(a) whether it is true that Andhra Pradesh is one of the top four States with 1705.67 lakh seedlings planted in 2019-20, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government is considering to give incentives to top five States which have planted more seedlings; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) Yes Sir. According to information received from State of Andhra Pradesh, 1761.87 lakh seedlings were planted during 2019-20 out of which, 612.05 lakh seedlings were planted by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department and 1149.82 lakh seedlings by other line Departments.
(b) &(c) Annual afforestation targets are fixed by the Ministry keeping in view of the goals to achieve one third geographical area of the country under Forest and Tree cover of National Forest Policy 1988. These targets are achieved by the States with coordinated efforts of various departments in the State. The Ministry encourages people’s participation for achieving the afforestation targets. However, there is no such proposal at present to give incentives to top five States which have planted more seedlings.
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