postdoctoral researcher at Dartmouth and now an ecologist with the National Park Service “Our findings confirm that inexpensive monitoring that measures the abundance of southern pine beetles using traps baited with the pheromones is an effective method of assessing forest risks. Since the 19th century, the checkered beetle has been considered as a possible natural biological control for suppressing southern pine beetles, but our findings indicate that the predator cannot be relied upon to stop outbreaks.”

Fortunately, entomologists and forest managers have developed techniques that do not require insecticides and can greatly reduce impacts from southern pine beetles. These include removing individual trees that are crowded with beetles and thinning overstocked forests before they are infested.

“One challenge is that climate change has allowed the pest to expand its range into more northerly regions, where landowners and forest managers do not have experience with these techniques nor the resources to implement them,” Ayres says.

Source:Dartmouth College(science)

Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction to be held in November

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Ministry of Home Affairs logo-indianbureaucracy
Ministry of Home Affairs logo-indianbureaucracy

Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction being organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs will be held at New Delhi from Nov.3-5, 2016. This is the first Asian Ministerial Conference being held after the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Sendai, Japan from March 14-18, 2015.

India has hosted the first South Asian Annual Disaster Management exercise (SAADMEx-15) from 23-26 Nov, 2015 at New Delhi. Another, day long SAARC Regional Workshop on sharing best practices on Disaster Risk Reduction was held here on Nov. 27, 2015.

The Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction is aimed at providing a platform to member countries for sharing best practices in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction. About 4000 participants from the Asian Region are expected to participate in the Conference.