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Policy Note – 2005 – 2006 Demand No. 14
INTRODUCTION 1.1. Forest as a life supporting system plays a very crucial role in the ecological stability and rural development of our State. It is the forests that have preserved the soil and their heavy humus that has acted as a porous reservoir to retain water and gradually releasing it in a sustained flow over a long period of time to feed the low lying agricultural areas. Management of forests conserves the basic land resource, while yielding high level of production in five major areas of use viz. water, wood, forage, wildlife and recreation for the benefit of society. 1.2. The Indian Constitution in the Section on Directive Principles of State Policy assigns duties for the State and all citizens through Article 48 A and Article 51 A(g) which state that the "State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife in the country" and "to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes and rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for the living creatures". 1.3. Tamil Nadu has a great tradition of preserving its forest wealth and concern for environment, which has taught us to respect nature and understand the complex inter-relationship between living and non-living things. The ancient Tamil poets have emphasized the importance of dense forests, clean water and fertile soil in providing ecological security to mankind. 1.4. Ensuring ecological security of the people of the State is an important mandate of the 15 point programme being implemented by this Government. 1.5. The forest eco-system of the State consists of a variety of flora and fauna representing remarkable bio-diversity essential for the environmental stability and water conservation thereby creating food security for survival of present and the future generations. 1.6. This policy note for Forest Department, while identifying the immediate concerns of the forestry sector in the State, lays down broad guidelines for future management perspectives by encouraging participation of local village communities in Forest Management through Joint Forest Management by organising them into Village Forest Committees. 2. FOREST DEPARTMENT 2.1. Extent of Forests The Forest department is custodian of 22,870 sq. kms. of forest land, which constitute 17.584% of the geographical area as against 33.33% required under National Forest Policy, 1988. Nearly half of the forest area is subjected to heavy degradation on account of biotic pressure. Various schemes and programmes of Government are aimed at restoring the degraded forest and expanding forests outside the Reserve Forest area. 2.2. Forest Policy The National Forest Policy of 1988 of Government of India lays down the guiding principles for Forest Management in India. As the management of forests has been left to the State Government, a State Forest Policy in consonance with the principles of National Forest Policy is under consideration. The Principal aim of the National Forest Policy, 1988 and the State Forest Policy is maintenance of environmental stability and restoration of ecological balance through conservation, upgradation and increase in the tree cover. In Tamil Nadu, the Tamil Nadu State Forest Act 1882, Wild Life Protection Act 1972, Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 and a host of Rules formulated under these Acts are being implemented by the Forest Department. Various landmark judgements given by the courts emphasizing the importance of preservation of forests have raised people's expectations in the implementation of the forest policy. 2.3. Objectives Forests in Tamil Nadu are being managed with the following main objectives:
2.4. Strategy In order to meet the objectives, various strategies are planned as detailed below. 2.4.1. Increasing green cover Union Planning Commission has recommended that the forest / tree cover in the country should be increased to 25% of the geographical area by 2007 and to 33.33% by 2012(which is mandated by National Forest Policy-1988). Earnest efforts are being taken to increase the forest cover / tree cover in the State, by encouraging tree cultivation in and outside reserved forest areas. Evidence of this is already seen in the State of Forests’ report, 2001 of Forest Survey of India compared to 1999 assessment by Forest Survey of India, Dehradun the total area under forest cover in our State has shown an increase of 4,404 sq. kms. (From 17,078 sq. kms. to 21,482 sq. kms). This increase is mainly in respect of dense forest cover. The total percentage of area under Forest / Tree cover is reported as 21.17 % of the total geographical area. 2.4.2. Biological upgradation and ecological restoration through Joint Forest Management Heavy biotic pressure from abutting villages is the main cause of degradation of forests. Biological upgradation and ecological restoration of these degraded forestlands is being attempted through "Joint Forest Management (JFM)" for sustained flow of benefits to the people. Substantial degraded forestland remains to be ecologically rehabilitated in the State. 2.4.3. Special Area Management Unique fragile eco-systems of Western Ghats, Nilgiris, coastal mangroves and marine areas are being protected in a holistic manner under specific programmes for managing each category. 