(a) whether the Government has taken a note that wildlife in some States
including Uttar Pradesh is being immensely affected due to deforestation;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
(a) whether the Government has taken a note that wildlife in some States
including Uttar Pradesh is being immensely affected due to deforestation;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)
(a)&(b) In view of the various forms of biotic pressures on forests, adverse impact on wildlife
cannot be ruled out. However, the Ministry has not received reports of large scale deforestation
in States including that in Uttar Pradesh.
(c) The steps taken by the Government to protect the wildlife from the adverse affect of
deforestation includes:
i. Enactment of legislations like Wildlife (protection) Act, 1972, Forest (Conservation)
Act, 1980, Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 etc.
ii. The diversion of forest land for non-forestry activities, including resulting
deforestation thereof, is regulated under the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act
1980, and rules made thereunder. The provisions require prior approval of the Central
Government before such diversion.
iii. Any such diversion of forest land from Protected Areas like National Parks and
Sanctuaries also require approval by the Hon’ble Supreme Court and consideration by the
Standing Committee of the National Board for and is subject to such conditions as recommended
by the Standing Committee, to mitigate the adverse impacts on the conservation and protection
of wildlife.
iv. As informed by the State Government of Uttar Pradesh, directions are issued from time
to time to field officials to maintain vigil to prevent any damage to forest and wildlife and
are reviewed at regular intervals at different levels.