(a) whether Rajasthan Government has submitted a proposal during the recent past for regularisation of encroachments of Forest land by Tribals;
(b) if so, whether the approval has been accorded; and
(c) if not, the time by which the approval is likely to be given?
MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS(SHRI T.R. BAALU)
(a)&(b) Yes Sir. Proposals for regularisation of encroachment on forest land which had taken place prior to 1.7.1980 was submitted by the State Government of Rajasthan during January to March, 1996. On scrutiny it was found that the proposals were incomplete in many respects and, therefore, the State Government was requested to submit consolidated proposal with complete information in March, 1996. The State Government furnished information in June, 1998 where proposal for regularisation of 4771 number of persons (including tribals) involving 3171.248 hectare of forest lands in 10 districts was submitted. The proposal was discussed in Forest Advisory Committee meeting on 18.11.1998. As per the observation of the Committee, the State Government was asked on 2.12.1998 to furnish certificate of the Chief Secretary of the State Government that there is no other proposal in the State for regularisation of encroachment on forest land and also requested to send reconciled number of encroachers and forest areas as pointed out by the Regional Office, Lucknow in its site inspection report. The State Government was also reminded on 30.7.1999 to send complete information. The complete report is not furnished by the State Government so far.
(c) Only after receipt of the complete information from the State Government, final decision on the proposal is possible.