New Delhi: Looking to streamline the green permit process to accelerate the main projects, the Ministry of Environment has released a consultation paper on the amendment proposed to the Forest Law (Conservation), 1980 which, if accepted, can open the way for change in sectors Certain, including strategic, and also by means of people using forests on private land.
However, the ministry, at the same time, emphasizes considering introducing the provision that makes it possible to “keep certain pure forests show off e-rich ecological values ​​(no-go zone) even because there is a need to overcome dynamic ecological changes , the social and economic environment in the country for the past four decades.
This paper, released on Monday, looking for stakeholder suggestions on IT within 15 days proposes projects related to strategic interests, including defense and security needs from obtaining green approval before, and allows regulating the zoo and safari park in the region.
It also proposes to free up land leading institutions including trains, NHAI, PWD from seeking permission for linear infrastructure projects – such as railways, communication or road lines – if the land is obtained before October 1980.
At present, a land ownership body must be approved The law for the use of land which was originally obtained for non-forest purposes.
Although experts mark their concerns on certain aspects of this proposal, services in his records justify the steps that say changes are needed to effectively match the current situation, especially for “accelerated conservation and development integration” while factors in major changes in 40 last year.
“The exception of the project for strategic and defense needs to be reviewed.
This process can be simplified but the exception of the blanket will have serious ecological consequences,” said the Ritwick Dutta of Legal Initiative for forests and the environment (life).