The operational guidelines on convergence between NREGA and National Afforestation Project. Details modalities for convergence at the level of management, planning and works. Works identified under this will be executed within parameters of NREGA and the guidelines would be subject to forestry regulations.
Convergence between NREGA and NAP is mutually beneficial. Ministry of Environment and Forests has the task of achieving one third of the land area under forest and tree plantation as envisaged in the National Forest Policy, 1988. This cannot be accomplished by the MOE&F alone due to the volume of manpower and resources required for the task. Convergence with NREGS will provide additional resources. Operational guidelines of NAP also suggest co-ordination with rural development programmes so that the Forest Fringe areas and community/privately owned forests can be developed on watershed approach in a holistic manner. The integrated area development approach with ecological concerns will benefit NREGA leading to better quality planning and selection of works capable of generating sustainable employment.