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Core Purpose

Report of the Joint Committee of Parliament on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023, presented to the Lok Sabha and laid before the Rajya Sabha, together with an annexure listing individuals and organisations who submitted written objections and suggestions on the Bill.

Detailed Summary

This is the Report of the Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023, prepared during the Seventeenth Lok Sabha and published by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi, in July 2023. The report was presented to the Lok Sabha on 20th July 2023 and laid before the Rajya Sabha on the same date. The English-language content available in this extract consists primarily of the title page and an appended list naming individual citizens, social workers, retired government officials, and civil-society organisations who submitted written objections and suggestions on the draft Bill, along with their names, affiliations, and locations. The specific substantive provisions or findings of the Committee's report are not present in the available English text; the bulk of the substantive report content is in Hindi and outside the scope of this summary.

Full Text

vlk/kkj.k EXTRAORDINARY Hkkx II — [k.M 2 PART II — Section 2 izkf/kdkj ls izdkf'kr PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY lañ 12] ubZ fnYyh] 'kqØokj] tqykbZ 28] [email protected] 6] 1945 ¼'kd½ No. 12] NEW DELHI, FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2023/SRA V ANA 6, 1945 (SAKA) bl Hkkx esa fHkUu i`"B la[;k nh tkrh gS ftlls fd ;g vyx ladyu ds :i esa j[kk tk ldsA Separate paging is given to this Part in order that it may be filed as a separate compilation.xxxGIDHxxx jftLVªh lañ Mhñ ,yñ —(,u)04@0007@2003 —23 REGISTERED NO. DL—(N)04/0007/2003—23 LOK SABHA ———— REPORT OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE FOREST (CONSERV ATION) AMENDMENT BILL, 2023 (SEVENTEENTH LOK SABHA) Presented to Lok Sabha on the 20th July, 2023 Laid in Rajya Sabha on the 20th July, 2023 LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT NEW DELHI JULY, 2023/ASHADHA, 1945 (SAKA)yksd lHkk ———— ou ¼laj{k.k½ la'kks/ku fo/ks;d] 2023 laca/kh la;qDr lfefr dk izfrosnu ¼l=goha yksd lHkk½ 20 tqykbZ] 2023 dks yksd lHkk es— izLrqr fd;k x;kA 20 tqykbZ] 2023 dks jkT; lHkk ds iVy ij j[kk x;kA yksd lHkk lfpoky; ubZ fnYyh tqykbZ] 2023@vk"kk<+] 1945 ¼'kd½ CG-DL-E-04092023-248524 ________________________________________________________________ ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 5 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 7 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 9 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 11 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 13 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 15 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 17 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 19 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 21 (2)(ग)(झ)]. ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 23 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 25 1क(2)(ग)(iii) ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 27 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 29 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 31 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 33 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 35 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 37 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 39 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 41 हᱹ:— ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 43 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 45 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 47 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 49 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 51 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 53 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 55 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 57 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 59 Sl. No. Name 1. 1. Shri Achyut Das, Social worker, Agragamee, Kash ipur Odisha, 2. Dr.Aurobindo Behera, IAS, Ex- Principal Secreta ry, Department of Forest and Environment Government of Odissha 3. Dr. Sanjaya Kumar Panda, IAS , Ex- Chief Secret ary, Government of Tripura 4. Shri G.V. Venugopala Sarma, IAS , Ex-Member, Bo ard of Revenue, Govt. of Odisha 5. Shri Anil Pradhan, Sikshasandhan, Bhubaneswar 6. Shri Gouranga Mohapatra, BGVS Odisha 7. Shri Sandeep Patnaik, Social Worker, AtPo - Dim irisena, Via - Brahamagiri, Dt - Puri, Odisha, Pin -752011 [email protected] 2. [email protected] 3. Shri A Cardoso, Vasco Mormugao Goa-403712, Vasco, i [email protected] 4. Shri A K Varma, [email protected] 5. Shri A. Chanru, [email protected] 6. Shri A. K. Johari, IFS (Retd.), Ex Principal Chief Conservator of Forests-Assam, [email protected] 7. Shri A. Karthikeyan, [email protected] 8. Shri A. Mohamed Elahi, Tamilnadu, [email protected] m 9. Shri A. Murugan, [email protected] 10. Shri A. Punitharaj, [email protected] 11. Shri A. Ram Rexahan, [email protected] 12. Shri A. Sahul Hameed, [email protected] 13. Shri A. Thamilselvan, [email protected] 14. Shri A.Akbar Basha, Cheyyaru, [email protected] om 15. Shri A.C. Raj, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, jasu144 [email protected] 16. Shri A.C. Zonunmawia, Chairman, Centre for Environm ent Protection (CEP), Aizawl, Mizoram., [email protected] 17. Shri A.Pandurangan, [email protected] 18. Shri A.R. Meghna Bhandari Saklecha [email protected] 19. [email protected] 20. Shri Aan Priya C Philip, Parappallill Pathirappally Junction, Alappuzha-688081 21. Shri Aasic Raja [email protected] 22. Shri Abani Kumar Kanhor, Secretary, Kui Samaj Seba Samiti, Phulbani, [email protected] 23. Shri Abdul Hameed Mohamed Anvar, New St. Vellayapur am -623315 [email protected], [email protected] Sl. No. Name 24. Shri Abdul Hameed, [email protected] 25. Shri Abdul Kalam BS, [email protected] 26. Shri Abdul Majeed, 3, Chennai- 600013 info@jhatkaa. org 27. Shri Abdul Nayeem, 11-38, Godavari Road, Lakshettip et-504215 [email protected], [email protected] 28. [email protected] 29. Shri Abdur Rahman MA [email protected] 30. Shri Abhi Sabar, [email protected] 31. Shri Abhijit Prabhudesai, General Secretary, Federa tion of Rainbow Warriors, [email protected] 32. Shri Abhijit Thengodkar, Thengodkar, [email protected] 33. Shri Abhimanyu Sabar, [email protected] 34. Shri Abhinand, [email protected] 35. Shri Abhinav Gaur, Advocate, Allahabad High Court, [email protected] 36. Shri Abhinav Prasad, RR nagar, Bangalore, Bangalore -560098 [email protected] [email protected] 37. Shri Abul Fazal, Yari Road, Mumbai- 400095 abulf3@g mail.com, [email protected] 38. [email protected] 39. Shri Adhithyan. V, [email protected] 40. Shri Aditi Kale, Pune, India [email protected] 41. Shri Aditya L, No D 81, Dhanishka Allegria Gardens, Plot No.23, Vengadamangalam Main Road, Kandigai, Kanchipuram-600127 42. Shri Aditya Prasad, 35 Mutthiganj-700053, Allahabad [email protected] [email protected] 43. Adv. Nithianandan Balagopalan Flat 8/1201, Nerio Bu ilding, Kesar Exotica CHS Ltd., Plot No. 264, 265, 266, Sector-11, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra- 410210 44. Shri Agadesh Waran, G, 641603 Tiruppur info@jhatkaa .org 45. Shri Aganathavenkatesh. M, [email protected] m 46. Shri Ahamed Ali, 9C, Pathu Nonbu Chavadi Str, 1st L ane, Goripalayam, Madurai-625002 47. Shri Ahmad Bin muhammmad, Darul khairath, Kuttur-67 0306 670306 [email protected], [email protected] 48. Shri AIKMKS Sabha Kisan Mazdoor Khet India LLA, Ben gal West Purrup, Village Post-731236 49. Shri Aishwarya Kammili, Noida-201305, kammiliaish88 @gmail.com, [email protected] 50. Shri Aishwarya, [email protected] 51. Shri Ajay C, No:27E, Poonthotta Street, Krishna Pur am, Kadayanallur, Tenkasi-627759 52. Shri Ajay Dsouza, Benson Town, Bangalore-560046 aja [email protected] [email protected] 53. Shri Ajay Phatak, [email protected] 54. Shri Ajay Shah [email protected] 55. Shri Ajay Shah F-403, Parmeshwar 7, near Godrej Gar den city, Jagatpur, Ahmedabad 56. Shri Ajin Mon, [email protected] ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 61 Sl. No. Name 57. Shri Ajith, [email protected] 58. Shri Ajith Kumar [email protected] 59. Shri Ajith Kumar S, Dharmapuri, aeroajith143@gmail. com 60. Shri Ajith Kumar. A, [email protected] 61. Shri Ajith R, 2/32, Kongavembu, Dharmapuri-636902 62. Shri Akash. K, [email protected] 63. [email protected] 64. [email protected] 65. Shri Akhilesh Chipli, General Secretary, SWAN & Man (Save-Wild-Atmosphere-Nature & Man), Chipli- Lingadahalli, Post:Varadamoola, Sagar Taluk-577417, Shivamogga-Karnataka 66. Shri Akilan Balaguru, Vriddhachalam-606001, Tamiln adu [email protected] 67. Shri Akruara Luha, AT Budhibahal, P.O., Turekela, D ist. Balangir, Odisha [email protected] 68. Shri Akshaya Raj, Ashoknagar, Chennai-600083 info @jhatkaa.org 69. Shri Alisha Pereira, [email protected] 70. Shri N. Alaguponnirul, [email protected] 71. Shri Along Longkumer, Convenor,The Naga Rising & Kh riezodilhou Yhome, Secretary, The Nagar Rising, [email protected] 72. Shri Aman Bharti, Begusarai Bihar-851101, Begusara i [email protected] , [email protected] 73. Shri Amar Ghosalkar, Bhandup, Mumbai-421306 amargh [email protected], [email protected] 74. Shri Ameen, [email protected] 75. Shri Ameet Singh, economist & farmer, ameetgsingh@g mail.com 76. Shri Amer Jaleel, (Indian Citizen), amerswork@yahoo .com 77. Shri Amit Lahiri, AE 520, Bidhannagar, Kolkata-7000 64 [email protected] [email protected] 78. Shri Amit Nagwanshi, Guna-473001, Toriua, M.P. amit [email protected], [email protected] 79. [email protected] 80. Ms. Ammu, TamilNadu [email protected] info@j hatkaa.org 81. Shri Ammulu D, 77 indra Nagar, Thiruninravur -60202 4 82. Shri Ana Gracias, Near SFX Cross, Chinchwadda chimb el [email protected] 83. Shri Anand Paramasivam [email protected] 84. [email protected] 85. [email protected] 86. [email protected] 87. Shri Anantharaman, [email protected] 88. Shri Ananthi Ponnusamy, IIT Madras- 600036 Chennai [email protected] [email protected] 89. Shri Anbarasan Kannan, Naam Tamilar Katchi District Organizer, Cuddalore West, [email protected] Sl. No. Name 90. Shri Anbazhagan Palanichamy, Aratt Premier Apartmen t, Bangalore-560048 [email protected], [email protected] 91. [email protected] 92. [email protected] 93. Shri Anden Mesmar, [email protected] 94. Shri Aniket J, P 7/1 , NAD Colony, Navi Mumbai-4102 06 95. Shri Anil kumar H A, 97 7 th cross lpo, Bangalore 5 60003 96. Shri Anil Xalxo AT/PO-Ratakhandi , Dist-Sundergarh Odisha, Pin code-770039 [email protected] 97. [email protected] 98. Ms. Anju, [email protected] 99. Shri Antaraa Vasudev, Founder, Civis, [email protected] 100. Shri Antonio Vital Luis,Carmona ,south Goa, [email protected] . 101. Shri Antony, [email protected] 102. [email protected] 103. Shri Anuj Mishra, Gwalior-474011, M.P., [email protected], [email protected] 104. Shri Anujan Prabhakaran, [email protected] 105. [email protected] 106. Ms. Anusha B, Nayandahalli, 560039 Bengaluru, [email protected], [email protected] 107. Ms. Anuviya Anbuselvam, Chetpet, Chennai-600031 [email protected], [email protected] 108. [email protected] 109. Shri Arasakumar, [email protected] 110. Shri Aravind [email protected] 111. Shri Aravind Kathiravan, Tamilnadu Social Media Div ision In-charge, Naam Tamilar Katchi.Tamilnadu, [email protected] 112. [email protected] 113. Shri Arikrishnan, [email protected] 114. Shri Aril Krishnappa Sugandhini, S/O. Sri Krishnapp a Poojary, Kalnayabagh, Andinje Post & Village, Belthangady Taluk, 574242, D.K. District, Karnataka . 115. Shri Arka Roychoudhury, P86 Green View Baoshmabghat a-700084, Kolkata 116. Shri Arnab Dutta, Dr BC Roy Road Shyamnagar, North 24 Parganas-743127 [email protected], [email protected] 117. Ms. Aruthi, [email protected] 118. Shri Artheeswaran S, 2/25, perumal koil Street, The n puthur village , Viluppuram-604306 119. Shri Arul Prasath M, Aranganal street, Chennai-6001 13 [email protected] [email protected] ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 63 Sl. No. Name 120. [email protected] 121. Shri Arulprasath M, [email protected] 122. Shri Arumugam K, No 44, Kannagi ST, Rajeshwari Naga r, Chennai-603202 123. Shri Arun Anthony Raj S., [email protected] 124. Shri Arun Chakaravarthy, No.3 middle street, Vadaku rumboor-607201 125. Shri Arun Kumar, [email protected] 126. Shri Arun N, [email protected] 127. Shri Arunabh Dev Sharma, For Hope & Care Foundation , [email protected] 128. [email protected] 129. Shri Ash M, Jayamahal Extension Benson Town, Bangal ore-560092 [email protected] [email protected] 130. Shri Ashay Chaware, Flat no. 007, Sai Sadan Apt, Su gwekar Ali , Neral-410101 131. Shri Ashish Kotamkar [email protected] 132. Shri Ashok Kumar [email protected] 133. [email protected] 134. [email protected] 135. Shri Ashwinkumar Rangasamy, Padhirikuppam, Cuddalor e-607401 [email protected], [email protected] 136. Shri Ayush Sahoo, Shreekhetra Vihar, Bhubaneswar-75 1003 [email protected] 137. [email protected] 138. Shri Azharudeen, [email protected] 139. Shri B K Singh, Retired PCCF (Head of Forest Force) , Karnataka, [email protected] 140. Shri B. Babusandar, [email protected] 141. Shri B. Girija, Director, [email protected] 142. Shri B. Prabhakaran Hospitality Supplies & Services , [email protected] 143. Shri Babu, [email protected] 144. Shri Babu S, [email protected] 145. [email protected] 146. Shri M. Siva, [email protected] 147. Badapalli Gramsabha At-Badapalli, Po-Badapalli, Via -Khallikote, Dist- Ganjam, Odisha, Pin- 761029 [email protected] 148. Shri Badnaran Majhi, Trustee, (Simlipal Trust for E cology & Economic Development), [email protected] 149. Shri Baibaraj Majhi, on behalf of Bagbel Gram Sabha , AT- Bagbel , P.O. / Via- Turekela District Balang ir, Odisha , Pin 767060 [email protected] 150. Baidipada Nuasahi Gramsabha At- Baidipada Nuasahi, Po-Jagilipadar, Via-Kodala, Dist- Ganjam, Odisha, Pin- 761032 [email protected] 151. Shri Baidyanath Sing, General Secretary (Org.) of B ahujan Mukti Party (BMP), District Unit Mayurbhanj, Odisha Sl. No. Name 152. Shri Baishanb Hans, At- Malibahali, Po Mahakhand, V ia- Bangomunda, dist. Balangir [email protected] 153. Shri Bakiyaraj [email protected] 154. Shri Bala Murugan, Pachapalayam, Coimbatore-641010 [email protected], [email protected] 155. Shri Balachandran Chinnaiyan, 1109, V. O. C. Nagar , Pudukkottai-622004 156. Shri Balaji Chitravel, [email protected] 157. Shri Balajee T E [email protected] 158. Shri Balaji [email protected] 159. Shri Bala Mukundhan Vysar Moorthy, 5/817 c Sriram N agar Kunnur Road Krishnan Kovil- 626138 160. Shri Balamurugan T NTK Environmental Wing balamnc23 @gmail.com 161. Shri Balamurugan. Mu, [email protected] 162. Shri Banadhikar O Prakriti Banchao Adivasi Mahasabh a, Garbeta, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal-721127 [email protected] 163. Banadhikar O Prakriti Banchao Adivasi Mahasabha, Pa schim Medinipur, Garbeta, Tigar House, West Bengal 164. [email protected] 165. [email protected] 166. Shri Baskar Pandiyan, No.4, 3rd Street, Kamarajar N agar, Avadi-600071 167. Shri Baspet Bag, On behalf of Bagdor Gram sabha , z [email protected] 168. Bayasahi Gramsabha At-Bayasahi, Po-Mundula, Via-Kod ala, Dist- Ganjam, Odisha, Pin- 761032 [email protected] 169. Beherakhai, Gram Sabha, GP-Gudighat, District Balan gir, Odisha [email protected] 170. [email protected] 171. Shri Bhagaban Putel, AT/P.O., Turekela, Dist. Balan gir, Odisha [email protected] 172. Shri Bhagvan Shiv, [email protected] 173. Shri Bhagyashree Pancholy, Add.- Pancholy House,PP Singhal Marg, Udaipur - 313004, Rajasthan 174. Shri Bhaja Majhi, AT-Tikrapada P.O.- Salemudhanga, Via- Bangomunda Dist. Balangir [email protected] 175. Shri Bharath Kumar R, 50,Vettavalam Road, Tiruvanna malai-606602 176. Shri Bharathi Raja Pandi, Sivaganga-630561 info@jha tkaa.org 177. [email protected] 178. Shri Bijay Kumar Hembram, Rastriya Adivasi Ekta Par ishad (RAEP), [email protected] 179. Shri Bijaya Jani ( Village President), padmalaya103 @gmail.com 180. Shri Biju Sabar, [email protected] 181. Shri Biram Soren, Mayurbhanj Hanat Paranik, biramso [email protected] 182. Shri Bisambar Mura, General Secretary, All India Ja n Adhikar Suraksha Committee, [email protected] 183. [email protected] 184. Shri Boobathi Raja.V, S/O.K.Veerappan, Samiyarpudur , Oddanchatram, Dindigul [email protected] ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 65 Sl. No. Name 185. Shri Boopathi, Naam Thamizhar Party, Tamil Nadu, im [email protected] 186. [email protected] 187. Shri Brian Lobo [email protected] 188. Shri Brijesh CS, [email protected] 189. Ms Brinda Karat, Member, Polit Bureau, CPI(M), Form er Member, Rajya Sabha, [email protected] 190. Shri B.vijayaprabakaran [email protected] m 191. Shri C. Kugan [email protected] 192. Shri C.M. Kartik Kumar, [email protected] 193. Shri C.R Bijoy, [email protected] 194. Shri C. Suresh, NTK Environmental Wing 195. Shri C.V. Anandan, [email protected] 196. [email protected] 197. [email protected] 198. Shri Cedric Savio Dsouza 199. Shri CH Varte, Joint Secretary, Hmar Inpui (Hmar Su preme House),Assam Hills Region, Assam, India 200. Shri Chambra Munda, AT –Kusumdihi, PO-Kalta, Dist-S undargarh, Odisha, 770052 201. Shri Chanchara Sahi Gramsabha At-Chanchara Sahi, Po -Mundula, Via-Kodala, Dist- Ganjam, Odisha, Pin- 761032 202. Shri Chandru Chawla, [email protected] 203. [email protected] 204. Shri Charles Ebinezer, [email protected] 205. Shri Charles Teunissen, Botterland, Zevenaar [email protected], [email protected] 206. Shri Chetan Agarwal, [email protected] 207. Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan, Conveners – Shri Sudes h Tikam, Shri Manish Kunjam, Shri Bijay Bhai, Ms. Shalini Gera, Shri Ramakant Banjare, Shri Nandk umar Kashyap, Shri Alok Shukla, [email protected] 208. Shri Chiranjit Roy, Durgapur-713212, West Bengal ro [email protected], [email protected] 209. Shri Chitra Iyer Sah, Headingly Cottage, Nainital-2 63002 [email protected], [email protected] 210. Shri Chitrakar Majhi, on Behalf of Mahulmunda Gram sabha [email protected] 211. Shri Clara Vaz Goa [email protected] 212. Shri Cleo Wendy, [email protected] 213. Col CP Muthanna [Retd], Hon Secretary, Environment and Health Foundation [India], [email protected] 214. Concerned Punekars, C/o Sarang Yadwadkar, A-10 Pra dnyangad, Sr. No. 119/3, Sinhgad Raod, Pune- 30 215. Shri Cuz Judas S. Barreto, judas.barreto1967@gmail. com 216. Shri D. Ajith Kumar, [email protected] 217. Shri D. E. Asokan, [email protected] 218. Shri D. Manokaran, [email protected] Sl. No. Name 219. Shri D. Raja, [email protected] 220. Shri Dadio Podar, Gram Sabha, GP-Haldi, District Ba langir, Odisha [email protected] 221. Dahu Gramsabha, Dahu, Hatmunda, PS- Brahmanigon, D ist-Kandhamal, 762021, Odisha, [email protected] 222. Shri Dakshina Ranjan Kisku, West Bengal-713209, Bar dhaman, [email protected] , [email protected] 223. Shri Daman Kumar, Pahari Gate Hariana -144208 V.P.O Hariana 224. Shri Dandasi Sabar ( Village President), padmalaya1 [email protected] 225. Shri Danny R., Anand Park, Pune-411007 dee.rau@gmai l.com, [email protected] 226. Shri David Rodrigues, H.No.191, Murmo Vaddo, Tamshe riem, Borim. Ponda, Goa - 403401 227. Shri Dayasagar Patil, Savali, Plot No 476/A 2nd Cro ss Bhagyanagar, Belgaum-590006 228. Shri Debadityo Sinha, Lead, Climate & Ecosystems, V idhi Centre for Legal Policy, A-232, Defence Colony , New Delhi - 110024 229. Shri Debaraj Budek, on Behalf of Masina Gram Sabha [email protected] 230. Shri Debi Goenka, Executive Trustee, Conservation A ction Trust, 5 SahakarBhavan, 1st Floor, LBS Marg, Narayan Nagar, Ghatkopar (West),Mumbai 400086 231. Shri Deekshith N, 428 5th Main Road Domlur Village Domlur, Bengaluru-560071 [email protected], [email protected] 232. Shri Deepak, [email protected] 233. Shri Deepak Gogate, [email protected] 234. Shri Deepak Holkar, Bhigwan-413105 holkardd24@gmail .com, [email protected] 235. Shri Deepak kumar, 4th block,Koramangala , Bangalor e-560034 236. [email protected] 237. [email protected] 238. Shri Deivasigamani R., Bryant nagar, Thoothukudi-62 8008 239. Shri Denis Fernandes, House No. 405, Agas,Loliem, C anacona, Goa. 240. Shri Devaki Kunte [email protected] 241. Shri Dhanasekar. K, [email protected] 242. Shri Dhanraj Karthikeyan, Thiruvarur, Tamilnadu -61 3701, [email protected] 243. Shri Dhanush Chandra, Water Tank Road, Bengaluru-56 0085 [email protected], [email protected] 244. Shri Dharmaraj C S, Our Own Nature, Reg.No.68/10, P.O.Krishnagiri, Meenangadi,Wayanad Dist,Kerala-673 591 245. Dharma Babu, No. 2/5, First floor, Sardar colony fi rst street, Ek 600032 Chennai [email protected] , [email protected] 246. [email protected] 247. Shri Dheeran Mukesh, [email protected] 248. Shri Dhinakaran V [email protected] 249. [email protected] ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 67 Sl. No. Name 250. Shri Dhiraj U Mirajkar, B.Sc., LL.M., Legal Advisor to Sanjay Gandhi National Park (2000 - 2023), Lega l Advisor to Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Foundat ion of Maharashtra (2020 - 2023), 405-406 Kanchan Holy Cross Road, Borivali West, Mumbai 400103 251. Dhobapadar Gramasabha Post- Haridaguda, Block-Borig umma Ps-B.Singhpur, Dist-Koraput Odisha, Pin-764057 [email protected] 252. Shri Dhruvang Sunil Hingmire, 4, Vrindavan society, Near Mhatre bridge, Pune - 411030 253. Shri Dhuruvan Selvamani, Spoke Person, Naam Tamilar Katchi [email protected] 254. Shri Diamond D Fernandes (Indian Citizen) diamond18 [email protected] 255. Shri Dickson Agnelo Pereira (Indian Citizen) dickso [email protected] 256. Shri Dileep Kumar Yadav (I.F.S.), Divisional Forest Officer, Garhwa North Forest Division, Van Bhawan, Kutchery Road, Garhwa, Jharkhand-822114 257. Shri Dilip Chakma, Executive Director, Indigenous R ights Advocacy Centre (IRAC), [email protected] 258. Shri Dilip Gode, Executive Director, VNCS, Vidarbha Nature Conservation Society,B-401, Gondawa na- Dhruv Apartments, KT Nagar, Katol Road, Nagpur-4400 13 259. Shri Dilli Rajan, [email protected] 260. Ms. Dimple Asha, 4-280/2A, Balaji Nagar-517002 Chit toor 261. Shri Dinesh Kumar Agrawal, S/o Late Moti Lal Agrawa l, 1/24, First Floor, Charmwood Village, Eros Garde n, Suraj Kund, Faridabad-121009. 262. Shri Dinesh Kumar G, [email protected] 263. Ms. Dipti Arora, [email protected] 264. District Forest Right Group Member, 15 Ward Member , Vettaikaranpudhur, Dapslip, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 265. [email protected] 266. Ms. Divya Sree, Jettypalem, Venkatagiri-524132 divy [email protected], [email protected] 267. Ms. Dolly Pandya, Mangal Bagh Street No. 1, Gurudwa ra Road, Jamnagar-361001 268. [email protected] 269. Domturunji Gramasabha Post- Haridaguda, Block-Borig umma Ps-B.Singhpur, Dist-Koraput Odisha, Pin-764057 [email protected] 270. Dr Arvind Kumar Jha, PCCF & DG (SFD), Maharashtra, Member (Bar Council of High Court of Bombay and Goa) 271. Dr Ashok Kaushal [email protected] 272. Dr Bhushi Venkata Rao. Convenor, Visakha Dalit Unit y Forum, Bhushi Bhavan, Ashok Nagar, Desapalrunipalem, Nea Check Post, Parawada(M), Visa khapatnan-531021 273. Dr D K Sriwastwa IFS Rtd, Secretary, SILVAN, [email protected] 274. Dr H.S Gupta, Ranchi -834002., Jharkhand (India) 275. Dr Thimmappaiah G, Vijayanagar, Bangalore-560040 in [email protected] 276. Dr. A. Simon Justin, [email protected] 277. Dr. Balathandayuthabani P, PhD (Sweden) Environment al Science [email protected] 278. Dr. Fr. Bolmax Fidelis Pereira, Convenor, Diocesan Commission For Ecology Goa (DCE), [email protected] 279. Dr. Kalpana S Gupte [email protected] Sl. No. Name 280. Dr. Kishor Moghe 19,Vishalnagar, Moha, Dhamangaon R oad, Yavatmal- 445001 281. Dr. M. Saren, Paranik/President (B.J.M, P.M.),Bars arsa, P.O. Itachuna,Block- Pandua, District- Hooghly, W.B. 282. Dr. M.P.Singh, IFS, Director, Institute of Wood Sc ience and Technology, 18Cross, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru- 560 003 283. Dr. Mailaraaj, [email protected], 13.05. 2023 08.37 284. Dr. Mairee Chet, [email protected] 13.05.202 3 08.27 285. Dr. N M Saran MD Physician (Russia & Armenia), [email protected] 286. Dr. Sejal Worah, Programme Director, WWF India, [email protected] 287. Dr. T. Santhosh Raj, [email protected] 288. Shri Durai, [email protected] 289. Shri Durairaj [email protected] 290. Shri Durga M, Adyar, Chennai-600020 291. Shri Durgacharan Hembram, (vice president,Mayurbhan j Surakhya Manch) BadNaran Majhi, (Advisor, Mayurbhanj Surakhya Manch) [email protected] 292. Shri Durgacharan Singh, Working President of Bahuja n Mukti Party (BMP), District Unit Mayurbhanj, Odisha At:— Kanchanpal, PO:— Orachandabilla, PS:— B etnoti, Dist:— Mayurbhanj, State:— Odisha, Pin: 757103 293. Shri E Sathish Kumar, [email protected] 294. Shri E Tamilselvan, [email protected] 295. Shri E. Batsha, Naam Tamilr Katchi, yuvanbatsha@gma il.com 296. Shri A. Manikanandan, [email protected] 297. Shri E. Rasaiya, [email protected] 298. Shri E. Tamilselvan, [email protected] 299. Shri E.A.S.Sarma, 14-40-4/1 Gokhale Road, Maharanip eta, Visakhapatnam- 530002 300. Ms. R Kanagapriyaa, [email protected] 301. [email protected] 302. [email protected] 303. Shri Eliel D'Souza, Panaji 403002, North Goa, Pana ji [email protected] [email protected] 304. [email protected] 305. Ms. Elisabeth Bechmann, Neugebäudeplatz 4 / 67, St . Pölten, [email protected], [email protected] 306. Er. Royson E. Da Costa Consultant Civil Engineer, [email protected] 307. [email protected] 308. Shri Eswar M, 250, Santhiyakinatru Street, Srivill iputhur-626125 309. Shri Eswara, [email protected] 310. [email protected] ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 69 Sl. No. Name 311. Shri Fahad CV, #202 Sri Ram NIlaya Apartments, 145, AECS B Block, Wellington Paradise, Begur, Bengaluru, Karnataka-560068, Bangalore 312. Ms. Fatima M Noronha [email protected] 313. Shri Felix Furtado, H. No. 330,Cavorim,Chandor, Sal cete,Goa-403714 314. Shri Felix Pereira,H. No. 642, Moll ward,Sao Jose d e Areal, Salcete Goa 403709 315. Forest Rights Committee, Distt.- Bayurbhanj, Odish a 316. Shri Francis, [email protected] 317. Shri Francis Selvaraj, [email protected] 318. Shri Fred Hamilton Hamilton, Hiranandani Gardens Po wai, Mumbai-400076 [email protected] [email protected] 319. Shri G Dhayalan, [email protected] 320. Shri G Maharajan, [email protected] 321. Shri G. Munisamy, [email protected] 322. Shri G. Prasanna, [email protected] 323. Shri G. Prasannavenkatesh, [email protected] 324. Shri G. Rajasekar., [email protected] 325. [email protected] 326. Shri Ganesan Pazhani, 25/162 Kali Amman koil Street Virugambakkam-600092 Chennai 327. Shri Ganesh G, Chennai-600019 [email protected], inf [email protected] 328. Shri Ganesh Sabar, [email protected] 329. Shri Ganesh Veluswami, Thilagar Street, Chennai-600 091 [email protected], [email protected] 330. [email protected] 331. Shri Ganga Majhi, on Behalf of Rautmunda Gram sabha , District- Balangir, Odisha, [email protected] 332. Shri Gangadhar Majhi , At- Ganjaudar Po /via Tureke la, Dist- Balangir (Odisha) Pin 767060, [email protected] 333. Shri Gaurish Angawalkar, 25/C/104,Green Hill Gorega on East Near NNP 1&2, Mumbai-400065 334. Shri Gehla Charan Munda, AT-Birtola, P.O.-Darjing, Via-lahunipara, PS-Chandiposh, Pin-770040, State- odisha [email protected] 335. Shri Gerald C, 44 Bajanai Madam Street, Pondicherry - 605003 [email protected] 336. Shri Ghana Majhi, on Behalf of Barakani gram sabha [email protected] 337. [email protected] 338. Gilinda Gramsabha At-Gilinda, Po-Angaragaon, Via-Su mandal, Dist- Ganjam, Odisha, Pin- 761035 [email protected] 339. [email protected] 340. [email protected] 341. Shri Gnanamuthu, [email protected] 342. Shri Gnanamuthu. T, [email protected] Sl. No. Name 343. [email protected] 344. Shri Gnanasekar, [email protected] 345. Shri Gobinda Majhi, on Behalf of Jharani gram sabha [email protected] 346. Shri Gogulan. S, [email protected] 347. Shri Gokul KR, 16 Brindavan Road Salem-636016 348. Shri Gopal, [email protected] 349. Shri Gopalakrishnan Srinivasan, 1-1/438, Rasi Nagar , Mohan Nagar P.O., Salem – 636030 350. Shri Gopi Vijayakumar, [email protected] 351. Shri Gopikrishnan N, [email protected] 352. Shri Gopinath K, 36/47, Nachiappa Street, Chennai-6 00004 353. Shri Goutam Rana, AT Pandaren P.O. - Kuibahal, Via- Turekela, Dist Balangir [email protected] 354. Shri Govindarasu, [email protected] 355. Shri Gowri Shankar Manimuthu, Senganoor, boominaike npatty, 636304 Salem [email protected] , [email protected] 356. Shri Gowtham M, Environmentalist, gowthamvedha26@gm ail.com 357. Shri Gowthamraj Kandasamy, Tamil Nadu, gowthamrajka [email protected] 358. [email protected] 359. Gramasabha Samuha, Dadapalla Block, Nayagarh Odisha , Odisha. [email protected] 360. Gudikia Gramasabha, P.O. Gudikia, PS-Brahmanigam, District Kandhamal, Odisha [email protected] 361. Gumandi Gramasabha, [email protected] 362. Shri Gura Singh, Member of Rashtriya Adivasi Ekta P arishad, District Unit , ayurbhanj, Odisha At:— Kandaliasole, PO:— Sankerko, PS:— Badasahi, Dist:— Mayurbhanj State:— Odisha, Pin:— 757024 363. Shri Gurudas Nulkar [email protected] 364. Shri Hamza Tariq, Kanuni Lok Sahayta Kendra-Mandvi [email protected] 365. Shri Hannan Mollah, [email protected] 366. Haraguda Gramasabha, [email protected] 367. Shri Harald Nixon C C, [email protected] 368. Shri Haraprasad Raut, on behalf of Dumermunda Grams abha [email protected] 369. Shri Hari Krish, 620 Bharathi Road, Chennai-600050 370. Shri Hariharan. K, [email protected] 371. [email protected] 372. Shri Hariprasad G, [email protected] 373. Shri Haripriya Haridasan, Eliyan House , illipuram, PO: Irinave, District Kannur-670301 374. Shri Harish N, Mahadeshwarnagar, Bangalore-560091 i [email protected] 375. [email protected] ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 71 Sl. No. Name 376. Shri Haritha M, Meledath House, Thaliparamba-670581 377. [email protected] 378. [email protected] 379. [email protected] 380. Ms. Hema Chari, [email protected] 381. Hema Chari, [email protected] 382. Ms. Hema Ramani, Campaigns Director [email protected] 383. Shri Hemant Kumar Lodhi, Middle High Teacher, Gram+P ost- Kundli, Tehsil- Hilwani, District- Raisen (MP) 384. Shri Hemanth, [email protected] 385. Shri Hemasagar Dharua, At Khutulumunda, Po Kantaban ji, Dist Balangir, Odisha [email protected] 386. Shri Himanshu Singh, Bijliasi, 226003 Lucknow 387. Shri Hussain Ahamed. [email protected], Sof tware Engineer. [email protected] 388. Shri I. Jayaraman, [email protected] 389. [email protected] 390. Shri Inamdar Tabussum S., Advocate, Mumbai High Cou rt 391. Shri Inder Jit Singh, D 383, Defence Colony-110024, New Delhi 392. Indigenous Lawyers Association of India C3/441, To p Floor, Janakpuri, New Delhi -110058 393. [email protected] 394. Shri Infant Prakash, [email protected] 395. [email protected], Kachchh Camel Breeder’s Assoc iation 396. Initiative for Social Inclusion & Change, Silchar, Cachar, Assamm, [email protected] 397. Shri Iniyan PK, Ayothidhasar Nagar, Madurai-625514 [email protected], [email protected] 398. [email protected] 399. Shri Iona Yvette Fernande, Goa [email protected] m 400. Shri J Chandralega, Advocate, Thiruppullani, Ramana thapuram 623532 [email protected] 401. Shri J Johnwesly, [email protected] 402. Shri J. Loganathan, [email protected] 403. Shri J. Richard Amalraj [email protected] 404. Shri J.F. Jino (President), Mountainside Farmers As sociation, Kamarajapuram, Thadikkarankonam (Post) Kanniyakumari Dist.-629851 405. [email protected] 406. Shri Jacob Raja, [email protected] 407. Shri Jadelin Athena, 3 51 24 Arokia Nagar Muthalaku rchy Thuckalay Post Kanyakumari Dist. Kanyakumari- 629175, Tamil Nadu 408. Shri Jaffer Li, [email protected] 409. Shri Jaffer Ali, [email protected] 410. Shri Jagadeesh S, 24/31, Perumal 1st Street, Purasa iwalkam Chennai-600007 Sl. No. Name 411. Shri Jagadish G Shet, Nagara-577425, Hosanagara Tq, Shivamogga Dist [email protected] 412. Shri Jagan Shekhar, [email protected] 413. [email protected] 414. Shri Jainam Sheth, Mulund west-400080, Mumbai jsroc [email protected], [email protected] 415. Shri James Zacharias, Former Forest Officer, Kerala [email protected] 416. Ms Janaki Gandhi, #6 Shivalik Apartment, 88 Anand P ark , Pune-411007 417. Ms Janani, Parisar Pune [email protected] 418. Shri Janardan Nayak, Milita Adibasi Kalyan Monch, K eonjhar, Odisha-758001 419. Shri Janarthanan Mani [email protected] 420. Shri Janarthanan Mohan, 269 new Street Kedambur, Am bur-635808 421. Janibili Gramsabha At-Janibili, Po-Mardamekha, Via- Kodala, Dist- Ganjam, Odisha, Pin- 761032 [email protected] 422. Jarapalli Gramsabha At-Jarapalli, Po-Badapalli, Via -Khallikote, Dist- Ganjam, Odisha, Pin- 761029 [email protected] 423. Ms Jaya Sabar ( Village President) At- Telimal, Po - Jagilipadar, Via- Kodala, Dist- Ganjam, Odisha, Pin- 761032 424. [email protected] 425. Shri Jayakumar, [email protected] 426. Ms Jayanti K. Ramani (Lakdawala) jklakdawala@gmail. com 427. Shri Jayapal Balaji, [email protected] 428. [email protected] 429. [email protected] 430. [email protected] 431. [email protected] 432. [email protected] 433. Shri Jeferry Rebello, President, United Planters As sociation of Southen India (UPASI), Coonoor, Nilgir is, Tamil Nadu 434. Shri Jegan Raj, [email protected] 435. Shri Jeganathan S., [email protected] 436. Jesufair Environmental Activist, [email protected] 437. Shri Jeya S, [email protected] 438. [email protected] 439. Shri Jeyaraj, [email protected] 440. Shri Jodi Rodar, 223 North Valley Road, Pelham 441. Shri John Mark Pena, President, Hmar Students’ Asso ciation, HSA Campus, Muolhoi, Haflong, Dima Hasao, Pin-788819 442. Shri John paul, [email protected] 443. Shri John Peppin, [email protected] ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 73 Sl. No. Name 444. Shri Jon Botham, [email protected] 445. Shri Jose Carlos Da Veiga Gracias, 54 Borda Fatorda Goa 403602 [email protected] 446. Shri Joseph D'costa (Indian Citizen) joseph.dcosta@ 3i-infotech.com 447. Shri Joseph Hoover, Former member, State Board for Wildlife, Karnataka, Independent Senior Journalist [email protected] 448. [email protected] 449. Ms. Jothimageswari R, [email protected] 450. [email protected] 451. Shri Jubaraj Dharua, AT Barakani, P.O. Jamkhunta, V ia- Sindhekela, Dist-Balangir [email protected] 452. Shri Juheb Jhony, Barak, Assam [email protected] 453. [email protected] 454. Ms. Jyoti Pande Lavakare [email protected] 455. Jyoti Pande Lavakare, [email protected] 456. Shri Jyotiraditya Chillal, Gandhinagar-411041, Narayanpet [email protected], info@ jhatkaa.org 457. Shri K .Jagadeesan Dhana [email protected] m 458. Shri K Suresh Nayak, Member, NECF, Mangaluru, Karna taka [email protected] 459. Shri K. Elumalai, [email protected] 460. Shri K. Johnson, [email protected] 461. Shri K. Murugesan, [email protected] 462. Ms. K. Rajalakshmi, [email protected] 463. Shri K. Silamabarasan, [email protected] 464. Shri K. Silamabarasan, [email protected] 465. Shri K. Silambarasan, [email protected] 466. Shri K. Venkatesh, [email protected] 467. Shri K. Venkatraman, General Secretary – Thamizh Th esiya Periyakkam, (Thamizh National Movement), SP – 10 / 34, First Sector, Third Street, First Floor, Kalaignar Karunanithi Nagar, Chennai – 600 078. 