(a) whether Sandalwood Smuggling is rampant in the country and there was a seizure of a sizeable quantity of sandalwood in Delhi;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the steps taken by the Government to check such activities;
(d) whether the Government proposes to launch any scheme to popularize plantation of Sandalwood trees in the country; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) & (b) No, Sir. No large scale smuggling of Sandalwood has been reported
from different parts of the country. No sizeable quantity of sandalwood seizure
has been reported in Delhi.
(c) Various steps have been initiated at State and Central Government level
including funding for strengthening the infrastructure for protection machinery
of various States and Union Territories, which has the primary responsibility for
protection of forests, under the Integrated Forest Protection Scheme of Ministry
of Environment and Forests apart from implementing the legal provisions under
Indian Forest Act, 1927, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Forest Conservation
Act, 1980 etc.
(d) & (e) There is no specific scheme to popularize plantation of sandalwood
trees in the country by Government of India.