(a) whether the Forest Survey of India (FSI) has submitted several reports on the factual verification
and the state of forests in the country; and
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government on these reports, especially about the factual verification on deforestation in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) Yes Sir, Forest Survey of India (FSI) is mandated to carry out the assessment of the forest cover of
the country on a biennial basis and present its findings in a publication titled ‘State of Forest Report’
(SFR). So far Forest Survey of India has brought out nine such Reports beginning from State of Forest
Report, 1987 (SFR-1987) and the latest one being State of Forest Report, 2003 (SFR-2003).
(b) State of Forest Reports are sent to the States and Union Territories to facilitate them in identifying areas
of deforestation and taking appropriate action. In addition, the Government of India has taken the following steps :
(i) Central assistance is provided to the State Governments for protection of forests against fires, illicit felling
and encroachment and also for afforestation and regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining forest lands.
(ii) Strict enforcement of Indian Forest Act, 1927, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the rules and guidelines made thereunder.
(iii) Management measures like working of forests according to approved Working Plans, rationalizing of felling and
transit regulations for tree species grown on non-forest private lands to promote large-scale afforestation in non-forest
areas.
(iv) People’s participation in forestry activities through Joint Forest Management (JFM) and Forest Development Agencies.