2.4.4. Management of Sanctuaries, National Parks and Biosphere reserves Tamil Nadu is endowed with a rich bio-diversity. Of the total recorded forest area in the State, 3134.70 sq. kms or 13.7% of the total forest area is dedicated towards wildlife conservation covering five national parks, eight wildlife sanctuaries and two biosphere reserves. In addition to these, there are 12 birds sanctuaries declared for protecting the bird habitat outside Reserve Forest areas. Conservation of flora and fauna will continue to be the main objective in the maintenance of sanctuaries, national parks and biosphere reserves. The protected areas in Tamil Nadu are also managed for preserving biodiversity and wilderness to provide nature education, recreation and inspiration for our future generation. Efforts will be made to increase the extent of protected areas under wildlife management to 25% of the total forest area of the State as the proposals for declaration of Sathy Wildlife Sanctuary, Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary and Nellai Wildlife Sanctuary are under consideration and enlarging the extent of already proposed protected wildlife sanctuaries. Many medicinal plants and plants of genetic importance will also be conserved in these areas. 2.4.5. Catchment Area Management There are 32 river systems, 11 Major reservoirs, 2,679 canals and 38,863 tanks in Tamil Nadu. Majority of the catchment areas lie in forest lands. To improve the forests, an Integrated Watershed Development Programme is being implemented with afforestation and soil and water conservation measures in the affected watersheds, which further help to increase the ground water level, regulate water-flow in streams, rivers, etc., and improve fertility of the land. The agrarian economy will be benefited by augmentation of the water availability. 2.4.6. Forest Protection The forest wealth of the State is vulnerable to damage and destruction by illicit felling of trees, ganja cultivation, fire, encroachment and poachers of wildlife. To check the destruction of valuable forest products including sandalwood and other scheduled timber, several measures have been taken. Efforts will be continued to strengthen the infrastructure for forest protection and to equip the protection staff with facilities like firearms, vehicles, wireless equipments, etc. Encroachment of forestlands by adjoining patta holders and estate owners is a serious problem to the forest administration. Action is being taken by Forest department to evict such encroachments in co-operation with Revenue and Police officials. Efforts are also being taken to strengthen the infrastructure enabling the department to curtail fresh encroachments. 2.4.7. Production Forestry ‘Timber’ is an important forest produce required by people for household as well as for industrial purposes. Indiscriminate exploitation of timber in the past and geometrical progression of population increase has led to the situation that the timber from our forests is in short supply. To meet the requirement of the local people to the extent possible in respect of timber and forest produce, large scale planting of primary and secondary timber species on forest lands, poramboke lands and canal bunds as well as encouraging the planting of timber species by public in private lands, will be taken up. Encouraging the planting of timber species by public in private lands is the main thrust of the department and steps are being taken up for liberalising, various rules regarding growing, transport and utilisation of timber. 2.4.8. Forestry for Tribal development Tribals are at the centre of the forest eco-system. Their economy is dependent upon the forest resources. It is proposed to create tree / vegetation-based assets in tribal and forestlands that would generate sustained benefits to tribals. Employment generation, improving the infrastructure facilities in tribal villages and education will be given adequate impetus. 2.4.9. Extension Forestry Forest Extension activities are undertaken in all districts of Tamil Nadu through Forest Extension Centres. These extension centres are disseminating tree growing knowledge to the farmers with a concept of "forests to farm lands". Expansion of our tree resources outside the natural forest area is imperative to meet the ever increasing demand of the forest produce. In Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project (TAP) much emphasis has been laid on Forestry Extension to attain the above objective. Forestry Extension Centres are mandated to transfer the improved technology of tree husbandry to farmland, motivate the people to take up tree planting and provide platform for eco-education and encourage discussion among youth and children. There are 15 Forestry Extension Centres and 4 Vana Vigyan Kendras (VVKs) in Tamil Nadu spread all over the State. These centres have established facilities such as training halls, interpretation centres and demonstration area for bio-fertilizer and bio-nutrient production. Various agro-forestry model plots, Timberatum plots, Plots for medicinal plants, etc., have also been laid out in these centres. 2.4.10. Energy from non-conventional sources In order to provide electricity to the remote villages which are not covered by grid extension, Forest Department has proposed to extend its activities in the area of power production including motive power from renewable energy sources like bio-mass and tree born oil seeds. 2.4.11. Community Forestry In order to increase the green cover in the state under this programme, it is proposed to plant trees in private and community lands. Further this programme will be extended to individual/ institutional landowners who are having keen interest in growing trees. Awareness campaign will be conducted in rural and urban areas towards the reduction of unproductive cattle population beyond the carrying capacity in the State, which causes heavy damage to afforestation activities. 