468. Shri K. Vijayakumar, [email protected] 469. Shri K. Yuvaraj, [email protected] 470. Shri K.A.S.S.Rahman [email protected] 471. Shri K.M. Kajendiran, NTK MEMBER, kajendiran2114@gm ail.com 472. Shri K.Nuagan Gramsabha, PS-Brahmanigam, District K andhamal, Odisha [email protected] 473. [email protected] 474. Shri Kaartikeyan, Vellore, [email protected] 475. Shri Kailash. S, [email protected] 476. Shri Kalaigukan Mathivanan, [email protected] 477. Shri Kalaimani, [email protected] Sl. No. Name 478. Shri Kalaimaran A, 302 A Harihar Residency, Tiruchi -620020 479. Shri Kalaivendan J, [email protected] 480. Shri Kalidadan, [email protected] 481. Shri Kalimuthu S [email protected] 482. [email protected] 483. Shri Kalpavriksh [email protected] 484. Shri Kamal Rathi, Naturalist and Conservationist, [email protected] 485. Ms. Kamali Sudhakar, [email protected] 486. [email protected] 487. [email protected] 488. Shri Kameswar Majhi, At- Kadalipali, PO Mahakhand, Dist Balangir [email protected] 489. [email protected] 490. Shri Kankani Pdar, Gram Sabha, GP-Malisira, Distric t Balangir, Odisha 491. [email protected] 492. Shri Karan Bhure, Tatya Tope Nagar Nagpur -440015 K [email protected], [email protected] 493. Shri Karn Debara, Gram Sabha, GP-Gudighat, District Balangir, Odisha [email protected] 494. Kartas Gramasabha, Post-Haridaguda, Block-Borigumma Ps-B.Singhpur, Dist-Koraput, Odisha, Pin-764057 495. Shri Karthi, [email protected] 496. Shri Karthick, [email protected] 497. Shri Karthick Manickam, No. 46/52 Valluvan Street, Chennai -600012 498. Shri Karthick R, [email protected] 499. Shri Karthik, [email protected] 500. Shri Karthik M, [email protected] 501. Shri Karthikeyan. S, Kanchipuram, karthikiyammal@gm ail.com 502. [email protected] 503. [email protected] 504. [email protected] 505. Shri Kartik Lunge, Raheja vistas, near Royal Herita ge mall, Pune-411060 506. [email protected] 507. [email protected] 508. [email protected] 509. [email protected] 510. Shri Kaushalendra Kumar Jha IFS (Retd) Former PCCF, Uttar Pradesh 511. Shri Kavidasan P, 1, Govindraj Street demallows Roa d Choolai-600112, Chennai 512. Shri Kavin, [email protected] 513. [email protected] ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 75 Sl. No. Name 514. [email protected] 515. Ms. Kavita Mehta, Executive Director, Sahjeevan, 1 75-Jalaram Society, B/h. Vishwamangal Apartment, Vijaynagar, Bhuj 370 001 Kachchh, Gujarat, INDIA 516. Ms. Kavitha Devi Anbazhagan, Radhanagar Main Road, Chennai-600044 [email protected], [email protected] 517. Shri Kaviyarasan N., [email protected] 518. [email protected] 519. Shri Kaza Ramana Prasad, Yapral, Hyderabad-500087 i [email protected] 520. Shri Keerthivasan T, New Colony Street Keezh Edaiya lam, Tindivanam -604302 [email protected], [email protected] 521. Shri Kesar Singh, Social worker and resident Villag e Kot, Dist. Faridabad, Haryana 522. Shri Keshav Jangid, Near Neelkanth public school, k hari kothi mohalla, Dausa-303303 523. Ms. Ketaki Patil, [email protected] 524. [email protected] 525. Khadakpada Adivasi Gaothan Main Pump House, Aarey Milk Colony, Goregaon East, Mumbai- 400065, [email protected] 526. Khajuri Sahi Gramasabha At-Khajuri Sahi, Po-Badapal li, Via-Khallikote, Dist- Ganjam, Odisha, Pin- 7610 29 [email protected] 527. Khandyanal Gramsabha At-Khandyanal, Po-Badapalli, V ia-Khallikote, Dist- Ganjam, Odisha, Pin- 761029 [email protected] 528. [email protected] 529. [email protected] 530. [email protected] 531. Kovilpatti Forest Rights Committee, Nilgiris Dist. Masinagudi Post-643223, Tamil Nadu 532. [email protected] 533. Shri Krishna Chandra Chattar, Rastriya Adivasi Ekta Parishad, District President/Co-ordinator, District- Keonjhar, Odisha 534. Shri Krishna Kumar D, Periyar Nagar- 626203, Sattur [email protected], [email protected] 535. Shri Krishna Prasath G, Naam Thamizhar Katchi – Che nnai, [email protected] 536. Shri Krishna Raj, Jeeva Nagar, 605602 Villupuram, k [email protected], [email protected] 537. Ms. Krishna Valli M, [email protected] 538. [email protected] 539. Shri Krishnan Nimmathi, 889, Malligai St, Anbarasu Nagar, Poonamallee-600123 540. Ms. Kriti Mehra, Malad W, Mumbai-400064 info@jhatka a.org 541. Shri Krunal Bhagat, Achole Road, Nalasopara East, M aharashtra -401209 Vasai 542. Shri Kshetramohan Majhi , AT Pingalmunda, P.O. Ghun asar, Via- Khaprakhol Dist Balangir, Odisha [email protected] 543. Shri Kuldip Singh, Member of Rashtriya Adivasi Ekta Parishad (RAEP), District Unit Mayurbhanj, Odisha At:— Kukudakhumpi, PO:— Kuchei, PS:— Kuliana, Dist: — Mayurbhanj, State:— Odisha, Pin: 757105 544. [email protected] Sl. No. Name 545. [email protected] 546. [email protected] 547. Kutani Jhoran Gramsabha, GP-Gudighot, District Bala ngir, Odisha [email protected] 548. Shri Kuttalam, [email protected] 549. Shri L J Raj, [email protected] 550. Shri L Kumar, Vyasar Nagar 6th Street, Vyasarpadi, Chennai -600039 [email protected] [email protected] 551. Shri L. Senthilkumar, [email protected] 552. Shri Lakapati Bag, AT-Gudramunda, P.O. Kuibahal, Vi a- Turekela , Dist Balangir [email protected] 553. Shri Lakhia Sabar, [email protected] 554. Shri Lakshmanakumaran Kumaran, 175/176, Radhakrishn an Nagar, Avaniapuram Byepass Road, Madurai-625012 555. Shri Lakshmanan R, [email protected] 556. [email protected] 557. [email protected] 558. Ms. Lalita Premsila Lakra, Block-lathikata, Vill-B irkera, District -Sundagarh (Odidhsa) [email protected] 559. Shri Lalringhnem Pulamte, Secretary, Hmar Women's A ssociation, Assam Hills Region, Hqr Muolhoi, Haflong, Assam 560. Shri Lalrothang Thiek, General Secretary,Hmar Youth Association N. Chills Joint Headquarters Muolhoi,Haflong, [email protected] 561. Shri Latasahada, Gram Sabha, GP-Gudighat, District Balangir, Odisha [email protected] 562. Shri Laxmidhara sahoo, [email protected] 563. [email protected] 564. Ms. Leona Delphi, [email protected] 565. [email protected] 566. Shri Lochan Bariha, on Behalf og Barla Gram Sabha, AT - Barla , P.O. Ghunesh PS-Turekela , Dist. Balan gir [email protected] 567. [email protected] 568. [email protected] 569. [email protected] 570. Shri Lokesh P., No. 6/2, Ashok Nagar, 600083 Chenna i 571. Ms. Lona Yvette Fernande, Goa 572. Shri S. Shiva, [email protected] 573. [email protected] 574. Shri M Karthik, [email protected] 575. Shri M Kavin, [email protected] ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 77 Sl. No. Name 576. Shri M Nishar Ahamed, [email protected] 577. Shri M. Palaniswami, [email protected] 578. Shri M. Antony Stephen [email protected] 579. Shri M. Anand, [email protected] 580. Shri M. Baskaran, [email protected] 581. Shri M. Gopalsami, Muthumari Amman, Kovil Keela, Ve lipalaoam, Nagapatinam 582. Shri M. Isai Desan [email protected] 583. Shri M. Jeeva, [email protected] 584. Shri M. Kaja [email protected] 585. Shri M. Kathiresan, [email protected] 586. Shri M. Kesavan [email protected] 587. Shri M. Lakshamanan, [email protected] 588. Shri M. Mohamed Kani, [email protected] 589. Shri M. Muthukrishnan, [email protected] m 590. Shri M. Muthukrishnan, [email protected] 591. Shri M. Pandian, Presidient, Theni District Farmers Union, Periyakulam, Tamil Nadu [email protected] 592. Shri M. Prabaharan, [email protected] 593. Shri M. Prabhakaran, [email protected] 594. Shri M. Sathish, [email protected] 595. Shri M. Sathishkumar, [email protected] 596. Shri M. Subramanian, Secretary, Maramalai Planters Association, Vivekanandan Street, K.P. Road, Nagarcoil-629001 597. Shri M. Venkatesan, [email protected] 598. Shri M. Antony Stephen [email protected] 599. Shri M. Asisa [email protected] 600. Shri M. Kesavan 601. Shri M. Deepan, [email protected] 602. Shri Madan Sharma, [email protected] 603. Shri Mahesh Kumar BN [email protected] 604. Shri Maheswar Dharua, on behalf of Sanbanki Gram sa bha, District- Balangir, Odisha [email protected] 605. Shri Malarvizhi Ekambaram, 10/17A, 8th Street, B.V. Nagar, Pazhavanthangal Chennai -600114, Tamil Nadu 606. Shri Maneck Kapadia, Havelock Rd., Camp, Belgaum-59 0001 607. Shri Mangilal Gujjar, Jangal Jamin Jan Andolan, mlg [email protected] 608. Shri Mani, [email protected] 609. Shri Manian NTK, [email protected] Sl. No. Name 610. [email protected] 611. [email protected] 612. Shri Manika Sabar ( Village President), padmalaya10 [email protected] 613. Shri Manikandan K K, [email protected] 614. Shri Manikandan Kuppusamy, [email protected] 615. Shri Manikandan S, [email protected] 616. Shri Manikandan M, [email protected] 617. [email protected] 618. Shri Maninder Singh [email protected] 619. Shri Manish Ghurde, Amravati-444607 ghurdemanish50@ gmail.com, [email protected] 620. [email protected] 621. Ms. Manjushri [email protected] 622. Shri Manohar [email protected] 623. Shri Manoj Negi, Brothers Apartment, I.P. Extension , Patparganj, Delhi-110092 [email protected], [email protected] 624. Shri ManojKumar, [email protected] 625. Shri Mansoor Ali, [email protected] 626. [email protected] 627. Marad Gramasabha, Post- Haridaguda, Block-Borigumma Ps-B.Singhpur, Dist-Koraput Odisha, Pin-764057 [email protected] 628. Shri Marcos Agostinho dos Santos marcosdossantos@ya hoo.com 629. Shri Margaret Viegas, (Indian Citizen) margaretvieg [email protected] 630. Shri Maria do Carmo Fernandes [email protected] om 631. Shri Maria Jacinta de Silva (Indian Citizen) jacint [email protected] 632. Shri Maria Jegan, Estimation Supervisor, ZIMIPCO Da mmam, K.S.A., [email protected] 633. Shri Mariappa T, [email protected] 634. Shri Mariappan, [email protected] 635. Shri Mariya Bakiya Raj, [email protected] 636. Shri Mariya Mary Joseph, Mundoor h, Panathady. P.O. , Cherupanathady, Kasaragod-671532 [email protected] [email protected] 637. Shri Mariyamuthu M, [email protected] 638. [email protected] 639. Shri Mathan Kumar, Jailaniyastreet 6th Cross, Subra maniapuram -620020, Trichy 640. Shri Mathan Muthuswamy, 22-12, Ananthapadmanabhapur am-629901, Nagercoil 641. Shri Mathavan M, [email protected] 642. Shri Mathumitha Sathiyamoorthy, MCA, madhusathya080 [email protected] 643. Shri Mayank Mikhail Mukherjee, Advocate, Chambers o f Mayank Mikhail Mukherjee, B6/58, Terrace, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi - 110 029 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 79 Sl. No. Name 644. Mayurbhanj Jungle Manch, AT-Jyotipur, P.O. Goudadih a, Baripada, Mayabhan-757003, Odisha [email protected] 645. Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, Village - Devdungri , Post - Barar, District - Rajsamand, Rajasthan, In dia - 313341, [email protected] 646. Ms. Meenakshi Kapoor and Ms. Krithika A Dinesh, Ind ependent Environmental Researcher [email protected] 647. Ms. Meenal Tatpati, Salisbury Park, Pune-411037 mee [email protected] [email protected] 648. Ms. Meera [email protected] 649. Shri Melvi Fernandes, (Indian citizen) melvifernand [email protected] 650. Shri Mervin, [email protected] 651. Shri Mervyn Vales, [email protected] 652. Minapur Gramsabha At-Minapur, Po-Badapalli, Via-Kha llikote, Dist- Ganjam, Odisha, Pin- 761029 [email protected] 653. Minjapanka Gramasabha, [email protected] 654. Shri Mirona Afonso (Indian Citizen) maura711afonso@ gmail.com 655. Shri Misbah Qureshi, 403/A Wing Kshitij Building, M umbai-400016 656. Shri Mo Haroon, 4, Kasturi Bai Street, Chennai-6000 94 657. Shri Mohamed Shareef, [email protected] 658. Mohamed Shareef, [email protected] 659. Shri Mohamed Siddiq, [email protected] 660. Shri Mohamed Thajudeen, [email protected] 661. Shri Mohan M, [email protected] 662. Shri Mohanam, [email protected] 663. [email protected] 664. Ms. Monisha V, [email protected] 665. Shri C. Lalaji, [email protected] 666. Shri Durai [email protected] 667. Shri Edwin Jayakumar, [email protected] 668. Shri Joseph Sequeira Calangute joseph.sequeira@casa severina.com 669. Shri D.A. Narayanan ( Serve a Tribe ) ADVOCATE, Coi mbatore 312, Lawyers Chambers District Court complex, Gopalapuram, Coimbatore – 641018, Tamilnad u State 670. Ms. Fatima Fernandes, Siolim-Bardez, Goa [email protected] 671. Ms. Peruma, Naam Tamilar Party, Tamilnadu, perumase [email protected] 672. 1. Ms. Prerna Singh Bindra, Former member, Standing Committee, National Board for Wildlife, Former member, State Board for Wildlife, Uttarakhand, PhD Scholar, University of Cambridge. 2. Ms. Prakriti Srivastava, IFS, Principal Chief Co nservator of Forests, Kerala [email protected] m, [email protected] 673. Ms. Bhagyashree Panchaly, Pancholy House, PP Singh al Marg, Udaipur, Rajasthan Sl. No. Name 674. Ms. Qaneez Sukhrani, Convenor - Association of Naga r Road Citizens Forum, A/3 Hermes Drome CHS Ltd., S.no.211/3/1B Viman Nagar, Pune 411 014 675. Ms. Shubhda Deshmukh, Dr Satish Gogulwar, Convener, Amhi Amchya Arogyasathi [email protected] 676. [email protected] 677. [email protected] 678. Shri Mukilan Manikandan, Thelepan Street, P. Vaduga palayam, Palladam-641664 [email protected], [email protected] 679. Shri Mukund V Mavalankar, mukund.mavalankar@gmail. com 680. Shri Munindra, IFS (retd) [email protected] 681. Shri Murali Kumar K, T.N, Ranipet, kmurali.ind@gmai l.com 682. [email protected] 683. [email protected] 684. [email protected] 685. [email protected] 686. [email protected] 687. [email protected] 688. Ms. Muskan Agarwal, Malviya Nagar Delhi, Delhi-3020 17 [email protected], [email protected] 689. Shri Muthu, [email protected] 690. Shri Muthu Kumaran, [email protected] 691. Shri Muthu Veerasamee, [email protected] 692. Shri Muthukrishnan Uthaman, Thirunagar-625006, Madu rai 693. Shri Muthukumar Gurusamy Kadavur, Mayilampatti-62 1301 [email protected] 694. Shri Muthukumar S, [email protected] 695. Shri Muthukumar V, [email protected] 696. Shri N Alagu Ponnirul, [email protected] 697. Shri N K, Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi-110016 knate [email protected] [email protected] 698. Shri N.K., 560082 Bengaluru [email protected], inf [email protected] 699. Shri N. Udaya, Member of NECF, Mangalore udeeachar@ gmail.com 700. [email protected] 701. Shri Nagaraj H Shettar, 1st cross, park extension, Durgigudi, Shivamogga, Karnataka -577201 702. Shri Nagaraja Koove, Ganapathikatte, Koove Post Mud igereTaluk , Chickamgalur District 703. Shri Nagesh S.V., 'Navyasgree', 100ft Road, Vinayak a Nagara, Shivamogga-577201 704. Shri Nakul Bariha, AT -Khuripani, P.O.- Rengali, Vi a- Khaprakhol, District Balangir [email protected] 705. Ms. Namrata Das, J-78/2, Pandav Nagar, Opposite Mot her Dairy, New Delhi-400061 706. Shri Nandha Kumar, Asf3 Barathi Avenue 1st cross st reet New Perungalathur Tamilnadu, Chennai-600063 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 81 Sl. No. Name 707. Shri Narasimma, [email protected] 708. Shri Narendra Armor, President, Forest Right Commit tee, Village- Morga, Post- Morga, Tahsil- Podi, District- Korba, Chhattisgarh 709. Shri Naresh B, Thiruvanmaiyur- 600018 Chennai nares [email protected], [email protected] 710. Shri Naresh Jamatia, President, Radhacharan Debbarm a, General Secretary, GMP, Tripura. [email protected] 711. Ms. Natarajanjothi, M.Com, [email protected] 712. Shri Nathiya Raman, 16/27 Meenakshipuram-629301, Ar alvoimozhi 713. National Alliance on CFR and MFP, C/o Dr. Kishor Mo ghe, 19 Vishal Nagar, Moha, Dhamangaon Road, Yavatmal, Maharashtra- 445001 714. Shri Navaneethakrishnan S, [email protected] 715. Shri Naveen Kumar H C, Hadinaru Village and Post Ch atra Hobli Nanjangud, Thaluk Mysore, district, Mysore-571302 [email protected] info@j hatkaa.org 716. [email protected] 717. [email protected] 718. Shri Navin, [email protected] 719. Shri K. Navinrajan, [email protected] 720. Shri Nawinrajtamiz, [email protected] 721. Ms. Neela Dhavale [email protected] 722. Ms. Neelam Ahluwalia Nakra, Co-Founder and Trustee, Aravalli Bachao Citizens Movement [email protected] 723. Shri Neenu Somaraj, Sreevalsam, Parippu, P.O. Kotta yam, Kerala 724. Ms. Nelisha Trindade, Goa ,Candolim, Mapusa-403515 725. [email protected] 726. Shri Niruban Chakaravarthy, No.8/30A Mettu Street A graharam Korattur Chennai - 600076 727. Shri Nishikant Jadhav, Nishikant Bhaskar Jadhav At post shirgaon tehsil Deogad District Sindhudurg-416 610, Maharashtra [email protected] info@jhatka a.org 728. Shri Nithin K M, Prestige Willow Tree, Vidyaranyapu ra, Bangalore-560097 [email protected] [email protected] 729. Shri Nitin Shinde, [email protected] 730. Shri Nityan and Shri Jayaraman, S45, 35th Cross, Be sant Nagar, Chennai-600090 731. Shri Nivaas Sudhan, C403, Coimbatore-641041 shriniv [email protected] [email protected] 732. [email protected] 733. Shri NTK Ranipet, naamtamilarkatchiranipettai@gmail .com 734. [email protected] 735. Shri Nu Nizaam Ahmad, [email protected] 736. Nuapalli Gramsabha At-Nuapalli, PO-Badapalli, Via-K hallikote, Dist- Ganjam, Odisha, Pin- 761029 [email protected] 737. Shri Om Rane, 12, Raigad Society, Mumbai-400078 Sl. No. Name 738. on behalf of Area Sabha Association of Pune (ASAP) [email protected] 1. Ms. Swapna Narayan, Co-ordinator 2. Shri Ravindra Sinha, Member 3. Ms. Vaishali Patkar, Member 4. Shri Makarand Shende, Member 5. Ms. Hema Chari, Member 6. Shri Akhilesh Bhandari, Member 7. Shri Satya Natarajan, Member 739. [email protected] 740. Our Race, [email protected] 741. Shri Oviyan K, 1 ayothidhasar nagar, Madurai-614154 [email protected] [email protected] 742. Shri P Mallikharjuna Rao,Hyderabad [email protected] 743. Shri P. Pasupathy, [email protected] 744. Shri P. Prakash, [email protected] 745. Shri P. Raghuveer, [email protected] info@jhatkaa .org 746. Shri P. Raghuveer, Flat No. 205, Sri Tirumala Prest ige Apartments, Hill Top Colony, Erramanzil, Hyderabad - 500 082 747. Shri P. Tamilselvam., Rtd. PSU officer, Vellore, [email protected] 748. Shri P. Thiruvalluvan, [email protected] 749. Shri P. Thiruvalluvan, [email protected] 750. Shri P. Vasanth Raj, Salem,Tamilnadu, vrgarlands@gm ail.com 751. Shri Pa. Bharatirajaa, [email protected] 752. Shri P.A. Kalidhasan [email protected] . [email protected] 753. Shri Padmanagarajan, [email protected] 754. Shri Pagala Prudhvi, Ganganagunta- 517507, Tirupati [email protected] [email protected] 755. [email protected] 756. [email protected] 757. Shri Pandiyan, [email protected] 758. Shri Pankaj Singh, A Narayanapura, Bengaluru-560016 [email protected] [email protected] 759. Shri Partha Sarathy, Mylapore- 600004, Chennai [email protected], [email protected] 760. Shri Pasupathy, [email protected] ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 83 Sl. No. Name 761. Patiasil Gramasabha Post- Haridaguda, Block-Borigum ma Ps-B.Singhpur, Dist-Koraput, Odisha, Pin-764057 [email protected] 762. Shri Pavan Kumar, #21,1st Cross Kenchenahalli, Raja rajeshwari Nagar-560098 763. Shri Pavan Kumar, Electronic City-560100, Bangalore , [email protected] 764. [email protected] 765. Shri Peruamal, Gram Sabha, GP-Haldi, District Balan gir, Odisha, [email protected] 766. [email protected] 767. [email protected] 768. Phasikhol Gramsabha AT-Phasikhol, P.O.-Badapalli, V ia-Khallikote, Dist- Ganjam, Odisha, Pin- 761029, [email protected] 769. Shri Phuduku Sabar, on behalf of Mudakani Gram Sabh a, [email protected] 770. [email protected] 771. Shri Ponnuppandian, [email protected] 772. Shri Ponnusamy S, 32, Kannimar Kovil Pudur-638661 T iruppur 773. [email protected] 774. Shri Poonam Saini, Landscape Architect and Research Scholar, [email protected] 775. Shri Pounvel, [email protected] 776. [email protected] 777. Shri Prabakaran Veera Arasu, Poovulagin Nanbarkal ( Friends of Earth), 12th Street, Vaigai Colony, Ashok Pillar, Chennai-600083 778. [email protected] 779. [email protected] 780. Shri Prabhakar Thayumanavan, [email protected] om 781. Shri Prabhakaran Veeraarasu, Ramakrishna Nagar-6000 48, Chengelpet, [email protected] [email protected] 782. Shri Prabuddha Gaikwad, Solapur-413004, [email protected] [email protected] 783. Shri Pradeep Arjunan, Denalai, Coonoor-643102, [email protected] [email protected] 784. Shri Pradeep Ghumare [email protected] 785. Shri Pradeep Kumar G, [email protected] 786. Shri Pradeep Mokardkar, President, Poinguinkarancho Ekvott [email protected] 787. Shri Pradeep S, [email protected] 788. Shri Pradeep Singh, Advocate, District Bar Associat ion, Chamoli (Gopeshwar), Gram- Sagar, Post- Gwad Devaldhar, District – Chamoli, Pin- 206401. 789. Shri Pradip Chatterjee, National Convener, NPSSFW [email protected] Sl. No. Name 790. Shri Pradip Kumar Mahapatra, General Secretary, Pas chimbanga Vigyan Mancha, 162-B, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road, Kolkata – 700 014 791. Shri Pradyumna Behera, on behalf of Community Netwo rk Against Protected Areas (CNAPA) 792. Shri Prakaran Veeraarasu, on behalf of Poovulagin N anbargal 793. Shri Prakash Manivel, Thular east street, Sendurai- 621719, Ariyalur 794. Shri Prakash Shrivastava, D-270, Old Minal Residenc y, Bhopal-462023 [email protected] 795. [email protected] 796. Prakriti Banchao Adivasi Banchao Mancha, Ajodhya Hi ll, District - Purulia West Bengal, [email protected] 797. Ms. Prakriti Srivastava, I.F.S, PCCF, Kerala Forest Department 798. Shri Pranab Doley, Assam, JA Shivu, Karnataka, Prad yumna Behera, Odisha, Sharanya Nayak, Odisha, OSR Rajaraman, Tamil Nadu 799. Shri Pranav Kalra, 4, Bamroli Road, Godhra-411045, [email protected] [email protected] 800. Shri Pranav Takkar, Pandit Parth Extension, Delhi-1 10051, [email protected] [email protected] 801. Ms. Praneti Lawange, [email protected] 802. Shri Prasadkumar GM, Byndoor Udupi District 803. Shri Prasanna Hial, on Behalf of Gadagada bahal Gra m sabha, [email protected] 804. Shri Prasanth D, [email protected] 805. Shri Prasanth Muthuraman, 1/680, Sivasakthi Nagar, Pamban-623521 806. [email protected] 807. Shri Prasath Renganathan, Manjanviduthy, Pudukkotta i-622303 808. Ms. Pratibha R, [email protected] 809. Shri Praveen, [email protected] 810. Shri Praveen Bhargav, Trustee - Wildlife First, For mer Member - National Board for Wildlife, Author- Wildlife Law for Rangers [email protected] 811. Shri Praveenkumar R, [email protected] 812. Shri Pravin Mathew, Plot No. 326/327,G2, Baba Nagar 2nd Main Road, Villivakkam- 600049, Chennai 813. Shri Pravin Mote, [email protected] 814. Shri Pravinsingh Shedgaonkar, [email protected] om 815. Shri Premkumar D, Oomerabad, Ambur-635808, [email protected] 816. Shri Premkumar R [email protected] 817. President, Jangle Adhikar Committee, Bandhabhuin, J hillimili, [email protected] 818. President/Secretary, National Environment Care Fede ration (NEFC), Mangalore, Karnataka 819. Shri Prince Nadar, [email protected] 820. [email protected] 821. Ms. Priya Kumari, Dharamapuri-636906, Tamil Nadu, [email protected], [email protected] ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 85 Sl. No. Name 822. [email protected] 823. Ms. Priyadarshini J, 560085 Bangalore, info@jhatkaa .org 824. Ms. Priyanka Gunjikar, 4, Vrindavan society, Near Mhatre Bridge, Pune -411030 825. Ms. Priyanka Verma, Delhi-110001, [email protected] 826. Prof. Richard Hay, Ex MP, Asset Rangoli, 12 B, Mara du, Kochi-682304. 827. Prof. (Dr.) Tejbir Singh Rana, Department of Geogra phy, Shivaji College, University of Delhi, Delhi-110027 828. Shri Pugal Suriya, [email protected] 829. Shri Pugal, [email protected] 830. Shri Pugazhanthi. M, [email protected] 831. Pullikata Gramsabha, Odisha, [email protected] om 832. Shri Purushothaman. N, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, [email protected] 833. Shri Pushkar Kulkarni [email protected] 834. Shri Pushkar.V.Kulkarni D-901, Kapil Aasamant, Near Shivshakti chowk Pashan Sus road, Pashan, Pune – 411 021 835. Shri Pushpa Lingam Padmaraj, padmarajpushpalingam@g mail.com 836. [email protected], 837. [email protected] 838. R J Travels, No.1 MGR Street, 2nd Cross, Padhuvanch ery, Chennai – 126, [email protected] 839. Shri R Prabakaran, [email protected] 840. Ms. R Swarnalatha [email protected] 841. Shri R. Anbarasan, [email protected] 842. Shri R. Anbarasan, Naam Tamilar Party, Thanjavur Di strict Secretary, [email protected] 843. Shri R. Bhuvanendran Tirunelveli, nellainanban@gmai l.com 844. Shri R. Elango, [email protected] 845. Shri R. Gopinathan, [email protected] 846. Shri R. Gowtham, [email protected] 847. Shri R. Hariprasath, [email protected] 848. Shri R. Kannan, [email protected] 849. Shri R. Sanjiv, Deputy State Secretary, Anti Bribe Wing, Naam Tamilar Party, [email protected] 850. Shri R. Siva, [email protected] 851. Shri R. Srinivasan, Sales Officer North Arcot Zone, SKM Siddha and Ayurvedics Pvt. Ltd., Vellore, [email protected] 852. Shri R.Mohan, Tamil Nadu, [email protected] 853. Shri R.Murugananatham, [email protected] Sl. No. Name 854. Shri R.Sivaramakrishnan, [email protected] 855. Shri R. A. Murugananda, [email protected] 856. Shri Rabi Sabar, [email protected] 857. [email protected] 858. [email protected] 859. Shri Raj Kumar, 8/1, 13 solaiamman Kovil Street, Pu rasawalkam-600007 860. Shri Raja C., [email protected] 861. Shri Raja. M, North kattur, Trichy 19, rajaharini50 [email protected] 862. [email protected] 863. Shri Rajaram, [email protected] 864. Shri Rajaselvam M, South Boag Road, Chennai-600017 865. Shri Rajavel. R, [email protected] 866. Shri Rajeev Savant [email protected] 867. [email protected] 868. Shri Rajen Tudu, President, Bharat Jakat Majhi Parg ana Mahal Juwan Mahal Purulia District [email protected] 869. Shri Rajendra Thilahar, Chengalpet-603101, info@jh atkaa.org 870. [email protected] 871. Shri Rajesh Gosalia, C- 314 Antophill Warehouse, Wa dala East-400037 Mumbai 872. Shri Rajib Baskey, Raghunathpur,Dahijuri,Binpur, Jh argram-721504, [email protected] 873. Shri RajiniKanth B, [email protected] 874. Shri Rajiv Gandhi, [email protected] 875. Shri Rajkumar Vellore, [email protected] 876. Shri Rajmohan Jegatheesan, 199, Lakeview Road West mambalam-600033, Chennai 877. Rajpur Gramasabha, [email protected] 878. Shri Raju K, 255, 5th cross st, Yeshwanth nagar, Ma dambakkkam, Tambaram- 600126 879. Shri Ram Kumar. M, [email protected] 880. [email protected] 881. Shri Ramamoorthy, [email protected] 882. Shri Raman, [email protected] 883. Shri Raman 884. Shri Ramanan Ganapathy, [email protected] 885. Rambuli Gramasabha, [email protected] 886. Shri Ramesh Sabar, [email protected] 887. [email protected] 888. Shri Ramkumar, [email protected] 889. Shri Ramkumar B, [email protected] ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 87 Sl. No. Name 890. Shri Ranen Bhadra , 4/C Dhrubesh Chatterjee Lane, P O: Uzarpara, Pin: 712258 Dist: Hooghly 891. Shri Ranjan Sabar ( Village President), padmalaya10 [email protected] 892. Ranpudi Gramsabha AT-Rampudi, Po-Pandiripada, Via-P olasara, Dist- Ganjam, Odisha, Pin- 761105, [email protected] 893. Shri Rans, [email protected] 894. [email protected] 895. Rasaiya Rasa, [email protected] 896. Rastrya Advasi Ekta Parisad, Rourkela 897. Shri Ravi Palanisamy, Mondipalayam, Bhavani-63831, [email protected] [email protected] 898. [email protected] 899. Shri Ravichandran k, [email protected] 900. Shri Ravina Raj Kohli [email protected] 901. Shri Ravindra Nath Saxena IFS (Retd.), Former Princ ipal Chief Conservator of Forests, Government of Madhya Pradesh Bhopal – 462026 (M.P.) 902. Shri Ravindra Sinha, Flat no C-703, Camellia Apartm ents, Baner Pashan Link RoadPashan, Pune – 411 021 903. Shri Ravindra Velip, H.No. 39/04, Velipwada Caurem Quepem, Goa 904. Shri Ravivarma Kumarasamy, Kuruvikkarambai, Post Pe tavurani Taluk-614802, [email protected] [email protected] 905. Shri Raymond, [email protected] 906. [email protected] 907. Shri Richardson Colaço, H. No 1545, Udden Shiroda, Ponda Goa 908. Shri Rishabh Karade, Bibwewadi, Pune-411037, [email protected] [email protected] 909. Shri Rishabh Pardeshi, House no 1165, Olkaiwadi, Lonavala-41040, [email protected] , [email protected] 910. Shri Rishi Kant Chaudhary, Durg -491001, Chhattisga rh 911. Shri Rishi Senthil, Karamadai, Chikkarampalayam-641 104, [email protected] [email protected] 912. Shri Rishi [email protected] 913. Ms. Ritanya, [email protected] 914. Shri Ritwick, N-73 Lower Ground Floor, Greater Kail ash 1,New Delhi 915. [email protected] 916. [email protected] 917. Shri Rohit M, Tirupur-641652, [email protected] 918. Shri Rohit Menon, Mulund-West-400080, Mumbai, [email protected] [email protected] 919. Shri Rohit Pandit, Secretary General, Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA), PHD House (3 rd Floor), 4/2 Siri Institutional Area (Opposite Asia nGames Village), New Delhi – 110 016 (India). Sl. No. Name 920. Shri Rohith, Udupi, Karnataka [email protected] 921. [email protected] 922. [email protected] 923. Shri Rooban, Coimbatore district Secretary, Naam Ta mil Party, Environmental Wing, [email protected] 924. Ms. Rosaria Pimenta, Convent of Jesus and Mary, Pal anpur-385001, [email protected] [email protected] 925. Roseipadar Gramasabha Post- Haridaguda, Block-Borig umma Ps-B.Singhpur, Dist-Koraput Odisha, Pin-764057, [email protected] 926. Shri RP Ganesan BE, 268/2B2, Thennamplayam,Arasur P O, Sulur TK, Coimbatore DT, Tamil Nadu - 641407 927. Ms. Rupa Majhi, on Behalf of Lahumunda Gram Sabha, [email protected] 928. Shri Rupadhar Bag, AT/PO Kuibahal, Via- Turekela, D ist. Balangir , Odisha, [email protected] 929. Shri S Jothimani, Member of Parliament, Karur,Tamil Nadu [email protected] 930. Shri S Karthick, [email protected] 931. Shri S Lohith, Vyasar Nagar 6th Street , Vyasarpadi , Chennai -600039, [email protected] [email protected] 932. Shri S Nagaraj, [email protected] 933. Shri S Srikanth, [email protected] 934. Shri S. Arun, Subsistence Farming, arunkumar22077 @gmail.com 935. Shri S. Edward Xavier, [email protected] 936. Shri S. Jaya Prakash, [email protected] 937. Shri S. Kanojkumar, [email protected] 938. Shri S. Kumar, [email protected] 939. Shri S. Kumaresa Moorthy, [email protected] 940. Shri S. Kurlanda Gram Sabha, Post- Tarangada, Distr ict- Gajapati, Odisha 941. Shri S. Mohith, [email protected] 942. Shri S. Murugapandi, [email protected] 943. Shri S. Nandakumaar, [email protected] 944. Shri S. Prabakar, [email protected] 945. Shri S. Radhakrishnan, [email protected] 946. Shri S. Rajan, [email protected] 947. Shri S. S. Karthik, [email protected] 948. Shri S. Sarathraj, [email protected] 949. Shri S. Sharmi, [email protected] 950. Shri S. Siva, [email protected] 951. Shri S. Varun, State Joint Secretary of Environment al Wing in NTK, [email protected] ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 89 Sl. No. Name 952. Shri S. Vetriselvi, Assistant Commissioner of GST R etired, Thanjavur, [email protected] 953. Shri S.Gnana Prathaban, [email protected] 954. Shri S.Gunasekaran, [email protected] 955. Shri S.Kumaran, Naan Tamilar Katchi (NTK), (Environ mental Wing), Chennai, [email protected] 956. Shri S.M. Selvakumar, [email protected] 957. [email protected] 958. Shri SA Arulraj Selvamarry, Sriperumbudur -602105, Vallam, [email protected] [email protected] 959. Ms. Saanvi Roshan kurunji, Mangalore-574142, saanvi [email protected] [email protected] 960. [email protected] 961. [email protected] 962. Ms. Sabita D'costa, (Indian Citizen), sabitadcosta2 [email protected] 963. Sachin Dave, Shardanahar Society, Paldi-400058, Ahm edabad [email protected] [email protected] 964. Sachin Yadav, C-101, Tivoli ,Godrej City, Ahmedabad -380054 [email protected] [email protected] 965. Sadat Khan, Subedarpalya Yeshwantpur, Bangalore-560 022 [email protected] [email protected] 966. Shri Sadhu Charan Jarika, dharambirhembram76@gmail. com 967. Vetri, [email protected] 968. Shri Sagnik Sengupta, Director, Stripes And Green E arth Foundation [email protected] 969. Shri Sahadev S H, Paschima Ghatta Jaagruti Vedike, Shivapura, Koppa Taluk, Chickamgalur District 970. Shri Sahadev Shivapura, Shivapura, Suryadevasthana Post , Chickmagalur District-Koppa-560062 971. [email protected] 972. [email protected] 973. Shri Sajjan Bhajanka, President, Federation of Indi an Plywood & Panel Industry, 404, Vikrant Tower 4, Rajendra Place, New Delhi – 110008 974. Shri Sakani Podar, Gram Sabha, GP-Gudighat, Distric t Balangir, Odisha, [email protected] 975. Shri Sakshi Khare, Banjara hills, Navi Mumbai-41020 6, [email protected] [email protected] 976. Shri Sakthivel, [email protected] 977. Shri Sakthivel Duraisamy, Kamaraj Nagar-638301 Bhav ani, [email protected] [email protected] 978. Shri Samara Tudu, Manjhi Pargana Mahal, Keonjhar, O disha-758001 979. Shri Sambhav Jain, Nirman Vihar-110092, East Delhi, [email protected] [email protected] 980. Shri Samuel L Khobung, President, The Hmar Student Association, New Delhi. 981. Shri Samy, [email protected] 982. Ms. Sandhiya Murugan, [email protected] 983. Ms. Sandra Fernandes, Sarpanch, Village Panchayat, Carmona, Goa 984. Shri Sanjay Bramhane [email protected] 985. Shri Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, IFS (Retd) &, Praveen Chandra Tyagi, IFS (Retd), Formerly PCCFs (HoFF), Tamil Nadu 986. Shri Sanjay. G, [email protected] Sl. No. Name 987. Shri Sanjay. G, [email protected] 988. Shri Sanjeev Gaur, IFS, CGM (Planning), Forest Deve lopment Corporation of Maharashtra Limited, Nagpur, Maharashtra 989. Shri Sanjeev Gawade, Pune Maharashtra India, sanjee [email protected] 990. Shri Sanjeev Gawade, Shantisheela Soc Plot No 18, L aw College Road Pune -411016, Maharashtra State 991. Shri Sanjeev Jagtap, Pune, [email protected] 992. [email protected] 993. Shri Sankar Sabar, [email protected] 994. Shri Sankaran C, [email protected] 995. Shri Sankaran Lakshmanan, [email protected] 996. [email protected] 997. [email protected] 998. [email protected] 999. Shri Santosh Shintre, samadhan,prabhat road 9th lan e,Pune-411004 1000. Shri Saran, [email protected] 1001. Shri Saran Subramaniam, 17, Gandhinagar-641024, Coi mbatore, [email protected], [email protected] 1002. Shri Saranya Inbaa, 2/182, Mel Theru, Neikkarapatty , Salem-636010 1003. Shri Saranya kumaresan, KGM Hospital, Coimbatore- 6 41062, [email protected], [email protected] 1004. Shri Saranya Raghavan, [email protected] 1005. Shri Saravana Kumar, 1/110/51-A ,Sri Senthil Nagar ,Iduvai P.O. Tirupur -641687 1006. Shri Saravana Kumar, 3/90-A, Avalchiinampalayam- 64 2123 1007. Shri Saravanan, [email protected] 1008. Shri Saravanan, [email protected] 1009. Shri Saravanan Moorthi, Ramadoss Street, Cuddalore- 607001, [email protected], [email protected] 1010. [email protected] 1011. Shri Sasikumar G, [email protected] 1012. Shri Sastha, [email protected] 1013. Shri Satheesh S, 1/280 Gadambur,oomerabad Post, Amb ur Taluk, Ambur-635808 1014. Shri Satheeshkumar S, [email protected] 1015. Shri Sathishkumar, [email protected] 1016. [email protected] 1017. [email protected] 1018. Shri Sathya. V, [email protected] 1019. [email protected] 1020. [email protected] ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 91 Sl. No. Name 1021. Shri Saviola Fernandes [email protected] 1022. Ms.Savitha Nagabhushan, Nagabhushansavitha, Mysuru- 570009, [email protected] 1023. Shri Seeman Thambi, [email protected] 1024. Shri Seenivasan M, [email protected] 1025. Shri Seenuvasan V, [email protected] 1026. Shri SeKi, [email protected] 1027. Shri Selin Paulraj, Tamilnadu, selinpaulraj.civil@g mail.com 1028. Shri Selva Kumaran, Palaya Thottam- 638505 Gobichet tipalayam, [email protected] [email protected] 1029. [email protected] 1030. Shri Selvakumar, [email protected] 1031. Shri Selvakumar. P, [email protected] 1032. [email protected] 1033. [email protected] 1034. [email protected] 1035. Shri Selvendran A, [email protected] 1036. [email protected] 1037. Shri Senthamil selvan MP, 16 akr 3rd Street, Valasa ravakkam-600083 1038. Ms. Serena Chopra, New Delhi [email protected] 1039. Shri Seshadri Vasu, Sobhitha seshadri, Sai Sunayana , Sai Chanasya, Lakshmidevamma [email protected] 1040. Shri Sethupathy. M, [email protected] 1041. Shri Shahbaz Ahmad IFS Retd., Ex-Principal Chief Co nservator of Forests &Chief Wildlife Warden, MP, 81/3, North Malaka, Prayagraj, UP- 211001 1042. Ms. Shailaja Deshpande, on behalf of Jeevitnadi Liv ing River Foundation, [email protected] 1043. Ms. Shailaja Deshpande [email protected] 1044. Shri Shailender Singh, Vpo Kolar,Teh.Paonta Sahib, Distt.Sirmaur(H.P.),173001 1045. Shri Shailesh Dathe, Shailesh Sathe, Datta Nagar , Panchavati Nashik-422003 , [email protected] [email protected] 1046. [email protected] 1047. Ms. Shalini, [email protected] 1048. Shri Shamsher Singh on behalf of the Residents of V illages [email protected] 1049. Shri Shankar Prakash, [email protected] 1050. [email protected] 1051. [email protected] 1052. Shri Shanu Charan Murmu, Rastriya Adivasi Ekta Pari shad, District President/Co-ordinator, District- Mayurbhanj, Odisha, karanhansdah21@gmail. com 1053. Shri Sharad Paliwal, President, Paryavaran Prerna M aharashtra, [email protected] Sl. No. Name 1054. Ms. Sharmila Deo, Pune. [email protected] 1055. [email protected] 1056. Shri Shekhar Phatak (Indian Citizen), shekhar.phata [email protected] 1057. Shri Sheriff Mohamed Nagoore Mohideem, West Street, Achanputhur -627803 1058. Ms. Sherlin Pinto, Amtady, Bantwal T.Q., Karnataka- 574211, Bantwal, [email protected] [email protected] 1059. Shri Shirish Kanitkar, Ecologist, Consultant, shiri [email protected] 1060. Shri Shiv Ka Bhandar, [email protected] 1061. Shri Shiva Kumar, [email protected] 1062. Shri Shivam Kushawah, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh-206120 Bakewar , Etawah, [email protected] [email protected] 1063. Shri Shogun Fernandes , President , Chicalim Youth Farmers Club, [email protected] 1064. Ms. Shomona Khanna, Advocate, Supreme Court of Indi a [email protected] 1065. Shri Shree Arun Kumar, [email protected] 1066. Shri Baijnath Pandey, S/o Late Shri Baikunth Nath P anday, 127/317 W Block, Kesav Nagar, Kanpur-208014 1067. Shri D.A. Narayanan, Advocate, 312, Lawyers Chamber s, District court complex, Gopalapuram,Coimbatore-641018, Tamil Nadu 1068. Shri Dinesh Kumar Agrawal, S/o Late Moti Lal Agrawa l, 1/24, First Floor, Charmwood Village Eros Garden , Suraj Kund, Faridabad-121009 1069. Shri Jitendra Chaudhary, Formar MP, National Conven er, Aadivasi Adhikar Rashtriya Manch 1070. Shri K.K. Singh Lohali Jalal, Nainital, Uttrakhand 1071. Shri Lalaji P., Secretary, Blackrock Hill Planters Association, Nagercoil, 1072. Shri M.S. Selvaraj, Campaign for Survival and Digni ty-Tamil Nadu, Vyavasaayikal Thozhilalarkal Munnetra Sangam, Tamilnadu Pazhangudi Makkal Sangam 1073. Shri Rajan Singh, R/o Lane No. 5, Lower Tathar, Poo ja Colony, Bantallab, Jammu-J&K UT 1074. Shri. L Kuki President, Shri S. Jeme, Working Presi dent, Shri L. Hlima Keivom, General Secretary, Indigenous People Forum’s, HQ- Haflong, N.C. Hills, Assam, Pin-788819. 1075. Shri. Sanjay Deshpande, Shrushti Parayavaran Mandal , Nagpur 1076. Ms. Shristy Mukherjee, Shristy, Bangalore-560032, s [email protected] [email protected] 1077. Ms. Shriya M, Laburnum, Gurgaon-400069, shriyam@gma il.com [email protected] 1078. Ms. Shruti Mahajan, 699, Saraswati Vihar, MG Road, Gurgaon -122002 1079. Ms. Shweta Vernekar, [email protected] 1080. Shri Shyam K, [email protected] 1081. Ms. Shyamala Das, Bengaluru-560066, shdas.athashri@ gmail.com [email protected] 1082. [email protected] 1083. Siunapadar Gramasabha Post- Haridaguda, Block-Borig umma Ps-B.Singhpur, Dist-Koraput Odisha, Pin-764057, [email protected] 1084. Shri Siva, [email protected] 1085. Shri Siva R, Ozone Greens, Chennai-600100, sivaraja [email protected] [email protected] ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 93 Sl. No. Name 1086. [email protected] 1087. Shri Sivabalan Chidhambaram, Journalist, Dream T am ilnadu-(Junior Vikatan). 1088. Shri Sivabalan Chidhambaram, No.14 /A , Sakthi Naga r, Nerkundram, Chennai-600107 1089. Shri Sivasakthivel, [email protected] 1090. Shri Skanda, [email protected] 1091. Shri SL Kumar, Vyasar Nagar 6th Street, Chennai-600 039, [email protected] [email protected] 1092. Ms. Smitha Naik, [email protected] 1093. [email protected] 1094. Ms. Sneha C, Kannur-670142, Kerala 1095. Shri Snehasis Sarkar, Silchar-781011 Guwahati, sneh [email protected] [email protected] 1096. Ms. Sobha Royyuru IFS Retd, Advisor to Govt.of Tela ngana , Forestry Affairs, Hyderabad, Telangana , India. 