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Govt mulls amendment to National Forest Policy, 1988

September 9: In an effort to push for faster clearance to infrastructural projects, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is considering plans to bring in some amendments to the National Forest Policy, 1988, an official source said.

“The first introductory meeting in connection with an amendment to the policy was held last week (September 4, 2014) in New Delhi,” an official from the Ministry of Coal told ICMW.

Besides representatives from the Forest Department of various states, the meeting was attended by senior officials of at least seven ministries, including, coal, steel, power, environment, the official said.

“The introductory meeting basically reviewed the existing policy that was notified in December 1988 and to find measures that can be adopted to put infrastructure projects on the fast track,” the official added.

A large number of infrastructure projects, including those in coal, steel and power, have been delayed considerably because of huge delays in getting forest and environmental clearances during the past decade-and-a-half, experts said.

“Because of delay in getting forest and environmental clearances, many coal mining projects could not be started on time as a consequence to which Coal India Ltd could not meet its production targets in the past,” the expert added.

The basic objectives of the National Forest Policy, 1988, is to ensure environmental stability and maintenance of ecological balance including atmospheric equilibrium which are vital for sustenance of all life forms, human, animal and plant. Other objectives include:

• Maintenance of environmental stability through preservation and, where necessary, restoration of the ecological balance that has been adversely disturbed by serious depletion of the forests in the country.
• Conserving the natural heritage of the country by preserving the remaining natural forests with the vast variety of flora and fauna, which represent the remarkable biological diversity and genetic resources of the country.

Increasing substantially the forest/tree cover in the country through massive afforestation and social forestry programmes, especially on all denuded, degraded and unproductive lands.