nature

Assam to restore 271 wetlands for floodwater diversion: concept note due by December

Assam to restore 271 wetlands for floodwater diversion: concept note due by December

The Central Government has instructed the Assam Government to draft a concept note for the restoration of 271 wetlands aimed at facilitating floodwater diversion, with a deadline set for December this year. The North East Space Application Centre (NESAC) has already identified these 271 wetlands, which are potential candidates for rejuvenation to manage floodwaters. The Water Resources Department has pinpointed nine specific wetlands across seven districts that could be revived for this purpose, and a budget of Rs. 380 crore has already been allocated for the project. However, the Centre believes that a feasibility study must be conducted for all…
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New ‘Endangered’ orchid species spotted in Arunachal

New ‘Endangered’ orchid species spotted in Arunachal

A team of researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), led by Krishna Chowlu, has recently identified a new species of orchid in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh. The leafless orchid, named Gastrodia lohitensis after the district where it was discovered, is a significant addition to India’s rich biodiversity. Uncommon among orchids, this species survives without sunlight by relying on fungi in the leaf litter for nutrition. It is found exclusively in bamboo canopies near Tezu, the district headquarters, and stands out from other orchids in Southeast Asia due to its unique ridged lower lip and linear calli.…
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