1097. Shri Soma Shekhar Venugopal, 475, 9th Cross BSK 3rd Stage, Bengaluru-560085 1098. Ms. Soniya DE, magadi road, Bengaluru-560091 1099. Ms. Soniya Tadvi, Jalgaon, Jalgaon - 425002, info@j hatkaa.org 1100. [email protected] 1101. Shri Soundarraj M, [email protected] 1102. Shri Sourav Mukherjee, Howrah, West Bengal, prakrit [email protected] 1103. Shri Sourav Paul, Electronic City, Bengaluru-560100 , [email protected] [email protected] 1104. [email protected] 1105. Shri Sreekanth [email protected] 1106. Shri Sri Blr, Bengaluru-560027, [email protected] [email protected] 1107. Shri Sri Gopinath Majhi, Convenor, Campaign for Sur vival and Dignity, Odisha [email protected] 1108. Shri Srichandra Mallik, on behalf of Khujen Gram Sa bha, AT Khujen P.O. Ghunesh, Via H.S.Road, District Balangir , Odisha, zindabadsangathanbgr@gm ail.com 1109. Shri Srikant Verma [email protected] 1110. Shri Srikant Verma, Divisional Forest Officer, Ranc hi Forest Division, Ranchi, Block- F, Van Bhawan, Doranda 1111. Shri Srikanthan V, 32, 14th Cross New Colony, Chrom epet-600044 1112. Srikrushnasara Gramsabha At-Srikrushnasara, Po-Sank uda, Via-Sumandal, Dist- Ganjam, Odisha, Pin- 761035, [email protected] 1113. Shri Srikumaran, For Karnada Estate- Melta Div., Gu numalai House, Virudhunagar-6260001 1114. Shri Srimuralidharan, [email protected] 1115. Shri Srinivasan.M, [email protected] 1116. [email protected] 1117. [email protected] 1118. Shri Stalin, [email protected] 1119. Shri Stanley Balasingh.S D, stanleybalasingh@gmail. com Sl. No. Name 1120. [email protected] 1121. Shri Su. Ranjith Kumar, [email protected] 1122. [email protected] 1123. Shri Subir Mario Chowfin, Gadoli House,Gadoli Fee S imple Estate,Pauri,District Pauri Garhwal,Uttarakhand - 246001. 1124. Shri Subodh Bansal, 3, North Idgah Colony, Agra 282 010, UP, [email protected] 1125. Shri Subramani Kandasamy, 8 and 9, Tulips Sherwood, Thuthipattu-632011, Vellore 1126. Shri Sudam Bhoi, H.S. Road, District- Balangir, Odi sha, [email protected] 1127. Shri Sudarshan Ramakrishnan, 3/1/148, T.Kallupatti- 625702 1128. Shri Sudhansu Sekhar Mishra, Retd Forest Officer, G ovt of Odisha, Flat no c 203, PDN Exotica Apartment , Panchasakhanagar, Dumduma, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Pin 751019 1129. Shri Sudharsanam Subramani, 268, AV salai,Veerapura m,Ch - 55, Avadi-600055 1130. Shri Sudip Birade, Nashik-422001, sudipbirade7@gmai l.com [email protected] 1131. [email protected] 1132. Sujanith Shetty, Vijayanagar , Bangalore-560072, in [email protected] 1133. Shri Sujit Vetal, Manjinagar , Narhe-411041, Pune 1134. [email protected] 1135. Shri Sukumar, Chennai, Thamilnadu, plsugu116@gmail. com 1136. Shri Suman Sabar, [email protected] 1137. Shri Sumathikabilan, [email protected] 1138. Ms. Sumi Munda, At-Birtola, Po-Darjing, Ps-Lahunipa ra, Dist-Sundargarh, Pin-770040, State-Odisha, [email protected] 1139. Ms. Sumitha, [email protected] 1140. [email protected] 1141. Shri Sundar Mohan Soren, Mayurbhanj Hanat Pargana, Shri Biram Soren, Mayurbhanj, Shri Hanat Paranik, Bharat Jakat Majhi Pargana Mahal, Majhi Pargana Mah al Bakhul, Pawra, Ghatsila, District- East Singbhum , Jharkhand [email protected] 1142. Shri Sundararajan P., Thambu Chetty Street, Chennai -600001, 600001 [email protected] [email protected] 1143. Shri Sundermohan Soren and Biram Soren, Bharat Jaka t Majhi Pargana Mahal, [email protected] 1144. Shri Sunil Chhabra, Aamgam Road, Sanjan-396150, chh [email protected] [email protected] 1145. Shri Sunil Harsana, Independent researcher and cons ervationist, Resident ofMangar Village, Faridabad, Haryana -121004 1146. Ms. Sunita Dhairyam (Jayapathy) (Indian Citizen), s [email protected] 1147. Ms. Suparna Sankaran, Flat GB, Sivedha Apartments, New no 27, 3rd Avenue, Chennai-600090 1148. Shri Suresh, [email protected] 1149. Shri Suresh Kumar Vadivel, [email protected] 1150. [email protected] ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 95 Sl. No. Name 1151. Shri Sureshbabu R, Karavalimathappur, Coimbatore-64 1668, 641668 [email protected] [email protected] 1152. [email protected] 1153. [email protected] 1154. Shri Suru Sing Majhi , on behalf of Gunchijor Gram sabha , [email protected] 1155. Shri Susan Sharma, C-2490, Sushantlok-122009, Gurga on 1156. Ms. Suwathy Venugopal, S.V.Puram, Venkatesa Mills, Udumalpet-642128, [email protected] [email protected] 1157. Swacch Association, [email protected] 1158. Shri Swaminathan E, Nathapattu Housing Board, Cudda lore-607001, [email protected] [email protected] 1159. Shri Swaminathan G L, 37/63, Kala Complex, 4th Aven ue, Ashok Nagar, Chennai- 600083 1160. Shri Swapnil Gupta, 302 Tower 3 ILD Greens Sector 3 7C, Gurgaon-122001 1161. Ms. Swathilakshmi S, [email protected] 1162. Ms. Swati M, Indiranagar, Bangalore-560008, am.i.sw [email protected] [email protected] 1163. Shri Swayambar Majhi , on behalf Phulakimunda Gram sabha, [email protected] 1164. Shri Syed Naqvi, Jaipur-302004, [email protected] [email protected] 1165. Shri T .Franklin, 17 A, Henry Road, Nagercoil, T am ilnadu. 1166. Shri T Deiva Arul, [email protected] 1167. Shri T Deivaarul , [email protected] 1168. Shri T Deivaarul , [email protected] 1169. Shri T Pandiyan cheyyar [email protected] 1170. Shri T. Mayilraj, [email protected] 1171. Shri T. Mohanta, General Secretary, Society of Geos cientists & Allied Technologists, Plot No. ND-12 (Part), V.I.P. Area, P.O.: IRC Village, Bhubaneswar - 751 015, Odisha, India 1172. Shri T. Vinmeen Pandian, [email protected] 1173. Tabhabania Gramsabha At-Tabhabania, Po-Mardamekha, Via-Kodala, Dist- Ganjam, Odisha, Pin- 761032, [email protected] 1174. Tamil Ulagan Sanjay, [email protected] 1175. Tamil, [email protected] 1176. [email protected] 1177. Tamilnadu Tribal peoples Assn, 103 / 4, Kannappan K inatru Veethi, Anthiyur - 638501, [email protected] 1178. [email protected] 1179. Shri Tamizharvan Thandayuthapany, Tamil Nadu, tamiz [email protected] 1180. Ms. Tannistha Lahiri, 396/9 Becharam Chatterjee Roa d, Kolkata-700034 1181. Ms. Tanuja Aundhe, Raheja Gardens, Thane-400604 1182. Ms. Tara Misra, Binny Crescent Rd, Benson Town, Ban galore-560046 1183. Ms. Tatum Ghosh, Amrapali Silicon City, Noida-20130 4, [email protected] [email protected] Sl. No. Name 1184. Shri Tej Vohra, Bangalore, Karnataka [email protected] 1185. [email protected] 1186. Shri Tejaswi Kumar Pradhan, Advocate, S/o Late Mura lidhar Pradhan, Chamber No. 5 (R.K. Garg Block), Supreme Court of India New Delhi, tejaswipradhan@gm ail.com 1187. Shri Teju Rana, At Semla, Po Kuibahal , Via- Tureke la, Dist. Balangir Odisha, [email protected] 1188. Shri Thamilum Aramum, [email protected] 1189. [email protected] 1190. [email protected] 1191. Shri Thasarathan V, [email protected] 1192. Shri Theeran Thirumurugan,S/o Ganesan,Morepannai Fi shing Village,Uppoor post, Thiruvadanai Taluk,Ramanathapuram District. 1193. [email protected] 1194. Shri Thiru, [email protected] 1195. Shri Thiru ragava Krishna, Thiruporur, Chennai-6000 01 1196. Shri T Thirumalaikumar Thangaiah, Gandhi street, 2/ 107,Vedanthankal Nagar, Arasan kazani, Chennai 600126 Chennai, [email protected] info@j hatkaa.org 1197. Shri Thiruvalluvan, [email protected] 1198. Shri Tiak Bariha, AT/PO - Ghunesh, Via Harishankar Road, Dist. Balngir , Odisha [email protected] 1199. Shri Tommy Lobo, 53, Coconut Grove, Behind Deva Mat ha School, Horamavu, 560043 Bangalore 1200. Shri Tony AR, E-503 Santha Towers Paruthipattu, Ava di Chennai-600071 1201. Shri Toshesh Daulta, AFNOE, Sec-7, Plot-11, Dwarka- 400095, New Delhi 1202. Shri Trilochan Punji, Zindabad Sangathan, Balangir, Odisha 1203. [email protected] 1204. Shri Uday Kumar, Thanjavur-614205, Papanasam uday_t [email protected] [email protected] 1205. [email protected] 1206. Shri Udhayakumar TS, No 1c, 3rd Street, Jothy Nagar ,West Tambaram,Chennai-600045. 1207. Uhavan Art Gallery, [email protected] 1208. Shri Uma Shanker Singh IFS (Retd.), Director Vanash akti, 3/184, VibhavKhand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow-226010 1209. Shri Umesh Athavia, Pune [email protected] 1210. United Conservation Movement [email protected] 1211. United Conservation Movement, [email protected] 1212. United Conservation Movement, [email protected] m 1213. United Conservation Movement, dheerajsalian333@gmai l.com 1214. United Conservation Movement,unitedconservationmove [email protected] 1215. United Conservation Movement, [email protected] om ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 97 Sl. No. Name 1216. Shri Ushnish Chattopadhyay, Dy. General Manager (Ra w Materials), JK Paper Ltd, 2 nd Floor, Nehru House,4, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg,New Delhi - 110002 1217. Shri V. Thirumurugan, [email protected] 1218. Shri V G Srikara BE Convener, Shimoga District West ernghat Conservation, Committee R/o Channappa layout, Ist Cross, Shimoga, Karnataka 1219. Shri V. Muruga Anand [email protected] 1220. Shri V. Sathish Kumar, [email protected] 1221. Shri V. Selva Kumar [email protected] 1222. Shri V. Subash, [email protected] 1223. Shri V. Thampi [email protected] 1224. Shri V. Vignesh M.Sc Biotechnology, vigneshk984@gma il.com 1225. Shri V. Vimalraj, [email protected] 1226. Shri Vaarthai, [email protected] 1227. Shri Vaibhav Shettar, 1st cross, Park Extension, Du rgigudi, Shivamogga, Karnataka -577201 1228. Ms. Vaira Meenakshi, [email protected] 1229. [email protected] 1230. Ms. Vaishali Nikam, B/403, Mumbai-400092 1231. Ms. Vaishali Rawat, Writer and wildlife conservatio nist, M.Sc. Biodiversity, Conservation and Management, University of Oxford [email protected] 1232. Ms. Vaisshali J Patkar, President, Aundh Mohalla Co mmittee, Director, CCP, Environmental Foundation, Trustee, Bhujal Abhiyan, Convener, Pune Texas-Austi n Sister city International, Area Sabha Association of Pune, Ramnadi Restoration Mission [email protected] om 1233. Ms. Vaitheeswaran, [email protected] 1234. [email protected] 1235. Shri Valluvan Valai, [email protected] 1236. Ms. Vanisri K, Chennai-600015 vanisrikalpana@gmail. com [email protected] 1237. Ms. Vanya Jain, 31 Tramoo Street, Lalor-110076 1238. [email protected] 1239. Shri Varun [email protected] 1240. Shri Vasuki Tamilselvam, B.A history, Vellore, selv [email protected] 1241. Ms. Vasumati Kale, Pune, India [email protected] om 1242. Vayagam Amar Rahen, [email protected] 1243. Veeramani, [email protected] 1244. Shri Veeramuthu A, [email protected] 1245. [email protected] 1246. [email protected] 1247. Shri Velkumar Satchidanandam, Kandaswami koil stree t, Kosapet-600012 [email protected], [email protected] 1248. Shri Vellian Giri, Kudlu, Bangalore-560068 vellian3 [email protected], [email protected] Sl. No. Name 1249. Shri Velmurugan, [email protected] 1250. Shri Velmurugan R, [email protected] 1251. Shri Vembuselvam M, [email protected] 1252. [email protected] 1253. Shri Venkatesan. D, [email protected] 1254. [email protected] 1255. Shri Venkatesh Nagarajan, 4/233, Mullukurichi, Nama kkal-636142 1256. Shri Venkatesh Pandi B, #697, Thanthai Periyar Naga r 4th street, Burma Colony Karaikudi-630002 1257. [email protected] 1258. Ms. Vennila Thayumanavan, [email protected] om 1259. [email protected] 1260. [email protected] 1261. Shri Vetriselvi Thayumanavan, Assistant Commissione r of GST Retired, [email protected] 1262. [email protected] 1263. Ms. Viana Fernandes, H.No.268/A, Arossim Bandar , C ansaulim Mormugao, Goa 1264. Vibrant India Economic Council,Shri Manoj Patil, Sh ri MaheshTapase, Shri Pawan Kolte [email protected] 1265. Shri Shri Vignesh B., vignesh.subramaniam1511@gmail .com 1266. Shri Vignesh Kumar G, 8/16,palathumarriamman street , Musiri-621215 1267. Shri Vignesh Rajendran, Norton Road, Mylapore-60002 8 1268. Shri Vigneshwaran RK, 4/82, Annai Nagar, Visuwasapu ram -641035 Coimbatore 1269. Shri Vihaan Vee, Kasavanahali - 560035, Bangalore v [email protected] [email protected] 1270. Shri Vijay, [email protected] 1271. [email protected] 1272. Ms. Vijayarani, [email protected] 1273. Shri Vijay, [email protected] 1274. Shri Vijaykaant, [email protected] 1275. [email protected] 1276. Shri Vimal Seeta, [email protected] 1277. Shri Vinay Keerthy, Mahadevapura, Bengaluru- 560016 [email protected] [email protected] 1278. [email protected] 1279. Shri Vinoth Kumar T, [email protected] 1280. Shri Vinoth Kumar, [email protected] 1281. Shri Vinothkumar Periyasamy, 2/366 paravalur South Street Vridhachalam Cuddalore- 606001 Vriddhachalam.TK, 1282. Shri Vinothkumar S, [email protected] 1283. [email protected] ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 99 Sl. No. Name 1284. Shri Viren Lobo, Institute for Ecology and Liveliho od Action 1285. Shri Vishal B Nair, Kottarathil House, Kanjikuzhy- 685606 1286. Shri Vishal Sudhakar Rasal [email protected] 1287. Shri Vishnu Kant, Joint Gen Sec; ABVKA; Delhi [email protected] 1288. [email protected] 1289. Shri Vishnupriya B M, Menjhaniyam , Kozhikode-67352 5 1290. Shri Vishukumar Naguvanahalli, Bengaluru-560094 vis [email protected] [email protected] 1291. Shri Vishwad N Dinni, Responsible Citizen of India [email protected] 1292. Shri Viswanathan K S, Jalakandapuram-636501 info@jh atkaa.org 1293. Shri Vivek Shinde, Flat No 1102, Primal Homes Socie ty, Backside of Moshi Dmart- 414006, Moshi, Pune 1294. [email protected] 1295. Shri VS Kumar, Vyasar Nagar 6th Street , Vyasarpadi , Chennai-600039 [email protected] [email protected] 1296. Shri W. Saravankumar, [email protected] 1297. [email protected] 1298. WG CDR ID Soans, 29, Jal Vayu Vihar, Kammanahalli M ain Road, Bengaluru-560043 [email protected], [email protected] 1299. [email protected] 1300. Worli, Mumbai-400018 [email protected] 1301. Shri Yadhavaraja. S, [email protected] 1302. [email protected] 1303. Shri Yannah Marchon (Indian Citizen) marchonyannah@ gmail.com 1304. Shri Yash Pal, 8/1 2nd cross, Wheeler Road, Fraser Town, Bengaluru-560005 1305. [email protected] 1306. Shri YPS Prabakar [email protected] 1307. Shri Yujin Leonidas, Sait Colony, Egmore-600008, Ch ennai [email protected], [email protected] 1308. [email protected] 1309. Shri Yuvaraj, [email protected] ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 101 Sitting Sitting Sitting Sitting No. No. No. No. Date of Date of Date of Date of Sitting Sitting Sitting Sitting Agenda of the sitting Agenda of the sitting Agenda of the sitting Agenda of the sitting 16.05.2023 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 103 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 105 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 107 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 109 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 111 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 113 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 115 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 117 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 119 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 121 PRADYUT BORDOLOI MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (LOK SABHA) MEMBER, STANDING COMMITTEE OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL G AS MEMBER, COMMITTEE OF RULES, LOK SABHA MEMBER, CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE OF MINISTRY OF POWER , NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY D.O. No. MP: Nowgong: 03 Date: 26th June, 2023 Shri Rajendra Agarwal, Chairperson, Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendm ent Bill, 2023 Dear Shri Agarwal ji, Subject: Comments of dissent on the Forest (Conserv ation) Amendment Bill, 2023 (TBD) for inclusion in the JPC Report. At the outset, I would like to appreciate efforts b eing undertaken to conduct vital public consultatio n as a part of the Committee's examination of the Forest (Conservation ) Amendment Bill, 2023. This is crucial for strengt hening environmental protection mandate and building collective responsi bility around forest conservation in India. I am th ankful to you for allowing me to interact extensively during the hearings. While the preamble of the proposed Forest (Conserva tion) Amendment Bill, 2023 invokes India's rich tra dition of preserving forests and their importance in achievin g net zero emission targets, there is reason to bel ieve that the substance of the proposed changes will, however, emasculate the original Forest Conservation Act (FCA), thereby sub verting the FCA's primary objective of providing for conservation of forests and checking further deforestation. The fol lowing are my detailed clause-wise comments, which are put forward for the Committee’s consideration and if necessary, regard ed as comments of dissent for the record: 1. Clause 3: Changing title of the Act from "Forest (Conservation) Act" to “Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samva rdhan) Adhiniyam” Given that the FCA is of great importance to people across the country, 60% of which are dependent on forests and other ecosystems directly for their sustenance and livelihood, it is vital that is inclusive in its te rminologies, not leaving out population in non-Hindi speaking regions, inclu ding the South and the North-East regions. 2. Clause 4: Insertion of Section 1A (subsection 1) regarding lands to be covered under the FCA a. By proposing to include only those lands within the ambit of the FCA which are recorded as the fore st on or after 25th October 1980, a significant section of forest land area will be exempted, especially because large tra cts of forest land in India were recorded as 'forest' during transfer of lands to the forest department while abolishing the Zamindari system in respective states after independence (in 50s-70s ). A large section of such transferred land could n ot be notified as forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, or state forest legislations because of improper demarcation , ownership disputes and administrative lethargy. However, such lands continue to be protected as forests under th e FCA, ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 123 irrespective of their ownerships. Such forests can be easily found in ecologically rich landscapes lik e the Aravallis, central Indian plateaus, western ghats, etc and are important as wildlife habitats providing critical ecological services. These biodiversity hotspots will no longer be consi dered 'forest' and can potentially be sold, diverte d, cleared, felled, utilized, exploited without any regulatory oversigh t, if the bill is passed in its current form. b. Such an amendment would dilute the Hon'ble Supre me Court's 1996 landmark Godavarman judgment which widened the scope of the FCA to apply to any land recorded as forest by the government irrespective of its own ership. The proposed amendment would in effect limit the scope of the forest clearance mandate under the FCA at a time when India is rapidly losing essential forest cover. Clause 4: Insertion of Section 1A (subsection 2) re garding lands to not be covered under the FCA: The proposition to exempt certain categories of lan d from provisions of forest clearance bears the fol lowing grave implications: a. Threat to bio-sensitive areas : Significant forests in Himalayan. Trans-Himalayan and North Eastern regions , which are rich with endemic biodiversity will be exempted bec ause of their proximity to international borders. C learing of such forests without any assessment and mitigation plan will not only threaten the biodiversity but will also increa se the vulnerability of the ecologically and geologically sensitive area s, which are already threatened by unsustainable in frastructure developments and extreme weather events . Blanket exemptions for border infrastructure proj ects are problematic as they have significant impact on sensitive landscape and biodiversity, and may adversely impact the infrastr uctures themselves, due to resultant environmental hazards in case of extre me weather events. b. Wide scope of terminology : The usage of forest land for 'security-related in frastructure' and 'public utility' is also very wide and can be used to establish a variety of infr astructure projects on forest lands without applyin g for forest clearance. For example, public utility services are commonly under stood as services provided by the government essent ial to citizens' requirements. This includes transport, postal, tele phone, power, water, etc. This virtually allows the construction of any project on forest land. c. Further, in Amendment of Section 2, further exempt ions are provided using vague terminology like 'proposed', 'ecotourism facilities', and 'any other purposes' which can be exploited or misused for activities d amaging forests and ecosystems in forest lands. Bringing all zoos, safaris and forest training infrastructures within the ambit of fores try activities, is inconsistent with the FCA and the FCA Guidelines, 2019 which cle arly differentiate low footprint conservation estab lishments from exhibition-oriented outreach centers. Further, this may disproportionately commercialize forests and d isturb forest ecosystems. d. The exemptions provided for are bound to promote commercialisation of forests (including notified forests) and cause irreversible disturbance to wildlife . It is a common misconception that wildlife only o ccurs inside Protected Areas (PA). On the contrary, areas outside PA are considered to su pport essential habitats and biodiversity. The proposed Bill makes no provision for any impact assessment or any kind of regulatory oversight on the loss of habitats and species, nor would there be any remedies available for interventions to raise concerns. Roads, railway lines and such linear intrusions have a disproportionately vast impact on wild habitats and wildlife as it fragments, erodes natural forests. Removing safeguards in such a blanket manner will only furth er jeopardise, degrade and destroy forests. 4. Clause (1) (a) (2) (c) Blanket exemption of 100 km from international bord er is of particular concern in the North East regio n, due to proximity to international borders & small size of state—as a re sult, will subsume the entire state and open up pri stine forest areas along with its biodiversity for non-forestry uses without FCA regulation. Further, the ecologically fragile landscape along the LAC has the majority of the Protected Areas with critic ally threatened endemic species of flora and fauna, whose conservation will be threatened. 5. Clause 5: Insertion of sub-section 2 of Section 2: This section which exempts survey activities, such as, reconnaissance, seismic survey and drillings by Oil Companies, prospecting, investigation or exploration from FCA clearance, would open vast tracts of biodiversity r ich forest across the country for scoping, prospecting and surveys for co al, iron ore, diamond and other mining, as well as for oil with no environmental safeguards. Also at risk is our 7,517 kilometers long coastline and 1,382 islands from d eep sea mining for deposits of minerals which will pave the way for co mmercial exploitation. Once scoping is done, analys is indicates that clearances for projects is usually a fait accompli. The proposed exemptions for all surveys and investi gations are arbitrary in nature, and such exemptions should instead depen d on the underlying project and its implications on the forest and associated wildlife . 6. Critically assessing emphasis on carbon neutral ity through plantations: The Bill's focus on raising tradeable vertical repo sitories of carbon, i.e achieving carbon neutrality through a push for plantations, can jeopardize the very purpose of the Act to protect and conserve India's forests. While India's commitments to meeting national Net Zero Emission targets are impo rtant, experts have long argued that creating carbon sinks via plantations and increasing tree cover is counter intuitive , and multiple studies, including in India show tha t these are poor in sequestering carbon, as well as in other ecosystem services such as containing soil erosion, biodiversity conservat ion, water retention etc. Research has shown that natural forests are far more effective in this rega rd , considering that the carbon sequestration potential of natural forests is 40 times greater as compared to plantations. Further, it is important to consider that the destruction and degradation of forests in itself contributes to climate change through the release o f carbon dioxide (CO2). 7. Need to foreground forest rights in forest cons ervation legislation : What remains an obvious gap, even in the statement and objects of the amendment, is the reco nciliation of the forest conservation legislation w ith the forest rights question, which should have been important especial ly when almost all proposed amendments will necessa rily come to bear on prevailing, pending or recognised forest rights. There is an absence of any perspective on how exis ting proprietary, customary, and livelihood use rights will be dealt with for net zero compliant lands or in the case of fresh forest land diversions. While the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Clima te Change in its response (dated 19th June 2023) ha s attempted to clarify some of the above mentioned points, concerns persis t as there is an overwhelming reliance on implied meaning of provisions rather than categorically laying out safeguards in the text of the amendment. Further, on the ques tion of ensuring safeguards, one observes a tendency to leave terms & conditions to the discretion of the Executive at subsequent j unctures, creating scope for misinterpretation and misuse. India's ancient civilisation and culture is closely linked to nature. Millions of marginalized and ind igenous people continue to depend on forests for their sustenance and liveliho od and will be rendered even more vulnerable were t he proposed amendments come to pass. I strongly believe that rather than w eakening regulation, amendments to India's Forest C onservation Act must focus on ensuring more effective implementation of conservation practices, especially in view of the a ccelerating threat of climate change. Regards, (PRADYUT BORDOLOI) ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 125 Relevant Provisions of Principal Act Provisions proposed in Amendment Bill Comments of Shri Pradyut Bordoloi, MP Lok Sabha (Member JPC) Suggestion for Re- drafting 1(1) This Act may be called the Forest (Conser- vation) Act, 1980. Amendment of section 1. In section 1 of the principal Act, in sub-section (1), for the words and brackets “Forest (Conservation) Act”, the words and brackets “VAN (SANRAKSHAN EVAM SAMVARDHAN) ADHINIYAM” shall be substituted. Should be amend to make it more acceptable to all across the country. A separate Hindi translated version can be made available alongside the English version, for the purpose of improved accessibility. English Translation of Bill : This Act may be called the Forest (Conservation) Act Appropriate Hindi name can be inserted Not applicable (pro- visions do not exist in the Principal Act). Insertion of new section 1A- Act to cover certain land . After section 1 of the principal Act, the following section shall be inserted, namely:–– “1A. (1) The following land shall be covered under the provisions of this Act, namely:–– 1) Subsection 1A(1)(b) along with the proviso can be potentially misinterpreted to create an exception to the Supreme Court’s judgment in T.N. Godavaraman case dated 12.12.1996 (which imposed applicability of Section 2 of the Act to any area recorded as forest in the Govt record irrespective of ownership and date ) This has negative implications on the applicability of Section 2 of the Act, which mandates permission of the Central Government for any non-forest activity on lands recorded as forest in ‘government record’, which also includes lands that are not notified under a statute. 2) The new changes also omit the category of lands which are neither notified nor recorded as forests in any government records but qualify the characteristics of a natural forest including those proposed to be notified as forest. As per the latest FSI’s “India State of Forest Report” (2021), Unclassed Forests account for approximately 15% of India’s total forest cover, and in some States and Union Territories Unclassed Forests are a massive portion of their total forest cover. Some of these states constitute some of India's most unique and endangered biodiversity-rich regions (biodiversity hotspots). For instance, in Northeast India, 97.2% of Nagaland’s, 88.2% of Meghalaya’s, 75.6% of Manipur’s, 53% of Arunachal Pradesh’s and 33.4% of Assam’s total forest are categorized as unclassed forest. There is a concern that most of such lands may be exempted from the FCA as they are recorded as forests much before 1980. 3) The new changes also exclude those forest lands which are proposed to be declared forests but yet to be notified under Section 4 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or other state laws. (For e.g in Assam, nearly 730 sq.km. of lands are in the process of notification as RF from the existing category of Proposed RF under Assam Forest Regulation Act, 1891.) Not applicable (provisions do not exist in the Principal Act). The following land shall be covered under the provisions of this Act, namely:–– (a) the land that has been declared or notified as a forest in accordance with the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or under any other law for the time being in force. (b) the land that is not covered under clause (a), but has been recorded in Government record as forest, as on or after the 25th October 1980: ” The following land shall be covered under this Act, namely: — (b) the land that has been declared or notified or is under the process of being notified as a forest following the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or under any other law for the time being in force. (b) the land that is not covered under clause (a) but has been recorded in Government records as forest irrespective of their ownership . (c) the land that is not covered under clauses (a) or (b) but is recognizable as forests by local communities or in terms of its ecological and cultural significance. (d) the land that is not covered in clauses (a), (b), (c) but identified or used for compensatory afforestation in lieu of forest diverted under Section 2 of the Act. ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 127 Proviso Provided that the provisions of this clause shall not apply to such land, which has been changed from forest use to use for non-forest purpose on or before the 12th December, 1996 in pursuance of an order, issued by any authority authorised by a State Government or an Union territory Administration in that behalf: There have been many instances where the States have unlawfully diverted lands recorded as forests for non-forest activities in the violation of the Act. The proposed amendment attempts to legalize such diversions. The Supreme Court has reiterated that the primary purpose of the FCA is to prevent further deforestation, and any interpretations must sub-serve and help implement the intention of the Act. Many of such forest lands were diverted on lease for activities such as plantations, mining etc., by the States before 12th December 1996 or even before the enactment of the FCA in 1980. For instance, Gavi, a RF in the core area of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, was leased to Kerala Forest Development Corporation for the cultivation of cardamom before 1980. The lease is set to expire in 2026, after which new permission will be required to be obtained under Section 2 of the Act. However, if the proposed amendment is accepted, many of such leased forest areas may get permanently diverted for such non-forest activity. This may also allow the lessee to change the nature of such plantation for other non-forest purposes like tourism, infrastructure etc. Recommend to be deleted from amendment Not applicable (pro- visions do not exist in the Principal Act). 1A. (2) (a) The following categories of land shall not be covered under the provisions of this Act, namely:— (a) such forest land situated alongside a rail line or a public road maintained by the Government, which provides access to a habitation, or to a rail, and roadside amenity up to a maximum size of 0.10 hectare in each case; Exemptions for roadside amenities are regressive and ultra vires the FCA. The new changes will fragment forest areas and will be detrimental to wildlife habitats and corridors, especially with lack of specifics with respect to the frequency of these facilities along such linear projects makes vast forest areas susceptible. Already many railway lines such as Rail line thro the Deepor Beel (a Ramsar Site) on the outskirts of Guwahati City and roads pass through sensitive biodiversity rich areas. More road and railways infrastructure are proposed to be constructed in upcoming years, which are going to fragment forests and affect wildlife in other parts of the country. Recommend to be deleted from the amendment Granting any exemptions to areas alongside the roads will not only lead to massive deforestation but create multiple disturbance to forests and put immense pressure on wildlife. Linear infrastructure significantly affects and reverses the decades old conservation efforts to protect endemic flora and fauna, in many cases roads and railways are one of the major reasons of fatalities of protected species. According to reports, 45 elephants died between 2019-2021 and 26 tigers died between 2010-2021 due to railway accidents. For development of access roads to adjoining villages or human habitations, diversion of forest lands must be allowed judiciously following due procedure of forest clearance under Section 2 of the Act and in such a manner that it causes minimum disturbance to the forest and wildlife, rather than through blanket exemption. (1) (a) (2)(b) such tree, tree plantation or reafforestation raised on lands that are not specified in clause (a) or clause (b) of sub-section (1); and Need for clarity on definition of ‘reafforestation’ and whether it is different from ‘reforestation’ - planting of trees on non-forest land or planting of trees on land which was previously forest. Act must define the term ‘reafforestation’ to prevent ambiguity or misuse Definition of ‘reafforestation’ to be recommended for addition (1)(a)(2)(c) such forest land,— (i) as is situated within a distance of one hundred kilometres along international borders or Line of Control or Line of Actual Control, as the case may be, proposed to be used for construction of strategic linear project of national importance and concerning national security; or (ii) up to ten hectares, proposed to be used for construction of security related According to the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority, between 1996-2016, defence projects have taken up the second largest amount of forest land (1,549 sq.km.), second only to mining (4,947 sq.km.). Strategically important linear infrastructures are already given permissions expeditiously by the Central Government under ‘general approval’ scheme. In such circumstance, blanket exemption is unreasonable and unwanted. Infrastructure and linear development projects in Himalayan and North- Eastern India involve activities such as blasting and excavation, creating tunnels, damming of water streams etc., Recommend to be deleted from the amendment ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 129 infrastructure; or (iii) as is proposed to be used for construction of defence related project or a camp for paramilitary forces or public utility projects , as may be specified by the Central Government, the extent of which does not exceed five hectares in a Left Wing Extremism affected area as may be notified by the Central Government. which has significant and irreversible damage to the ecologically sensitive landscape of these regions. Experts have pointed out the role of such infrastructure development as a significant contributor in intensifying the impact of extreme weather events leading to landslides and severe floods. As per (1)(a)(2)(c) (iii) the term ‘public utility’ remains ambiguous, open ended and open to interpretation - such blanket exemptions are undesirable but are also inconsistent,and ultra vires to the purpose of FCA. Accordingly, any permission for such activities must be granted on a case-on-case basis following due procedure under Section 2 of the Act. (1)(a)(2)(c) Blanket exemption of 100 km from international border is of particular concern in the North East region, due to proximity to international borders & small size of state - as a result, will subsume the entire state and open up pristine forest areas along with its biodiversity for non-forestry uses without FCA regulation. Further, the ecologically fragile landscape along the LAC has the majority of the Protected Areas with critically threatened endemic species of flora and fauna, whose conservation will be threatened. Suggestion: prior to availing exemption for security related infrastructure, in forest areas, it is proposed that listed agencies would consult stakeholders mainly local communities residing nearby. As these forest areas form multiple use areas accessed by the local communities - no blanket exemption, but case-by-case forest clearance based on stakeholder consultation. (1)(a)(3) The exemption provided under sub-section (2) shall be subject to such terms and conditions, including the conditions of planting trees to compensate felling of trees undertaken on the lands, as the Central Government may, by guidelines, specify. While plantations may provide some benefits, they do not provide the same level of ecological services as natural forests. Plantations, however, can exacerbate soil erosion and degrade soil quality, as they often require intensive fertilization, pesticide use, and irrigation. Further, plantations do not provide habitat for the wildlife, as they do not contain the structural complexity and diversity of natural forests. Therefore, it is important to prioritize protection and restoration of natural forests and to manage them sustainably, Recommend to be deleted from the amendment rather than relying on plantations as a replacement. Any afforestation operation must be undertaken with the objective of ecological restoration and