Over 1.73 lakh hectares of forest land diverted from in 10 years; 63% for mining, irrigation and roads: Centre tells Lok Sabha
The mining and quarrying sector, the hydropower energy and irrigation sector, and road projects accounted for about 63 per cent of diversion, with forest land of 40,096.17 hectares, 40,138.31 hectares, and 30,605.69 hectares diverted for the three purposes respectively.
The Union minister was replying to a question from Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat, who asked whether forest clearances for infrastructure and industrial projects had increased by over 150 per cent from 2014 to 2023, citing a Centre for Science and Environment report.
The minister added in his reply that forest land was allowed for non-forestry use in unavoidable circumstances with 'adequate mitigation measures including raising of compensatory afforestation and payment of net present value'.
As per the minister's reply, linear infrastructure projects such as power transmission lines accounted for diversion of 17,232.69 hectares of forest land. The ministry also approved 14,968.14 hectares of forest land for defence projects.
Railway projects accounted for 7,998 hectares of forest land diversion, whereas 2,644 hectares were diverted for the thermal power sector. For the 'others' category, 9,669.85 hectares of forest land were diverted and 346.84 hectares for wind power.
'The process of approvals for diversion of forest land for various non-forestry purposes under Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvarshan) Adhiniyam, 1980 is a continuous process. During the period from 2014-15 to 2023-24, the forest area measuring 173984.3 ha. has been approved to be used for various non-forestry purposes, including infrastructure and industrial projects under the provisions of Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980,' the minister stated in his reply.
Under the Van Adhiniyam 1980, project proponents have to obtain approval from the ministry's forest advisory committee before using or diverting forest land for non-forestry activities. An empowered committee of the ministry's regional offices scrutinises projects in categories such as linear projects consisting of pipelines, railways, roadways and power lines.
An award-winning journalist with 14 years of experience, Nikhil Ghanekar is an Assistant Editor with the National Bureau [Government] of The Indian Express in New Delhi. He primarily covers environmental policy matters which involve tracking key decisions and inner workings of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He also covers the functioning of the National Green Tribunal and writes on the impact of environmental policies on wildlife conservation, forestry issues and climate change.
Nikhil joined The Indian Express in 2024. Originally from Mumbai, he has worked in publications such as Tehelka, Hindustan Times, DNA Newspaper, News18 and Indiaspend. In the past 14 years, he has written on a range of subjects such as sports, current affairs, civic issues, city centric environment news, central government policies and politics. ... Read More
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