Forests up for grabs?

The amended Forest Conservation Act opens up large swathes of forestland for different non-forest activities

- HIMANSHU N

ON AUGUST 4, the Parliament passed the controversial amendment to the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, a move that experts warn opens the floodgates for ecological disasters.

Since its inception, the 1980 Act, brought in to regulate the use of forestland for non-forest activities, has undergone eight amendments. The current amendment, though, completely overhauls the Act for the first time by not just changing its name but also opening up large swathes of forestland for different non-forest activities. Most importantly, it narrows the definition of forests in the country.

While Union environment minister Bhupendra Yadav says the exemptions will bring development to tribals and forest-dwelling communities, the fundamental changes to the Act will have a far-reaching impact on forest conservation in the country.

RELUCTANT TO CHANGE

The Centre set the ball rolling on October 2, 2021, when it released a consultation paper inviting comments from the public within 15 days from the date of issue. On July 28, 2022, it issued a draft document of the proposed amendment. Eight months later, on March 29, 2023, the amendment Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha, where it was referred to a joint parliamentary committee. On July 11, the committee approved all the amendments even after receiving dissent from over 400 environmental groups and retired Indian Forest Service officials. The final report by the committee notes that it received 1,309 memoranda and six dissenting notes from Members of Parliament.