augmenting native biodiversity. Section 2(1) (iii) Section 2(1) (iii) (iii) that any forest land or any portion thereof may be assigned by way of lease or otherwise to any private person or to any authority, corporation, agency or any other organization subject to such terms and conditions, as the Central Government may, by order, specify; The purpose of such leasing of forest lands by the state must be ensured for conservation of forests and wildlife only. (iii) that any forest land or any portion thereof may be assigned by way of lease or otherwise to any private person or to any authority, corporation, agency, or any other organization unless it is in the interest of in situ conservation of forest and wildlife , subject to such terms and conditions, as the Central Government may with reason prescribe ; Section 2 (1) (b) Any purpose other than reafforestation, but does not include any work relating to or ancillary to conservation, development and management of forests and wildlife, The purpose for all such establishments must be to protect and conserve the forests and wildlife, and not for any leisure or commercial purposes. Thus, it is essential that sufficient reasoning is provided for such developments as a necessity for forests and wildlife conservation. Under the provision on exemption of works ‘ancillary to conservation’, the Act must also specify the Certified Authority which would decide whether the work falls under the category of ancillary or related work. It is suggested that the Certified Authority with respect to conservation of wildlife should be the Chief Wildlife Warden or Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (“PCCF”) with respect to forest conservation. Any purpose other than reafforestation, but does not include any work relating to or ancillary to conservation, development and management of forests and wildlife, which shall be certified by the concerned Chief Wildlife Warden or Principal Chief Conservator with reasons in writing. • Need for Act to define ‘reafforestation’. Section 2(1) (b) i. silvicultural operations including regeneration operations; Silvicultural operations must be undertaken with the objective of ecological restoration and augmenting native biodiversity. i. silvicultural operations including regeneration operations which are purported to restore the original flora of the area and do not include plantation of species exotic to the area in question or ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 131 causing disturbance to the wildlife; ii. establishment of check- posts and infrastructure for the front-line forest staff; Specify to prevent misuse (such as illegal collection of money allowing extraction of forest materials) Establishment of check-posts and infrastructure for the front-line forest staff, that do not affect or disturb the movement of wild animals iii. establishment and maintenance of fire lines; No change iv. wireless communications; Specify to prevent mi suse iv. wireless communications which are required for the front-line forest staff; v. construction of fencing, boundary marks or pillars, bridges and culverts, check dams, waterholes, trenches and pipelines; Specify to prevent misuse v. construction of fencing, boundary marks or pillars, bridges and culverts, check dams, waterholes, trenches and pipelines, solely required for the purpose of forest and wildlife conservation and certified as such by the concerned Chief Wildlife Warden or Principal Chief Conservator of Forest. vi. establishment of zoo and safaris referred to in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, owned by the Government or any authority, in forest areas other than protected areas; Allowing zoos and safaris within the scope of non-forest activities in the FCA will disproportionately commercialise forests and wildlife. Such establishments not only come at the cost of fragmentation and destruction of existing forest and wildlife habitats, but have a huge cumulative impact from associated infrastructure, access routes, public amenities and other disturbances which cannot be termed as beneficial to the forests and wildlife. Recommend to be deleted from the amendment vii. eco-tourism facilities included in the Forest Working Plan or Wildlife Management Plan or Tiger Conservation Plan or Working Scheme of that area; and In recent years mushrooming of tourism facilities has led to overuse, disturbance and serious management problems in several PAs. The National Wildlife Action Plan defines eco-tourism as eco- friendly and regulated wildlife-based tourism and also states that in case of any conflict between tourism and conservationinterests of a PA, the paradigm for the decision must be that tourism exists for the Protected Areas and not vice versa, and that demands of tourism must be subservient to and in consonance with the conservation interests of Protected Areas. The exemption of establishment of eco- tourism facilities be deleted, instead they may be regulated as per the existing procedure of forest clearance under Section 2 of the FCA and decided on a case-to-case basis keeping in view the local circumstances and species affected. Recommend to be deleted from the amendment viii. any other like purposes, which the Central Government may, by order, specify."] Specify to prevent misuse viii. any other like purposes necessary for conservation of forest and wildlife, which the Central Government shall by reason prescribe. Section 2 (2) The Central Government may, by order, specify the terms and conditions subject to which any survey, such as, reconnaissance, prospecting, investigation or exploration including seismic survey, shall not be treated as non-forest purpose. Exemption of permission for conducting such surveys will open the floodgates for conducting surveys for purely commercial activities like mining. Some of these surveys or investigations might require drilling/digging of surface, clearing of vegetation, levelling of ground, creating access roads and producing high decibel noise or use of light at night or any other activity which might be detrimental to the wildlife and the ecosystem. Recently, the Gauhati High Court stayed Environmental Clearance to Oil India Limited with respect to exploration and drilling through extended reach drilling for hydrocarbons at seven locations in Dibru Saikhowa National Park due to the absence of a Biodiversity Impact Assessment. Therefore, a blanket exemption to such surveys is not recommended. It is Recommend to be deleted from the amendment ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 133 suggested that the exemption to survey, such as, reconnaissance, prospecting, investigation, or exploration be deleted, and the existing procedure for permission under Section 2 of the Act be continued for such activities. Email Joint Committee on Forest Conservation From: Pradyut Bordoloi [email protected]. in Fri, Jul 14, 2023 01:36 PM Subject: Re: Sir/Madam, You have Received an Email from Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 (JCFCAB), Lok Sabha Secretaria t To: Joint Committee on Forest Conservation <jcfcab- [email protected]> Dear Chairman, I as member of the JPC could not attend the last me eting held on the adoption of the report hereby con firm that I have read the report and already sent my letter of dissent to be recorded as per the Direction clause 87 by the Speaker. Best regards, Pradyut Bordoloi MP Lok Sabha -----Original Message-------- From: [email protected] To: pradyut bordoloi <[email protected] n> Sent: Fri, 14 Jul 2023 13:14:34 +0530 (IST) Subject: Sir/Madam, You have Received an Email from Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amend ment Bill, 2023 (JCFCAB), Lok Sabha Secretariat Madam/Sir, Kindly see the attached documents on the above ment ioned subject. Regards JCFCAB Cell ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 135 PHULODEVI NETAM Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha-Chhattisgarh Member-Standing Committee on Railways 34, Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Road, New Delhi-110001 E-mail: [email protected] Mob.: +91-9425597472 MPRS/CG/2023-10 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 137 R.GIRIRAJAN R.GIRIRAJAN R.GIRIRAJAN R.GIRIRAJAN MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (RAJYA SABHA) (RAJYA SABHA) (RAJYA SABHA) (RAJYA SABHA) 11th July, 2023 11th July, 2023 11th July, 2023 11th July, 2023 Dissent Note Dissent Note Dissent Note Dissent Note To, The Chairman, Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendm ent Bill, 2023. Sir, I hereby give my dissent on the Forest (Conservatio n) Amendment Bill, 2023 due to the following: 1. The Title of the bill should be understood by al l throughout the country as well as the all over the world. English language is known to all the sta keholders. Therefore the word 'Forest Conservation Act' should be retained as it is understood well throughout the country... Sanskritic Terminology is untenable. Let it be called the Forest (Conservation) Amendmen t Act, 2023 2. Forests and conservation of forest is under Conc urrent List. State Governments have administrative control over forests. Therefore assi gning all powers to Central Government infringes on Federal rights of the State Government s... Any decision should be arrive at only after proper discussion with the State Governments. 3. The Proposed amendments are inconsistent and ultra vires to the principal Act, severely compromises the constitutional mandate of the State (Article 48A) to safeguard forests, and jeopardizes the access to information, public parti cipation and access to justice, which are essential component of Rio Declaration 1992 and fun damental rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Hence I oppose and dissent the Bill. RR RR. . . . GIRIRAJAN GIRIRAJAN GIRIRAJAN GIRIRAJAN MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (RAJYA SABHA) (RAJYA SABHA) (RAJYA SABHA) (RAJYA SABHA) TAMIL NADU TAMIL NADU TAMIL NADU TAMIL NADU #1, Chelliamman Colony Second Street, Peravallur, C hennai - 600 082. Tel: 044-26710558 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 139 Point 1 The Title of the bill should be understood by all t hroughout the country as well as the all over the w orld. English language is known to all the stakeholders. Therefore the word 'Forest Conservation Act' should be retained as it is understood well throughout th e country... Sanskritic Terminology is untenable. Let the it be called Forest (Conservation) Amendmen t Act, 2023 Point 2 Forests and conservation of forest is under Concurr ent List. State Governments have administrative control over forests. Therefore assigning all power s to Central Government infringes on Federal rights of the State Governments... Any decision should be arr ive at only after proper discussion with the State Governments. Point 3 The Proposed amendments are inconsistent and ultra vires to the principal Act, severely compromises the constitutional mandate of the State (Article 48 A) to safeguard forests, and jeopardizes the access to information, public participation and access to jus tice, which are essential component of Rio Declarat ion 1992 and fundamental rights guaranteed under Articl e 21 of the Indian Constitution. Hence I oppose and dissent the Bill. RR RR. . . . GIRIRAJAN GIRIRAJAN GIRIRAJAN GIRIRAJAN MEMBER OF PA MEMBER OF PA MEMBER OF PA MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT RLIAMENT RLIAMENT RLIAMENT (RAJYA SABHA) (RAJYA SABHA) (RAJYA SABHA) (RAJYA SABHA) TAMIL NADU TAMIL NADU TAMIL NADU TAMIL NADU Note of Dissent submitted by Shri Note of Dissent submitted by Shri Note of Dissent submitted by Shri Note of Dissent submitted by Shri Jawhar Sircar, MP (Rajya Sabha) and Smt. Sajda Ahmad, MP Jawhar Sircar, MP (Rajya Sabha) and Smt. Sajda Ahm ad, MP Jawhar Sircar, MP (Rajya Sabha) and Smt. Sajda Ahm ad, MP Jawhar Sircar, MP (Rajya Sabha) and Smt. Sajda Ahm ad, MP (Lok Sabha) to the Joint Committee on the Proposed Amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act. (Lok Sabha) to the Joint Committee on the Proposed Amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act. (Lok Sabha) to the Joint Committee on the Proposed Amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act. (Lok Sabha) to the Joint Committee on the Proposed Amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act. Suggestion 1. Suggestion 1. Suggestion 1. Suggestion 1. Please retain original title of the Forest (Conserv ation) Act and DO NOT include the new words, namely “Evam Samvardhan)“ Suggestion Suggestion Suggestion Suggestion 2. 2. 2. 2. Under section 1A (1), please SUBSTITUTE amendment p rovision, namely, “The following land shall be covered under the pro visions of this Act, namely: — (a) the land that has been declared or notified as a forest in accordance with the provisions of the I ndian Forest Act, 1927 or under any other law for the tim e being in force. (b) the land that is not covered under clause (a), but has been recorded in Government record as fores t, as on or after the 25th October 1980” WITH THE WORDS: “The following land shall be covered under this Act, namely: — (a) the land that has been declared or notified or is under the process of being notified as a forest following the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or un der any other law for the time being in force. (b) the land that is not covered under clause (a) b ut has been recorded in Government records as fores t irrespective of their ownership. (c) the land that is not covered under clauses (a) or (b) but is recognisable as forests by local comm unities or in terms of its ecological and cultural signific ance. (d) the land that is not covered in clauses (a), (b ), (c) but identified or used for compensatory affo restation in lieu of forest diverted under Section 2 of the A ct.” Suggestion 3. Suggestion 3. Suggestion 3. Suggestion 3. Again, in 1A (1), please DELETE this part of propo sed amendment, ie, “Provided that the provisions of this clause shall not apply to such land, which has been changed from forest use to use for non- forest purpose on or bef ore the 12th December, 1996 in pursuance of an orde r, issued by any authority authorised by a State Gover nment or an Union territory Administration in that behalf”. Suggestion 4 Suggestion 4 Suggestion 4 Suggestion 4 In 1A. ((2) where roadside amenities are mentioned, please SUBSTITUTE THE WORDS “which provides access to a habitation, or to a ra il, and roadside amenity up to a maximum size of 0. 10 hectare in each case;” WITH THE WORDS: “which provides access to a habitation, or to a rail , and roadside amenity up to a maximum size of 1000 square feet in each case;” ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 141 AND ADD PROVISO “provided there are not more than three such ameniti es in each cluster and every cluster shall be not less than 50 kilometres apart” — in order to minimise the disturbance to forests. Suggestion 5. Suggestion 5. Suggestion 5. Suggestion 5. Again, in 1A (2) b) AFTER the words “such tree, tree plantation or reafforestation rais ed on lands that are not specified in clause (a) or clause (b) of sub-section (1);” ADD PROVISO “but shall not include compensatory afforestation” Suggestion 6. Suggestion 6. Suggestion 6. Suggestion 6. Further, in 1A (2), AFTER THE WORDS “such forest land,— (i) as is situated within a distance of one hundred kil ometres along international”, insert “ Himalayan ” BEFORE CONTINUING as “borders or Line of Control or Line of Actual Control, as the case may be, proposed to be used for construction of strategic l inear project of national importance and concerning national security; or”. Suggestion 7. Suggestion 7. Suggestion 7. Suggestion 7. And, furthermore, in 1A (2), AFTER THE WORDS “(3) The exemption provided under sub-section (2) shall be subject to such terms and conditions, including the conditions of planting trees to compe nsate felling of trees undertaken on the lands, as the Central Government” INSERT “in consultation with concerned State Government” THEN CONTINUE “may, by guidelines, specify.” Suggestion 8. Suggestion 8. Suggestion 8. Suggestion 8. Again, to continue with 1A (2) the Act must limit the term “public utility project s” in the following phrase “iii) as is proposed to be used for construction of defence related project or a camp for paramilitary forces or public utility projects, as may be specified by the Central Government, the extent of which does no t exceed five hectares in a Left Wing Extremism affec ted area as may be notified by the Central Government.”, BY CLEARLY STATING THAT such projects shall be dire ctly under Government and it agencies and SHALL NOT BE “privatised, leased or the operational control of wh ich shall be handed over to any private company or entity”. Suggestion 9. Suggestion 9. Suggestion 9. Suggestion 9. In ALL PLACES ADD the words “ in consultation with concerned State Governments” after the words “Central Government” wherever issui ng of orders and guidelines appears. Suggestion 10. Suggestion 10. Suggestion 10. Suggestion 10. After Section 2(1) (iii) “that any forest land or any portion thereof may b e assigned by way of lease or otherwise to any priv ate person or to any authority, corporation, agency or any other organisation subject to such terms and conditions, as the Central Government may, by order , specify;” PLEASE INSERT PROVISO “Provided there are wide public consultations before such assignment with environmentalists, wild life exports and the local community and it is in the in terest of in situ conservation of forest and wildli fe”’ Suggestion 1 Suggestion 1 Suggestion 1 Suggestion 1 In Section 2 (1) (b), after the words “any purpose other than reafforestation,but does not include any work relating to or ancillary to conservation, development and management of forests and wildlife,” INSERT THIS PROVISO “Provided concerned Chief Wildlife Warden or Princi pal Chief Conservator of Forests shall certify the same with reasons in writing.” Suggestion 11. In Section 2(1) (b) after the phrase “i. silvicultural operations including regeneration operations;” INSERT THIS PROVISO “Provided that the species shall retain and restore the original ones and shall not be exotic or invas ive or disturb the wildlife therein” ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 143 Email Email Email Email Joint Committee on Forest Conservation Joint Committee on Forest Conservation Joint Committee on Forest Conservation Joint Committee on Forest Conservation From: Jawhar Sircar From: Jawhar Sircar From: Jawhar Sircar From: Jawhar Sircar [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Thu, Jul 13, 2023 12:40 PM Thu, Jul 13, 2023 12:40 PM Thu, Jul 13, 2023 12:40 PM Thu, Jul 13, 2023 12:40 PM 1 attachment 1 attachment 1 attachment 1 attachment Subject: Forest Conservation Act Subject: Forest Conservation Act Subject: Forest Conservation Act Subject: Forest Conservation Act— — ——Note of Dissent to Report of Joint Committee on Am endments to the Note of Dissent to Report of Joint Committee on Ame ndments to the Note of Dissent to Report of Joint Committee on Ame ndments to the Note of Dissent to Report of Joint Committee on Ame ndments to the Forest Conservation Act. Forest Conservation Act. Forest Conservation Act. Forest Conservation Act. To: Joint To: Joint To: Joint To: Joint Committee on Forest Conservation <jcfcab Committee on Forest Conservation <jcfcab Committee on Forest Conservation <jcfcab Committee on Forest Conservation <jcfcab- - [email protected]> [email protected]> [email protected]> [email protected]> Cc: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Sir/Madam, I could not attend the last meeting held on 11 July , 2023 but I certify (as per Direction 87 of the 'Directions by the Speaker') that I have read the s aid report before I file this 'Note of Dissent'. Jawhar Sircar, MP RS Sent from my iPad Jawhar Sircar Sent from my iPad Forest Conservation Act .docx 11 KB Email Email Email Email Joint Committee on Forest Conservation Joint Committee on Forest Conservation Joint Committee on Forest Conservation Joint Committee on Forest Conservation Certificate for JCFB Report Certificate for JCFB Report Certificate for JCFB Report Certificate for JCFB Report From: From: From: From: Sajda Ahmed [email protected] Fri, Jul 14, 2023 12:31 PM Fri, Jul 14, 2023 12:31 PM Fri, Jul 14, 2023 12:31 PM Fri, Jul 14, 2023 12:31 PM Subject: Subject: Subject: Subject: Certificate for JCFB Report To: To: To: To: Joint Committee on Forest Conservation <jcfcab [email protected]> Reply To: Reply To: Reply To: Reply To: Sajda Ahmed <[email protected]> To The Chairperson Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Forest (Conser vation) Amendment Bill Dear Sir, I am writing to inform you that I was unable to att end the JCFB meeting that took place on July 11, 2023. I would like to state that, in accordance with Clau se 87 of the "Directions by the Speaker," I have read the report. With regards Uluberia PC, Howrah, West Bengal Member Department Related Standing Committee on Sci ence and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change Member Consultative Committee Ministry of External Affairs Govt of India C-II/5 Tilak Lane NEW DELHI-110001 Tel-011-23782786, FAX-011-23782779 Mob-9836390227, 9871436166(PS) ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 145 1927 का 16 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 147 ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 149 mn~ns य vkSj dkj.kksa dk dFku ou ¼laj{k.k½ vf/kfu;e] 1980 ¼vf/kfu;e½ ouksa ds laj {k.k rFkk mlls lacaf/kr ;k mlls vkuq kafxd ;k izklafxd fo  k;ksa dk micU/k djus ds fy, vf/kfu;fer fd;k x;k Fkk A ;g mica/k djrk gS fd ou Hkwfe dks vukjf{kr djus] xSj ou iz;kstuksa ds fy, ou Hkwfe dk mi;ksx djus] izkbZosV vfLrRoksa dks iV~Vs ds ek/;e ls ou Hkwfe nsus vkSj iqu% ou yx kus ds iz;kstuksa ds fy , izkd`frd :i ls mxs gq, isM+ksa dks dkVus ds fy, dsUnzh; ljdkj dh iwoZ vuqK k visf{kr gSA 2- blds vf/kfu;fer gksus ds i'pkr~] ikfjfLFkfrdh] lkek ftd vkSj i;kZoj.kh; ?kVukvksa tSls tyok;q ifjorZu ds izHkko dks de djus] o  kZ 2070 rd 'kq) 'kwU; mRltZu ds jk"Vªh; y{; dks gkfly djus vkSj ou dkcZu LVkWd dks cuk, j[kus ;k mlesa o` f) djus ls lacaf/kr ubZ pqukSfr;ka] jk"Vªh; vkSj varjkZ"Vªh; Lrj ij mHkj dj lkeus vkbZ gSaA vkSj] o  kZ 2030 rd vfrfjDr 2-5 ls 3-0 fcfy;u Vu lhvks 2 ds lerqY; dkcZu flad ds l`tu ds fy, ou ;k o`{k vkP Nknu esa o`f) djus ds ns'k ds y{; vkSj mís'; dks /;ku esa j[krs gq, rFkk ou vk/kkfjr vkfFkZd] lkekftd vkSj i;kZoj.kh; Qk;nksa esa o`f) }kjk] ftlds varxZr ou ij fuHkZj djus okys leqnk;ksa ds thou&;kiu esa lq/kkj lfEefyr gS] lgthoh :i ls ou vkSj mudh tSo fofo/krk ds ifjj{k.k dh le`) ijaijk dks vxzlj djus ds fy, bl vf/kfu;e ds f{kfrt dks O;kid cukus dh vko';drk gSA 3- vkSj] rkjh[k 12 fnlacj] 1996 ds ekuuh; mPpre U;k;ky ; ds ¼Vhñ,uñ xksnkoeZu fr#eqyin cuke Hkkjr la?k vkSj vU; ds ekeys esa½ fu.kZ; ls iw oZ mDr v/fkfu;e ds mica/kksa dks vf/klwfpr ou Hkwfe;ksa ij ykxw fd;k x;k Fkk vkSj u jktLo ou {ks= ksa ij ykxw fd;k x;k Fkk rFkk jktLo ou {ks=ksa esa xSj okfudh mi;ksx dks ljdkj vkSj fofHkUu izkf/kdkfj ;ksa }kjk vuqnÙk vuqKk ds ek/;e ls vuqKkr fd;k x;k FkkA mDr fu.kZ; ds i'pkr~] vf/kfu;e ds mica/kks a dks vfHkfyf[kr ou {ks=ksa] ftlds varxZr ,sls vfHkfyf[kr ou lfEefyr gSa] ftudks igys ls gh xSj ok fudh mi;ksx ds fy, j[kk x;k Fkk] esa ykxw fd;k x;k Fkk] ftlls izkf/kdj.kksa dks Hkwfe mi;ksx esa dksbZ ifjorZu djus rFkk dksbZ fodkl ;k mi;ksfxr k ls lacaf/kr dk;Z vuqKkr djus ij fucaf/kr fd;k x;kA blds vfrfjDr] bl vf/kfu;e dks ykxw djus ds laca/k esa izkbZosV vkSj xSj ljdkjh ou Hkwfe;ksa esa ckxku yxkus ds laca/k esa fpark, mBkbZ xbZA bl fLFkfr dk ifj.kke] vf/kfu;e ds mica/kksa ds fo'ks"kdj vfHk fyf[kr ou Hkwfe;ksa] izkbZosV ou&Hkwfe;ksa] ckxkuks a vkfn esa muds ykxw gksus ds laca/k esa xyr fuoZpu d s :i esa gqvkA blfy,] fofHkUu fdLe dh Hkwfe;ksa esa vf/kfu;e ds ykxw gksus vkSj ykxw ugha gksus ds ifj.kke dks fofgr djuk vko';d le>k x;k gSA 4- jk"Vªh; egrk dh lkefjd vkSj lqj{kk ls lacaf/kr ifj; kstukvksa ds Rofjr fuiVku dh vko';drk Hkh gS] rkfd egRoiw.kZ lqj{kk volajpukvksa ds fodkl dks fo'ks"kdj varjkZ"Vªh; lhek&{ks=ksa ds lkFk&lkFk tSls okLrfod fu;a=.k js[kk] fu;a=.k js [kk vkSj ys¶V foax peZiaFk ls izHkkfor {ks=ksa esa lqfuf'pr fd;k tk ldsA blh izdkj lkoZtfud jktekxks± vkSj jsy ds lkFk ds NksVs LFkkiuksa vkSj cfLr;ksa dks mUgsa eq[; jktekxks± vkSj vU; lkoZtfud lqfo/kkv ksa rd igqap vkSj laidZ miyC/k djkds lqdj cukus dh Hkh vko';drk gSA 5- pwafd] vf/kfu;e ds vf/kfu;fer gksus ds i'pkr~ fiN ys pkj n'kdksa ds nkSjku ouksa ds ifjj{k.k vkSj fodkl ls lacaf/kr ikfjfLFkrdh;] lkekf td vkSj i;kZoj.kh; O;oLFkkvksa vkSj uhfr;ksa esa ifjorZu gqvk gS] ftlls blds mica/kksa dks ns'k dh i kfjfLFkfrdh;] lkefjd vkSj vkfFkZd vfHkyk'kkvksa esa xfr'khy ifjorZuksa ds vuq:i j[kus ds fy, ou ¼la j{k.k½ la'kks/ku fo/ks;d] 2023 dks laln~ esa iqj%LFkkfir djuk izLrkfor gSA mDr fo/ks;d dh eq[; f o'ks"krk,a vU; ckrksa ds lkFk&lkFk bl izdkj gS— ¼i½ ns'k dh ouksa] mudh tSo&fofo/krk dks ifjjf{kr dju s dh le`‘) ijaijk vkSj vius ifjf/k ds Hkhrj tyok;q ifjorZu pqukSfr;ksa dk lkeuk djus ds fy, vf/kfu;e esa ,d mísf'kdk var%LFkkfir djuk( ¼ii ½ vf/kfu;e ds laf{kIr uke dks la'kksf/kr djds ou ¼laj {k.k ,oa lao/kZu½ vf/kfu;e] 1980 djuk gS] ftlls mlds mica/kksa dh laHkkouk dks mlds laf{kIr uke esa ifjnf'kZr fd;k tk lds( ¼iii ½ fofHkUu Hkwfe;ksa ij vf/kfu;e ds ykxw gksus ds if j.kke dks Li"V djuk rkfd vLi"Vrk dks nwj fd;k tk, vkSj Li"Vrk ykbZ tk lds( ¼iv ½ vf/kfu;e ds dk;Z{ks= ls Hkwfe;ksa dh dfri; Jsf.k; ksa dks NwV iznku djuk — ¼d½ jk"Vªh; egrk dh lkefjd vkSj lqj{kk ls lacaf/kr ifj;kstukvksa dk Rofjr fuiVku( ¼[k½ lkoZtfud ekxks± vkSj jsy ds fdukjs NksVs LFkki uksa dks igqap iznku djuk( vkSj ¼x½ xSj&ou Hkwfe ij ikS/kk jksi.k dks c<+kok nsuk( ¼v½ vf/kfu;e ds v/khu izLrkfor NwVksa ij fopkj djrs g q, Hkwfe ij isM+ dkVus ds dk;Z dks gkFk esa ysus dh izfriwfrZ djus ds fy, o`{k jks i.k dh 'krZ lfgr fuca/kuksa vkSj 'krks± dk mica/k djuk( ¼vi ½ ,sls vf/kd dk;Zdykiksa] ftUgsa ou ifjj{k.k vkSj o U; thou ds fy, gkFk esa fy;k tkrk gS] dks okfudh xfrfof/k;ksa esa lfEefyr djuk( ¼vii ½ ljdkjh vkSj izkbosV vfLrRoksa] nksuksa dh ckcr vf /kfu;e ds mica/kksa ds ykxw gksus esa ,d:irk ykuk( ¼viii ½ dsUnzh; ljdkj dks vkns'k }kjk ,sls fuca/kuksa vkS j 'krks± dks fofufnZ"V djus ds fy, l'kDr djuk] ftuds v/khu jgrs gq, dksbZ losZ{k.k] tS ls Vksg ysuk] iwosZ{k.k] tkap ;k ijh{k.k] ftlds varxZr Hkwdai losZ{k.k Hkh gS] dks xSj&ou iz; kstu ugha ekuk tk,xk( ¼ix ½ dsUnzh; ljdkj dks funs'k tkjh djus ds fy, l'kDr d jukA 6- fo/ks;d mijksDr mís';ksa dh iwfrZ ds fy, gSA ubZ fnYyh( HkwisUnz ;kno ख ड 2 ] Hkkjr dk jkti= असाधारण 151 mikca/k ou ¼laj{k.k½ vf/kfu;e] 1980 ¼1980 dk vf/kfu;e la[;k ad 69½ ls mn~/kj.k ¹ ¹ ¹ ¹ ¹ ¹ 1- ¼1½ bl vf/kfu;e dk laf{kIr uke ou ¼laj{k.k½ vf/kfu; e] 1980 gSA ¹ ¹ ¹ ¹ ¹ ¹ 2- fdlh jkT; esa Rrle; izo‘Ùk fdlh vU; fof/k esa fdlh ckr ds gksrs gq, Hkh] dksbZ jkT; ljdkj ;k vU; izkf/kdkjh ;g funs'k djus okyk dksbZ v kns'k] dsUnzh; ljdkj ds iwoZ vuqeksnu ds fcuk] ugha nsxkµ ¹ ¹ ¹ ¹ ¹ ¹ ¼iii ½ fd dksbZ ou Hkwfe ;k mldk dksbZ izHkkx iV~Vs ij ; k vU;Fkk fdlh izkbosV O;fDr ;k fdlh izkf/kdj.k] fuxe] vfHkdj.k ;k fdlh vU; laxB u dks] tks ljdkj ds LokfeRo] izca/k ;k fu;a=.k ds v/khu ugha gS] leuqnsf'kr fd;k tk,( ¹ ¹ ¹ ¹ ¹ ¹ Li"Vhdj.k µbl /kkjk ds iz;kstu ds fy, ^^ousrj iz;kstu** ls] — ¼d½ pk;] dkQh] elkys] jcM+] iku] rsy okys ikS/ks m| ku&d`f"k Qlyksa ;k vkS"k/kh; ikS/ks dh [ksrh ds fy,( ¼[k½ iquoZujksi.k ls fHkUu fdlh iz;kstu ds fy,] fdlh ou Hkwfe ;k mlds izHkkx dks rksM+uk ;k dkV dj lkQ djuk vfHkizsr gS fdarq blds varxZr ouksa vkSj oU;&thoksa ds laj{k.k] fodkl vkSj izca/k ls la caf/kr ;k muls vkuq"kafxd dksbZ dk;Z] vFkkZr~] pkSfd;ksa] vfXu ykbuksa] csrkj lapkjksa dh LFkkiuk vkSj ckM+] iqyksa vkSj iqfy;ksa] ck/kksa] tyfNnzksa ] [kkbZ fpUgksa] lhek fpUgksa] ikbi ykbuksa dk fuekZ.k ;k v U; oSls gh iz;kstu ugha gSaA ¹ ¹ ¹ ¹ ¹ ¹ laf{kIr uke] foLrkj vkSj izkjEHkA ouksa ds vikj{k.k ;k ou Hkwfe ds cusrj iz;kstu ds fy, mi;ksx ij fucZU/kuA COMPOSITION OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE FOREST ( CONSERVATION) AMENDMENT BILL, 2023 Shri Rajendra Agrawal - Chairperson LOK SABHA 2. Dr. Dhal Singh Bisen 3. Shri Raju Bista 4. Shri Jamyang Tsering Namgyal 5. Shri Tapir Gao 6. Shri Ajay Tam ta 7. Shri Suresh Kumar Kashyap 8. Smt. Gomati Sai 9. Shri Sudarshan Bhagat 10. Shri Pallab Lochan Das 11. Km. Diya Kumari 12. Shri T.R. Baalu 13. Smt. Agatha K. Sangma 14. Smt. Sajda Ahmed 15. Shri Kotagiri Sridhar 16. Shri Rajendra Dhedy a Gavit 17. Dr. Alok Kumar Suman 18. Shri Mahesh Sahoo 19. Shri Girish Chandra 20. Shri Pradyut Bordoloi* 21. Ms. Geeta Kora* RAJYA SABHA 22. Dr. Ashok Bajpai 23. Shri Anil Baluni 24. Shri Samir Oraon 25. Dr. C. M. Ramesh 26. Shri Jawhar Sirc ar 27. Dr. Prashanta Nanda 28. Shri Hishey Lachungpa 29. Shri Birendra Prasad Baishya 30. Shri R. Girirajan + 31. Smt. Phulo Devi Netam + SECRETARIAT 1. Shri J.M. Baisakh - Joint Secretary 2. Shri Kalyanasundaram - Director 3. Ms. Maya Menon - Under Secretary 4. Shri Rajeev Kumar - Executive Officer 5 Smt. Sonia Gupta - Executive Officer * Nominated by the Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha w.e.f. 14.04.23. + Nominated by the Hon’ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha w.e.f. 19.04.23. SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 153 INTRODUCTION I, the Ch airperson of the Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 to which ‘The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023' was referred, having been authorized to submit the Report on their behalf, present this Report with the Bill, as re ported by the Joint Committee annexed thereto. 2. The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 was introduced in Lok Sabha on 29th March, 2023. The Motion for reference of the Bill to a Joint Committee of both the Houses of Parliament was moved in Lok Sa bha on 29th March, 2023 by Shri Bhupender Yadav, the Minister of Labour and Employment and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, ( vide Appendix -I) and concurred by the Rajya Sabha on the same day ( vide Appendix -II). 3. As per the motion moved in the Hous e, the Joint Committee was to make a report to the House till last day of the first week of the Monsoon Session, 2023. 4. Keeping in view the importance of the Bill and its wide ranging implications, the Committee decided to call memoranda to obtain the v iews from public in general and experts/stakeholders/NGOs and other organisations in particular on the provisions of the aforesaid Bill. Accordingly, a press communiqué inviting memoranda from them was issued on 03rd May, 2023 in national and regional news papers through the Central Bureau of Communication. The Committee has received 1309 memoranda (vide Appendix III) . All the memoranda were circulated to the Members of the Committee. They were also sent to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Cha nge and their comments were obtained on each of them. The Committee also heard the views/suggestions of twelve experts/stakeholder organisations who made personal appearance before the Committee. The points raised by the experts/stakeholders and public alo ng with the comments of the nodal Ministry were suitably incorporated in the Report. 5. In addition, the Committee invited suggestions from concerned Ministries and heard the views/suggestions of Ministries/Departments viz. Ministries of Home Affairs, Defe nce, Tribal Affairs, Railways(Railway Board), Road Transport and Highways, Rural Development, Jal Shakti ( Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation), Mines, Department of North Eastern Region (DoNER) including the nodal Ministry i.e. Ministry of Environme nt, Forest and Climate Change in their sittings. The Committee also invited three State Governments from left wing extremism affected States i.e. Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Telangana to the sittings to take note of their comments on the Bill. The Commit tee also undertook a study tour of Srinagar, Guwahati and Bhubaneswar from 02.06.2023 to 07.06.2023 where they held discussions with fourteen other States/UTs including all North Eastern States and remaining left wing extremism affected States i.e. Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. During the said study -visit, the Committee also held discussions with various other stakeholder organizations and PSUs such as Army Northern Command (XV Corps), Border Road Organization (BRO), Border Security Force (BSF), Defence Resear ch and Development Organization (DRDO), Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) and Oil and Natural Gas Company (ONGC) on various provisions of the Bill. (vide Appendix -IV). 6. The Joint Committee held eight sittings wherein, they heard the views of the representatives of various Ministries/ Departments, State Governments/UTs and experts//stakeholder organisations. (videAppendix -V). Sitting wise list of witnesses who appeared before the Joint Committee for oral evidence is enclosed (vide Appendix -VI). 7. Thereafter the Joint Committee completed Clause by Clause consideration of all Clauses of the Bill at their sitting held on 26th June, 2023. The Bill as reported by the Joint Committee is appended after the Report. 8. 04 Notes/minutes of dissent have been received from the 05 Members of the Joint Committee ( vide Appendix -VIII) . 9. The Joint Committee, in their 09th sitting held on 11th July, 2023 considered and adopted draft report and authorized the Chairperson to present the report on their behalf. The C ommittee also decided that one copy of the proceedings of the sittings of the Committee and two copies each of the memoranda received by the Committee on the Bill from various quarters may be placed in the Parliament Library after the Report has been prese nted to Parliament, for reference of the Members of Parliament. 10. The Joint Committee wish to express their thanks to the representatives of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Ministry of Law and Justice (Legislative Department an d Department of Legal Affairs) who appeared before the Joint Committee and placed their considered views to the points raised by the Joint Committee during the sittings held in connection with the examination of the Bill. The Joint Committee would also lik e to express their sincere thanks to the representatives of other Union Ministries, representatives of State Governments/UTs and other experts/stakeholder organizatio ns who appeared before the Joint Committee and candidly presented and submitted their view s about the impact of various provisions of Bill. The Joint Committee would also like to acknowledge the sincere and devoted efforts made by the Officers o f Lok Sabha Secretariat in facilitating conduct of all the sittings of the Joint Committee smoothly and for preparing the draft Report of the Joint Committee. SHRI RAJENDRA AGRAWAL CHAIRPERSON, JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE FOREST (CONSERVATION) AMENDMENT BILL, 2023. NEW DELHI; 11 July, 2023 20 Ashadha , 1945 ( Saka) SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 155 REPORT CHAPTER -I Genesis and featur es of the Joint Committee on Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 1.1 Forests are the green lungs of the nation and provide various ecological services like clean air, water, maintenance of soil - moisture regime by checking soil erosion etc. Forests m aintain environment stability and ecological balance. Natural forests with the vast variety of flora and fauna are hub of biodiversity. Forests directly sequester Carbon dioxide from atmosphere a nd play a critical role in checking global warming and climat e change. Forests check extension of sand -dunes preventing desertification. Healthy forest eco -systems are necessary for reversal of land degradation in the country. Definition of Forest 1.2 As per decision 19 of Conference of Parties 9 -Kyoto Protocol, the forest can be defined by any country depending upon the capacities and capabilities of the country as follows :—  cover percentage: Tree crown cover - 10 to 30%;  Minimum area of stand: area between 0.05 and 1 hectare ; and  Minimum height of trees: Potential to reach a minimum height at maturity in situ of 2 to 5 m. 1.3 India’s definition of forest has been taken on the basis of above three criteria only and very well accepted by United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Food and Agr iculture Organization (FAO) for their reporting/communications. The forest cover is defined as ‘all land, more than one hectare in area, with a tree canopy density of more than 10 percent irrespective of ownership and legal status. Such land may not necess arily be a recorded forest area. It also includes orchards, bamboo and palm’. The definition of forest cover has clearly been defined in all the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) and in all the International communications of India. 1.4 In ISFR 2021 rece ntly published by the Ministry on 13th January, 2022, the forest cover figures are divided as ‘Inside Recorded Forest Area’ and ‘Outside Recorded Forest Area’. Those ‘Inside Recorded Forest Area’ are basically natural forests and plantations of Forest Depa rtment. The Forest cover ‘Outside Recorded Forest Area’ are mango orchards, coconut plantations, block plantations of agroforestry. Thus data of mango plantations etc. is automatically getting separated out as Forest Surve y of India is reporting the figure s of ‘Outside Recorded Forest Area’ separately. Indian Forest Act, 1927 1.5 The Indian Forest Act, 1927 consolidates the law relating to forests, the transit of forest -produce and the duty leviable on timber and other forest -produce. During pre -independenc e era, besides the local Acts, majority of forests were being managed and protected under the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 1.6 According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, b efore the enactment of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and during the period of 1951 to 1975 -76 of post independence era, approximately 4.135 million hectares of forest land was diverted for various non -forest purposes without any regard to environmental consid erations. T aking cognizance of fast depleting forest resources of the country, the forests were added to the Concurrent List by the Constituti on (Forty - second Amendment) Act, 1976. It was felt necessary that to put a check on uncontrolled and unregulated use of forest land for various non -forestry uses, a regulatory mechanism should be in place. Accordingly, regulation on de -reservations and non-forestry use of forest land was introduced by enacting the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 by the Parliament on 25.10.1980. 