(a) whether there is a standardized definition of forests in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is working to finalize such a definition which has been
mandated by the Hon’ble Supreme Court; and
(d) If so, the time by which ``Forests`` will be defined in a way which would be
legally-ecologically-socially acceptable in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) No, Sir.
(b) In view of reply to part (a), question does not arise.
(c)& (d) Ministry of Environment and Forests had entered into a Consultancy Contract with
Ashok Trust for Research in Ecology & Environment (ATREE), New Delhi for providing Technical
services for Defining Forests in an Indian Context. ATREE has submitted its Report and a
definition of forests has been proposed that is under consultation and process for
finalisation.