Forest a major contributor to financial wealth: SC

Home > Current Affairs  > Forest a major contributor to financial wealth: SC

20 Apr Forest a major contributor to financial wealth: SC

Posted at 20 Apr 2024 in Current Affairs by
0 Likes

THIS ARTICLE COVERS ‘DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS’ AND THE TOPIC DETAILS “JUDGMENT OF SC FOR FOREST CONSERVATION”. THIS TOPIC IS RELEVANT IN THE “” SECTION OF GS2 IN THE UPSC CSE EXAM.

Why in the news?

  • The supreme court has asserted in a judgment that forests are a national asset and major contributor in the nation’s wealth. The judgment is crucial because last year the government passed a controversial Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2023 which attracted widespread criticism .
  • SC has also highlighted the concept of carbon credit and green accounting to evaluate national wealth. A judge named Justice M.M. Sundresh said that the forest’s spirit is what makes the earth move. This was in response to an appeal from Telangana State against a High Court ruling that gave forest land to a private individual. The State’s forest officers made things worse by giving different statements in court. 
  • The top court told both the State government and the private individuals to pay ₹5 lakh each as punishment. Additionally, the State was told to investigate its own forest officers.
  • The court’s decision comes at a crucial moment, especially with the recent controversy surrounding the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act (FCAA) of 2023. This law has faced significant backlash, with many criticizing it for granting States the power to legalize encroachments in protected forests and decide on the use of forest lands. Critics argue that the Act essentially opens the door for the commercial exploitation of forests.

 

Importance of forest for a nation:

  1. Environmental Stability: Forests help maintain environmental stability by regulating climate, preventing soil erosion, and purifying air and water. They act as carbon sinks, and suck out carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and help tackle the impacts of climate change.
  2. Biodiversity Conservation: Forests are home to a variety of plants and animals, some of which are unique and endangered. Protecting forests preserves biodiversity and ensures the survival of these species, which are essential for ecosystem health and resilience.
  3. Economic Benefits: Forests provide valuable resources such as timber, non-timber forest products, and medicinal plants, which support livelihoods and contribute to economic growth. Forest-based industries, including logging, tourism, and ecotourism, generate revenue and employment opportunities.
  4. Water Regulation: Forests are important in regulating the water cycle by influencing rainfall patterns, reducing flooding, and maintaining the flow of rivers and streams. They also help recharge groundwater and provide clean drinking water to communities.
  5. Food Security: Forests contribute to food security by providing habitat for pollinators, wild edible plants, and game animals. Forest ecosystems support agriculture through pollination services, soil fertility, and pest control.
  6. Cultural and Recreational Value: Forests hold cultural significance for many indigenous communities, serving as sacred sites, sources of traditional knowledge, and places for spiritual practices. They also offer opportunities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, promoting physical and mental well-being.
  7. Climate Change Mitigation: Forests are crucial for tackling climate change by sucking out carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Forest conservation and restoration efforts are essential strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving global climate targets.

 

Threats to forest land in India

  1. Deforestation: Deforestation, primarily driven by logging, agriculture expansion, infrastructure development, and urbanization, is a significant threat to forest land in India. Illegal logging and land clearing for agricultural purposes contribute to the loss of forest cover.
  2. Encroachment: Forest land often faces encroachment by individuals, communities, and industries for agricultural activities, settlements, mining, and infrastructure projects. Encroachments degrade forest ecosystems and reduce biodiversity.
  3. Illegal Logging and Poaching: Illegal logging for timber and poaching of wildlife for trade pose serious threats to forest ecosystems. Unsustainable logging practices degrade forest health, while poaching leads to the decline of endangered species and disrupts ecological balance.
  4. Forest Fires: Forest fires, both natural and human-induced, are a significant threat to forest land in India, particularly during the dry season. These fires destroy valuable forest resources, habitats, and biodiversity, and contribute to air pollution and climate change.
  5. Climate Change: Climate change is a threat to forest ecosystems in India, leading to shifts in temperature and rainfall patterns, increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and changes in species distributions. These impacts can stress forest ecosystems and make them more vulnerable to other threats.
  6. Illegal Mining and Quarrying: Illegal mining and quarrying activities, especially in forested areas, degrade habitat quality, disrupt ecosystems, and cause soil erosion and water pollution. These activities also contribute to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
  7. Infrastructure Development: Infrastructure projects such as roads, dams, and power plants often involve clearing forest land, leading to habitat fragmentation, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecological processes.

Forest Conservation Act, 1980

 

Objectives of the Forest Conservation Act 1980:

  1. Conservation and Sustainable Management: The primary objective is to conserve forests and ensure their sustainable management.
  2. Regulation of Forest Land Diversion: The act aims to regulate the diversion of forestland for non-forestry purposes, such as mining, industrial projects, or infrastructure development.
  3. Central Government Approval: Any diversion of forestland must receive prior approval from the central government.
  4. Compensation for Forest Cover Loss: If forestland is diverted, compensation is required based on the net present value of the affected area. These funds are then utilized for afforestation and reforestation efforts.

Salient Features of the Act:

  1. Central Government Approval: The Act mandates that forestland diversion for non-forestry purposes can only be approved by the central government. This ensures decisions are made at the national level, balancing economic development and environmental conservation.
  2. Compensation for Loss of Forest Cover: Compensation is required for the loss of forest cover due to diversion. The amount is based on the net present value of the diverted land, with funds allocated for afforestation and reforestation.
  3. Consultation with State Governments and Tribal Communities: Before approving forest land diversion, state governments and tribal communities must be consulted. This ensures local stakeholders’ views are considered.
  4. Mandatory Compensatory Afforestation: An equal area of non-forest land must be afforested or reforested as compensation for the loss of forestland due to diversion.

 

Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 20th April 2024

 

Prelims question

Which of the following statements accurately describes a provision of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980?

  1. A) The Act primarily focuses on promoting industrial projects in forested areas.
  2. B) Approval for forest land diversion for non-forestry purposes is solely granted by state governments.
  3. C) Compensation for loss of forest cover due to diversion is not mandated by the Act.
  4. D) Consultation with state governments and tribal communities is required before approving forest land diversion.

 

Answer: D

 

Tags:
No Comments

Post A Comment