Forest Conservation Act, 1980

GS 3 – Environment – Act 

The Forest Conservation Act, 1980 was enacted to protect forests and wildlife. It aims to regulate the diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes while balancing developmental needs with the conservation of natural resources.

Key Provisions:

Regulation of Non-Forest Purposes:

1. 1. Forest land cannot be used for non-forest activities without prior approval from the Central Government.
   2. Non-forest purposes include:
      1. Clearing or breaking forest land for cultivating tea, coffee, spices, rubber, oil-yielding plants, horticultural crops, or medicinal plants.
      2. Any use other than reforestation.

Advisory Committees: Advisory committees are established to guide the management of forests and promote afforestation.

Role of State Governments: State Governments can create State Forest Development Corporations to focus on forestry development and effective utilization of forest produce.

Grievance Redressal: Individuals aggrieved by the provisions of the Act can file an appeal with the National Green Tribunal.