Finshots Daily What’s a forest, anyway?
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Feb 23, 2024 Exploring the Supreme Court's order against government's forest redefinition, risks to biodiversity, indigenous communities fighting for protection, potential consequences of Forest Rights Act amendment on tribal communities and forests in India.
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Forest Definition Conflict
- The Supreme Court's 1996 ruling defined forests broadly as large areas with thick tree cover.
- The Indian government's attempt to redefine forests based on revenue records threatens 28% of India's forests.
Border Exemption Risk
- The government amendment exempts areas within 100km of India's borders from needing environmental clearance.
- This poses a significant risk to the Northeast, where 65% of the area is forested.
Himachal Pradesh Forest Exploitation
- During colonial rule in Himachal Pradesh, influential individuals acquired forest lands.
- The FCA amendment allows these private owners to potentially exploit these forests.