Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Government is planning a major initiative for the restoration of dying forests. Areas that are vulnerable to natural disasters and wildlife corridors will be converted into natural forests as per a policy framework approved by the Council of Ministers the other day.
The restoration efforts will also focus on degraded forests that belong to the government; plantations of acacia, wattle and eucalyptus; degenerated teak plantations; and forests located along the river banks.
No one will be forcefully evicted from these areas, including those which are prone to natural disasters. The families that move out after scrutiny by three-tier committees will be rehabilitated with a compensation of Rs 15 lakh.
Boost to tree planting
Quality saplings will be provided to encourage tree planting on private land. A project will also be implemented to encourage planting of saplings on private land, and for creating small forests in cities and schools.
The project also aims to protect sacred groves (kavu) through public participation and to take over mangrove forests that are under private ownership by giving compensation. Plants that are suitable for the coast will be planted to create a coastal forest.
Steps will be taken to frame laws on cutting trees planted by farmers and owners of assigned land.
The demarcation of the forest land will be done using modern technology.
