As protests against Manipur violence continue, the passage of the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill raises concerns about its potential impact on forest protection, carbon sinks, and land use changes.
The bill passed by Parliament seeks to amend the existing Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, aiming to increase the country’s forest cover for carbon sink creation. However, experts and opposition members have raised concerns about the bill’s implications for forest protection and land use changes. They said the future of India’s forests and the interests of its citizens and traditional forest dwellers are at stake. They urged a comprehensive assessment of the bill’s implications and potential consequences.
BROAD OBJECTIVES OF THE BILL
The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill aims to expand the scope of the Act to achieve the country’s objective of creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tons of CO equivalent by 2030. To achieve this, the bill seeks to extend and exempt specific types of land from the Act’s applicability.
EXTENSION OF PERMITTED ACTIVITIES ON FOREST LANDS
The bill proposes to include zoos and safaris, eco-tourism facilities, and silviculture as permitted activities on forestlands. Critics argue that this move may open up large tracts of forestland to various land use changes and developmental activities without requiring forest clearances.
IMPACT ON FORESTS AND CARBON SINKS
Environmentalists and experts express concerns that the proposed amendments may facilitate the destruction of ecologically rich, old growth forests, which serve as vital carbon sinks. The bill’s intentions seem to contradict India’s Net Zero targets, sparking worries about the long-term consequences.
EXCLUSION OF DEEMED FORESTS
The bill seeks to restrict the Act’s applicability only to land notified as a forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, or recorded as a forest after October 25, 1980. As a result, forests classified as deemed forests, based on their dictionary meaning, will be excluded from the Act’s purview.
IMPACT ON SCHEDULED TRIBES AND FOREST DWELLERS
The proposed amendments could negatively affect the protection afforded to Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers under the Forest Rights Act. The exclusion of certain lands from the Act’s scope might bypass the requirement of obtaining consent from the Gram Sabha for land diversion.
UNUSUAL REFERRAL TO JOINT PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE (JPC)
The bill’s referral to a Joint Parliamentary Committee instead of the standard Standing Parliamentary Committee has raised eyebrows. Opposition members and environmental experts objected to this decision. Critics argue that referring the Bill to a joint committee instead of the standing committee deprives the legislation of a thorough examination involving all stakeholders. This approach is seen as an attempt to avoid detailed scrutiny and public consultation.
EXEMPTION FOR STRATEGIC PROJECTS NEAR INTERNATIONAL BORDERS
The LokSabha passed an exemption for strategic projects related to national security located within 100 km from International Borders, Line of Actual Control (LAC), and Line of Control (LOC). This provision allows for a streamlined process for such projects, which could have significant implications on forestlands and wildlife habitats in border regions. The exemption of 0.10 ha of forestland for providing connectivity to habitation and establishments located on the side of roads and railways, along with up to 10 ha of land for security-related infrastructure, can expedite connectivity and development projects. However, these exemptions raise concerns about potential encroachments on forest areas and the need for proper ecological assessments.
The exemption of up to five ha of forest land in Left Wing Extremism Affected Districts for public utility projects may have far-reaching consequences. While it can facilitate much-needed development, it also poses risks of ecological imbalance and displacement of forest-dwelling communities.
BALANCING DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION
While the exemptions aim to fast-track crucial projects, maintaining a balance between development and conservation is essential. Ensuring ecological safeguards and community participation becomes vital to mitigate adverse impacts on forest ecosystems and local livelihoods. The exemptions could lead to increased pressure on forest resources, potentially affecting India’s efforts to achieve carbon sink targets and combat climate change. Striking a balance between development needs and environmental protection is crucial for sustainable growth.
