(a) whether the Uttar Pradesh Government has sent any proposals/projects regarding promotion of bamboo and its growth etc. in Bundelkhand areas costing Rs. 37 crores to the Union Government for clearance;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) by when the Union Government proposes to clear these schemes and release funds for the same?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) A proposal for development and conservation of bamboo in forest areas of Terai, Semi arid, Vindhyan and Bundelkhand region has been received from the State Government of Uttar Pradesh. The proposed financial outlay is for Rs. 36.93 crores for a period of five years for undertaking cultural operations on 16,000 hectares and plantations on 5000 hectares of forest area.
(c) The State Government has been informed that there is no scheme in the Ministry of Environment and Forests under which the proposed project could be funded as such. They have further been advised to include the components of their project in the respective Divisional Forest Development Agency (FDA) projects for central funding under the National Afforestation Programmes of the Ministry.