Question : CUTTING OF TREES

(a) whether incidents of cutting trees and illegal felling of trees is increasing in the country and the forest mafia is active in this regard;

(b) if so, the provisions with regard to cutting of trees;

(c) the number of violations with regard to the said provisions during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(d) the action taken by the Government against the violators during the said period, State- wise; and

(e) the steps being taken to strengthen/implement the provisions/laws more effectively in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) to (d) No report regarding increase in incidents of cutting of trees and illegal felling of trees has been received in the Ministry. The management and protection of forests is primarily the responsibility of the concerned State/Union Territory Government. Appropriate action is taken by the respective State/ Union Territory Government against any forest offence/ illegal activity in the forests as per the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and relevant Acts/Rules of the State/Union territory Governments. The information about cutting and illegal felling of trees and action taken thereon by the concerned State Government is not compiled in the Ministry.

(e) Government of India provides Grants-in-aid to State/UT Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme Intensification of Forest Management. The aim of the scheme is to supplement the efforts of the States for forest protection. Funds under the scheme are utilized for patrolling of the forests, establishment of field camps, building watch towers, creation and main- tenance of fire lines, forest fire control, survey and demarcation of forest areas and strengthening of forest infrastructure etc. States/UTs also take forest protection measures under various state sector schemes. Support of local communities is also taken for protection and management of forests under Joint Forest Management (JFM).