Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023

The Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, has recently passed the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023, aimed at expanding the scope of the existing Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The Forest Conservation Act 1980 was enacted to safeguard India’s invaluable forests and bestow the Central government with the authority to regulate the extraction of forest resources by both industries and forest-dwelling communities.

Inclusion of Additional Land under the Act

The amendment provides for two types of land to be covered under the purview of the Act. The first category includes land that has been declared or notified as a forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, or any other relevant law. The second category comprises land not previously covered, but which has been notified as a forest in a government record on or after October 25, 1980. This extension will bolster the conservation efforts on a wider scale, ensuring that previously unregulated forest areas are now protected.

Exemptions for Specific Categories of Land

The Bill also identifies certain categories of land that will be exempted from the provisions of the Act. These exemptions encompass forest land located along a rail line or a public road maintained by the government. By excluding such areas, the focus can be directed towards protecting more ecologically sensitive regions, while facilitating essential infrastructural development.

Stricter Guidelines for Assignment/Leasing of Forest Land

Under the original Act, the state governments were required to seek prior approval from the central government before assigning forest land to entities not owned or controlled by the government. The amendment expands this condition to include all entities, irrespective of ownership or control. Additionally, the approval process must adhere to the terms and conditions prescribed by the central government. This measure ensures that the transfer of forest land is subject to rigorous scrutiny, preventing any undue exploitation.

Permitted Activities in Forest Land

The Forest Conservation Act 1980 placed restrictions on de-reservation of forests and the utilization of forest land for non-forest purposes. However, certain activities were exempted from these restrictions with prior approval from the central government. The Amendment Bill further expands this list to include activities like zoos and safaris under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, ecotourism facilities, silvicultural operations for enhancing forest growth, and any other purpose specified by the central government. These additions are carefully curated to ensure that sustainable activities with minimum ecological impact can be conducted within forest areas.

Strengthening Implementation through Directives

To streamline the implementation of the Act, the Bill grants the central government the authority to issue directions to any authority or organization under or recognized by the center, state, or union territory. This power will facilitate efficient coordination among various entities involved in forest conservation and strengthen enforcement efforts.