Sir, one of the 12 mega diverse countries of the world, India is the habitat to 12% of the world’s biodiversity and 2% of the earth’s surface. The stress on the environment for resources like fuel, power, minerals, among others, has adverse implications on forest cover, diversion of forest land, environment and wildlife.
Sir, I would like the Minister to reconsider delinking forest land from the wildlife impact assessment system by the National Wildlife Board and allowing projects within a 10-km range of wildlife zones, in demarcated eco-sensitive zones.
Also, Sir, many project developers are permitted to cut down forests for canals, power lines and highways before final clearances and before the consent of tribals is obtained.
Sir, yesterday, in the Rail Budget we got to hear that all those who performed well would be rewarded. But, Sir, in the case of Bengal a gross injustice have been done. West Bengal has added the maximum forest cover in the last two-three years, yet our funding against CAMPA has been nil and we have been allocated the lowest amount of funds for the National Afforestation Programme. We are trying to show an example to the rest of the India that forest cover can be increased while going for sustainable development and infrastructure. But sadly we are not receiving any support from the Central Government.
I would urge the Minister to look into this immediately and urgently, and do something to encourage us so that we can do much more.
Thank you, Sir.