1.7 The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, is an important Central statute for the conservation of forests in the country. It provides that the de -reservation of reserved forests, use of forest land for non -forest purpose, assigning forest land by way of lease or otherwise to private entity and clearing of naturally grown trees for the purpose of reafforestation requires prior permission of the Central Government. During last four decades, after the enactment of Act average annual rate of diversi on of forest land has been reduced to approximately 22,000 ha. During last 43 years, approximately 9.83 lakh ha of forest land was diverted for non -forest purposes with adequate mitigating measures. 1.8 As per the written submission made by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, till 12.12.1996, the general practice was that State Governments, Union territory Administrations and Central Government used to apply the Act only to the forests notified under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or under any other local law, and to forests which were under the management control of the Forest Department. The Act was only sporadically applied to lands that were under the control of Revenue or other Departments. Hon’ble Supreme Court’s judgment 1.9 Hon’ble Supreme Court in its Judgment dated 12.12.1996, passed in the Writ Petition (Civil) No. 202/1995 in the matter of T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad versus Union of India and Others, clarified the scope of applicability of provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. From the judgement it became clear that the provisions of the Act are applicable to the following types of forests/ forest lands :— (a) all areas which are recorded as ‘forest’ in any government records irrespective of ownership, recognition and classification. This included areas notified as forest under any law; (b) all areas, other than those covered under sub -para (a) above and conform to the ‘dictionary meaning of forest; and (c) all areas which are identified as ‘forest’ by the expert committee consti tuted in pursuance of the 12.12.1996 order of the Supreme Court and affidavit has been filed in the Supreme Court in 1997 accordingly. Necessity to bring in amendments 1.10 In this regard, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have stated that pursuant to Judgment dated 12.12.1996, the State Governments also started applying the Act to any other area identified by the Expert Committee in each State as ‘forest’ and to lands that were covered under the dictionary meaning of forest. Therefore, the applicability of the Act in various types of lands has been dynamic i.e. initially provisions of the Act were being applied to the notified forest land only and subsequently, the Act was made applicable to revenue forest land or in lands which were re corded as forest in government records. Many of such lands were already put to non -forestry use such as habitations, institutions, roads, etc. with the required approval of the competent authority. This situation resulted in misinterpretation of the provis ions of the Act with respect to their applicability specially in recorded forest lands, private forest lands, plantations, etc. Therefore the Government of India f elt it is necessary to remove ambiguities and bring clarity about the applicability of the Ac t in various lands. 1.11 According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, a declining tendency of undertaking plantations in non -forest lands has been observed owing to the apprehension among individuals, organisations and authorities r egarding such plantations being considered forests due to the various interpretations regarding applicability of the Act, and this misapprehension is becoming a hindrance in enhancing green cover to fulfil the Nationally Determined Contribution targets of creating additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tons of CO 2 equivalent. Besides this, the s trategic and security related projects of national importance need to be fast -tracked to ensure development of vital security infrastructures, especially along the international border areas such as Line of Actual Control (LAC), Line of Control (LoC), as also in the notified LWE areas. Similarly, small establishments, habitations on the side of roads/railways also need to be facilitated by providing them acce ss and connectivity to main arterial roads and other public utilities. 1.12 Further the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have stated that i n 1988, the clause (iii) of section 2 was inserted to regulate the assignment of forest land on lease to private entities for raising commercial plantations. However, in recent times, the provisions of this section are being invoked by the States and user agencies for assignment of forest la nd on lease for mining and other purposes. In their existing expr ession, the provisions of sub -section cannot be applied to entities, owned and managed by Government including for mining resulting in lack of uniformity, and therefore to bring uniformity in the provisions, amendment has been proposed in the subsection. M oreover, such leases may be assigned as per the terms and conditions laid down by the Central Government. 1.13 The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have also submitted that t o carry out various forestry management activities and respond t o quick natural hazards in the forests, basic infrastructural facilities are required to be maintained in the forest land. For want of enabling provisions in the Act, it is difficult to create such basic infrastructur e in the forest area thereby impacting the forestry operations, regeneration activities, monitoring and supervision, prevention of forest fires, etc. Moreover, the proper protection and conservation of forests by local communities requires availability of livelihood opportunities which can be e ffectively enabled through promotion of eco -tourism, zoos and safaris. Therefore, activities ancillary to forestry management have been explained under this sub -section. The term ‘Explanation’ has been made elaborate to include activities which are taken u p for the cause of conservation of forest and wild life. Therefore, the ‘Explanation’ to the proposed sub-section (1) has been amended to include activities which are taken up for the cause of conservation of forest and wild life. 1.14 Temporary survey act ivities in forest area such as investigation, reconnaissance etc. causes no permanent change in the forest land use i.e. there is no perceptible change in the forest vegetation or in breaking of land. These investigations, reconnaissance of exploratory sur veys, etc. are an effective tool to determine the availability of minerals without impacting the forest land. It is therefore, proposed not to treat surveys, etc. as a non -forest activity subject to certain terms and conditions which the Central Government will specify. 1.15 There has been change in the ecological, social and environmental regimes and policies relating to conservation and development of forests during the last more than four decades since the enactment of the Act. To keep the provisions of the SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 157 Act in tandem with the dynamic changes in the ecological, strategic and economic aspirations of country, an enabling provisio n for issuance of directions as a new section 3C has been inserted in the Bill. 1.16 The Act was promulgated mainly to regula te the use of forest lands for various non -forest purposes. During the intervening period, after the promulgation of the Act, new challenges relating to ecological, social and environmental developments have emerged at national as well as international lev els. For example mitigating the impact of climate change, achieving the national targets of Net Zero Emission by 2070, maintaining or enhancing the forest carbon stock, etc. Therefore, to carry forward the country’s rich tradition of preserving forests and their bio -diversity and to tackle the climate change challenges, it is necessary to encompass such issues in the ambit of the Act. The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 1.17 In view of the foregoing, the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 has been proposed. The salient features of the Bill include :— (i) Insert a preamble to the Act to encompass country’s rich tradition of preserving forests, their biodiversity and tackling climate change challenges (ii) Amend the short title of the Act to be calle d Van (SanrakshanEvamSamvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 so as to ensure that potential of its provisions is reflected in its short title (iii) Clarifying the scope of applicability of the Act upon various lands so as to remove ambiguities and bring clarity (iv) Exempt certain categories of lands from the purview of the Act — (a) to fast track the s trategic and security related projects of national importance, (b) to provide access to small establishments, habitations on the side of public roads and railways; and (c) to encourage plant ation of the non -forest land; (v) Provide for terms and conditions including the conditions of planting trees to compensate felling of trees undertaken on the lands while considering the proposed relaxation under the Act; (vi) Include more activities, which are tak en up for the cause of conservation of forests and wildlife in the array of forestry activities; (vii) Bring uniformity in the applicability of the provisions of the Act in respect of both Government and private entities; (viii) Empower the Central Government to specif y, by order, the terms and conditions subject to which any survey, such as reconnaissance, prospecting, investigation or exploration, including seismic surveys, shall not be treated as non - forest purpose; (ix) Empower the Central Government to issue directions. Joint Committee on Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill,2023 1.18 The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 has been referred by the Parliament to this Joint Committeeon Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 for examination and report. A motion to refer the Bill to amend further the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 to the Joint Committee on Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 was adopted by Lok Sabha on March 29,2023 and the same day Rajya Sabha concurred with the recommendation of the Lok Sabha regarding constitution of the Joint Committee on the Bill. According to the motion, the Committee shall present their report by the last day of the first week of the next session. Joint Committee is comprised of 31 Members with 21 Members from Lok S abha and 10 Members from Rajya Sabha. Shri Rajendra Agrawal, MP (Lok Sabha) is the Chairperson of the Committee. At the first sitting, the Committee were briefed by the representatives of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change which is the nodal Ministry responsible for the Bill. In the second to fifth sittings, the Committee heard the views of the representatives of ten Central Ministries viz. Ministries of Home Affairs, Defence, Tribal Affairs, Railways (Railway Board), Road Transport and Highways, Rural Developmemt, Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation), Mines, DoNER who are mainly concerned with the Bill including the nodal Ministry i.e. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and also the views of the represen tatives of three State Governments viz Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Telangana. At the sixth and seventh sitting, the Committee heard the views of some of the experts on the subject matter and also some individuals who had submitted their suggestions to th e Committee. The Committee also decided to issue a Press Communique inviting suggestions from the public on the provisions contained in the Bill. Subequently, a press communiqué was issued in print and electronic media inviting suggestions from the public. In response, a total of 1309 memoranda/suggestions were received by the Committee. The Committee also undertook a study tour to Srinagar, Guwahati and Bhubaneshwar from 2 June to 7 June, 2023 to hear the views of representatives of fifteen other States/UT s including all North Eastern States and remaining left wing extremism affected States i.e. Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The Committee also held discussions with various other stakeholder organizations and PSUs such as Army Northern Command (XV Corps), BRO, BSF, DRDO, DGH and ONGC on various provisions of the Bill during the Study -visit. At the eighth sitting, the Committee took up the clause by clause consideration of the Bill. The Committee considered and adopted the draft report in their ninth sitting held on 11th July, 2023. 1.19 The following chapter deals with the clause by clause examination of the Bill by the Committee. SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 159 CHAPTER -II Clause by Clause examination of the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 Clause 1 2.1.1 (1)This Act may be called the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023. (2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. Clause 2 Relevant provisions of Principal Act Preamble : 2.2.1 Provisions do not exi st in the Principal Act. Provisions proposed in Amendment Bill 2.2.2 It is proposed to insert preamble to the Act after the long title and before the enacting formula as under: “WHEREAS, the importance of forests is to be realised to enable achievement of national targets of Net Zero Emission by 2070 and maintain or enhance the forest carbon stocks through ecologically balanced sustainable development; AND WHEREAS, Nationally Determined Contribution targets of the country envisage creating carbon sink of additional 2.5 to 3.0 billion tons of CO 2 equivalent by 2030; AND WHEREAS, the country envisages an increase in the forest and tree cover to one third of the land area of the country which has to be given impetus with an enhanced growth trajectory; AND WHE REAS, India has a rich tradition of preserving forests and their bio -diversity, and therefore enhancing forest based economic, social and environmental benefits, including improvement of livelihoods for forest dependent communities is envisaged; AND WHEREA S it is necessary to provide for provisions relating to conservation management and restoration of forests, maintaining ecological security, sustaining cultural and traditional values of forests and facilitating economic needs, carbon neutrality .” Reasons /Justification given by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 2.2.3 To keep the provisions of the Act in tandem with the dynamic changes in the ecological, strategic and economic aspirations of country and to have the scope of this act rel evant with the emerging ecological challenges for forest conservation, restoration, compensatory mechanism, mitigation measures, etc, it has been proposed to change the name of the Act and to inse rt the preamble in the Act. Examination by the Committee 2.2.4 During briefing on the Bill, it was observed that targets fixed in the Preamble if not fulfilled by the year mentioned, the Act has to be amended again. Even if the target is achieved before the target year, the Act would have to be amended again. So, the target year need not be fixed in the preamble. In regard to the above observation, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in their written clarification stated as under :— “The preamble mentions the national targets of Net Zero Emission b y 2070, creation to carbon sink, increasing the green cover, preserving the bio -diversity and improving the livelihood of forest dependent communities, besides the Nationally Determined Contributions. Operations of all proposed provisions will act as a dri ving force for the forest management augmentation. The included preamble, reflects the intents of the Central Government to broaden the scope of Act to combat global issues.” 2.2.5 During clause by clause examination of the Bill on 26 June, 2023, when the matter was again raised, the Director General of Forest and Special Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has clarified that the targ ets mentioned in the proposed preamble are in accordance with the international commitments made by the Government of India. While elaborating the same, he made the following submission during clause by clause examination of the Bill :— “Sir, the Preamble can be read in four parts. The first part is basically the international commitments that we have agreed upon in different international Conferences regarding the net -zero and also additional carbon sink. So, that is basically to provide the guidelines to the policy -makers and not only the policy -makers, but also to the State Governments and als o the officers who are in the field to devise their policies and action plans in accordance with the international commitments. Ultimately, because these commitments had to be met by the country as a whole --all the officers, all these policy -makers and a ll the Governments should combine their hands together for this commitment. Part number two is regarding the forest policy that is presently in vogue where we have to bring 1/3rd of the entire country’s geographical area under forest. So, that is also a re minder to all the policy -makers and various stakeholders that this is the commitment of the Government made in the policy that we should bring 1/3rd of the forest area under green cover. If you go with the third part, it echoes the sentiments of most of th e hon. Members also. It talks about the rich tradition of the forest and also the dependent communities. As hon. Members have raised concerns about what will happen to the dependent communities, we have already mentioned about it in the Preamble that we ar e going to take all the measures that enables the Government to protect the interests of the dependent communities wherever the dependent communities are there. I have already mentioned in various meetings that FRA will be applicable. As such we are not go ing to dilute any of the Acts after this Amendment. All the Acts as are applicable on date will be applicable after this Amendment also. Then in the last part we talk about diversity of the forest. So, this is not only for the Government or the Forest Depa rtment, but this is also for the user agencies that are coming up for different purposes like for taking clearance under the Forest Act. They have also been reminded about all these things that there are dependent communities & whenever they are planning a ny activities, they have to consider that there are forest dependent communities. The forests are diverse. So, they should plan their activities in such a way that all these things are not disturbed. This is basically the idea of having the Preamble and hi ghlighting all these issues in the Preamble.” 2.2.6 It was also observed during briefing that the Preamble talks about economic needs but it is not clarified as to whose economic needs are proposed. With regard to enabling achievements of national targets as stated in preamble and carbon stock neutrality, it was highlighted that the carbon sequestration potential of natural forests is 40 times green as compared to pl antation. In this regard, the Ministry of Environnment, Forest and Climate Change has clarif ied in writing as under :— “the economic aspirations included in the Bill symbolizes the economic aspirations of the local communities which eventually lead to the aspiration of the nation.” Important suggestions by other Ministries/State Governments/organ izations Ministry of Tribal Affairs 2.2.7 The Ministry of Tribal Affairs have made the following submission to the Committee :— “(i) The term ‘forest dependent communities’ is wide and not specific. It is suggested that we may qualify this term by adding Fo rest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe (FDST)/Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFD). (ii) In order to specifically protect the FDST/OTFD, after ‘values of forest’ the following can be inserted: ‘including the forest and customary rights as well as protection of community forest resources in respect of the FDSTs/OTFDs.” 2.2.8 State Governments Observations/suggestions of the State Government Reply/comment of the nodal Ministry Government of Sikkim The Preamble needs rationalization. Changes in the ‘Preamble’ and the addition of noble aims/vision of the Government in an explicit form is welcome but how aims would be achieved with the provisions needs clarity. Government of Mizoram :— The contents of the preamble shall be in consonance with the contents of the Act. As the amendment of the Act implies exclusion of a substantial extent of forest area out of the purview of the Forest (Conservation) Act, the preamble may be required to be suitably worded to avoid implied contradiction between the preamble and the pr ovisions of the Act. There is no preamble in the existing Principal Act and accordingly, a Preamble has been inserted to the Principal Act. The proposed preamble does not supress the long title of the Principal Act. The preamble of the Bill is in additio n to the existing long title of the Act which provides for conservation of forest and activities ancillary or incidental thereto. Preamble has been inserted to the Act to strengthen the forest management by improving its health, productivity and flow of se rvices besides promoting community participation. Moreover, enabling provisions provided under section 6 of the Bill will be invoked, whenever needed, to clarify the applicability of the Act and to ensure that no misuse of forest land take place. SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 161 Provision s of the Bill supports the aims and objectives given in the Preamble. The provisions of clause (b) of subsection (2) of section 4 of the proposed Bill encourages to raise afforestation in private lands, thereby facilitating the peoples participation in in creasing the green cover of the country and to combat the global issues such as carbon neutrality, enhancing the carbon sink, better forest management, etc. Promotion of afforestation in the non -forest land will create additional carbon sink besides reduci ng pressure on forests. Management of forest for improved productivity and flow of ecosystem goods and services will also add to mitigate the impact of climate change and conservation of forests. Explanation provided under section 5 of the Bill provides e nabling provisions for quick response to natural hazards in the forests, and to facilitate the effective forest management by way of enabling provisions for basic infrastructure for forest front line staff. Provisions also promotes people participation in the process of forest conservation besides providing them livelihood opportunities by way of eco - tourism and setting of zoos and safaris. Important suggestions by various experts/ public 2.2.9 In written memoranda submitted to the Committee, stakeholders suggesting for deletion of Preamble stated as under :—  "A preamble is a clause at the beginning explanatory of the reasons for enactment. The present Act does not have preamble as the title is succinct and self explanatory.  Proposed preamble should be entir ely deleted. Proposed amendment subverts the FC Act’s primary objectives “to provide for conservation of forests” and to “check further deforestation”. Amendments undo the provisions of existing Act, gains of conservation through W.P. No. 202 of 1995, redu ce the ambit of FC Act and privatize the large portion of forests in the name of creating plantations.  Current Act is a strong piece of legislation and requires no amendment but better and effective implementation." 2.2.10 In response to the above observat ion brought to the notice of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, they furnished clarification which is given below :— “The proposed Bill primarily intends to clarify the applicability of the Act in various lands. Horizons of the Act have been proposed to be broaden to encompass and combating of global issues pertaining to forest conservation and management. With a view to encourage plantation on the non -forest lands, a clarity has been provided in the Bill to keep such lands outside the p urview of the Act. Current provisions of the Bill do not allow the private sector to take control of forests but provide for augmentation to increase the productivity and strengthening of forestry practices." 2.2.11 Other experts and individuals in their w ritten memorandum expressed concerns regarding difference between the objectives envisaged in the Preamble and the content of the Act. In this regard, the following observations have been made by stakeholders: — o “means to support and achieve the aims as net zero emission, increasing forest tree cover, carbon neutrality etc. mentioned in the Preamble have not been provided in the Bill. o Preamble mention to reach the aim of having one -third area of the country under the forest cover. However, there is no such provisions in the amendment Bill. Therefore, adequate power may be provided to the State to notify the lands which are adjacent to the forests. Amendment do not provide any mechanism to achieve the targets mentioned in the preamble.” 2.2.12 The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in their written response to the above observation have stated as follows :— “The provisions of clause (b) of subsection (2) of section 4 of the proposed Bill encourages to raise afforestation in private lands, thereb y facilitating the peoples participation in increasing the green cover of the country and to combat the global issues such as carbon neutrality, enhancing the carbon sink, better forest management, etc. Explanation provided under section 5 of the Bill prov ides enabling provisions for quick response to natural hazards in the forests, and to facilitate the effective forest management by way of enabling provisions for basic infrastructure for forest front line staff. Provisions also promotes people participati on in the process of forest conservation besides providing them livelihood opportunities by way of eco -tourism and setting of zoos and safaris. Exempting non -forest land from the purview of the Act will encourage plantation in the non forest land which wil l eventually enhance the productivity of natural forests due to reduced pressure on natural forests." 2.2.13 On similar grounds the other written memoranda observed about preamble as follows: — o “The current preamble totally fails to regulate and control th e diversion of forest land as it lays emphasis on ‘increasing forest and tree cover by creation of carbon sinks’; ‘improvement of lives and livelihoods of forest communities’ and ‘conservation and management and restoration of forests’. These are already c overed under other acts like the Indian Forest Act, 1927, The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights), Act, The Wildlife Protection) Act and the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. o It has been suggested by one NGO that the Preamble fails to mention this primary objective of the Statute which is to regulate and control diversion of forests. o In the Preamble, it is stated that this Bill is introduced to make the carbon emission to zero and carbon reduction, which shoul d be avoided. And it cannot be accepted to make forests into gardens/estates for the above mentioned two reasons. The abovementioned targets can be achieved only through forestry plantation activities and increasing the area of under green cover. o The pream ble speaks about the noble aim of achieving environmental sustainability in terms of net zero emission, creation of carbon sink, increasing the forest and tree cover, maintaining ecological security, carbon neutrality etc. The bill facilitates more towards the diversion of forest lands for non -forestry purposes rather than ensuring the environmental sustainability. o A separate Act is required for commitments because in future we are going to have more international commitments. The Act is inconsistent with p reamble." 2.2.14 In a written reply to the above observations, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change stated as follows :— “The intent of the existing provisions of the Principal Act i.e. long title of the Act has not been amended and is re tained in its existing form. Therefore, regulatory provisions of the Act have been kept intact. Preamble proposed in the Bill is in addition to the existing provision of the Act. Preamble has been inserted to the Act to strengthen the forest management by improving its health, productivity and flow of services besides promoting community participation. Moreover, enabling provisions provided under section 6 of the Bill will be invoked, whenever needed, to clarify the applicability of the Act and to ensure th at no misuse of forest land take place. Provisions of the Bill supports the aims and objectives given in the Preamble. The provisions of clause (b) of subsection (2) of section 4 of the proposed Bill encourages to raise afforestation in private lands, ther eby facilitating the peoples participation in increasing the green cover of the country and to combat the global issues such as carbon neutrality, enhancing the carbon sink, better forest management, etc. Promotion of afforestation in the non -forest land w ill create additional carbon sink besides reducing pressure on forests. Management of forest for improved productivity and flow of ecosystem goods and services will also add to mitigate the impact of climate change and conservation of forests. Explanation provided under section 5 of the Bill provides enabling provisions for quick response to natural hazards in the forests, and to facilitate the effective forest management by way of enabling provisions for basic infrastructure for forest front line staff. Pr ovisions also promotes people participation in the process of forest conservation besides providing them livelihood opportunities by way of eco -tourism and setting of zoos and safaris.” SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 163 2.2.15 Further the following observations have been made in the writt en memoranda :— (i) It has been observed that in para 2 of preamble delete the words 'tree cover' as tree cover can imply promoting monoculture plantations. Instead, it should just say one -third land area under forest cover. (ii) The emphasis in the preamble on ach ievement of Net Zero emission by 2070 through increase in tree cover goes against the purpose of Original Act. (iii) To achieve the Net Zero Emission by 2070 is appreciable, however, use of words like tree, forests and carbon stack threatens the ecological integ rity of the country. The carbon stock of various ecosystem such as Alpine meadows, grass lands, flood affected forest areas, despite having lesser tree density maintain the high carbon stock and such important ecosystems have been isolated by the proposed provisions of the Bill . 2.2.16 In this regard, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in their written reply stated as follows :— (i) "Clarification in this regard, if any needed in future, will be issued by the Central Government by invoking th e provisions provided under section 6 of the Bill. (ii) Achievement of Net Zero Emission by 2070 is in consonance with the provisions of the Principal Act. Increase in tree cover, envisaged in the Bill, by promoting afforestation on non -forest land and improvin g the health and productivity of the forest will help to achieve the said target besides reducing biotic pressure on the forests and thereby achieving the purpose of forest conservation, as envisaged in the Principal Act. (iii) Achievement of Net Zero Emission b y 2070 envisages forest ecosystem as well as other ecosystems, such grass lands, desserts, alpine meadows, etc. Net Zero emission by 2070 envisages cumulative enhancement of carbon stock by the various ecosystem of our country to achieve the carbon neutral ity. Increase in tree cover, envisaged in the Bill, by promoting afforestation on non -forest land and improving the health and productivity of the forest will help to achieve the said target besides reducing biotic pressure on the forests and thereby achie ving the purpose of forest conservation, as envisaged in the Principal Act." Observation/Recommendation of the Committee 2.2.17 The Committee deliberated upon the proposal made in the Clause to add a preamble to the Principal Act including the suggestions made by stakeholders and the rationale/replies/clarifications given by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and decided to accept the amendment proposed under the Clause. Clause 3 Relevant provisions of Principal Act 2.3.1 Name of the Act : The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 Provisions proposed in Amendment Bill 2.3.2 Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980. Reasons/Justification given by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 2.3.3 To keep the provisions of the Ac t in tandem with the dynamic changes in the ecological, strategic and economic aspirations of country and to have the scope of this act relevant with the emerging ecological challenges for forest conserva tion, restoration, compensatory mechanism, mitigatio n measures, etc, it has been proposed to change the name of the Act and to insert the preamble in the Act. Examination by the Committee 2.3.4 During the briefing on the provisions contained in the Bill by the representatives of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, it was pointed out that the amendment proposed for change in the name does neither add any value to the statute nor serve any purpose to the scope and objectives of the present Act. It would be more appropriate to call it as the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act. Further it was also pointed out during the course of briefing that the title of the Bill or Act is non-inclusive because it leaves out vast tracks of population both in South India and also in the North -East.. So, it n eeds to be inclusive. The title should be changed so that it is properly understood and really reflects the ethos of forest protection o r forest conservation. In this regard, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change stated in their written re ply stated as under :— “Dynamic changes in the policies and programme call for more efficient management of our forest resources to increase their productivity. Besides this, to cater the global challenges viz. carbon neutrality, Nationally Determined Contr ibutions (NDC), it is necessary to increase the green cover, striking a balance between ecological stability and economic aspirations, etc. Therefore, considering the aforementioned facts, it has been proposed to assign a self - contained name to the Act”. 2.3.5 During Clause by Clause examination of the Bill, when it was enquired about the salient features that are going to derive out of changing the name from Forest (Conservation) Act to Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, the Director General of F orest and the Special Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has replied as under :— “As of now, the name is Forest Conservation Act. I am sorry to say that in general parlance, it is known as Forest Clearance Act. Whatever user agencies coming to the Government of India, even the senior officers, do not know that it is a diversion. They simply think that this is sort of an NOC or clearance. That is a misnomer that we want to remove. By using the word 'augmentation' along with co nservation, we want to stress on all the user agencies and the State Governments that this Act is not basically meant only for giving the permissions for developmental works. Along with the developmental works, this also gives the impetus on the fact that while the developmental activities are necessary, the conservation and augmentation of the forest are also necessary. Otherwise, whatever the effects of the climate change that we are seeing today will become more severe and we are already seeing the cyclo nes etc., their intensity will increase. Whatever we are going to do for the development, that is necessary.” Important suggestions by various experts/ stake holders 2.3.6 While appearing before the Committee, an expert made the following submission rega rding change in name of the Act— “The next point is about name in Hindi. I think, we need a bilingual approach with the name of the Act in Hindi and English. This, actually, provides a legal clarity and uniformity. So, inserting ‘samvardhan’ and there is not hing contained in the Bill which, actually, is for development, it is clearly focussed on conservation and we should not dilute it to create any ambiguity. Therefore, I think, it can be deleted. It was also pointed out that a common person will not find it easy to speak the words Sanrakshan and Samvardhan. There is also language diversity. To have one language in the title of the Bill itself it is doubtful whether that is suitable at this stage." 