Decision on 'green bonus' to Himalayan states soon: Ramesh

The decision on the Himalayan states' demand for 'green bonus' and dividends for maintaining their forests will be known by February 26 when the Planning Commission makes its report public, the government said on Monday.

The decision on the Himalayan states' demand for 'green bonus' and dividends for maintaining their forests will be known by February 26 when the Planning Commission makes its report public, the government said on Monday.

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"I am hopeful that the states which have been not only effectively maintaining their green cover but also improving it will be rewarded," said Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh at editors' conference on social issues.

The Ministry had on behalf of such states requested the Planning Commission to give financial incentives to them as compensatory measures.

"Such incentives are necessary for these states as they are under tremendous economic pressure to do away with forests," Ramesh said.

Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim have been demanding 'green bonus' to preserve and expand their forest cover.