Forest Resources — Environmental Laws

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act	2023	This amendment to the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, introduces several exemptions to the requirement of Central Government approval for diverting forest land. It exempts land recorded as forest before 1980 but not notified as such, and land converted to non-forest use before 1996. It also exempts forest land for national security projects within 100 km of international borders, for public utility projects up to 0.10 hectares, and for eco-tourism facilities. The Act also allows for private plantations on non-forest land to be considered for compensatory afforestation.	The amendment aims to streamline development projects and promote afforestation outside recorded forest areas. However, critics argue it could dilute the protection of vast tracts of forest land, potentially leading to increased deforestation, impacting biodiversity, and undermining the rights of forest-dwelling communities. It represents a significant shift in the balance between conservation and development, with long-term implications for India's forest cover and environmental commitments.

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