Env min rationalises norms for linear projects in forest areas

The Environment Ministry has rationalised norms for the granting of green clearances for linear projects such as roads and canals in certain forest areas.
Officials said that a new order issued by the ministry empowers district collectors to decide whether or not there is any need to implement the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in specific forest areas which fall under their administrative jurisdiction.
Elaborating further, they said that in certain forest areas having no tribal population, there is no need for going through Gram Sabhas to initiate the process of environment clearances for public purpose linear projects involving the laying of pipelines, optical fibres, transmission lines, etc.

According to them, "plantations" which were "notified as 'forest' on a day less than 75 years" before December 13, 2005, in villages where the 2001 and 2011 Censuses do not record any Scheduled Tribes, can be diverted for such projects.
Under Forest Rights Act, 2006, the Gram Sabha has been assigned the role of recommending developmental projects managed by the government which involve felling of trees not exceeding 75 per hectare, and which require diversion of forest land.
Officials said that the new order has been issued in conformity with the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and FRA.