Parliamentary Standing Committee Reviews Implementation of Forest Conservation Law

A Parliamentary Standing Committee has reviewed the implementation of the Forest Conservation Act and expressed concerns over delays in forest clearances and shortcomings in compensatory afforestation measures. The panel emphasised the need to streamline procedures while ensuring environmental safeguards are not compromised.

One of the key observations was the lack of effective coordination between the Centre and State governments in processing forest clearance proposals. The committee recommended stronger institutional mechanisms to ensure timely approvals without diluting environmental standards.

The panel also suggested introducing robust digital tracking systems to monitor the utilisation of funds allocated for compensatory afforestation. Improved transparency and accountability in fund management were highlighted as essential for ensuring that diverted forest land is adequately compensated through reforestation efforts.

Concerns were raised regarding the increasing diversion of forest land for infrastructure and development projects. While acknowledging the importance of economic growth, the committee stressed that environmental sustainability must remain a priority.

The review underscores the need to balance development imperatives with ecological conservation. Effective implementation of forest laws is critical for biodiversity protection, climate change mitigation, and fulfilling India’s international environmental commitments.