Government mulling involving public sector in afforestation

NEW DELHI: Policy guidelines for involvement of public sector in afforestation of degraded forest areas have been formulated and the matter is under "active" consideration, the government said today.

"The government has formulated policy guidelines for participation of public sector in afforestation in degraded forest areas. The matter is under active consideration," Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

He said the government supports state governments in afforestation and restoration of degraded forests in the country, including growing local species of plants and trees through various centrally sponsored schemes.

Centrally sponsored schemes include National Afforestation Programme, MGNREGA, National Bamboo Mission, Green India Mission and different state plan and non-plan schemes including externally aided projects and under Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).