‘Amendments to Act will add to further degradation of ghats’

Among the issues of concern is that of private land in forest areas

Opposition is mounting against the proposed amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, with environmentalists and activists arguing that it will lead to further degradation of forests, especially in ecologically sensitive areas such as the Western Ghats.

Scientists and environmentalists have already flagged concerns regarding the degradation of this region, and they say further dilution of laws will only contribute further to this.

Among the issues for consultation is that of private land in forest areas. “Considering any private area as forest would restrict the right of an individual to use his/her own land for any non-forestry activity. Many a time, the proposed change in land use is not considered by the government even under the provisions of the Act. Even if the same is allowed, the owner has to provide equivalent non-forest land and other compensatory levies, for use of his own land for intended non-forestry purpose. This has further led to the development of a tendency to keep most private land devoid of vegetation even the land has scope for planting activities,” a consultation paper on the proposed amendments said. It also speaks of “strong resentment in the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, etc.” over the right of way.