(a) the extent of forest area of the total geographical area in the State of Chhattisgarh;
(b) the allocation made to Chhattisgarh for the protection and development of forests during 2000-01;
(c) whether the Union Government are considering to allocate an additional funds for the purpose as per the decision given by the Supreme Court;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and .
(e) the time by which the working plan of Rajanandgaon district is likely to be sanctioned?
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS ( SHRI T.R. BAALU)
(a) As per the State of Forest Report, 1999 published by Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, 56693 sq.km being 41.93% of the total geographical area of the State of Chhattisgarh is under forest cover.
(b) In the Annual Plan of 2000-2001 of the erstwhile State of Madhya Pradesh, Rs. 5057 lakhs have been approved for the protection and development of forests.
(c) & (d) No specific Order has been given by Hon`ble Supreme Court to allocate additional funds to State of Chattishgarh. However, all possible efforts are made to provide maximum possible funds to the States including State of Chattishgarh for protection and development of forest
(e) The working plan of Rajanandgaon District has already been approved by the Ministry.