2.5. Thrust Areas 2.5.1. Forest Research The main focus and thrust of Forest Research in Tamil Nadu is on bio-diversity conservation and bio-productivity enhancement. For conserving the forest bio-diversity of Tamil Nadu, studies on population dynamics of different forest types are being carried out. Experiments are also being conducted by the Research wing on genetic combing which helps in identifying the plus trees of each species yielding higher utilizable bio-mass viz., fruits, stem, wood for veneer, plywood, fuelwood, wood for construction, etc. Such useful varieties have been assembled in the germplasm bank of all Forest Research Stations. Outstanding contributions through research for productivity enhancement have been made in sandal, casuarina, eucalyptus, tamarind, bamboo, timber, plywood and veneer species as well as oil yielding trees. Tamil Nadu has its Genepool garden in the Western Ghats with 4000 tree species, mostly endemic and endangered, out of which 1000 species are targeted for ex-situ conservation during this year by the research wing of Forest Department. Further, the research wing of Forest Department is developing post harvest technology for utilizing the under exploited timber species for furniture and house hold timber. 2.5.2. Human Resources Development The Forest department is one of the oldest departments in the State. Over the years it has made significant contribution in conservation and development of forests of the State through its skilled human resources. This will be further enhanced through appropriate training and skill development measures. During the year 2004-2005, training has been imparted to 58 Rangers and 78 Foresters in Tamil Nadu Forest Academy (TNFA) at Coimbatore and to 120 Forest Guards in Tamil Nadu Forestry Training College (TNFTC) at Vaigaidam. 2.5.3. Women’s participation In order to ensure household food security, millions of rural women are burdened with the duties of collection of firewood, fodder and water. Dwindling forest resources further make their work very difficult. Hence, emphasis will be given to ensure that the poorest women with greatest dependence on bio-resources secure access to decision-making and control over their livelihood resources. To ensure this, many women Self Help Groups are being formed under Joint Forest Management. 2.5.4. Employment Generation Nearly 75% of the outlay on forestry goes for employment generation. Efforts are being taken to tap the latent employment potential of villages adjoining forests through the participatory involvement of the rural community. This will go a long way to strengthen the socio economic fabric of the villages. 2.6. Achievements during 2004-2005 Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project During 2004-05, Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project is being implemented at a cost of Rs.69.09 crores for raising plantation over an area of 28,653 hectares involving developmental activities in 110 villages. 110 Village Forest Councils (VFCs) have been formed to implement this project during 2004-2005. So far (from 1997-98 to 2003-04), this programme has covered about 457454 hectares involving 1257 Village Forest Councils with an expenditure of around Rs.623.55 crores. The water harvesting works under this programme has increased water availability in these villages by 5 to 10% despite poor rainfall. National Afforestation Programme The Government of India funded afforestation schemes are being implemented from 2002-2003 onwards through Forest Development Agencies on Joint Forest Management basis for which Forest Development Agencies have been formed in the implementing divisions. So far, the Government of India released Rs.3095.35 lakhs for these 30 Forest Development Agencies, out of which Rs.2214.36 lakhs has been utilized by the 30 Forest Development Agencies covering an area of 19550.37 ha. Part-II Schemes During 2004-2005, Part-II schemes with an outlay of Rs.1279.17 lakhs for protection, buildings, roads, forest settlement, improvement of zoos, etc. are being implemented. Rejuvenation camp (Special Health Camp for the elephants) Rejuvenation camp (Special Health camp) has been conducted for the elephants in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary for 48 days from 18.11.2004. In all, 111 elephants belonging to Forest Department, various temples, mutts and individuals participated in the Rejuvenation camp. An amount of Rs.5.52 lakhs was sanctioned towards feeding, infrastructure and Ayurvedic medicines. All the elephants have been transported to their original place safely after completion of the rejuvenation camp. Salutary effect of the camp was evident. Sandalwood Revenue Revenue of Rs.5898.34 lakhs has been realised by sale of 335.70 metric tonnes of sandalwood from 3 final cleaning depots. Ganja plants destruction 5494 Ganja plants over an area of 9.220 ha. worth of about Rs.100.00 lakhs were destroyed. Sale of Teak trees in Thanjavur division An amount of Rs.501.00 lakhs has been realised from the sale of teak trees in Thanjavur division. Awards for outstanding contributions - Indira Priyadarshini awards Indira Priyardarshini Vriksha Mitra Awards for 2001 were awarded during 2004-2005 for outstanding contributions in Afforestation and wasteland development to the following divisions / Village Forest Councils (VFCs) / persons from Tamil Nadu.
