Forest Conservation Act
The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 – Brief Summary
Basic Information
● Act Number: 15 of 2023
● Date of Assent: August 4, 2023
● Purpose: Amends the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
Key Objectives (New Preamble)
● Support India’s Net Zero Emission target by 2070
● Maintain and enhance forest carbon stocks
● Create additional 2.5-3.0 billion tons CO₂ equivalent carbon sink by 2030
● Increase forest and tree cover to one-third of India’s land area
● Enhance forest-based economic, social and environmental benefits
● Improve livelihoods for forest-dependent communities
Name Change
● Original name: “Forest (Conservation) Act”
● New name: “Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam”
Land Coverage (New Section 1A)
Lands Covered Under the Act:
1. Land declared/notified as forest under Indian Forest Act, 1927 or other laws
2. Land recorded as forest in Government records on/after October 25, 1980
Lands Exempted from the Act:
1. Infrastructure Access: Forest land alongside rail lines/public roads for habitation access (up to 0.10 hectare)
2. Tree Plantations: Trees/plantations on non-forest lands
3. Strategic/Security Projects:
○ Land within 100 km of international borders for strategic linear projects
○ Up to 10 hectares for security infrastructure
○ Up to 5 hectares for defense projects/paramilitary camps in Left Wing Extremism areas
Enhanced Provisions
Non-Forest Purpose Definition (Amended Section 2)
● New Exemptions Added: Activities that don’t require forest clearance include:
○ Silvicultural operations and regeneration
○ Forest staff infrastructure and check-posts
○ Fire lines, wireless communications
○ Fencing, boundary marks, bridges, check dams
○ Government-owned zoos and safaris
○ Eco-tourism facilities in approved plans
Survey Activities
● Central Government can specify conditions under which surveys (reconnaissance, prospecting, seismic surveys) won’t be treated as non-forest purposes
Administrative Powers (New Section 3C)
● Central Government empowered to issue directions to all authorities (Central, State, Union Territory, recognized organizations) for Act implementation
Implementation
● Effective Date: To be notified by Central Government
● All exemptions subject to compensatory tree planting conditions