(a) whether the task force formed for better forest health has given its report for sustainable forest management;
(b) if so, the salient features thereof;
(c) whether any framework for monitoring local and national progress towards sustainable forest management has been finalised;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the agency through which this criteria would be implemented?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI BABU LAL MARANDI)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The task force recommended a two-pronged strategy for adoption and
operationalising Criteria & Indicators (C&I) for Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) in India. The first at the national level is drafting of a National Strategy which would include among others,
(i) policy mandate for C & I use;
(ii) the National Forest Action Plan should use the C & I framework for monitoring and implementation of NFAP;
(iii) creation of an SFM Cell in the Ministry of Environment and Forests;
(iv) identification of nodal agencies for planning and co-ordinating SFM related activities, and
(v) generation of awareness through regional seminar/workshops.
The second strategy include action at the State and local levels and this would include
(i) creation of SFM cells in every State,
(ii) development of C&I implementation plans at the Forest Management Unit level,
(iii) strengthening and motivation of local/Joint Forest Management institutions,
(iv) pilot studies in each State, and
(v) development of a Model forest in each State.
(c) & (d) No such fremework has been finalised.
(e) It is contemplated to assess these criteria and indicators through various Government & other institutes and the State Forest Departments.