FOREST EDUCATION AND TRAINING

The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education(ICFRE), an autonomous' organisation of the Ministry, is the focal point for forestry research, education and extension development in the country.

To ensure proper forestry education in universities, financial assistance is provided to State Agricultural Universities through the ICFRE. Purpose of the assistance is to support B.Sc. forestry courses.

The Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy(IGNFA) conducts training programme for Indian Forest Service Probationers. State Forest Service Colleges take care of training needs of State Forest Service Officers, Training of Range Officers is conducted in Rangers colleges. The Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, an autonomous body of the Ministry, is involved in imparting education and training in forest management aimed at inculcation of professionalism in forestry management.

FORESTRY RESEARCH

Intensification of Forest Research towards fuller development of the Forestry Resources and their proper utilisation is one of the important objectives of this Ministry.

Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, under the ICFRE, is a Centre of Excellence in Forestry Research.

The World Bank aided project viz, Forestry Research Education and Extension Project had been taken up for a period of five years starting from 30th September, 1994. The total outlay of the project is US$ 56.4 million.

IPIRTI, Bangalore is an autonomous organisation of this Ministry and a Centre of expertise in Mechanical Wood Industry Technology Sector and is equipped with modern facilities for research and training in sawmilling and plywood. The Institute will continue research extension, demonstration and training activities.

SURVEY & UTILISATION

- To conduct forest resources survey, the scheme "Forest Survey of India including Application of Remote Sensing Techniques" is under implementation through Forest Survey of India a subordinate office of this Ministry. The scheme aims to achieve the following objectives.

- To assess the extent of forest cover and monitor on a two year cycle the broad changes in forest vegetation cover of the country by using multi satellite data on 1:250,000 scale to prepare area thematic maps through use of remote sensing data with maximum essential ground truth verification on a ten year cycle (Most ground truth verification would be done by respective states).

- To collect, store and retrieve necessary forestry and forestry related data for National and State Level Planning and to create a computer based National Basic Forest Inventory system (NBFIS).

- To design methodologies relating to forest surveys and subsequent updating. This would include methodologies for:

(a) Vegetation mapping including thematic maps through the use of satellite imageries/aerial photographs;

(b) Ground truth verification; and

(c) Growing stock and volume assessment.

- To undertake forestry inventory work in selected areas.

- To impart training in application of remote sensing techniques etc. in Modem Forest Survey Techniques to foresters at various levels of responsibility in the States/UTs/Govt. of India.

- To keep abreast of the achievements in remote sensing technology and also build up a strong research and development base in remote sensing in the field of forestry along with development of new algorithms and software for both image processing and general application.

- To support and, oversee techniques/inventory work undertaken by States/UT Forest Department.

- During 1997-98, budget provision of Rs.230 lakhs on the plan side including Rs.50 lakhs for capital works and Rs.324 lakhs the non-plan side has been made.

FOREST POLICY

The project "Formulation of National Forestry Action Programme" was started with assistance from UNDP and FAO. Outlay for the year 1997-98 is Rs.25.00 Lakhs.

FOREST PROTECTION AND REGENERATION

The scheme viz., Association of Scheduled Tribes and Rural Poor in Regeneration of Degraded Land aims at improving the forest cover of degraded forests with the association of tribals and rural poor, along with providing them wage employment and usufructs, but simultaneously, an economic resource base for sustained self employment.

CENTRAL ZOO AUTHORITY

Funds are required for improving the existing infrastructure of zoos and improving their management. Training and research on the management aspects of zoos is ,a high priority item on the agenda of the Central Zoo Authority.

Enforcement of the minimum prescribed standards and norms has to be strengthened. This would need extra man power in the office of the Central Zoo Authority. Proper arrangements for housing the office of the Central Zoo Authority and providing the staff modem gadgets of office management are also required. An amount of Rs.360 lakhs has been proposed for this.

NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK

The National Zoological Park is a continuing scheme since 1955-56.

Funds are required to meet the changes that would need to be made as a result of the modifications suggested by the Central Zoo Authority under "Recognisation of Zoo Rules, 1992" and also for the ongoing activities.

NATIONAL AFFORESTATION & ECO-DEVELOPMENT BOARD

An outlay of Rs. 92 crores is proposed for the year 1997-98 for the schemes of National Afforestation & Eco-Development Board which are listed below:

1. Integrated Wastelands Development Projects Scheme.

2. Area Oriented Fuelwood/Fodder Projects Scheme.

3. Non-Timber Forest Produce (including Medicinal Plants) Scheme.

4. Seed Development Scheme.

5. Grants-in-Aid Scherneffor Voluntary Agencies).

6. Other Activities/Programmes.

Schemes/Activities:

The following activities On wastelands development will be, implemented by the NAEB during 1997-98.

1. Integrated Afforestation and Eco-Development projects Scheme:

This is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. The objectives are to-,

(a) augment the availability of biomass, fuelwood and fodder;

(b) disseminate proven afforestation and management technologies.

(c) generate employment.

Financial Allocation for 97-98: 33 crores

Physical Target: 25,000 ha.

2. Area Oriented Fuelwood and Fodder Project Scheme:

This Scheme is meant to augment the production and availability of fuelwood and fodder in identified fuelwood deficient districts of the country. A total number of 229 districts have been identified as fuelwood-deficient. The expenditure under this Scheme is shared on a 50:50 basis between the Centre and the States.

For 1997-98 an amount of Rs. 40 crores has been proposed for the scheme to cover 48,000 hectares area.

