Call to solve Siliguri pollution problems
Concerned about the rising pollution levels in Siliguri, a voluntary organisation on Tuesday sought measures to be taken against the same. Members of the Green Forum also demanded that authorities concerned
Statesman (Kolkata)
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Kolkata under sea in 50 yrs?
Look around you. Your house may soon be swallowed by the sea.
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Company acts to protect endangered namesake
In a bid to save the endangered Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) of Orissa and Gujarat from extinction, Turtle Ltd, a leading menswear brand has decided to undertake a conservation project
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Scientists educate students about climate change
In an effort to create awareness among students about global warming and its challenges, Paschimbanga Vigyan Mancha in collaboration with state science and technology department, organised a seminar o
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AIDS awareness train to arrive at Howrah
Red Ribbon Express (RRE), a seven-coach train, aimed at creating AIDS awareness across the country, is scheduled to arrive at Howrah station on 24 March.
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Now, nurses to take care of neonatal units
Realising a shortage of doctors will continue to be a major hurdle to run neonatal care units in the state, the experts, who have developed the units in the districts to lower the newborn mortality ra
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Seminar for green sensitisation
With environmental issues becoming a major predicament in recent decades JD Birla Institute Department of Home Science, Commerce and Management geared up to organise a one day seminar on Saturday.
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KMC fixes water rate
Come June 2008 and citizens will have to fork out a sum ranging between Rs 75 and 110 per month as water tax but under the name of water service charges or water levy.
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KMC starts Bird Flu checks
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) today initiated a survey in the various markets and poultry shops of the city to determine whether there are any cases of avian influenza.
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Book chronicles threat to mangroves
Inauguration of Sunderban Wetlands in Kolkata Bookfair 2008 is a prelude to the predicament of the mangrove treasure trove, threatened by the phenomena of global warming. Mr Kiranmoy Nanda, fishery minister of West Bengal, Mr Tushar Kanjilal and other dignitaries attended the inaugural ceremony. The price tag for Sunderban Wetlands is Rs 500 and is available at the Benfish store in the fair. Written by Dr Madhumita Mukherjee, joint secretary of the fisheries department, government of West Bengal, the book highlights the recent changes in the biodiversity of Sunderbans and its impact on the people living there. Dr Mukherjee said that the ecological changes in the region have affected the lives of the animals and human beings. She also said that efforts are being made to ensure that people of Sunderbans can take benefit of alternative livelihood based on the results of scientific research. Mr Tushar Kanjilal, who has spent 40 years in Sunderbans, expressed his concern on the recent changes the region. In his speech, Mr Kanjilal spoke of the "environmental refugees' in Sunderbans, people who were compelled to migrate as the sea has swallowed their home. He said that the complete destruction of forests in 54 out of 102 islands in the Sunderban has taken its toll as two islands has already been wiped off. While speaking of the region, Mr Kiranmoy Nanda said: "The Sunderbans is like our mother.' He said that the government is making efforts to ensure protection and optimum utilisation of natural resources in the area. He said that filled canals are being restructured and measures are taken to protect the mangrove. He also said that for the weed collectors in Sunderbans, the government is looking for alternative source of living that will also connect them with the wetlands. Mr Nanda is hopeful that the upcoming 40000 sweet water bodies in Sunderbans, in addition to the existing 33000 will improve the situation. All the speakers were of opinion that the book is a storehouse of information that will help all those want to delve into the unknown facets of Sunderbans.
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Daily bus service to Santiniketan introduced
Luxury bus services in Santiniketan-Kolkata route, ~ a sight that had only been a dream earlier for the locals and Santiniketan-bound tourists, is now a reality. Thanks to Sriniketan Santiniketan Development Authority and the South Bengal State Transport Corporation for their initiatives, jumbo-size Starbuses now will carry passengers from Santiniketan to Kolkata and back to Santiniketan, twice daily. "For the convenience of the passengers, mainly the residents of Santiniketan, who had to travel some 3 km to board trains from Bolpur Railway stations and for attracting tourists through better communication, the SBSTC has decided to start this new bus service,' said Mr Prabir Ghosh, divisional manager of SBSTC, Assansol. He also informed the buses would depart Santiniketan at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. respectively and reach Esplanade in Kolkata through Panagarh and Durgapur Express road. Mr Ghosh said, "We have also decide to extend the bus route to Digha, the bus which would depart in the morning would go to Digha via Kolkata. n SNS