Objections overruled, Forest Bill goes to House unchanged

Source: The post is based on the article “Objections overruled, Forest Bill goes to House unchanged” published in Indian Express on 10th July 2023

What is the News?

A Parliamentary committee set up to examine the proposed amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act,1980 has endorsed the amended Bill in its entirety. 

What is the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023?

The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023, is a proposed legislation aimed at amending the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, with the objective of promoting sustainable development while conserving India’s forests and biodiversity.

What are the key provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023?

Land under the purview of the Act:  The Bill provides that two types of land will be under the purview of the Act: (i) land declared/notified as a forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or under any other law, or (ii) land not covered in the first category but notified as a forest on or after October 25, 1980 in a government record. 

Exempted categories of land:  The Bill exempts certain types of forest land from the provisions of the Act such as:

–  Forest land along a rail line or a public road maintained by the government providing access to a habitation, or to a rail, and roadside amenities up to a maximum size of 0.10 hectare.

– Forest land situated within 100 km from international borders, Line of Control, or Line of Actual Control, for construction of a strategic linear project of national importance and concerning national security

– Forest land up to 10 hectares, for constructing security-related infrastructure

– Forest land proposed to be used for constructing defense related projects, camps for paramilitary forces, or public utility projects up to five hectares in a left-wing extremism affected area.

Assignment/leasing of forest land:  Under the Act, a state government requires prior approval of the central government to assign forest land to any entity not owned or controlled by the government.   

– In the Bill, this condition is extended to all entities, including those owned and controlled by the government.

Permitted activities in forest land:  The Act specifies certain activities that will be excluded from non-forest purposes, meaning that restrictions on the use of forest land for non-forest purposes will not apply.  

– These activities include works related to the conservation, management, and development of forest and wildlife such as establishing check posts, fire lines, fencing, and wireless communication. 

– The Bill adds more activities to this list such as: (i) zoos and safaris under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (ii) ecotourism facilities, (iii) silvicultural operations and (iv) any other purpose specified by the central government. 

Power to issue directions: The Bill adds that the central government may issue directions for the implementation of the Act to any authority/organization under or recognised by the centre, state, or union territory (UT).

What are the key issues with the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023?

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