3. Scheme for Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) including Medicinal Plants:

The objectives of this scheme are to survey, conserve as well as to increase production of non-timber forest produce, including medicinal plants and augmenting ft income of the tribal and rural poor.

During 1997-99 an amount of Rs. 11.00 crores has been earmarked for the scheme to cover an area of 14,000 hectares.

4. Seed Development Scheme:

The State Governments are assisted to develop facilities to generate quality seeds.

During 1997-98 an amount of Rs. 2.60 crores has been earmarked for the scheme. 20 States to be assisted.

5. Grants in Aid to Voluntary Agencies

For 1997-98 an amount of Rs. 1.55 crores has been proposed for this scheme, It is envisaged to sanction projects to the voluntary agencies for taking up afforestation & eco development work.

6. Other Activities/Programmes:

Monitoring and Evaluation:

There is a provision for concurrent evaluation of the projects implemented under Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

In addition to the monitoring carried out by the State Government agencies, two kinds of monitoring is done at the Central level:

(a) The State Governments are asked to provide Block and Village level afforestation data annually.

(b) Every year 10% (approximately 50) districts of the country are selected, with appropriate regional distribution, for evaluation of the afforestation activities.

Regional Centres:

The Board has seven Regional Centres located in Universities, National level Institutions. These Centres help NAEB in promoting extension of replicable technologies and for dissemination of research findings.

During 1997-98 an amount of Rs. 1.25 crores has been earmarked for the Scheme.

Communication:

The Board has Commissioned/produced 10 films and has brought out a number of publications for the purposes of dissemination. Two more films are under production. During 1997-98 an amount of Rs.30 Lakhs has been earmarked for the Scheme.

Professional and Special Services:

The National Afforestation & Eco-Development Board takes up special studies of important issues relating to policy formulation, programme implementation, etc.

During 1997-98 an am ount of Rs. 10-00 lakh has been earmarked for the scheme.

Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra Awards(IPVM):

IPVM awards are presented annually to the following categories:

1. Individual
2. Panchayats
3. Educational Institutions
4. Voluntary Agencies
5. Government Agencies
6. Corporate Sector

The awards are given on the basis of innovative efforts and outstanding work in afforestation, with special reference to wastelands development and involvement of the people.

Mahavriksha Award:

It has been decided to institute Mahavriksha award to be given every year to people/organisations for trees having largest growth and height and4ing good health & vigour.

Ecological Task Force:

Ecological Task Forces (ETFs) of Ex-servicemen are employed in remote and difficult areas to undertake restoration of degraded ecosystems. The scheme also serves as a mechanism to rehabilitate the ex-servicemen on productive work and to create employment for retired army personnel mainly in the rural areas.

The provision earmarked for the scheme for the year 1997-981~is Rs. 4.00 crores.

ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

Narrative Explanation of the Financial Requirements

The Zoological Survey of India concentrates on the exploration and survey 6 f faunal resources of the country and research on taxonomy, distribution, bioecology, Wildlife, animal population and animal behaviour.

During 1997-98 the Zoological Survey of India proposes to continue exploration and surveys (a total of 60 surveys) in 35 districts, 5 ecosystems and 7 conservation areas.

The regular publication, viz, Records of Zoological Survey of India, Annual Reports of ZSI, Bibliography of Indian Zoology and State Fauna of Sikkim will be brought out.

Renovation of Zoological galleries at ZSI, Headquarters as well as some Regional Stations of ZSI will be made.

BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

The Botanical Survey of India conducts explorations and surveys to collect, identify and record the entire plant resources of the country.

CLEAN TECHNOLOGY

As a part of the scheme the Ministry has taken up the following carrying capacity studies:

1. Doon Valley

2. National Capital Region

3. Damodar River Basin

4. Tapi Estuary.

Development and Promotion of Clean Technology.

The Ministry has provided financial assistance to one demonstration project which involves treatment of distillery waste. This project is expected to be completed by March, 1997.

CIVIL CONSTRUCTION UNIT

Civil Construction Unit (CCU) headed by Chief Engineer (Civil) was set up in the Ministry of Environment and Forests in August, 1987 for taking up important works of the Ministry on priority basis, in pursuance of the Government decision that major scientific Department with a substantial annual civil works budget should have a Civil Engineering Unit.

The Civil Construction Unit has taken up 80 new major schemes so far with total estimated cost of Rs.91.91 crores.

Out of the above, 43 works costing Rs.62.52 crores are being directly executed by CCU.

At present, there are 23 major works amounting to Rs.30.09 crores already awarded. Besides 17 works amounting to Rs.21.94 crores are under planning for execution.

ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (ENVIS)

The ENVIS network at present consist of 21 centres which have been set up on different subject areas of environment.

Rs. 183 lakhs would be required for the scheme during 1997-98.

NATIONAL NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NNRMS)

Out of 56 priority areas identified for undertaking the research projects, 17 areas have been covered.

A sum of Rs. 100 lakhs would be required to achieve this objective.

CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE:

The Centre for Ecological Sciences, Bangalore and Centre for Mining Environment, Dhanbad would continue to function to undertake the research and development projects as well as training/short terms courses.

Rs. 100 lakhs would be required to undertake the programmes CEE, Ahmedabad, CPR, Madras & SACON, Coimbatore will continue the activities with the proposed outlay of about Rs.9 crores.

NATIONAL RIVER CONSERVATION DIRECTORATE

Financial requirements: