(a) whether the Government has taken or proposes to take steps for the conservation of forests and development of forest-based industries in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the details of schemes launched/proposed to be launched for the benefit of workforce employed in such industries; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a) to (c) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
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Statement refer to in reply to part (a) to (c) of LokSabha Starred Question No. 167 due for reply on 12.02.2021 regarding Conservation of Forests by Shri Ashok Mahadeorao Nete
(a) & (b) The State Government and UT administration take care of conservation and maintenance of forests. The Central Government supplements their effort by providing necessary technical support and financial assistance to the States/UT under various schemes including National Afforestation Programme, Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), Green India Mission, Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats and Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme implemented by the Ministry which also contribute to conservation of forests. With regard to development of forest-based industries in the country, the Ministry has taken following steps:-
(i) The Ministry has issued Wood Based Industries (Establishment and Regulation) Guidelines, 2016 and amendment dated 11th September, 2017 to decentralize the regulatory processes concerning the wood based industries for the development of the sector in the country.
(ii) Ministry has issued suggestive guidelines for felling and transit regulation for tree species grown on non-forest private land with an aim to create conducive environment, which encourages the individuals to adopt farm/agro/homestead forestry.
(iii) Institutes under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change like Indian Institute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST), Indian Plywood Research and Training Institute (IPIRTI) carry out training and research activities to facilitate the plywood and allied industries for efficient utilization of resources, increase the productivity and reduce the overall cost of production. Training imparted by institutes enhances the professional competency and employability of trainees.
(iv) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare had formulated the National Agroforestry Policy 2014 with the objectives to meet the raw material requirements of wood based industries and reduce import of wood and wood products to save foreign exchange.
(v) The Government of India revamped National Bamboo Mission in 2018 to increase the area under bamboo plantation in non-forest Government and private lands to supplement farm income and contribute towards resilience to climate change as well as availability of quality raw material requirement of industries.
(vi) Persons employed in Wood Based Industries are entitled for benefits and safeguards under various labour laws. These includes various welfare measures like labour works committee, canteen, labour club, dispensary, doctor, ambulance, etc. for the workforce employed in Wood Based Industries.
(c) Does not arise.
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