Forest Conservation Amendment Bill Aims to Accelerate National Projects

The Central Government is to address the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 during the Monsoon Session in Parliament. A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) responsible for reviewing the proposed law has adopted its report. The JPC's chairperson, Rajendra Agarwal, asserted that the bill has the panel's complete endorsement.

The Bill, seeking to amend the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, aims to exempt certain lands from legal oversight to expedite strategic and security-related projects of national importance.

Under the proposed law, forest land within 100 km of India's international borders, including the Line of Actual Control (LAC), would be excluded to facilitate government usage for national security, public roads, and strategic projects. Additionally, protection for forests situated along governmentmaintained railway lines or public roads would be removed.

Furthermore, the Bill grants the government the authority to construct check posts, fences, bridges, and establish zoos, safaris, and eco-tourism activities within forests, as per the Forest Working Plan/Wildlife Management Plan/ Tiger Conservation Plan.