PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH
FOREST DEPARTMENT
LIST OF STARRED ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR
WEDNESDAY, THE 23RD FEBRUARY, 2022
1234. *Ms. Rana Ansar: Will the Minister for Forest be pleased to state:-
(a) Is it a fact that Forest department has signed any agreement with KDA;
(b) If answer to (a) above is affirmative, the reasons thereof?
ANSWER
MR. MUHAMMAD TAIMUR TALPUR, MINISTER FOR FOREST:
Yes, it is a fact that MoU has been signed between Forest Department & KDA.
In May 2018, a “Special Programme for Better Environment in Karachi” has been launched by KDA.
In this regard, an MoU was signed between KDA & Social Forestry Department, Karachi under the programme of Amenity Plots Rule 11 of KDA (Disposal of Land) Rules, 1971 & Section 38 of the Forest Act, 1927, to undertake the joint venture agreements to make the environment better by developing Urban Forests, Green landscapes, Forest Parks and Biodiversity Parks etc, being and having proven expertise skilled / well trained human resources.
As per MoU the infrastructure, civil works and hard landscape development is to be carried out by KDA and soft landscape (planting & maintenance) development is to be undertaken by Social Forestry Department. So far, two amenity plots viz.ST-7/1 near Munawar Chowrangi & ST-2/1 near Bin Hashim Supermarket, situated in Gulistan-e-Johar block-14, Scheme-36 has been handed over to Sindh Forest Department and planting work has been completed.
2511. *Ms. Sarwat Fatima: Will the Minister for Forest be pleased to state:-
(a) Is it a fact that the Government is encouraging the massive a forestation of Neem Trees for solving global problems;
(b) If answer to (a) above is affirmative, steps taken in this regard?
ANSWER
MR. MUHAMMAD TAIMUR TALPUR, MINISTER FOR FOREST:
Currently there is no any particular programme for massive afforestation of Neem Trees for solving global problems. However, Sindh Forest Department gives priority to the species like Neem, Babul, Kandi etc. for raising in its nurseries and planting all over the Sindh for solving global problem.
2512. *Ms. Sarwat Fatima: Will the Minister for Forest be pleased to state:-
(a) Is it a fact that Rs. 25,000 million were allocated during 2016-17 for afforestation over 600 hectors in the Sindh Forests to achieve millennium development goals;
(b) If answer to (a) above is in the affirmative, the district-wise details thereof alongwith the progress made and amount out of above spent upto 30-11-2017?
ANSWER
MR. MUHAMMAD TAIMUR TALPUR, MINISTER FOR FOREST:
No: it is not a fact that Rs.25000 million were allocated during 2016-17 for afforestation over 600 hectors or more to achieve millennium developments goal (MDGs)
3073. *Ms. Adeeba Hassan: Will the Minister for Forest be pleased to state:-
(a) Is it a fact that five thousand acres land of Rajeri Forest of District Jamshoro is being occupied and cutting trees is started;
(b) If answer to (a) above is affirmative, action taken in this regard?
ANSWER
MR. MUHAMMAD TAIMUR TALPUR, MINISTER FOR FOREST:
As reported by Conservator of Forests, Afforestation Circle, Hyderabad that an area of 6,000 acres of Forest Land of Rajeri Forest was under encroachment. Out of which, an area of 5,600 acres has been retrieved from encroachers by carrying out operations on the directions of Honorable High Court of Sindh Bench at Sukkur. The Anti-Encroachment drive is in progress and the balance 400 acres encroached area will also be retrieved.
As regards cutting of Trees in Rajeri Forest, it is informed that no major case of cutting of Trees in reported however, the Forest Field staff is vigil & efficiently protecting the existing natural growth of Rajeri Forest in District Jamshoro.
3267. *Mr. Kanwar Naveed Jamil: Will the Minister for Forest be pleased to state:-
(a) Is it a fact that forest land which has been given on lease in the Province;
(b) If answer to (a) above be in affirmative, Division-wise details thereof including period of lease?
ANSWER
MR. MUHAMMAD TAIMUR TALPUR, MINISTER FOR FOREST:
Sindh Forest lands were being leased out to various entities under Agro-Forestry Lease Policy 2004, (amended in 2010 and 2012). However, in compliance of Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan’s order passed in C.P No.52/2018, the Sindh Cabinet has cancelled Agro-Forestry Lease Policy 2004 (amended in 2010 and 2012) on 07.01.2019. Consequently, all the leases of forest lands granted to various entities have been cancelled by Sindh Forest Department.
5642. *Mr. Khurrum Sher Zaman: Will the Minister for Forest be pleased to state:-
What measures taken to curb illegal cutting and selling of mangrove trees?
ANSWER
MR. MUHAMMAD TAIMUR TALPUR, MINISTER FOR FOREST:
The reply of Assembly Question is furnished herewith as under:
The Mangrove conservation and protection is an issue of critical importance for the country. It is our common legacy and responsibility for sustainable Mangroves eco system in the country there is need to take holistic actions for the protection, conservation and development for all stakeholders.
By adopting this approach Sindh Forest Department being the pioneer of Mangrove conservation taken following steps to protect and rehabilitate the Mangroves.
The field formation (Forest Guards, Foresters & RFOs) of SFD working in Mangroves area have the responsibilities to have vigilant watch on Mangrove & they are continuously patrolling the area to protect the precious wealth of our country.
· The damage/offence of Mangrove cutting (if happens) is properly booked as per Forest Act. 1927 & offenders are prosecuted in the Court of Law.
· Local communities are involved in all Mangrove rehabilitation activities to create the sense of responsibility & ownership among them for Mangroves.
· Community integration by involving them in the protection of Mangroves by watch and ward system. Households are assigned to protect the Mangroves from cutting and browsing/ grazing and it becomes their additional source of lively hood.
· Flux of Mangrove damage is only at populated area (i.e Karachi).The administrative control of Mangrove areas in Karachi lies with several organizations (i.e Port Qsim, KPT, Pak Navy etc) and role of these organizations is more important in the protection of Mangroves. They can play a vital role in this regard, to save this precious natural resource.
The SFD is continuously playing its role towards community awareness regarding protection, rehabilitation and conservation of Mangroves all over Indus Delta through community meetings, workshops etc.
KARACHI: G.M UMAR FAROOQ
DATED THE 22ND FEBRUARY, 2022 SECRETARY
PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH
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