Question : CHECK ON FELLING OF TREES

(a) whether the Government has conducted any study to assess the number of trees cut every year for the cremation of dead bodies in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the number of trees cut during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(c) whether the Government has conducted any study in this regard;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government intends to develop a technology to make cremation more environment friendly; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)

(a) to (d) No such study has been conducted by the Ministry to assess the number of trees cut every year for the cremation of dead bodies in the country.

(e) & (f) Local bodies in the urban areas of the country are promoting use of electric and gas based crematoria to reduce wood consumption. In addition, fuel efficient wood crematoria with improved design are being used in the country. The Ministry under the National River Conservation Plan provides financial assistance to various State Governments for setting up of improved wood crematoria in towns situated along the rivers.