The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 is an Indian law designed to protect the country's forests. It applies to all state governments and authorities across India, except in Jammu and Kashmir. The legislation strictly regulates how forest lands are managed, specifically preventing states from stripping forests of their reserved status or clearing them for non-forest purposes without getting prior approval from the Central Government. A non-forest purpose includes breaking up or clearing land for anything other than replanting trees. Ultimately, this vital act matters immensely because it centralizes environmental protection, directly preventing unchecked deforestation and ensuring long-term ecological conservation nationwide.
- 1. Short title, extent and commencement.
- 1A. Act to cover certain land.
- 2. Restriction on the dereservation of forests or use of forest land for non-forest purpose.
- 2A. Appeal to National Green Tribunal.
- 3. Constitution of Advisory Committee.
- 3A. Penalty for contravention of the provisions of the Act.
- 3B. Offences by authorities and Government departments.
- 3C. Power of Central Government to issue directions.
- 4. Power to make rules.
- 5. Repeal and saving.
PDF: pending for this language.