DECLINE IN FUELWOOD USE- BHUTAN

Bhutan has reduced per capita fuel wood consumption by 10 per cent from 1.3 tonnes in 2013 metric tonnes (MT) to 1.17 tonnes. Ninety four per cent of people in rural areas still prefer fuel wood to electricity, kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

 July 21

http://www.kuenselonline.com/fuelwood-usage-marginally-down/#.U8zHVOOSzpw

ENDANGERED MONKEYS ON RISE IN TIBETAN RESERVE- CHINA

The endangered species Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) have been reported to increase in the Hongla Mountain National Nature Reserve, in Markam County of the Tibet region. The population has increased from fewer than 400 in 1980s to nearly 800 at present. For the better protection of those species, the local forest bureau has hired 10 full-time patrollers and 520 nearby villagers as part-time forest guards.  They guard against fires in wildlife habitat, illegal hunting and other potential threats and get 274.73 USD per month from the local government as salary.

23 July

http://eng.tibet.cn/2012sy/xw/201407/t20140723_2008902.html

FOREST FOR BETTER ENVIRONMENT IN TIBET- CHINA

Tree plantation was carried out in 867 ha by investing more than 9.26 million dollar in the last three years in Namling County, Tibet autonomous region China. The main goals of the project was preventing desertification, creating barriers to sandstorms as well as improving air quality and benefit villagers. More than 5,500 villagers were benefitted by the project.  Each person got an average of 484.51 USD for tree plantation.

21 July, 2014

http://eng.tibet.cn/2012sy/xw/201407/t20140721_2008478.html

NEW LAKES IN HIMACHAL PRADESH- INDIA

Himachal Pradesh has 249 glacial lakes, of which 11 have been identified as having high potential for outburst. Due to melting of glaciers in Chokhang area of Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh Northern India,  6 to 7 new smaller lakes have been formed within  the last couple of years in the area, posing threat to the people living downstream.

July 23

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/global-warming/Melting-glaciers-giving-rise-to-new-lakes-in-Himachal-Pradesh/articleshow/38889169.cms

CONTROLLING BETEL NUT SMUGGLING- NEPAL

In order to control the smuggling of betel nuts, the government has decided to charge NPR 45 per kg import duty on betel nuts against the earlier 30 per cent custom duty. The country imported 3,802 tonnes of betel nuts in 2011-12 which increased to 7,930 tonnes in 2012-13 worth 2.30 billion.

July 23

http://www.ekantipur.com/2014/07/23/business/duty-on-betel-nuts-hiked-to-curb-smuggling/392585.html

SALES GO DOWN BY 50 PER CENT- NEPAL

After the media released news about the Rapid Pesticides Residue Analysis Laboratory finding vegetables and fruits containing residues of harmful chemicals beyond consumable limits, the sales of the fresh vegetables and fruits have gone down by 50 per cent. Vegetable trading in Kalimati, Balkhu, Bagbazar and other places of Kathmandu valley, central Nepal have remained less active and also the traders had to throw vegetables and fruits due to the lack of buyers. Similarly, recent test on cowpeas shows 97.17 per cent had residues of pesticides. Plant Protection Directorate (PPD) has urged the police to seize the inedible cowpeas from the traders. In the meantime, farmers from eastern Nepal have been found more conscious about the adverse effects of chemicals and most of them have completely stopped using pesticides in their fields. This is due to the effort of a cooperative organization which refused to buy any product using pesticides.

July 23, 26, 27

http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Pesticide+scare+prompts+vegetable+sales+to+dip&NewsID=422074#sthash.JpUlRn2x.dpuf

http://www.ekantipur.com/2014/07/26/business/vegetable-traders-scuffle-with-police/392714.html

http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=79759