The Environment Ministry has cleared one-third of forest clearance proposals for various projects during the past three years. Out of 1,011 proposals received, 335 were granted the final approval, said Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday, during Question Hour in the lok Sabha.
In 2014 alone, there were 230 forest clearance proposals of which 32 received the green signal, he further informed. Similarly, in 2013, 152 of 395 proposals got the final nod while in 2012, there were 386 such proposals and 151 got approved, he elaborated.
Javadekar gave the State and Union Territory-wise number and status of proposals for grant of forest clearance to construct roads in forest and border areas as well as bridges and culverts over rivers. He emphasised that all efforts would be taken to build roads in border areas and ensure security of the borders.
In reply to another question in the lok Sabha on Tuesday, he informed that the Government has approved the National Agro Forestry Policy, 2014. This will help in the management of natural resource and improvement of forest cover. Elaborating on the policy, Javadekar said its salient features include encouraging and expanding tree plantation in complementary and integrated manner with crops and livestock to improve productivity, employment, income and livelihoods particularly in the rural households.