2.3.7 An expert appearing before the Committee stated that th ere are no corresponding provisions which would suggest that the Legislature wants to have any expansion of the forest land by this amendment .There is no doubt about the reasons of the projects which may be for genuine purpose, but the ultimate reality wo uld be that the forest land cover would be decreased. 2.3.8 The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have stated that ‘Samvardhan’ implies augmentation of health, productivity and services besides increasing area under tree cover by adopting better management practices, strengthening capabilities of front line staff, encouraging people participation by providing them forest based livelihood opportunities. 2.3.9 At the sitting held on 16 May, 2023, on the question of change of the name of th e Act to Hindi Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change clarified as follows :— “Sir, if you will kindly look at Section 4, it has clarified forest and it has actually encouraged afforestation. It is encouraging tree outside forest, agr oforestry and through these means having greater tree cover in the country, which will add to more carbon sequestration. This is also one of the things that is required for the country to be able to meet its carbonneutrality goal.” 2.3.10 At the sitting he ld on 16 May, 2023, on the question of addition of word ‘samvardhan’ in the name of the Bill, t he Director General of Forest and Special Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change clarified as follows :— “It is a misconception that if trees are planted on the banks of roads or canals, then later the Forest Department will consider it as a deemed forest and whenever a proposal for land transfer or diversion comes, the provisions of the FC Act will apply. The blank areas which were lyi ng, like NTPC, Universities, PSUs etc used to do plantation. But after the order of 1996, everyone stopped the plantation because they felt that if they do future expansion of the plant, permission will have to be taken under this act. While this was not t he case in the rule. To remove this misconception, we have brought the section, as stated by Chhattisgarh Section 1 (a) such trees, plantations and reforestation raised on lands that are not specified in Clause (a) and (b) of Section 1. Apart from this, th e FC Act will not apply to whatever plantations are done, whether in the institutional area or on the roads. This will send the right message to the general public, so we have added the word promotion in it. ” 2.3.11 At the sitting held on 17 May, 2023, on the question of addition of word ‘samvardhan’ in the name of the Bill, t he Director General of Forest and Special Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change further clarified as follows :— “Earlier there was monoculture, but now i t is mixed culture. Talked to you yesterday. We are also planting kardai etc., closing the areas, planting potatoes, so we are also supporting natural regeneration. You have said why we have done augmentation. Clarification has come in the definition, now people will move towards agroforestry. As far as carbon SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 165 credit is concerned, different agencies have already started working for it. We are already working on how carbon credits are being produced in the three divisions of western Uttar Pradesh, how to inc entivize them, how to monetize them. Apart from this, we have started a scheme called Green Credit. Along with carbon credit, if someone is controlling pollution, then how much will be in green credit, we are now deciding this. The scheme of green credit w ill also start very soon, how will we incentivize it, how will farmers get benefits, we will definitely do it in the coming years." 2.3.12 The following are some of the observations received from the public :—  Changing the name of the Act in Hindi only, wit hout providing an English translation, could be argued to be against the constitutional intent of inclusiveness and the promotion of linguistic diversity.  A bilingual approach, with the name of the Act provided in Hindi and English in their respective ver sions, promotes legal clarity and uniformity. The Hindi version is always published in the Gazette.  Inserting ‘Samvardhan’ (Enrichment) in the name of the act appears to be inconsistent with the provisions of the principal act and the proposed amendment.  There is no provision in the proposed Bill to implement the objective of enrichment of forest .  Existing name of the Act should continue. As change in the name would weaken the social fabics of the country.  Change in the name of the Act ignores that there are vast stretches of the community that speak different language especially the South and North East India. Hence this must be done away with and the original title retained.  This is against the linguistic federalistic principle of the Constitution. 2.3.1 3 Important suggestions by States/UTs Observations/suggestions of the State Government Reply/comment of the nodal Ministry The State Government of Sikkim stated that Samvardhan has not been explicitly defined. A clear definition should be included as it w ould help in achieving the goals enshrined in the Amendment In response, the Mini stry stated that there is no definition clause in the Bill and clarification if any needed in future would be issued by the Central Government under Section 6 of the Bill. Meghalaya suggested that the short title/name of the Act shou ld be both in English and Hindi. Mizoram stated that FCA must be retained as it is well understood throughout the country and all the stakeholders are conversant with the term. Dynamic changes in the policies and programmes call for more efficient management of our forest resources to increase their productivity. Besides this, to cater the global challenges viz. carbon neutrality, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), it is necessary to incre ase the green cover, striking a balance between ecological stability and economic aspirations, etc. Therefore, considering the aforementioned facts, it has been proposed to assign a self - contained name to the Act. Observation/Recommendation of the Committ ee 2.3.14 The Committee deliberated upon the proposal made in the Clause to change the name of the Act including the suggestions made by stakeholders and the rationale/replies/clarifications given by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change t hereto and decided to accept the amendment proposed under the Clause. Clause 4 Relevant provisions of Principal Act 2.4.1 Not applicable (provisions do not exist in the Act). Provisions proposed in Amendment Bill 2.4.2 In the Forest (Conservation) Act, 198 0 (hereinafter referred to as the principal Act), after section 1, the following sec tion shall be inserted, namely: — 1A : Act to cover certain land (1) The following land shall be covered under the provisions of this Act, namely :— (a) that has been decla red or notified as a forest in accordance with the provisions of the Indian Forest Act 1927 or under state or local law; (b) that is not covered under clause (a), but has been recorded as forest in any Government record, as on or after 25.10.1980 , except such land whose land -use was changed from forest to non -forest purpose on or before 12.12.1996 in compliance with an order in that behalf issued by such authority authorised by a State Government or Union territory Administration in this behalf; Explanati on.—(i) For the purposes of this sub -section, the expression ‘Government record’ means record held by Revenue Department or Forest Department of the State Government or Union territory Administration or any authority, local body, community or council recog nised by the State Government or Union territory Administration. (2) The following categories of land shall not be covered under the provisions of this Act, namely :— (a) to such forest land situated alongside a rail line or a road, which is proposed to p rovide access to a habitation, or to a rail, and roadside amenity upto a maximum size of 0.10 hectare in each case; (b) Such tree, tree plantation or reafforestation raised on lands that are not specified in clause (a) or clause (b) of sub-section (1); a nd (c) such forest land, –– (i) as is situated within a distance of hundred kilometres along international borders or Line of Control or Line of Actual Control, as the case may be, proposed to be used for construction of a strategic linear projects of national importance and concerning national security; or (ii) up to ten hectares , proposed to be used for construction of security related infrastructure; or (iii) as is proposed to be used for construction of defence related project or a camp for paramilita ry forces or public utility projects, as may be specified by the Central Government, the extent of which does not exceed five hectare acres in a Left Wing Extremism affected area as may be notified by the Central Government. (3) The e xemption provided unde r sub -section (2) shall be subject to such term and conditions, including the conditions of planting trees to compensate for felling of trees undertaken on the lands, as the Central Government may, by general or specific guidelines, specify. 2.4.3 Reasons/ Justification given by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change  Absence of clarity on scope of the Act necessitated introducing the “Applicability” section. This is also in line with clarification given by Hon’ble Supreme Court in 1996.  Gover nment record for the purpose of Act needed clarity and accordingly defined as an explanation.  Exemption has been proposed to provide the connectivity to the roadside amenities, habitation and access to rail.  Clarity is being provided to promote plantation on non -forest land as envisaged in the National Forest Policy.  Strategic and security related projects of national importance need to be fast -tracked to ensure development of vital security infrastructure, especially along the international border areas su ch as Line of Actual Control (LAC), Line of Control (LoC), as also in the notified LWE areas. Examination by the Committee 2.4.4 During briefing on the Bill, there was an observation that 100 kilometers from border may not be possible as in eastern Himalay as and in North Eastern States it may cover large chunks of land and the State Governments may not agree to the proposal. In regard to the above, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change stated in its written reply as folows :— “The proposed p rovisions providing exemption along the international borders are not generic exemptions i.e. proposed exemption are only for specific projects of strategic importance concerning to national security to be identified by the Central Government. Moreover, sa id dispensation will be subject to such terms and conditions, including payment of compensatory levies and compensation of trees, which will be a binding on the States to ensure their compliance while considering such projects within 100 km. Analysis of ap provals accorded in the past for defence projects revealed that out of total area of 80,408 ha diverted in the last 8 years, only 2480 ha of forest land has been diverted to defence projects including roads which account for 3% of the total area diverted. It is also important to note that during last 8 years out of the total forest area of 19305 ha diverted for road in the bordering States of the country, only 3.5% is diverted for defence road projects.” 2.4.5 Further during the course of briefing, another observation was made that the people living in forest areas face difficulties as there are no schools and water facilities. There is also communication gap as they lack telecommunication facilities. In this regard, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change stated in a written submission as under :— SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 167 “To promote development of LWE affected areas, forest land up to 5 ha has been exempted from the purview of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for construction of public utility projects as may be s pecified by the Central Government.” 2.4.6 At the sitting held on 17 May, 2023, when it was further enquired whether the proposed exemption of 0.10 hectare alongside a rail line or road will be permitted left side or right side, the Director General of Fo rest and Special Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change clarified as follows :— “Sir, after that you said, there is a concept of 0.1 hectares, it is a little vague. So the concept of 0.1 hectare, we have called it maximum that w e will not apply the provisions of the FCA Act in such cases up to 0.1 hectare. As far as left side and right side is concerned, whether it is in left or right, if the connectivity in the road is from right side then exemption will be given in right side, if connectivity is in left side then exemption will be from left side. There is no cumulative of both. Both are different. In particular, in one instance, if that episode is upto 10.1 hectares, then it will be free from the provisions of our FAC Act after this amendment." 2.4.7 The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in their written reply have explained the said amendment as under: “Exemption (of 0.10 ha of forest land), proposed in the Bill, has been decided by the Central Government, as appropriate, after carrying out the consultation process with the Ministries, States and public. Exemption of 0.10 ha of forest land, considered under section 1A(2)(a), will provide connectivity to road side habitations and establishment to ensure their con nectivity with the mainstream of development. The terms and conditions, including defining amenities, strategic roads, public utilities, etc. will be undertaken subsequently, by the Central Government in accordance with the provisions of section 1A(3) of the Bill. Clarification in this regard, if any needed in future, will be issued by the Central Government by invoking the provisions provided under section 6 of the Bill.” 2.4.8 The reference to Godavarman case was drawn by hon’ble members during the sitti ng of the Committee held on 17.05.2023, where it was observed that the Hon'ble Supreme Court has said in the T.N. Godavarman case that any land recorded in the name of forest in government documents would require forest clearance. But in the proposed amend ment bill, only that land has been considered as forest, which was recorded on or after October 25, 1980. There should also be a provision in this bill. 2.4.9 In regard to the above observation, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have submitted in their written reply to the Committee: “The phrase of the Bill ‘….recorded as forest as on 25.10.1980….’ implies that all lands which have been recorded as forest even before 25.10.1980 will also be covered under the provisions of the Act. Section1A clarifies that the provisions of the Act will be applicable on the notified lands under the Indian Forest Act, local Acts or laws and lands recorded as forest in the revenue records. Moreover, the government records have also been defined to capture all types of forest lands available in a particular area. Government records, defined under section 1A of the Bill, implies that the scope of the applicability of the Act is in line with the Supreme Court order dated 12.12.1996. There is no dilution of Hon ’ble Supreme Court order. Explanation provided under proposed section 1A(1) of the Bill clarifies that all forests, including unclassed forests, recorded in the record of Government, Forest Department local bodies, or authority will also attract the provis ions of the Act. Moreover, enabling provisions provided under section 6 will be invoked, whenever needed, to clarify the applicability of the Act and to ensure that no misuse of forest land take place.” 2.4.10 Further, the representative of the Ministry o f Environment, Forest and Climate Change made the following submission to the Committee in this regard: “The Deemed Forest case of TN Goda Varman in the year 1996 will be violated somewhere. So, there is no mention of violation in the TN Goda Varman case. The misconceptions that have arisen at present from that case that they had said that all the states should sit and make a definition and declare their respective deemed forest areas. But some people did it and some people did not, so the misconception rem ained that if there is a green patch somewhere and if a private person plants a forest, then the FC Act will be applicable. Due to this reason many people have given up agro forestry. Now since these misconceptions will be cleared, the concept of Agro Fore stry will be more stable and people will be attracted towards it and our area which is Tree Outside Forest, will grow." 2.4.11 It was also observed during the sitting held on 16 May, 2023 that as several unclassified land get classified as deemed forest es pecially in the state of Arunachal Pradesh stalling development projects under Forest Rights Act. 2.4.12 In this regard, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in their written reply submitted as under: “Applicability of the Act as propose d in the bill is in line with the Hon’ble Supreme Court order dated 12.12.1996. Government records, defined under section 1A of the Bill, implies that the scope of the applicability of the Act is in line with the Supreme Court order dated 12.12.1996. Furth er, deemed forest lands, identified by the Expert Committee of the State, have been taken on record and hence the provision of the Act will be applicable in such lands also.” 2.4.13 During the course of examination by the Committee, observations were made that the administration of forest is a federal subject. It is not a central subject. Therefore wherever, it is said in the bill as such that, the Central Government may specify or my decide, may be modified. 2.4.14 It was further observed in this regard that all the sections in the Bill falls under the jurisdiction of Central Government. In view of security requirements of state police forces, making provisions for availability of land should fall w ithin the purview of state government as they are engage d with local and tribal people in land negotiations and arrangement of alternate lands when original plans does not materialize. 2.4.15 The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in their written reply have submitted as under: “Enabling prov isions have been provided under section 1A (3) of the Bill to prescribe terms and condition while considering exemption. The Central Government shall ensure that relaxation considered under the Act is implemented by taking into account all environmental sa feguards. Various aspects like impact assessments, mitigation measures, safe passages for wildlife, implementation of site -specific plans, wherever required, monitoring mechanism are implemented by the concerned agencies in consultation with the State Gove rnment. While considering such exemptions, such safeguards should always be included in the terms and conditions to be prescribed by the Central Government. Views of the States/UTs are generally obtained by the Ministry before issuing any guidelines. In th e extant case also terms and conditions will be finalized in consultation with the States/UTs.” 2.4.16 Further, during clause by clause examination of the Bill, the Director General of Forest in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change whil e summarizing the questions raised by members regarding Hon’ble Supreme Court judgement and the provisions made in the Bill stated as follows :— “Sir, basically, this clause deals with the scope of the forest wherever the Act is applicable, and that emanate s from the judgement of the hon. Supreme Court of 12.12.1996. I would like to read the content of the judgement. The judgement says ‘the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 was enacted with a view to check further deforestation which ultimately results in ecolog ical imbalance and therefore provisions made therein for the conservation of forest and for matters connected therewith apply to all the forest irrespective of the nature of ownership or classification thereof. The word ‘forest’ must be understood accordin g to its dictionary meaning.’ This was the judgement. It further says ‘that each State Government should constitute within one an expert committee to (i) identify areas which are “forests”, irrespective of whether they are so notified, recognized or classi fied under any law, and irrespective of the ownership of the land of such forest; (ii) identify areas which were earlier forests but stand degraded, denuded or cleared; (iii) identify areas covered by plantation trees belonging to the Government and those belonging to private persons.’ So, this was the judgement. Prior to that, the Act does not speak about the scope of the forest. There may be a confusion as to where this Act should be applicable after this 12.12.1996 judgement. So, there was a general stat ement not only by the general public but also by the forest officers that it is applicable on the areas which look forest, which is not there in the judgement of the hon. Supreme Court. So, to clarify this and to make it clearer as to where this Act will b e applicable and going by the spirit of the judgment, we have mentioned that this will be applicable on the land that has been declared or notified as forest in accordance with the provisions of the Indian Forest Act or any other law for the time being in force. For example, Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) which is relevant for the Punjab and Haryana, the land is not covered under Clause A but has been recorded in Government record as forest as on or after 25th October, 1980. For the Government, we have said that for the purpose of this sub -section, the expression ‘Government record’ means the records held by the Revenue Department or Forest Department. In many States, the forest record is not included in the revenue record. That is why, we have said her e that the records either held by the Forest Department or Revenue Department of the State Government, Union Territory Administration or any authority, local body, community or council recognized by the State Government. As madam Sangma has expressed her c oncern about the forest of Meghalaya, I would like to say that 90 per cent of the forest in Meghalaya is owned by the community and all these records are there. It will be the Act as such after amendment will be applicable on those lands also. It will be a pplicable in the entire North -Eastern region. To clarify this part where the hon High Court has said ‘deemed forest’, there is still a misnomer that this is a dynamic thing. This is not a dynamic thing. The hon. Supreme Court has only given the timeline fo r one month only. I agree that this was not covered within one month and it took almost a year and almost all the States have filed their affidavits with regard to which are the areas that have been identified as forest, ‘look like forest area’ and degrade d SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 169 forest, which were once a forest and now they are degraded etc. All these things have been taken care of by the Expert Committee that was constituted after this judgement. These are also on record. They have been filed before the hon. Supreme Court also. These things will also be taken care of. To further clarify, we have the provisions for the first time. We are coming up with the provisions of the guidelines. By going with the sentiments of the hon. Committee, to err is human. We must have made some err or. I do not think that everything has been sacrosanct. In case we are missing something, then I assure you that we will take care in the guidelines.” 2.4.17 The following statement shows the written observations/suggestions made by Members and the reply given by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change :— Suggestions/Comments of the Member Reply of the MoEF&CC The major concern of this Bill is that the 2023 amendment will likely dilute the Supreme Court’s 1996 landmark Godavarman judgment wh ich had widened the scope of the FCA to apply to any land recorded as forest by the Government irrespective of its ownership; though the ministry have issued a clarification, saying that the proposed changes will not negate the SC Order. There is no dilu tion of Hon’ble Supreme Court order. Explanation provided under proposed section 1A(1) of the Bill clarifies that all forests, including unclassed forests, recorded in the record of Government, Forest Department local bodies, or authority will also attract the provisions of the Act. Moreover, enabling provisions provided under section 6 will be invoked, whenever needed, to clarify the applicability of the Act and to ensure that no misuse of forest land take place. Bulk of the Aravallis, tiger habitats of the Terai and Central India, the Western Ghats and the biodiversity hot spots of the north -east, may no longer be considered ‘forest’ and can potentially be sold diverted cleared, felled, utilized, exploited without any regulatory oversight , if the Bill i s passed. Explanation provided under the section 1A(1) of the Bill defines and broadens the scope of Government records not only restricted to the records of revenue Department and Forest Department but also to any other authority or even local body reco gnized by the State Government. Moreover, the forest like areas identified by the Expert Committee and informed to Hon’ble Supreme Court in pursuance to order dated 12.12.1996, has also been taken on record. The new Bill will create ambiguity for the la nd which was earlier handed over to the Forest Department by the Revenue Department but is yet to be cleared in the records since both Revenue Department and Forest Department may have the forest land in the records. The proposed Bill fails to clarify how the ambiguity will be dealt with in such cases and therefore, it is recommended that clarity is brought to fix the management and control rights over the lands which had been declared forest without any formal paperwork before the year 1996. Explanation pr ovided under Section 1A(1) provides that land recorded as forests in the records held by the Revenue Department or Forest Department will attract the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Revenue department should update the status of forest lands in their records clearly identifying them as forest lands. This will prevent the issuance of pattas or any other rights within these areas and the inclusion of forest land in the Prohibitory Order Book of the Revenue Department will further reinforc e their protected status. Enabling provisions provided under section 6 of the Bill empowering the Central Government to issue directions, will be invoked whenever needed to issue such clarifications in future. Bill should also provide that the pending n otification of forest blocks should be prioritized and resolved promptly within a given period of time since many forest lands remain under the ambiguous categories of lands, leading to chances for encroachment. Provisions of section 1A(1)(a) provides th at land notified under Indian Forest Act or local Act will fall within the purview of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Therefore, land which have been intended to be notified such as section 4 lands under the IFA or similar land under any local Act wi ll also attract the provisions of the Act. It is also suggested that the Bill also provides for demarcating the land assigned under RoFR (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, Enabling provisions provided under section 6 of the Bill empowering the Central Government to issue directions 2008 to prevent encroachment by tribals, who frequently move from their original patta site to other areas by felling trees, resulting in forest destruction and further encroachment. will be invoked whenever needed to issue su ch clarifications in future. Bill should also introduce a robust mechanism for the mandatory demarcation of the forest land. Constructing boundary pillars or digging trenches can provide clear physical demarcations, reducing confusion and encroachment at tempts by local villagers. To enhance the protection of forest lands, the jurisdictional area assigned to a single forest guard may also be provisioned to be reduced. Guidelines/instructions in this regard are already in place. Enabling provisions provided under section 6 of the Bill empowering the Central Government to issue directions, will be invoked whenever needed to issue such clarifications in future. ‘Government land record’ may be inserted in place of ‘Government record’ in 4IA(1)(b). Governmen t record has been defined in line with various orders of Hon’ble Supreme Courts. Government record defined in the Act pertains to the Government as well as non -government lands for the purpose of clarifying the applicability of the Act. An additional prov ision in Section 1A, after sub -clauses (1)(a) and (b), to exclude areas with habitations which officially existed in Government records prior to notification of the Reserved Forest(s) and Protected Areas, irrespective of the date of notification of such Re served Forest(s) and Protected Areas”. Such areas are generally notified under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or local forest Act after following the due statutory process including settlement of rights by the Settlement Officer. Proviso added to clause (b) of section 1A provides for exemption to such revenue forestlands, which have been put to non -forestry use by an order of the competent authority of the State following due process before 12.12.1996 including cases of pre 25.10.1980 period. It is not appli cable in respect of lands notified under the IFA or local Acts/laws. Provisions of the Bill primarily clarifies the applicability of the Act in various lands and it does not provide for changing the legal status or de -reserving any forest land notified un der the IFA of local Act. Moreover, Hon’ble Supreme Court in its order dated 13.11.2000 has restrained de -reservation of forests and national Parks/Wildlife Sanctuaries. “1 hectare” may be inserted in place of “0.1 hectare” [Para 4IA(2)(a)]. Exemption of 0.10 ha will provide connectivity to road/rail side habitations and establishment to ensure their connectivity with the mainstream of development. Proposed dispensation, as decided, after thorough consultation, has been considered as optimum. Exemption of the category of private forests from the purview of the FCA may benefit landowners and farmers and incentivize them to plant more trees, however will it prevent their lands from being taken over for development processes or will actually be facilitative of that. The letter would have a huge negative impact for the climate change mitigation related national commitments and obligations. Provisions of section 4(2)(b) of the proposed Bill encourages to raise afforestation in private lands, thereby facilitat ing the peoples participation in increasing the green cover of the country and to combat the global issues such as carbon neutrality, enhancing the carbon sink, better forest management, etc. Promotion of afforestation in the non -forest land will create ad ditional carbon sink besides reducing pressure on forests. “One Hundred fifty kilometres” may be inserted in place of “One hundred kilometres” [Para 4IA(2)(c)(i)]. The exemption of linear projects located within 100 km of distance from the international borders, including LAC and LoC is not a blanket exemption. It has been proposed in consultation with the M/o Defence with a view to fast track the development of security related infrastructure in the border areas. SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 171 Heavy construction in geographically se nsitive areas can endanger our wildlife. Forests within 100 KM of international borders or Line of Control will no longer require any forest clearance to construct highways, hydel power projects etc. This is deeply problematic. The proposed exemption alon g the international borders is not generic exemptions i.e. proposed exemption are only for specific linear projects of strategic importance concerning to national security to be identified by the Central Government. Said exemptions will not be available fo r private entities. The 100 km distance is maximum allowable distance. The use of exemption will be need based i.e. may be used within 5 km or 10 km. India’s 15,100 KM international terrestrial border, comprises rich ecosystems - grasslands, deserts, wet lands, lowland forests, evergreen rainforests – that are mostly untouched due to their remoteness. This is a natural defence cover to our country. Needs to be protected any cost. Animals and birds do not have international borders. Its free movement across the borders should not be restricted. Impacts on wildlife could be catastrophic. It is a misconception that wildlife is confined to protected areas (PAs). Over a third of India’s tigers, 70 % of elephants and a good part of wolf, bustard, leopard populati ons reside in landscapes outside of PAs. Unchecked construction on such seismically and geologically sensitive landscapes not just threatens rare wildlife and the country’s water security but also renders these regions vulnerable to earthquakes and landsli des. Power conferred under section 1A(3) of the Bill is to prescribe terms and condition while considering exemptions. The Central Government shall ensure that relaxation considered under the Act is implemented by taking into account all environmental saf eguards. Various aspects like impact assessments, mitigation measures, safe passages for wildlife, implementation of site-specific plans, wherever required, monitoring mechanism are implemented by the concerned agencies in consultation with the State Gover nment. While considering such exemptions, such safeguards should always be included in the terms and conditions to be prescribed by the Central Government. Moreover, said dispensation will be subject to such terms and conditions, including payment of compe nsatory levies and compensation of trees, preparation of Wildlife management Plans, Soil and Moisture Conservation Plan, as per requirement, which will be a binding on the States to ensure their compliance while considering such projects under exemption.Pr ovisions of the Bill will not be applicable in the Protected Areas of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Areas declared as already protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 including Tiger Reserves, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Commu nity Reserves and Conservation Reserves as well as other areas such as Wildlife Corridors and those self declared a Community Conserved Areas by local people are strictly protected from any diversion for large scale development projects, without impacting the rights of the scheduled tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. There is a genuine fear of these areas being indiscriminately used and deforested for any developmental activity without any safeguard for the local people or for the environment. Li near projects have already proven to be most detrimental for biodiversity and wildlife movements. Provisions of the Bill do not infringe or abrogate the provisions of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, PESA or LARR Act, 2006. The processes envisaged in these laws, including the consent of the ST and OTFD under the Forest Rights Act, 2006is not impeded in any way by the proposed amendment. Moreover, provisions given under rule 9(6) (b) (ii) mandates that compliance of FRA, 2006 is completed by the State before ha nding over the land to the user agency. Such exemptions could lead to unchecked exploitation of forest resources and ecological damage. Considering this, I would like to propose that a clause be inserted into the proposed Bill to check the ecological da mage caused by such projects. The proposed exemption along the international borders is not generic exemptions i.e. proposed exemption are only for specific linear projects of strategic importance concerning to national security to be identified by the Central Government. Said exemptions will not be available for private entities. The 100 km distance is maximum allowable distance. The use of exemption will be need based i.e. may be used within 5 km or 10 km. This clause could require that any linear inf rastructure project that seeks exemption from prior approval must undergo an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to assess the potential ecological impact of the project. This EIA should consider factors such as the extent of forest land that would be af fected, the impact Power conferred under section 1A(3) of the Bill is to prescribe terms and condition while considering exemptions. The Central Government shall ensure that relaxation considered under the Act is implemented by taking into account all environmental safeguards. on wildlife habitats, and the potential for soil erosion and water pollution. Various aspects like impact assessments, mitigation measures, safe passages for wildlife, implementation of site-specific plans, wherever required, monitor ing mechanism are implemented by the concerned agencies in consultation with the State Government. While considering such exemptions, such safeguards should always be included in the terms and conditions to be prescribed by the Central Government. Moreover , said dispensation will be subject to such terms and conditions, including payment of compensatory levies and compensation of trees, preparation of Wildlife management Plans, Soil and Moisture Conservation Plan, as per requirement, which will be a binding on the States to ensure their compliance while considering such projects under exemption.Provisions of the Bill will not be applicable in the Protected Areas of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The proposed Bill could lead to the eviction of forest -dwelling communities and threaten their traditional livelihoods, particularly with the fast tracking of strategic and security -related projects of national importance located in forest areas. A provision be included in the proposed Bill to protect the righ ts of forest dwelling communities and their traditional livelihoods. Rehabilitation and resettlement or eviction of people, if any involved, will be undertaken as per the provisions of the relevant R&R policy of the State and abiding by the provisions as given under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, PESA Act, 1996 and LARR Act, 2013 or any other relevant Act or rules. No provisions of the Bill impedes with any provisions of the FRA, PESA or LARR Acts. Moreover, provisions given under rule 9(6) (b) (ii) manda tes that compliance of FRA, 2006 is completed by the State before handing over the land to the user agency. This provision could require that any strategic or security -related project of national importance located in a forest area undergo a comprehensiv e social impact assessment (SIA) that considers the potential impact of the project on forest -dwelling communities Furthermore, the provision could require that any project that is found to have a significant impact on forest -dwelling communities and their traditional livelihoods should be subject to a resettlement and rehabilitation plan that ensures that the affected communities are adequately compensated for any loss of livelihoods, and provided with alternative means of livelihoods. The resettlement and rehabilitation plan should be developed in consultation with the affected communities and be implemented before any project activities commence. Provisions of obtaining environmental clearance, wherever applicable, will be abided by the agency. The power conferred under section 1A(3) of the Bill is to prescribe terms and condition while considering exemptions. The Central Government shall ensure that relaxation considered under the Act is implemented by taking into account all environmental safeguards. Various aspects like impact assessments, mitigation measures, safe passages for wildlife, implementation of site-specific plans, wherever required, monitoring mechanism are implemented by the concerned agencies in consultation with the State Government. Whil e considering such exemptions, such safeguards should always be included in the terms and conditions to be prescribed by the Central Government. Important suggestions by various stakeholders Ministry of Tribal Affairs 2.4.18 The Ministry of Tribal Affairs in their submission to the Committee in regard to this proposed amendment stated as under :— “Section 2 (d) of FRA defines ‘forest land’ as " land of any description falling within any forest area and includes unclassified forests, undemarcated forests, ex isting or deemed forests, protected forests, reserved forests, Sanctuaries and National Parks. To ensure that rights guaranteed to Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes (FDSTs) and Other SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 173 Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) under FRA are protected, MoEFCC may pl ease consider inserting a saving clause mentioning that “the said definition of ‘forest land’ will not be in derogation of FRA, 2006”.” 