Question : WIRELESS SETS TO FOREST GUARDS

(a) whether the Government propose to provide wireless sets to all the forest guards;

(b) if so, the number of sets provided so far, State-wise; and

(c) the further steps proposed by the Government for checking of illegal felling of trees ?

MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS(SHRI T.R.BAALU)

(a)&(b): Strengthening the communication network through wireless sets in protected areas is one of the approved components of the Centrally Sponsored Schemes viz. Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries, Project Tiger, Eco-Development Project, Project Elephant etc. Some State Governments have also acquired wireless sets from the State funds. The details are given in Annexure.

(c): Steps taken for curbing illegal felling of trees :

i) Legal provisions are available under Indian Forest Act, 1927 to control illegal felling and transportation of timber and other products. Amendments have been carried out in the said Act by a number of States for effective control of saw mills and other wood based industries including power of confiscation of vehicles used in transport of illegal timber.
ii) State forest departments organise regular patrolling in sensitive areas, maintain check post on highways and conduct regular raids. Special Protection Forces have been set up to control illegal felling of trees.
iii) Involvement of local people through Joint Forest Management Programs is done to protect the forest and check illegal felling.
iv) Eco-Development Committees involving local people have been formed in -and-around the protected areas for controlling illegal felling and poaching etc.
v) Reorganisation of protection staff into viable filed formations for effective patrolling
vi) Providing sophisticated weapons to the field staff, better coordination with other enforcement agencies for intelligence gathering and crime prevention.