Question : New Forest Policy

(a) whether the Government is considering to formulate a new forest policy for the management of forests that among other things proposes a green cess to promote ecologically responsible behaviour;
(b) if so, the salient features of the said policy and the status thereof;
(c) whether the Government is also considering to promote sustainable use of wood and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Government has set an ambitious target of bringing one third of its geographical area under forest and tree cover within a decade and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

(a)& (b) Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) was asked to prepare a draft National Forest Policy. IIFM has submitted the draft policy document. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has not set up any time frame for formulation of new Forest Policy and as of now the draft version of New Forest Policy is not ready.

(c) The country has old tradition of scientific management of forests which is primarily based on principle of sustainable management. The forests in the country are being managed on scientific basis as they are managed according to Working Plan prescriptions.

(d) As per the existing National Forest Policy, 1988, the national goal is to have a minimum of one-third of the total land area of the country under forest or tree cover. However, no time limit has been prescribed to achieve this target.

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