Lok Sabha Question No. 167 (STARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: Conservation of Forests
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Ashok Mahadeorao Nete

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.  167*

TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.02.2021

## Conservation of Forests

## *167.   SHRI ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE :

Will  the  Minister  of  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND  CLIMATE  CHANGE  be  pleased  to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  taken  or  proposes  to  take  steps  for  the  conservation  of forests and development of forest-based industries in the country;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  details  of  schemes  launched/proposed  to  be launched for the benefit of workforce employed in such industries; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

- (a) to (c)   A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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## Statement refer to in reply to part (a) to (c) of LokSabha Starred Question No. 167 due for reply on 12.02.2021 regarding Conservation of Forests by Shri Ashok Mahadeorao Nete

- (a) & (b) The State Government and UT administration take care of conservation and maintenance of forests. The Central Government supplements their effort by providing necessary technical support and financial assistance to the States/UT under various schemes including National Afforestation  Programme,  Compensatory  Afforestation  Fund  Management  and  Planning Authority  (CAMPA), Green India  Mission, Integrated Development of  Wildlife Habitats and Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme implemented by the Ministry which also  contribute  to  conservation  of  forests.  With  regard  to  development  of  forest-based industries in the country, the Ministry has taken following steps:-
- (i) The  Ministry  has  issued  Wood  Based  Industries  (Establishment  and  Regulation) Guidelines,  2016  and  amendment  dated  11 th September,  2017  to  decentralize  the regulatory processes concerning the wood based industries for the development of the sector in the country.
- (ii) Ministry has issued suggestive guidelines for felling and transit regulation for tree species grown  on  non-forest private land with an aim to create conducive environment,  which  encourages  the  individuals  to  adopt  farm/agro/homestead forestry.
- (iii) Institutes  under  Ministry  of  Environment,  Forest  and  Climate  Change  like  Indian Institute  of  Wood Science and Technology (IWST), Indian Plywood Research and Training Institute (IPIRTI) carry out training and research activities to facilitate the plywood  and  allied  industries  for  efficient  utilization  of  resources,  increase  the productivity  and  reduce  the  overall  cost  of  production.  Training  imparted  by institutes enhances the professional competency and employability of trainees.
- (iv) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare had formulated the National Agroforestry Policy 2014 with the objectives to meet the raw material requirements of  wood  based  industries  and  reduce  import  of  wood  and  wood  products  to  save foreign exchange.
- (v) The Government of India revamped National Bamboo Mission in 2018 to increase the  area  under  bamboo  plantation  in  non-forest  Government  and  private  lands  to supplement farm income and contribute towards resilience to climate change as well as availability of quality raw material requirement of industries.
- (vi) Persons employed in Wood Based Industries are entitled for benefits and safeguards under  various  labour  laws.  These  includes  various  welfare  measures  like  labour works committee, canteen, labour club, dispensary, doctor, ambulance, etc. for the workforce employed in Wood Based Industries.
- (c)   Does not arise.

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