Forest panel rejects Uttarakhand HC's relocation plan, urges use of non‑forest land
Summary
- Uttarakhand High Court had ordered relocation of a proposed project from forest land to an alternate site.
- The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) rejected the relocation plan, noting the new site also falls within forest land.
- FAC directed the state government to identify a suitable non‑forest location before seeking forest clearance.
- The decision reinforces compliance with the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 for any forest diversion.
Key Facts
- · The panel is the Forest Advisory Committee constituted under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
- · The High Court's order sought to move the project away from forest land.
- · The FAC found that the proposed relocation still involved forest land.
- · The committee instructed the Uttarakhand government to explore non‑forest land alternatives.
- · Forest clearance can only be granted after prior approval for diversion of forest land.
Why it matters
The ruling underscores the strict legal framework governing forest diversion in India, highlighting the need for sustainable land use and ensuring that development projects do not compromise forest cover, a key concern for environmental policy and compliance in competitive exams.
#Forest Conservation Act#Uttarakhand#environment#land use#forest clearance#judicial orders