• UGI USER
  • Apr 16, 2024
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CENTRE RELEASES ‘DEEMED’ FOREST REPORTS, FOLLOWING SUPREME COURT DIRECTIVES FOR TRANSPARENCY.

Why in the news?

Centre releases ‘deemed’ forest reports as per Supreme Court order, revealing incomplete data on forest areas in states.

About the Supreme Court Directive:

  • Following a Supreme Court order, the Environment Ministry releases reports from 22 states and 4 Union Territories, identifying forest areas under their jurisdiction.
  • The directive stemmed from a petition challenging the 2023 amendment to the Forest (Conservation) Act, making government clearance mandatory for non-forest land use.
  • The 2023 amendment conflicted with a 1996 Supreme Court order, which clarified the Act’s applicability to land deemed as forest by dictionary meaning.
source:TH
What is the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act 2023?

  • Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 amends Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
  • It also includes land not previously classified as forest but notified as such after October 25, 1980.
  • Exemptions for specific categories.
  • Permits additional activities like zoos, ecotourism.
  • Central government is empowered to issue implementation directions.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/complying-with-top-court-orders-centre-makes-deemed-forest-reports-public-9272449/#:~:text=In%20compliance%20with%20a%20recent,sought%20by%20the%20apex%20court.