(a) whether any survey has been conducted regarding the percentage of social forestry which is used in rural India as a means of fuel;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether there has been a sharp decline over the years in India`s forest wealth;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether it has caused serious environmental problems; and
(f) if so, the steps taken/ proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI T.R. BAALU)
(a) & (b) According to National Forestry Action Programme, 17 million tonnes of fuel-wood is available from forests of India every year on sustainable basis and almost an equal quantity of fuel wood comes from non-forest areas.
(c) & (d) The assessment of forest cover in the country has been done biennially since 1987 and so far seven assessments have been made. During this period, the forest/tree cover has decreased marginally from 19.46 % to 19.39% of the total geographical area of the country. According to State of Forest Report, 1999 there is a net increase in the forest cover by 3896 sq. km than the preceding assessment, i.e 1997. Figures of forest cover prior to 1987 are not available.
(e) No, Sir.
(f ) Does not arise.