The Central Government, has issued an order specifying terms and conditions for the assignment of forest land on lease to government and private entities. This order was issued under Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan), Adhiniyam, 1980. The order was issued on November 29, 2023.
Key highlights of the guidelines are as follows:
- Online Application: User agencies must submit an online application on the PARIVESH portal in the prescribed form for prior approval of the Central Government under the said Adhiniyam.
- Prior Approval Requirement: No forest land shall be assigned on lease without the prior approval of the Central Government.
- Mining Restrictions: Breaking of forest land for mining purposes is strictly prohibited. Limited breaking for activities such as tree plantation and temporary construction may be allowed for purposes other than mining.
- Detailed Plans: User agencies seeking forest land on lease for mining must submit an approved Mining Plan, pre-mining, and post-mining land use plan, mine closure plan, and a Detailed Project Report for non-mining activities.
- Validity Period: Approval for forest land assignment on lease shall be valid for a period co-terminus with the mining lease granted under the relevant statute.
- Compensatory Levies: Compensatory levies from user agencies shall be deposited into the State Compensatory Afforestation Fund managed by the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Authority.
- Monitoring and Compliance: Both the State Government/Union territory Administration and user agencies must monitor compliance with conditions imposed during the non-forestry use of forest land. Monitoring reports shall be uploaded on the PARIVESH portal.
- Legal Status: The legal status of forest land assigned on lease shall remain unchanged.
These guidelines aim to streamline the process of forest land assignment, ensuring environmental sustainability and compliance with relevant statutes. The Central Government reserves the right to further clarify or issue directions for the implementation of the said Adhiniyam, emphasizing the importance of responsible land use and conservation.
