Forests are a national asset and major contributor to financial wealth: SC.

Syllabus: GS-II; Subject: Current affairs Topic: Important supreme court judgements, Issue: Forest Conservation.

Context: Supreme Court declares Indian forests are national assets, vital for financial wealth. Top of Form

Synopsis:

Controversy over Forest Conservation Act 2023 criticized for land misuse.
Forests vital for biodiversity, carbon capture, and climate control.
Indian forests valued at $120 billion, key carbon sink.
As per RBI’s report, Climate change could slash India’s GDP 3-10% annually by 2100.
Supreme Court stresses duty to safeguard forests and biodiversity.

Prelims Connect(Acts, Bills, Rules & Guidelines)

Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023:

· Includes land declared as forest under Indian Forest Act, 1927 or similar laws.

· Covers land notified as forest from October 25, 1980, onwards.

· Exempts forest land along government-maintained rail lines or public roads.

Positive Takeaways:

· Specifies areas where Act does not apply.

· Encourages plantation on non-forest land to increase tree cover and aid in carbon sequestration.

Criticism:

· Seen as diluting Supreme Court’s 1996 Godavarman case judgment.

· Environment Ministry argues provisions guard against dilution.

· Opposition from northeastern states over concerns of unilateral forest land allocation for defense purposes.Top of Form

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