The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Japan bank happy with progress of afforestation

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 06, 2006
ePaper

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Japan bank happy with progress of afforestation

T. Ramakrishnan

The plan is to restore 1.77 lakh hectares of degraded forests

CHENNAI: The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) has expressed satisfaction at the progress of the second phase of the Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project (TAP).

Since the change of government in May, bank representatives visited the State twice, the last trip being in November. They conveyed their feedback to the Forest Department, the executing agency, according to a senior government official.

The project, aimed at restoring around 1.77 lakh hectares of degraded forests, is underway since 2005-2006. The Rs. 567.4 crore scheme, implemented with the help of the local community, covering 150 tribal villages, will go on till 2012-2013. The aim is to increase forest/tree cover from 21.25 per cent to 33 per cent, in line with the national forest policy. Integrated watershed management will be part of the strategy.

This year, 98 per cent of the area of the targeted 45,250 hectares has been covered at a cost of Rs. 44 crore. The official said the remaining works would be completed soon. Efforts are on to increase forest extension activities, through extension centres, to spread eco-education and awareness among children and youth. Formation of women self-help groups has been encouraged. Nearly 4,000 SHGs are working in the villages identified for the project.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Tamil Nadu