Question : PLANTATION UNDER NATIONAL AFFORESTATION PROGRAMME

(a) whether the Government is aware that dangerous development is taking place under the National Afforestation Programme in which the implementing agencies are planting useless species like Acacia and Ucaliptus;

(b) if so, whether the Government proposes to issue any strict directives to stop such activities and promote planting of useful species like Peepal, Amla, Neem, Mango, Seesham and Tarmarined etc.;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the proposed National Forest Policy covers these aspects alongwith providing alternatives to wood for commercial purposes; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI A. RAJA)

(a), (b) and (c) Under the National Afforestation Programme (NAP), species for planting are chosen after detailed discussions with the local community and as per the choice and demand of the members of the Village Forest Committee. As regards planting of Eucalyptus and Acacia, the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun has also reported that these species are suitable for planting on eroded and exposed soils. Keeping in view the needs of the local community and the specific ecological factors, it is considered appropriate to encourage plantation of locally occurring trees species without specifically prohibiting plantation of Eucalyptus and Acacia trees.

(d) and (e) As regards use of alternative raw material, the National Forest Policy, 1988 encourages maximising the substitution of wood.