Monday, November 22, 2010

Green India Programme

Under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) announced by the Government of India, a "National Mission for a Green India" has been mooted as one of the eight missions. The mission document is under formulation.

As on 30.09.2010, about 12.86 lakh hectare of land including 7.22 lakh hectare of degraded forest land and 5.64 lakh hectare of non-forest land has been identified for raising Compensatory Afforestation in lieu of diversion of 11.10 lakh hectare of forest land for non-forest purposes. So far, Compensatory Afforestation has been achieved over 4.22 lakh hectare area only.

During the period from January 2005 to December 2008, about 2.42 lakh hectare of forest land was identified for Compensatory Afforestation in lieu of diversion of 1.12 lakh hectare of forest land for non forest purpose. Only 1,177 hectare Compensatory Afforestation has been undertaken during this period and no Compensatory Afforestation could be carried out from April, 2007 to March, 2009 due to non-release of money earmarked for the purpose. To resume the Compensatory Afforestation in the States and Union Territories, comprehensive guidelines have been framed and communicated and funds for undertaking Compensatory Afforestation is being released with effect from 10th July,2009.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Dr. Gyan Prakash Pilania in Rajya Sabha today.

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