(a) whether any study has been conducted by the Government to assess the current and future annual need of fodder and firewood for villages located near
and inside the forests;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(c) whether these are included in Local Forest Management Schemes;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(f) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)
(a)&(b) No comprehensive study has been conducted in this regard. However, National Forestry Action Programme -
India (1999), published by the Ministry of Environment and Forests has indicated the estimated annual availability
of fuel wood and dry / green fodder from the forests of the country to be 26.290 million cubic meter and 732
million tonnes respectively.
(c) to (f) While preparing Forest Working Plans, the requirement of firewood and fodder need from forests are assessed and incorporated in the forest
management plans. The Management plans are supported through various plan and non-plan scheme of Central and State Governments.