Centre proposes simpler clearance process for forest land use

projects and border infrastructure projects from getting prior forest clearance from the Centre as part of amendments in the present Forest Conservation Act (FCA). The FCA first came in 1980 and was amended in 1988, which needs such consent. The government said that the suggested amendment is part of a larger rationalising of existing forest laws. For 15 days, the document is open to public discussion, after which it could be prepared for Cabinet and Parliamentary approval. Also, there is a plan in the document that is available on the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) website now, to exempt land obtained before 1980, before the FCA came into force by public sector bodies. A landholding agency is required to take permission under the Act and pay stipulated compensatory levies for use of such land which was originally procured for non-forest purposes. The ministry also suggests adding a clause to make punishments under the modified Act punishable with simple imprisonment for a period which may extend to one year and make it cognisable and non-bailable. They also recommend provisions for penal compensation to make good for the damages already caused to trees in forest land. The document also suggests eliminating zoos, safaris, and forest training infrastructures from the definition of non-forestry activities. There was a plan for Indian Forest Act, 1927, an amendment that deals with the forest dwellers' rights, to address contemporary challenges to forests in the country. The draft law had been sent to state key forest officers for asking comments and objections. The government withdrew the draft and has said that a newly updated version was on the anvil. Image Source