fears of scientists at the Indira Gandhi Agriculture University, Raipur, about the possible transfer of germplasm of Jatropha Carcus (see 'Slip on biodiesel' Down to Earth, July 15, 2006) have turned out to be true. The National Bio-Diversity Authority (nbda), mandated by the state government to carry out investigations has confirmed this in its report.
The findings of the nbda came to light on August 3, 2006. The report will now be submitted to the state high court for necessary action. The case needs to be expedited because the main accused in the case, Sunil Puri, has already got an anticipatory bail from the high court. The Chhattisgarh government now wants to cancel this bail. The state government has also made its intention clear on taking tough measures against all those found guilty in the germplasm theft case.
Meanwhile, the state government is waiting for a report of a three-member committee headed by Pankaj Dwivedi, Chhattisgarh's agriculture production commissioner.
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