(a) whether the Government has taken note of rise in the unauthorised felling of trees
along the roads and highways and in the forests and sanctuaries in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government including formulation of any strategy
to check the said incidents?
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS ( Dr. M. VEERAPPA MOILY)
(a)& (b) No reports regarding large scale unauthorised felling of trees have come to notice.
However, sporadic incidences of unauthorized felling of trees do take place and action is taken
by the respective State/UT.
(c) Government of India provides Grants-in-aid to State/UT Governments under the Centrally
Sponsored Scheme Intensification of Forest Management. The aim of the scheme is to supplement
the efforts of the States for forest protection. Funds under the scheme are utilized for
patrolling of the forests, establishment of field camps, building fire watch towers, creation
and maintenance of fire lines, forest fire control, survey and demarcation of forest areas and
strengthening of forest infrastructure etc. States/UTs also implement forest protection measures
with their own funds. Protection of forest is also undertaken by local communities under Joint
Forest Management (JFM). Further, action as per law is taken against forest offenders.