Policy Note on Forest and Environment 2002-2003

Demand No. 14

2.8.2. Expenditure:

The plan expenditure under forests during 2001-2002 is Rs. 14946.75 lakhs.  The expenditure under non-plan during 2001-2002 is Rs.5854.30 lakhs. Details of expenditure during 2000-2001, 2001-2002 under various schemes are given below:                                                                                                                                                                                                  (Rs. in lakhs)

2.9. Major schemes for 2002-2003 - On going schemes :

2.9.1. Extension of Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project :

During 1994-95, our Government conceived a unique programme called Tamilnadu Afforestation Project, which is being implemented for a period of five years from 1997-98.  The project activities have been contemplated upto 31.03.2002.  Due to successful implementation of the project till now, the Tamilnadu Afforestation Project is proposed to be continued for two more years for 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 at a cost of Rs.172.00 crores.  The Japan Bank for International Co-operation has given in principle clearance for extension of activities for the next two years.  The Government of India have also been addressed for obtaining formal approval of JBIC.  The major activities proposed are as follows:

Apart from the above, all other components like maintenance of older plantations, expanding human capacity to conserve bio-diversity, vehicles and equipments, administration, training abroad etc will be continued in 2002-2003.  The financial provision for 2002-2003 is Rs.82.99 Crores.

2.9.2. Wildlife Schemes:

Wildlife schemes in Tamil Nadu are implemented with the main objective to conserve and protect the flora and fauna of the protected areas. Development works like habitat improvement measures, research and development, conducting of census, education awareness programmes, protection measures, eco-tourism, conducting anti-poaching camps, fireline clearing, providing drinking water facilities to the local villagers, health camps, erection of publicity hoarding etc., are being undertaken in Sanctuaries, National Parks and Biosphere reserves.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park, is one of the biggest and most scientifically managed zoos in India.  Special emphasis will be given for ex-situ conservation of endangered species, habitat improvement and public amenities in the zoo.

During 2001-2002, totally a sum of Rs.908.59 lakhs has been incurred for implementation of wildlife schemes.  During, 2002-2003, it is proposed to incur a sum Rs.674.27 lakhs towards implementation of wild life schemes.

2.9.3. Hill Area Development Programme:

This scheme is being implemented for eco-restoration in Nilgiris.  The objective of the scheme is to enlarge the permanent green cover and to regulate biotic interference in the forest so as to preserve, protect and develop the ecological condition through afforestation and soil conservation and other developmental activities.  Activities like tree planting in degraded forest areas, erection of chainlink fence around shola forests, enriching degraded sholas through soil and water conservation measures, scraping and maintenance of fire lines to prevent forest fire are being executed under this scheme. During the year 2001-2002 this scheme has been implemented at a cost of Rs.350.56 lakhs and the above scheme is proposed to be implemented with a financial outlay of Rs.428.21 lakhs during 2002-03.

2.9.4. Western Ghats Development Programme:

The Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu comprise of 5,596 square kilometers of forests, out of the total forest area of 22,865 square kilometers. To arrest   the degradation   process   of   forest eco-system and to improve the existing status of forests with enriched fauna and flora of Western Ghats, gap planting, construction of water harvesting structures in micro watersheds, planting with minor forest produce species and habitat amelioration and manipulation for wildlife will be taken up.  All schemes under this programme will be implemented by involving people through Joint Forest Management and on integrated watershed basis.  The scheme has been implemented at a cost of Rs.359.73 lakhs during 2001-2002 and the above scheme is proposed to be implemented with financial outlay of Rs.346.46 lakhs during 2002-03.

2.9.5.  Coastal Shelterbelt plantations:

Creating a shelterbelt of trees and other vegetation along the coast of Tamil Nadu which would act as a first line of defence against the effect of frequent cyclonic storms and heavy winds, improving the livelihood of the rural poor in coastal areas and providing alternative employment opportunities to the poor people are the main objectives of this scheme.  The scheme is proposed to be implemented at a cost of Rs.214.15 lakhs in current year.

