Large scale encroachment and mining activities have not been reported in forest area in recent past in Chhattisgarh, the Central Government has informed.
The cutting of forest has not been reported by the members of Forest Protection Committee, it informed.
Notably, as per the information received from the Chhattisgarh Forest Department, total notified forest area in the Chhattisgarh is 59772.40 sq. km. The measures taken to develop, upgrade and conserve forest area include assisted natural regeneration and plantation in the degraded forest areas.
The State Government in November last year had facilitated online facility to seek permission for tree cutting for projects purposes from the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, officials informed.
The funds released by the Centre for the afforestation programme amounts to Rs 17.39 crores during 2017-18 financial year, officials informed.
The Central Government had also approved 20,716 hectares of land for afforestation drive in Chhattisgarh during the financial year 2016-17 under ‘Green India Mission’.
During 2016-17, the Centre had approved the same quantum of land ( 20,716 hectares) for afforestation with fund allocation of Rs 23.39 crores.
The students, officials and employees of various universities and colleges were asked to plant one lakh saplings in 2017-18 as a part of the 'Hariyar Chhattisgarh Mission', officials informed.
A circular in this regard was issued to all the Vice-Chancellors of universities and Principals of various colleges.
A minimum of 500 saplings were to be planted in each educational institution under the 'Hariyar Chhattisgarh Mission'.