Question : DEGRADATION OF FORESTS IN NORTH EAST STATES

(a) whether on June 5, 2001, the World Environment Day, the Government have taken any stock of the degradation of forests in Assam and other States in the North-East;

(b) if so, the extent of forests destroyed or denuded in the region during 1999-2000 and 2000-2001; and

(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken for reforestation and augmentation of these forests indicating the details of the schemes?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS ( SHRI T.R.BAALU)

(a) & (b) No such review was taken on June 5, 2001. However, Forest Survey of India is assessing forest cover of the country biennially since 1987. As per the latest assessment of forest cover change in forest cover in various North-Eastern States during the period 1996 to 1998 is as under:

States	Change in forest cover (in sq.km)
Arunachal Pradesh	+245
Assam	-136
Manipur	-34
Meghalaya	-24
Mizoram	-437
Nagaland	-57
Tripura	+199
Total	-278

(c) Various steps taken to improve forest cover in the country are:

(i) Afforestation programmes are undertaken by State/UT Governments from their own resources as well as with financial assistance from Government of India.

(ii) Externally aided projects are being implemented for development and preservation of forests.

(iii) Guidelines issued to all State/UT Governments to involve village communities in protection and regeneration of degraded forests.

(iv) Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 has been enacted to regulate the diversion of forest lands.

(v) A net work of protected areas has been established.

(vi) Ministry has prepared a National Forestry Action Plan to enhance the contribution of forestry and tree resources for ecological stability and people centered development through improvement in investment for conservation and development of forest resources.

(vii) Following Centrally Sponsored Schemes for reforestation are being implemented in the country including North-Eastern States by the Ministry:

(a)	Integrated Afforestation and Eco-Development Project Scheme	(b)	Area Oriented Fuel wood and Fodder Project Scheme.	(c)	Non-timber Forest Produce Scheme.	(d)	Association of Scheduled Tribes/Rural Poor in regeneration of degradation of	forests Scheme.

Question : DEGRADATION OF FORESTS IN NORTH EAST STATES

Answer given by the minister

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