Question : Plantation of Native Species of Trees

(a) whether any region-wise identification of the species of native trees and shrubs has been undertaken by the Government to promote such species in the specific area;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken note of the advantages of plantation of native species of trees and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the details of the initiatives taken by the Government to popularise the native species of trees and promote their plantation in the country including in the Taj Trapezium Zone?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

(a) and (b) Yes Sir. The region-wise identification of native trees has been done by various agencies including Botanical Survey of India (BSI), an organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). BSI develops seedlings of native species and also distribute to various forest departments and to nearby village communities. Many research publication are also available for identification of tree species such as Trees of Gujarat (GEER), Trees of Allahabad (NBRI), Trees of Sikkim (BSI), Trees of Delhi, Trees of Simlipal (Odisha forest department). Moreover, there is also provision under various working plans of the state forest departments for developing and propagating the native species of trees in the natural region.

(c) Yes Sir, the Ministry has issued advisories to State /UT Governments to plant local and indigenous species during their plantations activities. Further, under National Afforestation Programme (NAP) implemented by the ministry for afforestation of degraded forest lands, the tree species to be planted is selected by members of local community, on the basis of their needs, ecological conditions and other local factors in consultation with the State Forest Department. The National Mission for a Green India (GIM) also permits plantation of mixed indigenous species by the implementing states. Compensatory Afforestation Fund Rules, 2018 also provides for plantation of indigenous species in afforestation activities.

(d) As per the information received from Forest Department of Uttar Pradesh, the State has issued advisory to take up plantations of native tree species based on soil and agro-climatic zones. An indicative list of native tree species suitable for plantation in various regions including area covered in Taj Trapizium Zone (TTZ) has been also circulated among various departments. It is also informed that in the departmental plantations species like Neem, Sheesham, Khair, Shahjan, Semal, Jamun, Peepal, Ashok, Arjun, Amaltas, Gudhal, Sagaun etc are being planted in TTZ, Agra.


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