On August 2, the Rajya Sabha passed far-reaching amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act, or FCA, 1980, a week after the bill saw its way through the Lok Sabha without any debate. It comes in the face of protests by conservationists who claim the changes will nullify the gains made in forestry over the past four decades. The FCA is a key legislation that comes into play the moment any land designated as forest—under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, or any other law—has to be ‘de-reserved’ or put to use for ‘non-forest purposes’ by the government or a private agency. Any such move requires thorough scrutiny before it can get the Centre’s approval.
It was in March this year that the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC) had tabled the draft Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023, in Parliament, following which it was referred to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC). The JPC submitted its report on July 20, curiously proposing no changes, even though it had received more than 1,300 responses, many of them objections from environmentalists, state governments and other stakeholders, as well as dissenting notes from some of its members.
From mitigating the impact of climate change to fast-tracking strategic and security-related projects of national importance, the Union government has cited multiple reasons necessitating the amendments. But with critical issues left to the discretion of the executive, many stakeholders fear possible misinterpretation and misuse of the law. Among them are 400 ecologists, students and researchers who had written to the Union environment and forest minister Bhupender Yadav recently, but their concerns seem to have been brushed aside, as also those of several states that had sought changes in the provisions.
This story is from the August 14, 2023 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 14, 2023 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Rarefied Realm
For the 28th time, INDIA TODAY takes stock of the best institutes in 14 streams so that the Class of 2024 can have a clear view of its future and work towards it
NEET Gets Messy
What went wrong with entrance exams like NEET this year and how it affected the ambitions of millions of students
IN GOOD COMPANY
SSCBS students study an updated syllabus that braids theory with practice and get to pick the latest courses. These and the school's industry connections help guide young graduates towards leading MNCs
THE CODE OF QUALITY
Keeping pace with the rapidly evolving technologies through close ties with industry veterans and alumni, the Department of Computer Science at Christ is ensuring its students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that await them
THE ULTIMATE IN HOSPITALITY
Hotel management institutes are staying abreast of the latest trends, offering new courses ina variety of allied disciplines
THE FASHION TOPPER
Hands-on training, networking and mentorship opportunities with industry insiders and strong research projects contribute to NIFT Delhi's preeminence in fashion education in the country
BROADCASTING BRILLIANCE
With its cutting-edge programmes that embrace industry advancements, IIMC continues to be a preferred choice for mass communication students
COURTING DISTINCTION
The institute is gearing up its students with knowledge of new-age tools like Gen Al to prepare them for the legal battles of the future
THE HUMANE TOUCH
Field work and the exposure beyond book learning is what arms TISS graduates with the confidence to get on top of any situation
HIGHRISE OF INNOVATION
Swearing by sustainability, and fusing theoretical rigour with practice in its latest design studios and high-end labs, the Department of Architecture and Planning at IIT Roorkee prepares for the future with care