Chief Minister’s gallantry award While celebrating the success of operation cocoon in which the smuggler Veerappan was shot dead, Hon’ble Chief Minister has rewarded 104 Forest Personnel. An amount of Rs.109.20 lakhs was distributed as cash and 56 persons were given one-step promotion. In addition, 105 Plot Watchers are given regular consolidated wages. For the first time Government of India recognized Southern Forest Rangers College for training IFS officers and 33 IFS Officers all over India have undergone one-week compulsory training here. Southern Forest Rangers College is now renamed as Tamil Nadu Forest Academy. Geomatics Centre The Geomatics Centre has digitized all the forest boundaries namely division, range, beat, Reserved Forests for the entire State. The Geographical Information System (GIS) facility has been created in all the territorial forest divisions covering most of the districts. Forest fire mapping using satellite imagery has been completed for entire Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. 2.7. Forest revenue and expenditure 2.7.1. Revenue The revenue receipt during 2004-2005 (Revised Estimate) and Budget Estimate for 2005-2006 are detailed below. (Rs. in lakhs)
2.7.2. Expenditure and outlay The plan outlay under forests during 2005-2006 has been Rs.13787.44 lakhs. Details of expenditure during 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 under various schemes are given below: (Rs. in lakhs)
2.8. Major schemes for 2005-2006 - On going schemes 2.8.1. 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 were contemplated upto 31.03.2002 with total outlay of Rs.499.20 crores against which an expenditure of Rs.445.99 crores was incurred upto 31.03.2002. Due to successful implementation and owing to Japanese yen escalating over its then rupee value, the Project was continued with the balance money for two more years viz. for 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 at a cost of Rs.177.56 crores. To keep up the enthusiasm and continuity, the scheme is being implemented at an outlay of Rs.69.09 crores during 2004-2005 from State funds to cover an area of 28,653 ha. spread over in 110 villages. During the first year of the TAP Phase-II project i.e. 2005-2006, it is proposed to implement the project at a cost of Rs.85.89 crores covering 29,250 ha. of degraded forests and 135 fringed villages.2.8.2. 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 2004-2005, these schemes have been implemented at a cost of Rs.1075.16 lakhs. During, 2005-2006, the outlay is Rs.1129.39 lakhs. 2.8.3. 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 2004-2005 this scheme is being implemented at a cost of Rs.375.17 lakhs and the above scheme is proposed to be implemented with a financial outlay of Rs.442.64 lakhs during 2005-2006. 2.8.4. 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 22,870 square kilometers. To avoid the degradation of forest eco-system and to improve the existing status of forests with the 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 is being implemented at a cost of Rs.386.28 lakhs during 2004-2005 and the above scheme is to be implemented with a financial outlay of Rs.420.20 lakhs during 2005-2006. During 2004-2005, an amount of Rs.28.60 lakhs has been sanctioned and spent towards conservation and development of medicinal plants in priority watersheds of Western Ghats region. It has been decided to continue to conserve and develop the medicinal plants at a cost of Rs.20.00 lakhs for 2005-2006 after approval of the Union Planning Commission, Government of India. 2.8.5. Raising Teak plantations on Padugai landsThe Government has accorded administrative sanction in G.O.(D)No. 22 E & F (FR VI) Department dated 29.1.2004 for the cultivation of teak in Padugais in Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Erode and Salem divisions at a total cost of Rs. 21.39827 crores during a period of 5 years from 2003-2004 to 2007-2008 covering an area of 16050 ha. This will be implemented at a cost of Rs.382.30 lakhs to raise planting in 3715 ha. during 2004-2005 and at Rs.474.45 lakhs to raise plantations in 3295 ha. during 2005-2006. 2.8.6. Integrated forest protection The main objective of this scheme is to control forest fires and strengthen the forest protection in Tamilnadu. The works like fireline clearing, assistance to Joint Forest Management Committees, creating water bodies, purchase of vehicles and communication equipments, purchase of fire fighting tools, etc., are being undertaken. During 2004-2005, this scheme is being implemented at a cost of Rs.485.00 lakhs and it is proposed to implement this scheme during 2005-2006 at an outlay of Rs.485.00 lakhs. 2.8.7. Forest Research The main focus and thrust of forest research in Tamil Nadu is in the fields of bio-diversity conservation and bio-productivity enhancement. The above scheme has been implemented at a cost of Rs.225.42 lakhs during 2004-2005. It is proposed to continue the scheme during 2005-2006 at a cost of Rs.227.78 lakhs. 