Parliament Question: – Tree plantation – EQ

In Short : The government is actively promoting tree plantation through afforestation programs, urban greening initiatives, and community participation. Efforts focus on increasing green cover, combating pollution, and enhancing biodiversity. Financial support and monitoring mechanisms ensure tree survival. These initiatives align with environmental sustainability goals, contributing to climate resilience and ecological balance across urban and rural areas.

In Detail ; The Ministry is taking up plantations under various schemes such as the Nagar Van Yojana (NVY), National Mission for Green India (GIM) and the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitat and Tangible Benefits (MISHTI). Afforestation activities are also undertaken in a major way by utilizing Compensatory Afforestation Funds under the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) under the overarching theme of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, a voluntary initiative combining environmental responsibility with a heartfelt tribute to our own mothers as well as Mother Earth was launched on 5th June, 2024. The State-wise details of trees planted in the current financial year are given at Annexure-I.

The protection and management of forests and tree resources is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations and the details of illegal felling of trees and action taken in this regard are within their purview. In order to stop the illegal felling of trees, States/UTs are taking various measures such as regular patrolling in the forest areas by front-line forest staff to prevent occurrence of any illegal/prohibited activities, establishment of patrolling camps/anti-poaching camps, check posts at strategic and vulnerable locations, deployment of vigilance and flying squad parties, regular inspections in vulnerable areas, etc. Besides, State/UT Forest Departments are also implementing Joint Forest Management programmes, awareness campaigns, educational programmes etc., to secure the involvement of communities in forest protection activities. There are legal frameworks for the protection and management of forest and tree resources of the country which include, the Indian Forest Act 1927, Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam 1980, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the State Forest Acts, Tree Preservation Acts and Rules, etc. The State Governments/UT Administrations take appropriate actions to protect forests and trees under the provisions made in these Acts/ Rules as and when instances regarding the illegal felling of trees are detected.

The budget for plantation in the current financial year under the afforestation schemes is Rs. 684.54 Crores.

Annexure-1

State/UT- wise details of plantation activities under various schemes in the FY 2024-25

This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE, SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.