| Introduction: Describe the purpose of the Forest Conservation Act 2023. Body: What are the challenges in balancing economic development with forest conservation? Conclusion: Way forward |
The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, of 2023 was introduced to make changes to The Forest (Conservation) Act, of 1980. The proposed amendments focus on building carbon stocks in plantations and providing land for compensatory afforestation instead of diverted forest land. The Forest Conservation Amendment Act of 2023 aims to determine how forests can be utilized for economic gain, and how it seeks to achieve this goal is outlined in the legislation.
Challenges in balancing economic development with forest conservation
- Restricting the definition of forest: The Bill will impose significant limitations on the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996, which broadened the scope of the FCA 1980. The proposed amendment now narrows the Act’s coverage to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. States may now be free to allow the destruction of unclassed forests for construction and development.
- Exclusion of fragile ecosystems: The Bill leaves out some of India’s most vulnerable ecosystems by eliminating the need for forest permits for security-related projects within 100 kilometers of international borders. These include the high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows, as well as the forests of northeastern India, which are acknowledged as worldwide hotspots for biodiversity.
- Rights of forest dwellers: The Bill does not mention the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest-dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. Consequently, the exclusion of certain forest areas and the simplified diversion process might lead to the removal of the requirement to consult gram sabhas.
Potential environmental and social impacts
- Easing of the Environmental Clearance Process: While expediting economic activity, amendments that simplify the environmental clearance procedures for development projects run the risk of undermining thorough environmental assessments.
- Promotion of Plantation Forestry: While encouraging plantation forestry may boost the economy, it might not be able to completely replace the ecosystem services and biodiversity that come from natural forests.
- Neglect on forest governance: The principle of afforestation as mentioned in the new bill violates the concept of forest governance as it infringes on the rights of forest-dwelling communities. The amendment contradicts the concept of decentralized forest governance as forests in the country fall under the concurrent list and also fails to address the issue of human-animal conflicts in forest areas.
Conclusion
The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill of 2023 jeopardizes forest conservation by prioritizing plantations, restricting the Act’s scope, and broadening exemptions. It is crucial to maintain a balance and uphold indigenous rights to safeguard forests and biodiversity.