2.8.8. National Afforestation Programme In order to establish linkages between rural development, assured rural employment generation and forest conservation, Government of India have contemplated Forest Development Agency concept with interlink approaches under a single umbrella scheme National Afforestation Programme. The Government of India funded afforestation schemes are being implemented from 2002-2003 onwards through Forest Development Agencies on Joint Forest Management basis for which Forest Development Agencies are being formed in the implementing divisions. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has sent proposal for forming 31 Forest Development Agencies (FDAs) covering territorial and wildlife divisions. So far, the Government of India have sanctioned Forest Development Agencies to be implemented in 30 divisions with total outlay of Rs.8522.03 lakhs upto 2006-2007 and released Rs.3095.35 lakhs, out of which expenditure incurred is Rs.2214.36 lakhs. For the year 2005-2006, the Government of India sanctioned Rs.2207.22 lakhs for these 30 Forest Development Agencies. 2.8.9. Tank foreshore plantations Tamil Nadu Forest Department was implementing the Social Forestry project with the financial assistance from Swedish International Development Authority, Sweden since 1981. Raising karuvel trees in the lakes / tank foreshores has been the major component under this scheme besides raising plantations in degraded hillocks and poramboke lands. The Swedish International Development Authority financial assistance was discontinued with effect from 01.04.96. Later on, ban was imposed on karuvel planting in lakes / tank foreshores, etc. Now the ban has been lifted. As a follow up raising karuvel plantations was revived and during 2004-2005 the scheme was implemented at a cost of Rs.565.02 lakhs. It is proposed to continue the scheme during 2005-2006 also at a cost of Rs.563.49 lakhs. 2.8.10. 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 reduce the pressure on the marine sea resources caused by overexploitation and shift it to land based activities through employment generation. The project with an outlay of Rs.140.00 crores will be implemented by this department through a trust, which has been constituted by the Government. This project was launched by the Hon'ble Chief Minister on 18.07.2002. A trust has been registered during February 2001. Since the formation of the Trust, out of Rs.130 lakhs advance released, Trust has carried out the works to the tune of Rs.120.00 lakhs. Various activities have been undertaken by the Trust during 2004-2005 with an outlay of Rs.11.20 lakhs. During 2005-2006 the scheme is proposed to be implemented with an outlay of Rs.11.20 lakhs. 2.9. New Projects 2.9.1. 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 become 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 1,77,500 hectares of degraded forests in another 800 villages under Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project Phase-II with an outlay of Rs.567.42 crores for a period of eight years. A Minutes of Discussion (MOD) on TAP Phase-II between Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) and Forest Department, Government of Tamil Nadu and Government of India was signed on 05.10.2004 to implement the project for eight years commencing from 2005-2006 to 2012-2013. 2.9.2 Part-II schemes The following 36 part-II schemes with an outlay of Rs.1313.08 lakhs for protection, buildings, roads, forest settlement, improvement of zoos, etc. have been approved by Standing Finance Committee for implementation during 2005-2006.
2.9.3. Jatropha curcas project The Government sanctioned Rs.1 crore for raising jatropha curcas demonstration plots in 115 Joint Forest Management Committee villages covering 460 ha. in Tamil Nadu covering a period of 3 years from 2004-2005 to 2006-2007. 2.9.4. Repair and re-construction of Coastal Shelterbelt and Mangroves. The coastal shelterbelt plantations and mangroves along the coastline of Tamil Nadu, protected the people and property from the recent tsunami attack and in the process some younger plantation have suffered damage. Further there is also scope to cover the remaining length with this Bio-shield in phased manner. Accordingly, a proposal costing about Rs.10 crores for repair and reconstruction of coastal shelterbelt and mangroves has been posed to World Bank for funding. 2.9.5. Village energy security through bio-mass. In Tamil Nadu, there are many remote villages and hamlets which do not have the supply of electricity as they are not covered through grid extension. To provide electricity and motive power to these villages, a project titled "Village Energy Security through Bio-mass" to produce electricity from renewable energy resources is posed to the Government of India through Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) costing Rs.98.96 lakhs covering a period of 5 years. 2.9.6. Eastern Ghats Development Programme In order to conserve and develop Eastern Ghats as a water security to the farmers for which proposals are formulated for an amount of Rs.105.00 lakhs for undertaking Minor Forest Produce plantations, Tribal life supporting activities, free supply of seedlings, eco-awareness programmes and fire protection work, etc. during 2005-2006. 2.10. Corporations 2.10.1. Tamil Nadu Forest Plantation Corporation Ltd. The main objectives of the Corporation are to raise, maintain and harvest pulpwood and cashew to meet the needs of industries and to supply firewood to meet the fuelwood needs of the public. The Government of Tamil Nadu has paid the entire share capital of the Corporation. The Corporation is having under its control an area of 71,013 hectares of Reserve Forest leased out by the Forest Department. This Corporation has an authorised share capital of Rs.10.00 crores and a paid up share capital of Rs.3.76 crores. 2.10.2. Achievements The details of the plantations raised and maintained during 2003-2004, 2004-2005 are furnished below: (in hectares)
