Question : BAN ON FELLING OF TREES

(a) whether the some States of hilly areas of the country completely banned the felling of trees in their respective States;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(c) whether the Government has formulated any effective scheme to enhance their sources of income and also to promote such type of works so that the likely income from the felling of trees could be compensated to the States;

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) to (b) There is no ban on tree felling in the States of Meghalya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim, etc. However, the felling of trees in various States is regulated in accordance to provisions of Working Plans of Forests Divisions in States as approved by the Central Government.

(b) to (e) Question does not arise in view of reply to part (a) and (b) above.