(a) whether the demand of timber is more in comparison to production of timber in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to meet the demand and production of timber ?
(a) whether the demand of timber is more in comparison to production of timber in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to meet the demand and production of timber ?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI BABU LAL MARANDI)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The demand and production of timber in the country is 64 and 43 million cubic meters respectively as per a study made by Forest Survey of India in 1996.
(c) Following are the major steps taken in this regard.
(i) Afforestation programmes are undertaken by State/UT Governments from their all resources as well as with financial assistance from the Government of India.
(ii) Externally aided projects are being implemented for development and preservation of forests.
(iii) Guidelines to all States/UT Governments to involve village communities in protection and re-generation of degraded forests have been issued.
(iv) Import of timber has been permitted under Open General License.
(v) Recently, the Ministry has prepared a National Forestry Action Plan to enhance the contribution of forestry and tree resources for ecological stability and people centered development through improvement in investment for conservation and development of forest resources.