2.10.3. Pulpwood supply During the year 2004-2005, the Corporation has so far supplied 80,071 Metric Tonnes of pulpwood to wood based industries and realised revenue of Rs.12.14 crores. During the year 2005-2006, this Corporation proposes to supply a quantity of 75,000 Metric Tonnes to the wood based industries at the price fixed by the Government. 2.10.4. Cashew For the year 2004-2005, an amount of Rs.4.13 crores is expected to be realized towards sale of cashew thopes. The tender is scheduled to be held during the end of January 2005 for leasing out thopes for 2005 season. 2.10.5. Sandalwood oil In the sandalwood oil factory, the Corporation has produced 471.00 kilograms of oil during the year 2004-2005 and also produced other by-products. The corporation has sold 853.00 kilograms of sandalwood oil as well as other by-products and exported 81 kilograms of oil during 2004-2005. By taking strenuous efforts the Corporation has established the brand name of its sandalwood products in the local and international markets. Corporation has realized revenue of Rs.295.00 lakhs by local sale and Rs.29.00 lakhs as foreign exchange. 2.10.6. Income and expenditure details for 2003-2004(actuals), 2004-2005(Revised Budget Estimate) and 2005-2006 (Budget Estimate) are furnished hereunder: (Rs. in lakhs)
2.11. Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation Corporation Limited, Coonoor With a socio-economic objective of rehabilitation of the repatriates from Sri Lanka to India under the Shastri - Srimavo pact, a project for raising Tea Plantation was started by the Government of Tamil Nadu as Government Tea project in 1968 and implemented through the Forest Department. Subsequently, the project was registered as a Government undertaking under Companies Act, 1956 as Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation Corporation Limited and came into effect from 01.04.1976. The authorized share capital is Rs.10 crores and the paid up share capital is Rs.5.96 crores. The Planting and rehabilitation programme were implemented in a phased manner. This Corporation has raised Tea plantation over 4431.92 ha. and has rehabilitated 2445 families repatriated from Sri Lanka. At present, the Corporation is providing employment to about 6453 permanent workers and about 2093 casual workers. The Corporation is providing housing, permanent employment and other amenities like free water supply, free medical attendance, crèche, primary education, maternity benefit, sickness benefit, leave with wages, National and Festival holiday wages, warm clothing, bonus, gratuity, provident fund, etc., to the permanent workers. The actual physical achievement of green tea leaves and made tea for the year 2003-2004, actuals for 2004-2005 and estimate for the year 2005-2006 are furnished below:- 2.11.1. Yield of green tea leaves (lakhs kilograms)
2.11.2. Made tea production (lakhs kilograms)
2.11.3. Income and expenditure details (Rs. in lakhs)
The Corporation by efficient management and through various cost control measures has reduced the loss, inspite of this steep fall in price and adverse climatic conditions during the past three years. 2.12. Arasu Rubber Corporation Limited, Nagercoil Arasu Rubber Corporation Limited has rubber plantations in 4279.78 hectares of forest land taken on lease from Forest department in Kanyakumari district, which is the only district in Tamil Nadu with soil, climate and topography suitable for the growth of rubber trees. Arasu Rubber Corporation was registered on 20.08.1984 under the Companies Act, 1956. The authorised capital of the Corporation is Rs.10 crores. The paid up capital is Rs.8.45 crores. More than 70% of rubber trees under the control of Arasu Rubber Corporation were planted during 1960s and 1970s and as per the guidelines of the rubber board, the trees which attained 30 years or more, will yield less and it is uneconomical to maintain such plantations. In order to increase production and to make the Corporation more viable and to provide continuous employment opportunities to the existing workers (around 1800) a decision is taken to undertake replanting works with high yielding clones as advised by the rubber board after felling over matured rubber trees. The corporation has completed replanting works in 103.60 hectares during 2003-2004, 95.20 ha. during 2004-2005 and nursery works have been undertaken to carryout replanting during 2005-2006. 2.12.1. Production and sales (Revenue and expenditure) (Rs. in lakhs)
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