2.4.19 The Ministry of Tribal Affairs have also further suggested that MoEFCC may insert a saving clause that “the land on which the forest rights have been recognised or are in the process of recognition under FRA, will continue to be treated as f orest land. 2.4.20 During the sitting held on 17 May, 2023, the Director General of Forest and Special Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change clarified as follows :— “Sir, you were talking about FRA Now we are taking FRA in all areas. In 100 KM (exemption along international border) we will keep FRA. We are not exempting that in this Act. FRA Act will be applicable in that. FRA is applicable in any projects other -wise as well. It is also applicable in out development projects also.” Ministry of Rural Development 2.4.21 The Ministry of Rural Development have suggested that the proposed Sub-section (2) of Section 1 (A) may be modified appropriately to include the following: “a. New connectivity to habitations/ upgradation of rural infrastructure (roads and bridges) under PMGS. b. Construction/upgradation of rural roads and bridges for movement of securit y forces and providing connectivity in LWE affected or other areas considered important from security or strategic point of view.” 2.4.22 In regard to the above suggestion, Director General of Forests and Special Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change made the following clarification before the Committee in the sitting of the Committee held on 17 May, 2023 :— “As far as connectivity is concerned, those roads of PMGSY, our amendment of 0.1 hectare of land that we have made provis ions for road side amenities and public utilities. Many roads of PMGSY are laid in interior areas and our prohibited areas are near those roads. So their connectivity is stopped. Now the relaxation of 0.1 hectare which is given by us now will solve 70 -80 percentage of those cases. The matter will be resolved, because wherever there is a facility, we will give it through the guidelines. We have also given relaxation for LWE areas. If there is any necessity, we will look into it separately.” Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation 2.4.23 The Ministry of Jal Shakti, has suggested that the proposed Para 4 Section (2) sub -section (c) (i) may be modified appropriately to include the following: “In pursuance of the relaxation for str ategic projects being proposed up to 100 km from LoC, LAC - works relating to water supply provisions to such projects ( in view of the Vibrant Villages Programme) should also be allowed without forest clearance.” 2.4.24 In regard to the above suggestion, D irector General of Forests and Special Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change made the following clarification before the Committee in the sitting of the Committee held on 17 May, 2023 :— “Regarding the issue of the drinking wa ter pipelines, it has been asked as to what will happen to drinking water if there is a strategic road. On all the ROWs which will be coming up with the highways, the drinking water pipelines can be laid. There is no restriction even in the existing guidel ines also. If there is a road already passing through the forest, if the Ministry wants to use the ROW for laying a pipeline, initially it was one metre by one metre and now we have raised it to two metres by two metres because the size of the pipe increas es with the amount of water that has to be taken through it.” 2.4.25 Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas i) In 1A (2) : Addition of Sub clause (d) may please be considered as under: (d) to undertake further drilling activities from an already diverted forest land for which Forest Clearance has been obtained earlier for drilling activity. ii) Need for inclusion of Clause in FC Bill, 2023 regarding Nonapplicability of FC Act on Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) Technology in oil and gas sector projects outside the fore st area. State Governments Government of Chhatisgarh 2.4.26 Government of Chattisgarh has observed in its submission made to the Committee that the type of security related infrastructure and the use agencies shall be mentioned explicitly. In this regard, it has suggested that the works shall be carried by the Central Government agencies only to prevent the escape routes for the use of forest land by the private individuals an d other entitities. Therefore the following amendment is proposed :— 1A(2)(c)(iii) “(iii) as is proposed to be used for construction of defence related project or a camp for paramilitary forces/state police or public utility projects, as may be specified by the Central Government, the extent of which does not exceed six hectare s in a Left Wing Extremism affected area as may be notified by the Central Government.” Explanation :— For the purpose of this Sub -Section, “public utility projects” shall include the following but not limited to the following :— (a) Mobile tower (b) OFC Cable (c) Road connect ing to camps of paramilitary forces & state police and helipads for forces (d) Tribal hostels and Ashrams in scheduled area (e) Establishment of Ekalavya Vidyalaya(Scheme of Ministry of Tribal Affairs) (f) Upto 5 Km solar plants in an area where forest land has less t han 50 trees per Acre or which are natural blanks in the form of Hills and Rocks. Government of Maharashtra 2.4.27 Government of Maharashtra has suggested to insert the following proviso :— “Provided that the land classified in this clause will not attract provision of Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 in the cases where (a) Lands have been put to nonforestry use prior to 25th October, 1980 irrespective of issuance of de -reservation notification under section 27 of Indian Forest Act 1927 or otherwise. (b) The privately owned lands which are deemed to be reserved forest under section 3 (3) of Maharashtra Private Forest (acquisition) act 1975 and have been restored back to land owners for livelihood purposes under section 22 -A of the same act as amended in 1978.” 2.4.28 In this regard, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in their written reply submitted as under: “Applicability of the Act as proposed in the bill is in line with the Hon’ble Supreme Court order dated 12.12.1996. Government records , defined under section 1A clarifies that the provisions of the Act will be applicable on the notified lands under the Indian Forest Act, local Acts or laws and lands recorded as forest in the revenue records. Moreover, the government records has also been defined to capture all types of forest lands available in a particular area. Further, deemed forest lands, identified by the Expert Committee of the State, have been taken on record and hence the provision of the Act will be applicable in such lands also .” 2.4.29 Government of Assam Observations/suggestions of the State Government Reply/comment of the nodal Ministry 1. Such exemption not to be extended though out the length of forest through which the linear infrastructure passes. Such diversions of 0.1 Ha maximum should be restricted to areas close to townships, tourist hubs but should not stretch all along the forest. Rest of the forest should not be disturbed. The amenities should include public utilities like public health centre etc. Exemption of 0.10 ha of forest land, considered under section 1A(2)(a), will provide connectivity to road/rail side habitations and establishment to ensure their connectivity with the mainstream of development. The exemption allowed is upto 0.1 ha i.e. based on the actual requirement the access may be considered for construction of 2, 3, 4, or 5.. meters wide road involving area not exceeding 0.1 ha. 2. The exemption be considered only for strategic linear project of national importance concerning national security i.e. Defe nse purposes only. The word ‘and’ between ‘importance’ & ‘concerning’ should be deleted. The modified line to read “…proposed to be used for construction of strategic linear project The proposed exemp tion along the international borders is not a generic exemptions i.e. proposed exemption are only for specific projects of strategic importance concerning to national security to be identified by the Central SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 175 of national importance concerning national security; or Government. The 100 km distance is maximum allow able distance. The use of exemption will be need based i.e. may be used within 5 km or 10 km. 2.4.30 Government of Jammu & Kashmir Observations/suggestions of the UT Government Reply/comment of the nodal Ministry (i) In the provisions given under section 1 A(1)(1), reference to “as on or after the 25th October, 1980 ” may be dropped as appears superfluous . The phrase “…as on or after the 25th October, 1980… ” to eliminate the scope of ambiguity on the applicability of the provisions of the Forest (Conservation ) Act, 1980 in the lands which have been recorded forest before or after the 25.10.1980. (ii) The Phrase appearing as “…proposed to be used for construction of strategic linear project of national importance and concerning national security..” in sub clause (i) of clause (c) of sub -section (2) of Section 1A may be substituted with the phrase “…proposed to be used for construction of strategic linear project of national importance or concerning national security, as may be notified by the Central Government….. ” The exemption has been considered for the projects of national importance and concerning national security i.e. both preconditions national importance and national security needs to be satisfied to avail the exemption. Exemptions will be applicable to th e such qualifying linear projects, as may be identified by the M/o Defence and MHA. Further, provisions given under section 1A(3) will be used to prescribe the terms and conditions for such exemptions. (iii) The phrase “….as may be notified by the Central Government” may be suffixed to sub clause (ii) of clause (c) of sub -section (2) of section 1A. Exemptions will be applicable to such qualifying infrastructure, as may be identified by the M/o Defence and MHA. Further, provisions given under section 1A(3) wil l be used to prescribe the terms and conditions for such exemptions. 2.4.31 Government of Nagaland Observations/suggestions of the State Government Reply/comment of the nodal Ministry 1. Most forest areas in the State are not recorded as forests and as no land records are maintained. There is no mention of how specifically the privately and community owned areas in the State will be treated. It is submitted that a specific insertion may be made keeping the private (naturally grown) forest areas out of the purview of the act to remove any ambiguity. Explanation provided under proposed section 1A(1) of the Bill clarifies that all forests, including unclassed forests, recorded in the record of Government, Forest Department local bodies, or authority will also attract the provisions of the Act. Moreover, enabling provisions provided under section 6 will be invoked, whenever needed, to clarify the applicability of the Act and to ensure that no misuse of forest land take place. 2. With regards to exemption of 100 km, it is to submit that entire Nagaland State will be excluded. Given the peculiar shape of NE except Assam the nearly all States becomes excluded. The uniformity of 100 Km needs to be removed, more so as the Indo Mayanmar border is not as sensitive as I ndo China or Indo Pakistan Border. Further, the entire 100 km belt falls into the Indo - Burma Biodiversity Hotspots -one of the riches area in terms of gene pool diversity in the entire world. The proposed exemption along the international borders is not a g eneric exemptions i.e. proposed exemption are only for specific projects of strategic importance concerning to national security to be identified by the Central Government. The 100 km distance is maximum allowable distance. The use of exemption will be nee d based i.e. may be used within 5 km or 10 km. 3. A new section may be inserted which while keeping the naturally grown private areas out of the purview of the Act but also keeps them at par with forest areas as far as loss of ecosystem services and biodi versity is concerned. It is once again emphasized that Section 1A(3) of the Bill provides for terms and condition while considering exemption. The Central Government shall ensure that relaxation considered under the Act is implemented by taking into account private forest areas in the NE are extremely rich and the loss needs to be compensated either through restoration or long -term protection provided to equivalent areas through realization of NPV, in agr eement with the community. all environmental safeguar ds. Various aspects like impact assessments, mitigation measures, safe passages for wildlife, implementation of site - specific plans, wherever required, monitoring mechanism are implemented by the concerned agencies in consultation with the State Government . While considering such exemptions, such safeguards will always be included in the terms and conditions to be prescribed by the Central Government. Moreover, these provisions will not be applicable in the Protected Areas of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 2.4.32 Government of Himachal Pradesh Observations/suggestions of the State Government Reply/comment of the nodal Ministry (i) The authority competent to certify/specify such projects as of National importance and National Security needs to be define d in the Act; Exemptions will be applicable to the such qualifying linear projects, as may be identified by the M/o Defence and MHA of the Central Government. (ii) It is understood that the distance of 100 km is aerial distance. Distance of 100 km is aeria l distance. 1. Under Section 1A(2)(c)(ii), it has been proposed that the land upto 10 hectare, proposed to be used for construction of ‘Security related infrastructure’ shall not be covered under the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. In this context, it is suggested that the ‘Security related infrastructure’ needs to be elaborated by defining various categories of such infrastructure and also the authority competent to certify as to which type of infrastructure shall be declared as related to Security. Terms and conditions, including defining amenities, strategic roads, public utilities, etc. will be undertaken subsequently, by the Central Government in accordance with the provisions of section 1A(3) of the Bill. Moreover, public utilities have already been specified by the Ministry in the guidelines. 2. Authorization of State Government to grant approval (Forest Clearance) for project of National importance, National security and Defence related infrastructure and charge amounts of NPV & CA. Exemption considered under the Bill are not blanket exemptions. Such projects will be exempted from the prior approval of the Central Government under the Act while the processes are to be carried out at the State level including the payment of CA and NPV an d other mitigating measures as may be specified by the Central Government while deciding the terms and conditions in accordance with the provisions of section 1A(3) of the Bill. 3. The distance of 100 Km along the international border, mostly covers the tri bal areas of the State, which will affect the rights of the tribal people. Therefore, to protect the rights of tribal communities, provision may be made as per Section 4(3) of the amendment, to use the forest land after obtaining the recommendations of the concerned Gram Sabha under the provisions of Forest Rights Act, 2006. The provisions proposed in the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 do not bar or infringe with the operation of other parallel laws, including the Scheduled Tribes and Other Trad itional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, PESA Act, 1996 and Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013, which mandates to obtain the consent of Gram Sabha. SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 177 2.4.33 Government of Sikkim Observations/suggestions of the State Government Reply/comment of the nodal Ministry 1. 1A (Act to cover certain land) (i) The proviso shifts the cutoff date from 25.10.1980 to 12.12.1996 will regularize recorded forest land con verted for non - forest purposes where corrections in records have been made without due diligence, as well as the consent of the Forest Department; Provisions of the Bill exempting the lands whose land use has been changed to non -forest use on or before 12.12.1996 will be applicable to those recorded (revenue) forest lands which have been put to non - forestry use by an order of the competent authority of the State following due process. (ii) This will also encourage large -scale encroachment in the forest land, as precedence of shifting of the cutoff date has been created; Cutoff date has been selected keeping in view the direction of Hon’ble Supreme Court. Moreover, enabling provisions provided under section 6 will be invoked, whenever needed, to ensure th at no misuse of forest land takes place. (iii) It will exclude forests that are being proposed to be declared forestland under section 4 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, or the Sikkim Forests, Water Courses and Road Reserve (Preservation and Protection) Ac t, 1988; Area notified under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, including the areas notified under section 4 (proposed to be notified), will be covered under the provision of the Bill. (iv) Interpretation of the sub-section does not align with the order issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in TN Godhavarman case, in the WP (C) 202 of 1995 dated 12th December 1996. Provisions of the Act are in line with the orders of Hon’ble Supreme Court. The ‘Explanation’ provided under proposed section 1A(1) of the Bill clarif ies that all forests, including unclassed forests, recorded in the record of Government, Forest Department local bodies, or authority will also attract the provisions of the Act. Moreover, enabling provisions provided under section 6 will be invoked, when ever needed, to clarify the applicability of the Act and to ensure that no misuse of forest land take place. 2. Sikkim being a mountainous State has roads constructed along the steep hill slopes which are prone to erosion and slides. The exception provided f or large openings of 0.1 ha would be detrimental to the slope stability. The 0.1 hectares or 1000 sqm of openings for National Highways with 12 m RoW would create an opening having a length of 83 m which for a hilly State is large access and unreasonable. The extent of exemption may be limited to a width of two -lane access or around 10 mts. The exemption allowed is upto 0.1 ha i.e. based on the actual requirement the access may be considered for construction of 2, 3, 4, or 5 meters wide road involving area not exceeding 0.1 ha. 3. Sikkim with a total area of 7096 sqkms is bound by International Borders on three sides having an extent of 114 km from North to South and 64 km from East to West. Thus, the exemption of 100 kms distance from LAC from regulations of FCA, 1980 will subsume the entire state and open up pristine forest areas along with its biodiversity for non -forestry uses without FCA regulation. In Sikkim’s geographical context, the proposed exemption may be reduced to 2 kms from 100 kms from the Inter national Borders; Exemption have been considered purely in the public and national security interests of the country. The proposed exemption along the international borders and in LWE District are not generic exemptions i.e. proposed exemption are only fo r specific projects of strategic importance concerning to national security to be identified by the Central Government. Said exemptions will not be available for private entities. Moreover, even after the diversion of forest land, the legal status of fores tland remains unchanged, therefore, there will be no reduction in the forest area. Moreover, said dispensation will be subject to such terms and conditions, including payment of 4. Up to ten hectares, proposed to be used for construction of security related infrastructure is large in extent. Maximum up to 5 hectares of land for security related well -defined and listed Infrastructure may be allowed. compensatory levies and compensation of trees, which will be a binding on the States to ensure their compliance while considering such projects under exemption. 5. As per the FCA related data specific to Sikkim; out of the total forest land diversion of 3015 ha for non -forest purposes to date the diversion for defence purposes is 1529 ha which is nearly half of the total diversion; Government of Tripura 2.4.34 The exemption of upto 100 km along the international border may not be applicable to small state like Tripura and it may be reduced to 10 KM. In regard to the above suggestion, the Ministry of Environment, Fo rest and Climate Change has furnished the following clarification :— “The proposed exemption along the international borders is not a genericexemptions i.e. proposed exemption are only for specific projects of strategic importance concerning to national sec urity to be identified by the Central Government. The 100 km distance is maximum allowable distance. The use of exemption will be need based i.e. may be used within 5 km or 10 km.” 2.4.35 Government of Arunachal Pradesh Observations/suggestions of the Stat e Government Reply/comment of the nodal Ministry 1. Exemption of 0.1 ha may be enhanced to 1 ha Exemption, proposed in the Bill, has been decided by the Central Government after carrying out the consultation process with the Ministries, States and public. Exemption of 0.10 ha of forest land, considered under section 1A(2)(a), is considered appropriate to provide connectivity to road side habitations and establishment to ensure their connectivity with the mainstream of development. 2. 100 KM distance may be enhanced to 150 km. The exemption of linear projects located within 100 km of distance from the international borders, including LAC and LoC is not a blanket exemption. It has been proposed in consultation with the M/o Defence with a view to fast track the development of security related infrastructure in the border areas. 3. Regeneration and cultivation of medicinal plants may also be included as forestry activity. Provisions of regeneration activities have already been included at clause (i) of the E xplanation given under section 2 of the Act. As per the provisions contained in the Principal Act the activities like cultivation of tea, coffee, spices, rubber, palms, oil -bearing plants, horticultural crops or medicinal plants have been categorised as n on-forestry activities. These activities are commercial and non site - specific. To ensure better protection and management of forests for enhanced flow of ecosystem goods and services such activities are not permitted in the forest lands. Moreover, such act ivities are not in consonance with the provisions of the National Forest Policy, 1988 which discourages use of forest land for cultivation. 2.4.36 Government of Mizoram Observations/suggestions of the State Government Reply/comment of the nodal Ministry 1. More clarity on the type of Government record acceptable for this purpose is required. Since taking out of forest land other than notified forests out of the purview of the Act may have adverse Explanation provided under proposed section 1A(1) of the Bill clarifies that all forests, including unclassed forests, recorded in the record of SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 179 effect in contradiction to the preamble and those forests ar ea may disappear/ cleared taking advantage of this. 2. In respect of 2(a), the contents are not clear at all, what it means. Further, it is not clear that if such areas are notified forests or recorded forests, then what is required to be done, as this provis ion will be in contradiction to section 1A. Government, Forest Department local bodies, or authority will also attract the provisions of the Act. Moreover, enabling provisions provided under section 6 will be invoked, whenever needed, to clarify the applicability of the Act and to ensure that no misuse of forest land take place 3. (2)(b): This provision will again h ave disastrous effect as many plantations are being raised by the forest department on the lands, which are neither notified forests nor recorded forests. Thus, anyone will be free to clear those plantations and use such areas for any other purpose. With a view to encourage plantation on the non - forest lands, a clarity has been provided in the Bill to keep such lands outside the purview of the Act. Moreover, provisions of the Bill supports the objectives of the National Forest Policy, 1988. It promotes aff orestation on non -forest land by bringing clarity on the non -applicability of the Act on such lands. 4. (2)(c)(i)(ii)(iii) & (3): This provision gives free hand to any agency to take up any work in any reserve forest, Wildlife sanctuary or National Park situ ated within 100 kms of international borders. Any activity coming under the definition of linear project by any agency can be taken up mentioning it a project of national importance or of national security as all works in one way or another are of national importance and any work in states having international borders can be termed by the working agencies as of national security. This will also give free hand to all agencies involved in defence projects to take up any work in any area in any reserve forest, Wildlife sanctuary or National Park situated within 100 kms of international borders, which will completely destroy all these areas, which will be a disastrous act for the survival of human beings, as entire ecological balance will be destroyed. As almost entire Mizoram State falls within 100 kms of aerial distance of international border (Myanmar & Bangladesh Border) and therefore, all its forest and wildlife areas will get destroyed with such provision. This provision is strongly objected to and is not a cceptable and shall be dropped. The proposed exemption along the international borders and in LWE District are not generic exemptions i.e. proposed exemption are only for specific projects of strategic importance concerning to national security to be ident ified by the Central Government. Said exemptions will not be available for private entities. Moreover, said dispensation will be subject to such terms and conditions, including payment of compensatory levies and compensation of trees, which will be a bindi ng on the States to ensure their compliance while considering such projects under exemption. These provisions will not be applicable in the Protected Areas of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 2.4.37 Government of Punjab Observations/suggestions of t he State Government Reply/comment of the nodal Ministry 1. Power for sanctioning of approval under the FCA may be delegated to the state government in the cases where the User Agency is the land owning agency like the PWD, Railways, Irrigation department etc . and the area involved is upto 5 ha. As the provisions of the General Approval are not supported by the provisions of the Principal Act, the same were not considered by the Ministry. Process of approval has been streamlined by notifying the Forest (Cons ervation) Rule, 2022 wherein clear delegation has been given to IRO to process and approve the proposals involving areas up to 40 ha. Process for processing of the proposal at State Government has also been streamlined by introducing the Project Screening Committee to facilitate participatory and parallel examination of the proposal replacing the existing linear way of examination of the proposal. In addition to this Ministry have taken several other initiatives viz. conduction of Fortnightly Regional Coord ination Meetings at each IRO, conduction of REC meetings twice a months, etc. to facilitate the processing such proposals in a time bound manner. Other organizations Border Road Organization 2.4.38 BRO has suggested that the exemption range of 100 km from Line of Actual Control/Line of Control/International Border to be increased to 150 km as numerous works of tunneling, bridging and road infrastructure are proposed to be constructed whi ch will provide strategic depth to border areas. 2.4.39 In order to re duce the “infrastructure differential” with China in terms of roads, bridges, tunnels, habitats, permanent defences, air fields, etc., it is strongly recommended to notify the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 so that expeditious construction of d efence infrastructure projects upto 100 km from LAC/LC/IB can take place. In regard to the above suggestion of Border Roads Organization, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has clarified in writing as follows :— “The exemption of linear projects located within 100 km of distance from the international borders, including LAC and LoC is not a blanket exemption. It has been proposed in consultation with the M/o Defence for security related infrastructure in the border areas.” Important sugg estions by experts/stake holders 2.4.40 Stakeholders in their written submissions to the Committee made the following observations :— (i) the amendment Bill seeks to limit the definition of forest land as directed by Hon’ble Supreme Court in its order dated 12.12.1996 by exempting the lands which are forests in their dictionary meaning. (ii) Introduction of the clause (b) of sub -section (1) of section 1 A will overturn the Supreme Court Judgement dated 12.12.1996. (iii) Provision given in the section 1(A)(1)(b) should al so include dictionary meaning of forests as per Supreme Court orders. 2.4.41 In regard to the above observations, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have clarified in their written reply as below :— “The provisions proposed in the Bill are in line with the order dated 12.12.1996 of Hon’ble Supreme Court. All lands which were forests in their dictionary meaning, have been identified by the Expert Committee in each State and taken on record. The proposed provisions of the Bill further clar ifies the applicability of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 in various lands.” 2.4.42 Stakeholders have also observed as follows in their written memoranda submitted to the Committee: “Proviso given in the section 1(A)(1)(b) dilutes the provisions of Hon’b le Supreme Court order dated 12.12.1996 as it will legalize the diversion of forest lands from 1980 to 1996.” 2.4.43 In regard to the above, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change clarified in their written reply as follows :— “ It applies only on those forest lands recorded in Government records where land use has been changed before 12.12.1996 with the approval of competent authority of the State following due processes i.e. provisions of the proviso is applicable to revenue forests lands only and not to the forest land notified under the IFA or local Acts. Proviso provides for exemption to such revenue forest lands, which have been put to non -forestry use by the State before 12.12.1996 including cases of pre 25.10.1980 period. Therefore, p rovisions of the proviso do not dilute the Supreme Court order.” 2.4.44 Further a stakeholder observed that the Supreme Court order, in 1996 had offered legal protection to many forests which are not notified. The new amendments will not only dilute that protection but also help it destroy fast. There are multiple grey areas like “public utility specified by central government” in the Bill, which are unclear and leave us abundant space to mis use this for the destruction of forests. The Ministry of Environm ent, Forest and Climate Change in this regard clarified as under :— “The provisions of the Bill do not dilute the legal protection considered by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. With a view to ensure applicability of the Act to non notified forest land, an exhaus tive explanation extending the scope of government record up to local bodies level. Public utilities will be clarified by the Central Government under the enabling provisions of section 1A(3) of the Bill.” 2.4.45 Further, stakeholders in the written memor anda submitted to the Committee stated that Section 1A (1) restricted the scope of the FCA and it overturns the order of Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 12.12.1996. There are lands where only intent of notification is issued, large tract of orange lands, uncla ssed forests in North Eastern States. It is unclear whether the provisions of the Act will ceases to be applicable to such lands. In this regard, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change has clarified that Provisions of the Bill do not overturn the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s order dated 12.12.1996 and the explanation provided under proposed section 1A(1) of the Bill clarifies that all recorded forests, including unclassed forests recorded i n the SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 181 record of Government, Forest Department local bodies, or authority will also attract the provisions of the Act. Moreover, enabling provisions provided under section 6 will be invoked, whenever needed, to clarify the applicability of the Act and to ensure t hat no misuse of forest land take place. 2.4.46 In an other written memorandum it was observed that the proposed Bill also states that this Act shall be inapplicable to forest land changed for non -forest purposes on or before 12th December 1996. We believe hat this clause has direct implications for forest co nservation. In the past, forest land has been converted for several non -forest uses like plantation of cash crops, infrastructure development, mining leases, etc. The FCA (1980) mandates that any such diversion of forest lands or the extens ion of leases ov er such areas requires proper prior approval. Exempting the spectrum of these activities from obtaining forest clearances will not be in compliance with the conservation objectives of the FCA (1980). In this regard, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change clarified as under :— “Provisions of the Bill exempting the lands whose land use has been changed to non -forest useon or before 12.12.1996 will be applicable to recorded/revenue forest land only i.e. proviso added to clause (b) of section 1A provides for exemption to such revenue forestlands, which have been put to non -forestry use by an order of the competent authority of the State following due process before 12.12.1996 including cases of pre 25.10.1980 period.” 