'Aggressive environment conservation policy in the offing'

Environment and Forests Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday said more "aggressive" and "affirmative" steps to conserve the environment and wildlife would be taken once parliament approves a new measure in this regard.

"Today, we only have Rs.250 crore but once the CAMPA bill gets passed, we will have Rs.35,000 crore (at our disposal). We will have very aggressive and very affirmative better monitoring of forests and better wildlife management," he said.

The minister was speaking to media persons after chairing a meeting of National CAMPA Advisory Council (NCAC) here.

Javadekar, who is the chairperson of the NCAC, said he was hopeful that the CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) bill will be passed in the monsoon session of parliament.

The minister said the CAMPA bill was being discussed and considered by the standing committee and hoped that they would submit their report early.

"As soon as they do it, we'll bring that in Parliament and I am sure all parties will support the release of Rs.35,000 crore for greening the country. We are taking it on a top priority," he said.

The minister said the government was taking "right steps" which the "world will appreciate".