The Compensatory Afforestation (CA) plantation are raised in lieu of the forest land diverted for non-forestry purpose as per the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and Rules thereunder, for compensating the loss of forest and ecosystem services. It is pertinent to mention that the sites identified for raising compensatory afforestation are mostly refractory and degraded, which take long time to evolve into forest like vegetation. In case, where plantation is not established in the initial years, continuous efforts are made for ensuring success of such plantation.

No specification/ methodology has been laid down by this Ministry for demarcation of land bank for afforestation. The 'land' is a subject matter of the State Government, therefore, identification and demarcation of land for afforestation is being done by the States/UTs as per their rules and guidelines applicable in the respective States/UTs.

The details of land banks created or proposed for Compensatory Afforestation are maintained by the concerned State/UT and not at the level of this Ministry.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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MJPS/NSK

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