State Planning Commission prepares draft approach paper

Aiming at a higher level of sustainable economic growth, four per cent growth rate in agriculture and promoting rapid growth in the manufacturing sector are among the broad objectives of the State government during the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-2017), which will begin in April next, according the draft approach paper prepared by the State Planning Commission (SPC).

A unique grassland habitat for rare bird species is all set to come up in Shonkalia region of Ajmer district in Rajasthan, extending support to two endangered birds of the desert State and also providing structured grazing facility to the cattle within the same zone for roughly six months a year.

The Rajasthan Cabinet on Monday put its seal of approval on a controversial decision to give khatedari rights to over 30,000 farmers occupying the custodian land in Alwar, Bharatpur, Hanumangarh and Sriganganagar districts, vacated mostly be those driven out of the State during the Partition, by paying a nominal regularisation fee.

The steel city will soon grow a green lung out of industrial waste with the forest department taking the first step on Statehood Day.
The department, which is planning an eco-restoration and reclamation drive, kicked off a plantation programme at Jugsalai muckdump on Tuesday.
The aim is to study and conduct research on the growth of particular species of plants on the waste.

The Uttarakhand High Court's decision striking down the law restricting purchase of agriculture land by outsiders to 250 square metres is likely to have far-reaching implications. According to observers here, the decision will force the Uttarakhand Government to rectify longstanding lacunae in the existing land law.

KOCHI: A cool seaside breeze, changing shades of sunset and hot pegs. This joyous recipe seems to have made the Fort Kochi beach, one of the most sought-after beaches in the state, a haven for drunkards.