(a) whether forest mafia in connivance with forest officers are engaged in denudation of forests:
(b) if so, the details of the cases registered with the police against forest mafias during the last three years, state-wise:
(c) whether the farmers are authorised to fell the trees for their own use in case they have lost their utility: and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI T.R. BAALU)
(a) There is no report with the Government of India that forest mafia in connivance with forest officers are engaged in denudation of forests.
(b) Question does not arise in view of (a) above.
(c) The felling of trees on private land is governed by the relevant Acts & Rules for the time being enforced in various States and Union Territories. The farmers are allowed to fell the trees subject to the statutory provisions.
(d) Question does not arise in view of (c) above.