• UGI USER
  • Feb 21, 2024
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USE DICTIONARY MEANING OF ‘FOREST’, SC TELLS CENTRE

Why in the news?

The Supreme Court’s recent directive on the definition of ‘forest’ has garnered attention due to its implications for environmental conservation and legal proceedings.

source:linkedin

Key Points regarding the SC Directive on Forest Definition:

  • This definition includes 1.97 lakh square km of undeclared forest lands.
  • The order was in response to petitions challenging the 2023 amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, which allegedly limited the definition of forests.
  • Establishment of “zoos or safaris” requires final approval from the Supreme Court.
  • The case will be revisited in July 2024.
Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023

·     Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023 broadens Act’s scope, renames it Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980.

·     Aims to mitigate climate change and empower local communities

·     Adds new forestry activities like ecotourism.

Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

●   FCA, 1980 ensures conservation of India’s forests.

●   Enacted by Parliament to combat deforestation, effective from October 25, 1980.