2.9.6.  Area Oriented Fuelwood Fodder Project:

This scheme is implemented in Tamil Nadu with the objective of augmenting production of fuelwood and fodder through regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining lands, encouraging people’s participation in planning, implementation and management of the projects.  During 2001-2002, this scheme has been implemented at a cost of Rs.131.21 lakhs and it is proposed to be implemented during 2002-2003 at a cost of Rs.146.20 lakhs.

2.9.7. Forest Fire Control and Management:

The main objective of this scheme to control forest fires in Tamilnadu.  The works like fireline clearing, assistance to Joint Forest Management committees, creating water bodies, purchase of communication equipments, purchase of fire fighting tools, etc., are being undertaken.  During 2001-2002, the above scheme has been implemented at a cost of Rs.77.95 lakhs.  During 2002-2003, it is proposed to implement the scheme at a cost of Rs.10.00 crores with assistance from Central Government.

2.9.8. Research:

The main focus and thrust of forest research in Tamil Nadu are in the fields of bio-diversity conservation, eco-system service ensurement and bio-productivity enhancement. During 2001-2002 the above scheme has been implemented at a cost of Rs.140.00 lakhs and will be continued in the current year at a cost of Rs.120.00 lakhs.

2.9.9. Integrated Tribal Development Programme:

Under this scheme, raising of plantations in tribal areas, construction of schools buildings, formation of road in tribal areas and departmental activities in sandal estates works are being carried out.

2.10. New Projects:

2.10.1. Tamil Nadu Natural Resources Management Project: (Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project Phase-II)

Forests in Tamil Nadu are mostly confined to the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats and Deccan plateau.  Due to excessive grazing, forest fires and head load removals, these forests have been subjected to heavy biotic pressure and consequently a sizeable extent had became degraded.  Poverty leading to destruction of forests and destruction of forests leading to poverty constitute a vicious circle.  There is an immediate need to treat about 2,50,000 hectares of degraded forests in 1000 villages, which have not been covered under the Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project so far.  With this in mind, Phase-II of the Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project titled “Tamil Nadu Natural Resources Management Project” with an outlay of Rs.779.00 crores for a period of five years to be implemented in 1000 villages has been formulated and recommended by State Government to Government of India for posing to Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) for assistance.

2.10.2.Gulf of Mannar Biosphere:

A project proposal on "Conservation and sustainable use of Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserves Coastal Bio-diversity" has been approved for assistance from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF).  The objective of the project is to conserve coastal bio-diversity and to demonstrate sustainable coastal zone management and livelihood development in the Gulf of Mannar area.  The project with an outlay of US$ 26,735,000 will be implemented by this department through a trust, which has been constituted by Government. 

2.10.3.Other projects proposed for external funding:

The following projects have been sent to Government of India for a tune of Rs.154.58 crores for posing to external donors for assistance.

2.10.4. Integrated Afforestation Eco-development Project :

In order to establish linkages between rural development, assured rural employment generation and forest conservation, Government of India have formulated the Forest Development Agency (FDA) concept interlinking various existing schemes under single umbrella viz., Integrated Afforestation Eco-development Project.  The Government of India funded afforestation schemes will be implemented from 2002-2003 onwards on the basis of Joint Forest Management through the Forest Development Agencies, which will be formed in all districts. 

2.10.5. Wasteland Development Programme:

The Wasteland Development Programme in Tamil Nadu is being implemented with the objective of making unproductive wastelands productive.  Forest Department is assigned with the task of producing 54 lakhs quality seedlings to be planted in wastelands of 10 districts viz., Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Theni, Salem, Namakkal, Trichy, Dindigul, Ramnad, Pudukottai and Tirunelveli.  An amount of Rs.3.62 crores has been sanctioned under the scheme for raising quality saplings, producing vermicasting and organic fertilizer.