Question : FOREST COVER

(a) the ratio of forest cover in percentage term in the country (percentage of total land), State-wise including Kerala;

(b) whether the Government has implemented the National Afforestation Programme (NAP), a centrally sponsored scheme in the country;

(c) if so, the salient features thereof along with the targets set and achieved under the programme so far, State-wise;

(d) the funds allocated to various States under NAP for the last three years and the current year, State-wise; and

(e) the proposals received from State Governments for financial assistance under NAP for the current financial year and the action taken by the Government thereon, State-wise?

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

(a) The details of the ratio of forest cover in percentage term in the country (percentage of total land) State-wise including Kerala as per India State of Forest Report-2013 are given in Annexure-I .

(b)& (c) Yes, Sir. The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Afforestation Programme (NAP) for regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining areas in the country including Kerala State. The scheme is being implemented through a decentralized mechanism of State Forest Development Agency (SFDA) at State level, Forest Development Agency (FDA) at Forest Division level and Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) at village level. The State-wise details of approved area are given in Annexure II.

(d) The fund released during last three years and current year under NAP Scheme are given in Annexure III.

(e) During Current Financial Year 2014-15, the proposals have been received for release of financial assistance under NAP Scheme from all States except Telangana and Goa. An amount of Rs.98.50 crore has been released as first installment to 13 States. The details are given in Annexure IV.