The Lok Sabha has given its nod to the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill to alter the Forest Conservation Act of 1980. This has sparked discussions due to the implications for forest protection.
Despite initial objections and concerns that the bill might dilute forest conservation efforts, the joint parliamentary committee proceeded to pass the bill unchanged.
Key highlights include exemptions for specific categories of land. Notably, exemptions apply to land within 100km of the nation’s borders, crucial for national security projects, small roadside amenities, and public roads leading to habitation.
Additionally, land up to 10 hectares designated for constructing security-related infrastructure, defence-related projects, paramilitary force camps, or government-specified public utility projects within left-wing extremism affected areas, is exempted.
