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The Ministry of Environment and Forests is implementing three major schemes, namely National Natural Resource Management Scheme (NNRMS), support to G. B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPIHED), and Integrated Eco-development Research Programme (IERP). Under these schemes, the activities relating to assessment and mapping of Himalayan forest resources and evolving integrated management strategies for their conservation are undertaken.
In addition, the National Afforestation Programme (NAP) Scheme of the Ministry provides financial support to Forest Development Agencies (FDAs) in the country for participatory development of forest resources under the framework of Joint Forest Management (JFM). As on 28.2.2005, 195 FDA projects have been operationalised in 11 Himalayan States under the NAP Scheme to treat an area of 2.66 lakh hectares at a total cost of Rs. 415.78 crores.
Research on aspects of soil erosion of forest land, reduction of forest cover and occurrence of landslides are amongst the Research and Development (R&D) priorities of GBPIHED. Similarly, landslide risk assessment in Darjeeling Himalayas, Environmental Hazard Zonation in Alaknanda Valley, Analysis of Forest cover and Land Use Dynamics in the Upper Catchment of Manipur are being undertaken under the National Natural Resource Management Scheme (NNRMS). Under the National Afforestation Programme (NAP) Scheme, expenditure upto 15 per cent of the plantation component of the FDA projects is permitted for soil and moisture conservation works.
The G. B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development undertakes knowledge dissemination of the relevant Research and Development activities by organising on-site training programmes, conferences, workshops, meetings, awareness camps etc.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests Shri Namo Narain Meena in a written reply to Member of Parliament, Smt. Maya Singh in Rajya Sabha today.
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