Kozhikode: The Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill passed hastily by the Lok Sabha is considered to be a major threat to precious forest resources. The new bill has been passed making amendments to the Forest Conservation Act 1980.   

The new amendments to the forest conservation bill may potentially lead to extensive exploitation of forest lands for tourism and other commercial purposes. It might end up reducing the forest cover as well. The new bill will also lead to widespread land acquisitions in the western ghats.

Determination of Forest Land

Under the new bill, only forest lands covered under the Indian Forest Act 1927 or else those enrolled under the Forest Conservation Act 1980, will receive protection. The new bill apparently weakens the verdict given in the Godavarman Thirumulpad case. The lands which were given away for miscellaneous purposes prior to the verdict in Godavarman Thirumulpad case which came out on 12 December 1996 are also not included in the latest forest amendment bill. This will result in the loss of several hectares of forest lands in states including Kerala.

Effects

  • Before 1996, in Kerala, forest lands were given away predominantly for tribal rehabilitation, and farm purposes. 9,107 square kilometres of forest lands in the state were allotted for the cultivation of cardamom and coffee in 1970. However, strict regulations were put in place for preventing the exploitation of these lands. But the new bill gives provision for the conversion of forest lands. This might potentially lead to rampant mining and quarrying activities.
  • In 1996, the Supreme Court issued a verdict that mandated the approval of the Union government for using forest lands and reserved forests for other purposes. However, the new bill allows the ‘unabated’ use of forest lands without prior approval. 
  • The law will indirectly ‘validate’ all the forest encroachments post-1977. Several forest lands have been taken over by institutions in the state. Advocate Harish Vasudevan says that “the new amendment bill will be a major blow to the forest department.” The changes will have a detrimental effect on 20,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive areas as well. Corporations are expected to make a fortune out of the new situation.
  • With the passing of the new bill, myristica swamps exclusively found in western ghats, and the mangrove forests found in the coastal areas of the state will no longer be protected under the forest act. 
  • As of now, elephant routes outside the forest regions are being protected as wildlife corridors. However, these routes will no longer be protected under the new bill, giving way to further human-wildlife conflicts.