(a) whether any institutionalized mechanism exists to conduct tree census and if so, the details thereof along with the methodology adopted in this regard;
(b) whether any survey/inventory of trees has been conducted during the recent past;
(c) if so, the details and findings thereof, State/ UT-wise including the NCT of Delhi; and
(d) the extent to which census of trees is likely to improve tree conservation efforts and protection and management of urban greenery in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE. ( SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a) to (d) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Statement referred to in reply to part (a) to (d) of Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 289 by Shri Bharat Singh due for reply on 17.03.2015.
(a) No institutionalized mechanism exists to conduct any tree census in the country. However, Forest Survey of India, Dehradun conducts inventory of forest and trees outside forest.
(b) & (c) Forest Survey of India (FSI), Dehradun conducts inventory of trees in forest and trees outside forest under its National Forest Inventory Programme. The inventory is conducted by selecting 60 districts randomly on a cycle of two years. On the basis of data collected from these 60 districts and data of preceding two cycles growing stock estimates are generated at National and State levels and the results are published in “India State of Forest Report (ISFR)” on biennial basis. As per the latest India State of Forest Report 2013, the estimated number of stems at National level in forest is 13 billion and outside forest is 5 billion. The details are given in Annexure I & II. The volume of wood inside the forest is estimated to be 4.2 billion cubic meters and outside forests is 1.5 billion cubic meters including Delhi. The details are given in Annexure III.
(d) The information on growing stock is of significant importance due to its role in estimation of biomass and carbon stock in the country’s forests. In addition, the precise and time series information on growing stock has become essential for implementation of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) strategy in the country. Regular monitoring of this resource provides a critical input in formulating management and conservation action plans.