Question : CONSERVATION OF FORESTS

(a) whether afforestation and conservation of forest and other works are likely to be carried out with the funds released on the basis of net present value during the ensuing monsoon season;

(b) if so, the total value of projects sanctioned for Madhya Pradesh alongwith the total amount of funds sought by Madhya Pradesh;

(c) the amount of funds sanctioned under alternative plantation programme alongwith the amount of funds out of the said funds likely to be released for plantation during the rainy season 2010; and

(d) the time by which the funds are likely to be released?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a), (b), (c) & (d) Yes Sir.The plantations would be raised during the ensuing monsoon season. Funds have been released to the State Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authorities (State CAMPAs) wherever these have been set up including in the State of Madhya Pradesh. An amount of about Rs. 53.04 crores have been released to State CAMPA of Madhya Pradesh for taking up compensatory afforestation and other works as per the approved Annual Plan of Operation (APO) approved by the Steering Committee constituted under State CAMPA, Madhya Pradesh. The APO submitted by the State CAMPA of Madhya Pradesh for the year 2010-11 is for Rs. 172.30 crores. The amount released, so far, can be utilized both for compensatory afforestation and other works included in the APO.