Land for compensatory afforestation can be acquired anywhere in the state: Minister

Nagpur: A seminar on mining hosted by Vidarbha Economic Development (VED) Council helped clear confusion over compensatory afforestation to be done by mining and other companies. Govt policies mandate compensatory afforestation in an alternate area if green cover is to be cleared to make way for any industrial or mining project.Minister of state for finance, planning, agriculture rehabilitation, law and justice, Ashish Jaiswal, stressed that the land for compensatory afforestation must be located adjacent to an existing forest anywhere in Maharashtra. Jaiswal, who was the chief guest at the seminar, clarified the point as he took questions from the industrialists. Those present were seeking clarification on the location of land to be purchased for compensatory afforestation, especially for the mining projects.Jaiswal also called up the local forest department officials to seek details. They explained that the land can be purchased anywhere in the state and has to be typically adjacent to an existing forest, leading to further extension of the green cover.Vice-president of VED and mining expert for the council, BK Shukla, said acquiring land for compensatory afforestation has been a crucial issue for the sector. As per rules, the afforestation land can be located anywhere in the state. However, authorities insist that the land should be purchased in the same area where the project is coming up. Majority of the mining projects in Maharashtra are in Vidarbha. It's often difficult to get private land in the same area, Shukla said.President of VED, Rina Sinha, told TOI that the council has been taking up issues related to the mining sector, with its suggestions also getting incorporated in the state's policy.