Maharashtra forest department backtracks on forest fire guidelines

To relax rules to lure tendu contractors

Tendu finds no takers; no contractor turns up for auction in Maharashtra  

It seems contractors are waiting until mid-April, when leaves plucking will start and collectors will be forced to sell leaves at throwaway prices

Disagreement between Odisha Kendu pluckers union and forest activists

Kendu pluckers union is batting for state collection of Kendu while the activists oppose it