2.4.47 Further, following wr itten observations have also been received from the public :— 1. Forests which were recorded as forests in any government record prior to 25 October 1980 will not be regulated or protected under the principal Act. 2. Critical ecosystems such as Western Ghats, Wil dlife Corridors have been compromised as they are not covered under the Act. The cut off date of 25.10.1980 opens up a large extent of forest land that are with other departments on lease with just usage rights. 3. many areas of land are proposed for notifica tion under Indian Forest Act, 1927 before this date, and have not been finalized yet. The legality in such cases need to be looked into and clarified. 4. The new section 1A sub -section 1 threatens the bulk of the biodiversity -rich forests in Aravallis, Terai, Central India, Western Ghats and the North -East, which may no longer be considered ‘forest’ for the purpose of the Principal Act. 5. Approximately, 27.62% percent of our forests (recorded forest), out of the total forest area will fall beyond the scope of the Act. 6. The proposed amendments are in gross violation of Articles 14, 19 and 21 of our Constitution. 7. Compensation for felling of trees, would not be a replacement. In no way a natural habitat can be rehabilitated. 8. The proposed Section 1A attempts to deline ate ‘land’ which shall be covered by the FCA on the one hand, and ‘land’ which shall not be covered by the FCA. There is no rationale for such classification, nor any correlationship between such classification and the objective and purpose of the FCA, whi ch is forest conservation. On the face of it, the classification of forest lands in this proposed provision is irrational and unconstitutional. 2.4.48 In regard to the above observations, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change clarified in their written comments furnished to the Committee repectively as under :— 1. The phrase of the Bill ‘….recorded as forest as on 25.10.1980….’ implies that all lands which have been recorded as forest even before 25.10.1980 will also be covered under the provis ions of the Act. 2. Section 1A clarifies that the provisions of the Act will be applicable on the notified lands under the Indian Forest Act, local Acts or laws and lands recorded as forest in the revenue records. Moreover, the government records has also bee n defined to capture all types of forest lands 3. Area notified under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, including the areas notified under section 4 (proposed to be notified), will be covered under the provision of the Bill.” 4. There is no dilution of Hon’ble Suprem e Court order. Explanation provided under proposed section 1A(1) of the Bill clarifies that all forests, including unclassed forests, recorded in the record of Government, Forest Department local bodies, or authority will also attract the provisions of the Act. Moreover, enabling provisions provided under section 6 will be invoked, whenever needed, to clarify the applicability of the Act and to ensure that no misuse of forest land take place. 5. The India’s State of the Forest Report of the Forest Survey of In dia mention that about 5,16,630 sq km of the forests of India are within Recorded Forest Areas (notified forest areas) while 1,97,159 sq km of forests lie outside Recorded Forest Areas which includes revenue forests, private forests, agroforestry plantatio ns, etc. Provisions of the Act are applicable on the revenue forest land, private forest land and other land recorded as forest in the records. Therefore, observations that 27.62% of the forest will fall beyond the scope of the Act is not tenable. 6. By the 4 2nd Amendment Act 1976 of the Constitution "Forests" was added as Entry 17A in the Concurrent List. Therefore, proposed a mendment is within the ambit of the powers conferred to the Central Governm ent. Moreover, the propose d amendment of the Bill do es n ot infringe or violate the other Constitutional provisions of Article 14, 19 and 21 of our Constitution 7. Agreed, natural forests, lost from the diversion, cannot be replaced with the plantation. However, to compensate the loss and to recouped the services l ost over a period of time, provisions of afforestation/plantation, and other similar conditions, as the Central Government may specify, have been proposed in the Bill.  Enabling provisions have been provided under section 1A(3) of the Bill to prescribe ter ms and condition while considering exemption. The Central Government shall ensure that relaxation considered under the Act is implemented by taking into account all environmental safeguards. Various aspects like impact assessments, mitigation measures, safe passages for wildlife, implementation of site -specific plans, wherever required, monitoring mechanism are implemented by the concerned agencies in consultation with the State Government. While considering such exemptions, such safeguards will always be i ncluded in the terms and conditions to be prescribed by the Central Government . 2.4.49 Following observations were also made in the written memoranda submitted to the Committee :—  Proviso exempting forest land already put to non -forestry use before 12.12.1 996 is ominous as gamut of activities such as mining allowed in the forest area will be exempted.  It will legalise all the forest land put to non -forestry use before the 12.12.1996 without the prior approval of the Central Government.  The land use can be changed without payment of NPV and following the process of forest clearance.  Exemption of land which changed from forest use to non -forest use before December 12, 1996 may contradict a Supreme Court judgment. 2.4.50 In reply to the above observations, Min istry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has submitted its following written comments :— “Provisions are applicable for recorded (revenue) forest land only i.e. proviso added to clause (b) of section 1A provides for exemption to such revenue forestla nds, which have been put to non -forestry use by an order of the competent authority of the State following due process before 12.12.1996 including cases of pre 25.10.1980 period. All other cases belonging to post 12.12.1996 period will be regulated as per the existing process, including payment of NPV and CA. As the provisions will be applicable to the cases belonging to pre 12.12.1996 period, therefore, order of Hon’ble Supreme Court will not be violated.” 2.4.51 An expert in his written memorandum submi tted to the Committee has stated that the exemption of 0.10 hectare may be misused for the destruction of forests Clause “Permission from the State Government/officer authorized without the stipulatio n of CA and NPV” should be inserted. In regard to the ab ove observation, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change has clarified in its written submission to the Committee as under :— “Sub-section (3) of the Section 1A provides that such dispensation will be subject to such terms and conditions, includ ing the compensating the loss of trees, as the Central Government may be specify. Central Government will prescribe the terms and conditions, including measures for conservation and protection of biodiversity, which will be binding for the authorities in t he State as well as on the user agency.” 2.4.52 It was also observed in written memoranda received from public that the proposed amendment undermines the provisions of the FRA, 2006, LARR Act, 2013, PESA Act, and National Forest Policy, 1988. Exemptions considered under the Act are in violation of the provisions of the FRA, 2006. In this regard, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change have clarified that no non -obstante clause or section has been provided in the Bill. Further the provisions p roposed in the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 do not bar or infringe with the operation of other parallel laws, including the Scheduled Tribes and Oth er Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, PESA Act, 1996 and Fa ir Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (LARR) Act, 2013, which mandates to obtain the consent of Gram Sabha. 2.4.53 During presentation before the Committee on the provisions contained in the Bill, a stakehol der made the following submission on 17 May, 2023 :— “Please look at the North -East, for example, and the huge forested areas in the North -East of India. If you are going to exempt 100 kilometres from each border, what is going to be left of the North -East? It is a very sensitive area. As it is, we are seeing the problems which are being created because certain communities who have had traditional rights and customary rights to forests under Schedule VI of the Constitution which itself, I believe, is inadeq uate. If you are going to give exemptions even for that in the name of security, I believe that it is going to be very problematic. This is a clause which the Committee has to very seriously look at. The other exemptions also, which are being given, are go ing to free up large portions of India’s forests for projects in various categories which are being given. So, basically as I started off by saying, this regime which is sought to be introduced of exemptions, without any kind of barrier, is an automatic exemption regime which is very dangerous and risky. I am sure, the rulers are very responsible and I am sure that they are all very concerned about conservation. But once you bring this on to the Statute Book, you are opening up a SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 183 Pandora’s box which is goin g to be very difficult for you to reverse. These are the points which I would like to make as far as exemptions are there.” Another expert/stakeholder made the following observation pertaining to exemptions and jurisdiction of state government in the matt er of exemptions: “Exemptions considered under the Bill should not be blanket exemptions and should be considered with the approval of officers to be authorized by the State in this regard.” 2.4.54 The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in their written reply have submitted as under: “Extent of 100 km has been decided in consultation with the Ministry of Defence and is considered optimum to meet the requirement of various defence organization to meet their strategic requirements. Exemption have been considered purely in the public and national security interests of the country. The proposed exemption along the international borders and in LWE District are not generic exemptions i.e. proposed exemption are only for specific projects of strate gic importance concerning to national security to be identified by the Central Government. Said exemptions will not be available for private entities. Moreover, even after the diversion of forest land, the legal status of forestland remains unchanged, ther efore, there will be no reduction in the forest area. Moreover, said dispensation will be subject to such terms and conditions, including payment of compensatory levies and compensation of trees, which will be a binding on the States to ensure their compl iance while considering such projects under exemption. Defence projects which are to be completed in a time bound manner, often gets delayed due to length procedures and documentations involved in the process of approval.” 2.4.55 Further, two stakeholders who appeared before the Committee on 30 May, 2023 made the following submissions to the Committee :— (i) This limits the applicability of the Act on a vast tract of forest land in a country that got protection since the Godavarman order. Such exclusions of for est land can, therefore, potentially be sold, diverted, cleared, felled, utilized, or exploited without any forest clearance. All those forest lands which do not fall in the reserved area but are available in government records before 1980 will not come un der the purview of the Act. This diverts away from the Supreme Court’s 1996 verdict which had ensured every forest mentioned in government records gets legal protection against deforestation. (ii) In clause 1A, after B, we need to add one Sub -clause that ‘the lands defined in the Godavarman Judgement of 12.12.1996’ needs to be included. In the first proviso to the same clause, there are two aspects which are very important. We need to make a distinction between de -notification and diversion. Therefore, we need to make a difference and those lands which have been diverted should not be left out of the purview of the Act. This will be a major loophole, which will be exploited. Only those that have been de -notified may be considered for keeping them outside the pur view of the law. 2.4.56 In regard to the above submissions, the Director General of Forests and Special Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change replied during the sitting of the Committee held on 30 May, 2023 as under :— “Among the new issues that were highlighted, one was related to applicability of the date i.e. 12th December 1996, and whether all legal works done prior to that date will be treated as legalized or not. I will bring to the attention of the hon . Committee the lan guage that we have used: “Provided that the provisions of this clause shall not apply to such land which has been changed from forest use to the use for non -forest purpose on or before the 12th December 1996 in pursuance of an order issued by any authority authorized by the State Government or the Union Territory administration in that behalf.” If anything has not been authorized by the State Government or the Union Territory administration, that will remain illegal and will still be considered illegal unde r this provision. This provision was inserted only to facilitate those activities which have taken place prior to 12th of December 1996. For example, if some school has been constructed and now, they want to add a toilet or room, that will not come under t he purview of the Forest Conservation Act.” 2.4.57 An invitee made the following submission before the Committee on 30 May, 2023 :— “The other aspect which I wanted to say very loudly is that we have got the law of the Forest Rights after a lot of conflicts. I was also on that committee. I remember a lot of congratulations. My point is how long we have all fought together for it. After such a fight, we have got a certain regime which at least gives three things. The first is protection for tribal commun ities and traditional forest dwellers. The second thing is a kind of democratic governance for our areas which come under the forest. Now, if we are going to jettison all that, All these forests may be used for our industrialization, because there is no me ntion. There is also no mention in the rules of Forest Rights Act and PESA that it is also a right.There is no mention of the role of tribals in conservation. If you bring the amendments and will not even mention these communities, then I understand that t his is very wrong. If you sidestep the rights of tribal communities in this way, it will be very wrong. I will say in the end that without reference and linking with the Forest Rights Act, with PESA and with other constitutional guarantees for the tribal c ommunities and the forest dwellers, these amendments are going to be a grave injustice. So, I would request the Committee to ensure that the rights of tribal communities are embedded in our conservation Acts, including in these amendments.” 2.4.58 In regar d to the above submission, a representative of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change made to the following submission to the Committee :— “Regarding the FRA, I have already explained that the Act does not violate FRA. For the knowledge of t he hon. Member, I will read it again: “The State Government or the Union Territory Administration, as the case may be. after obtaining the final approval of the Central Government under Section 2 of the Act, shall ensure the recognition of rights under th e Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest dwellers (Recognition of Forest rights) Act, which is the FR Act, and to determine and inspect the prosecution lease after fulfilling and complying with the provisions of all other Acts and Rules made thereun der, as applicable, shall issue an order.” So, the State Government will issue the final permission only when the Gram Sabha of the concerned area has given the permission in writing. ” 2.4.59 Further, in written memoranda submitted to the Committee, the fo llowing observations have been made :— (i) Bill takes a narrow view of forest conservation by completely ignoring the forest -dwelling local communities, and in fact sidelines their existing rights to “conserve, manage and protect forests” enshrined under the F orest Rights Act, 2006. Consent provisions of local communities before forest diversion be adequately reflected in clause 2 of the Principal Act and Clause 4 of the proposed Bill. (ii) Exemption of Forest Land where Individual Forest Rights (IFRs) have been Rec ognized from the applicability of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. (iii) The Forest (Conservation) A mendment Bill, 2023 as the proposed act will weaken both the Forest Rights Act - 2006 and PESA Act -1996 formulated for welfare of Tribes and im plemented in th e areas notified in 5th Schedule of Indian Constitution specially and gra dually diminish the welfare measures taken under above two acts. So we suggest nece ssary steps should be taken to withdraw the proposed bill. The rights of forest dwelling communit ies under the Forest Rights Act, 2006 have been undermined. Failure to specifically include any provisions to incorporate the powers granted to the Gram Sabha under the FRA. Violation of PESA Act 1996. (iv) The new Bill must address the fundamental problem of failure to recognize that the local communities are the actual custodians and defenders of the forests. Though the Forest Rights Act has attempted to correct the historic injustice, the FCA needs to be amended to grant the rights to protect and defend the forests to the local communities by ensuring that no forest is diverted or used for non -forest purposes without Gram Sabha approvals. (v) The Bill makes no reference to any other laws relevant to forest: The Forest Rights Act, 2006; the Biological Diversity Ac t, 2002 finds no reference either in the text of the Bill or the statement of Objects and Reasons. The fact that forest are not empty spaces but areas where there are rights conferred under the law finds no reference in the Bill. In the last few years, nea rly 2, 95,000 Biodiversity Management Committees have been set up and are functional. Individual and Community Forest Rights (CFR) have been conferred on forest dwelling communities and Gram Sabhas are mandated to protect and conserve these Community Fores t Resources. Yet, the Bill gives a carte blanche to divert forest on various grounds. There is no recognition of the efforts that might have been put in by communities in protecting and regenerating these forest areas. (vi) The 2023 Bill, however, displays a wo rrying lack of knowledge about the provisions in the Constitution of India, laws and judicial precedents which give a special constitutional status to Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in India. Article 244 read with the Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Constitution, which relate to special governance of these Areas, have been completely ignored. The 2023 Bill also ignores the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 , enacted under the mandate of Article 243M of the Constitution of India, unde r which Gram Sabhas in Fifth Schedule Areas are vested with authority over their natural resources in general, and over a wide array of mineral, forest, and water resources in particular. Diversion of these resources for developmental projects without due consultation with the Gram Sabhas has been pr escribed by this law. 2.4.60 In this regard, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have clarified in writing as follows :— “Provisions of the Bill do not infringe or abrogate the provisions of th e Forest Rights Act, 2006, PESA or LARR Act, 2006. The processes envisaged in these laws, including the consent of the ST and OTFD under the Forest Rights Act, 2006 is not impeded in any way by the proposed amendment. The provisions proposed in the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 do not bar or infringe with the operation of other parallel laws, including the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, PESA Act, 1996 and Fair Compensation and T ransparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation an d Resettlement (LARR) Act, 2013, which mandates to obtain the consent of Gram Sabha. SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 185 No non obstante clause has been provided in the Bill. Therefore, provisions of the Bill do not impede with the provisions of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 and Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The rights conferred to the Gram Sabha/Committee under the said Acts will continue to be enjoyed by the Gram Sabha/Committees or other statutory body. By the 42nd Amendment Act 1976 of the Constitution "Forests" was added as Entry 17A in the Concurrent List. Therefore, proposed amendment is within the ambit of the powers conferred to the Central Government. Moreover, the proposed amendment of the Bill does not infringe or violate the Consti tutional provisions.” 2.4.61 Further observations received from the public state as under :— (i) the exemptions proposed in the Amendment will weaken the Act’s role in checking deforestation and safeguarding forests. Excluding land “situated within a distance o f one hundred kilometres along international borders or Line of Control or Line of Actual Control” from the Act’s purview severely compromises the conservation of large tracts of open natural ecosystems like deserts, semi -arid savanna grasslands, rocky out crops, and wetlands. (ii) Exemptions would result in the destruction of forest cover and would have a negative impact on the environment. These regions, namely the Line of Control or Line of Actual Control, and areas affected by “Left -wing extremism” are highly eco-sensitive areas in extremely fragile ecosystems. Such destruction of forest cover would lead to an adverse impact on tribal habitats and wildlife. Such proposed exemptions cannot be offset with tree plantation and afforestation. (iii) Instead of giving arbi trary extent of 100 km an alternate arrangement such ‘Security Sensitive Zone’ may be adopted which may be notified from time to time. (iv) Distance of 100 km for the construction of security related projects should be reduced to 50 km as 100 km would destroy m uch of the higher and Central Himalayas. 2.4.62 In regard to above observations, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have clarified as under :— “The proposed provisions providing exemption along the international borders and in LWE Distri ct are not generic exemptions i.e. proposed exemption are only for specific projects of strategic importance concerning to national security to be identified by the Central Government. Said exemptions will not be available for other projects of the region including private entities. Moreover, said dispensation will be subject to such terms and conditions, including payment of compensatory levies and compensation of trees, which will be a binding on the States to ensure their compliance while considering suc h projects under exemption. Extent of 100 km has been decided in consultation with the Ministry of Defence. Certain category of lands have been exempted from the purview of Act purely in the public and national security interests of the country. Enabling provisions there fore, have been provided in sub -section (3) of the Section 1A of the proposed Bill which provides that such dispensation will be subject to such terms and conditions, including the compensating the loss of trees, as the Central Government may be specify. Said provisions will also be invoked to prevent misuse of exemptions.” 2.4.63 In another written memorandum from the public it has been observed that critical ecosystems such as Shola Grasslands, Myristica swamps, grassland on laterite hill s, private owned mangrove forest, will be excluded from the purview of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. In its reply, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has clarified in this regard as below :— “The proposed Bill primarily intends to eliminate the ambiguities in the applicability of the Act in various lands. Applicability of the Act is decided by the status of a land recoded in the records which has been explained under section 1A(1) of the Bill. Land is a State subject and in case th e State Government desires, the land records may be updated to include ecologically important areas/ecosystems in the category of forests.” 2.4.64 In another memorandum submitted to the Committee, a stakeholder has suggested that as regards to exemption c onsidered under IA(2)(a), the provisions for construction of eco -bridges may be provided to ensure safe passages for wildlife. In this regard, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has stated in its written reply as below :— “Sub -section (3 ) of the Section 1A provides that such dispensation will be subject to such terms and conditions, including the compensating the loss of trees, as the Central Government may be specify. Central Government will prescribe the terms and conditions, including measures for conservation and protection of biodiversity, which will be binding for the authorities in the State as well as on the user agency.” 2.4.65 Regarding proposed amendment in 1A 2 (a) of the Bill, the following observations/suggestions were made b y stakeholders :—  Exemption of 0.1 should be increased to 1.0 ha for the States like Arunachal Pradesh;  Exemption of 0.1 ha is unjustified and would create long term challenges in habitat connectivity and wild animal dispersal/migration, and, therefore,shou ld be deleted from said Bill.  The terms habitations, road and railways and exemptions of 0.10 is vague for want of definition.  Exemption of 0.10 needs more clarity to exclude the forest areas which are not strip plantation.  The Bill doesn’t explain the exe mption for habitation access from road/rail amenities. 2.4.66 In regard to the above observations, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change clarified in their written comments furnished to the Committee repectively as under :—  “Exemption, prop osed in the Bill, has been decided by the Central Government, as appropriate, after carrying out the consultation process with the Ministries, States and public.  Exemption of 0.10 ha of forest land, considered under section 1A(2)(a), will provide connecti vity to road side habitations and establishment to ensure their connectivity with the mainstream of development.  The terms and conditions, including defining amenities, strategic roads, public utilities, etc. will be undertaken subsequently, by the Centra l Government in accordance with the provisions of section 1A(3) of the Bill.  Clarification in this regard, if any needed in future, will be issued by the Central Government by invoking the provisions provided under section 6 of the Bill.  The provisions of the relevant section i.e. 1A(2)(a) clearly explain the purpose of exemption of 0.1 ha stating that ‘ such forest land situated alongside a rail line or a public road maintained by government, which provides access to a habitation, or to such rail, and roads ide amenity up to a maximum size of 0.10 hectare in each case’ . Moreover, the said provisions has also been explained in the Statement of the objects stating that Bill envisages to exempt certain categories of land to provide access to small establishment, habitations on the sides of the roads and railways." 2.4.67 In regard to the proposed amendment in 1A(2)(c)(i) the following observations were made in their written memoranda received from the public :— (i) “With regards to exemptions considered for security related projects, there is no data to substantiate the fact that forest clearance has stalled national -importance projects within the forest area. In such a scenario the proposed amendment is irrational and arbitrary. (ii) Exemption relating to defence projects in border areas and security related infrastructure should be deleted. Exemptions considered under the Act will destroy various wildlife areas, forests, mountains and other ecosystems creating loss of habitats and species alongside rails and roads. (iii) With regards to exemptions of security related projects what should be the procedure and standin case of a previously notified Protected Area (eg. Kaziranga National Park, Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Valley of Flowers National Park, etc). Will there be no need for a ny permissions or procedure requiringsay/opinion of the forest department? What shall be the checks and balances in such cases? Will it be a free pass? There is no cap or limit on the area of such usage of forest land in a given area.” 2.4.68 In regard to above observations, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change clarified, respectively, in its written comments as under :— (i) “Defence projects which are to be completed in a time bound manner, often gets delayed due to length procedures and docu mentat ions involved in the process of approval. Analysis of approvals accorded in the past for defence projects revealed that out of total area of 80,408 ha diverted in the last 8 years, only 2480 ha of forest land has been diverted to defence projects in cluding roads which account for 3% of the total area diverted. It is also important to note that during last 8 years out of the total forest area of 19305 ha diverted for road in the bordering States of the country, only 3.5% is diverted for defence road p rojects. Moreover, these exemptions are subject to terms and conditions as will be specified by the Central government which will include the compensatory conservations compliances as mentioned in the Bill. (ii) Enabling provisions have been provided under sect ion 1A(3) of the Bill to prescribe terms and condition while considering exemption. The Central Government shall ensure that relaxation considered under the Act is implemented by taking into account all environmental safeguards. Various aspects like impact assessments, mitigation measures, safe passages for wildlife, implementation of site -specific plans, wherever required, monitoring mechanism are implemented by the concerned agencies in consultation with the State Government. While considering such exempt ions, such safeguards should always be included in the terms and conditions to be prescribed by the Central Government. (iii) Proposed exemptions will not be applicable in respect of Protected Arears notified under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. To mitig ate the impact of construction activities for roads/railways, besides greening the area, it is necessary to undertake other measures as well such for the conservation, protections and stabilization of local topographical regimes besides the flora and fauna . Existing mitigation measures will be continued to be complied during the construction activities. Enabling provisions therefore, have been provided in sub -section (3) of the Section 1A of the proposed Bill which provides that such dispensation will be su bject to such terms and conditions, SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 187 including the compensating the loss of trees, as the Central Government may be specify. Said provisions will be also be invoked to prevent misuse of exemptions.” 2.4.69 Further, the following observations made in the wr itten memoranda received from the public :— (i) Public utility of very wide term which will virtually allow construction of any project on the forest land. (ii) The Bill doesn’t define terms such as rail/roadside amenity, public utility, strategic projects, security -related and defence related projects. (iii) In general understanding, ‘roadside amenities’ involve numerous infrastructures like petrol pumps, restrooms etc. The National Highway Authority of India’s ‘Policy Guidelines for the Development of Wayside Amenities a long National Highways and Expressways’ provide an insight into the mandatory and permissible facilities. The guideline includes food court/restaurants, dedicated area for promoting local artisansup to an area of 1000 sq. ft, landscaping and others as mand atory facility category. Similarly, the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department clarification with respect to roadside amenities along the State Highways and Major District Road describes ‘roadside amenities’ to include dhabas, separate parking for cars, bus es and trucks, open -air rest area with benches and tables, dormitories for drivers/truckers andothers, etc. These facilities virtually provide townships along highways and the lack of specifics with respect to the frequency of these facilities along such l inear projects makes vast forest areas susceptible. Therefore, section 1A(2)(a) should be deleted from the Bill. 2.4.70 In regard to the above observations, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change provided the following clarifications, respe ctively :— (i) Public utilities have already been specified by the Ministry in the guidelines. Only specified category of projects to be implemented by the Government Department will be allowed under the proposed exemptions. Moreover, these exemption are for th e diversion of forest land upto 10 or 5 hectare and not each proposal of 10 or 5 hectares as are being understood. Further the provision should be read with sub-section (3) which states that such exemptions will be subject to terms and conditions as specif ied by the Central government. (ii) Terms and conditions, including defining amenities, strategic roads, public utilities, etc. will be undertaken subsequently, by the Central Government in accordance with the provisions of section 1A(3) of the Bill. Moreover, public utilities have already been specified by the Ministry in the guidelines. (iii) Exemption of 0.10 ha of forest land, considered under section 1A(2)(a), will provide connectivity to road/rail side habitations and establishment to ensure their connectivity with the mainstream of development local officers, the dispensation will be provided. The proposed dispensation will be used to provide connectivity to the habitation with the road and other facilities situated along the road and railways. The dispensation will be used as per actual requirement i.e. wherever such connectivity is required as per the assessment of the of the local officers, the dispensation will be provided. 2.4.71 Regarding amendment proposed in 1A(2)(b), the following observations were rec eived from the public :—  Exclusion of tree plantations is unreasonable.  Exempting plantation on non -forest land will open up the excluded forest lands as compensatory afforestation.  Amendment proposed is against the National Forest Policy, 1988  In India , besides the forest areas under the control of the Government, therefore the forest areas which are under the ownership of private people and in the areas no, non -forest activities/projects can be implemented. This bill now, is trying to give exemption to raise plantation and carryout construction work. In these forest areas under the provisions of Forest (Conservation) Act. In the protected forest areas and Tiger and Elephant sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu, there are several hectares of forest land are availab le belonging to the private people. If those areas are exempted from the controls of the forest (protection) Act, it will lead to cultivation of cash crops in those areas and trees would be felled. When such activities are carried out in the private owned forest near or at the center of the preserved forest area, it may lead to soil erosion, and during the rainy season due to the soil erosion the forest ecosystem will be affected. 2.4.72 In reply to above observations, the Ministry of Environment, Forest an d Climate Change provided the following clarifications respectively :—  Provisions have been proposed to eliminate the ambiguities in the applicability of the Act in non -forest lands and to promote people’s participation in increasing the forest cover of the country and in the process of forest conservation and management.  Lands used for compensatory afforestation are invariably notified as forests under the Indian Forest Act or local Act. Therefore, provisions of the Act will be applicable on such lands.  Provisions of the Bill supports the objectives of the National Forest Policy, 1988. It promotes afforestation on non - forest land by bringing clarity on the non -applicability of the Act on such lands.  The provisions of clause (b) of sub -section (2) of secti on 4 of proposed Bill encourages to raise afforestation in private lands, thereby facilitating the peoples participation in increasing the green cover of the country and to combat the global issues such as carbon neutrality, enhancing the carbon sink, bett er forest management, etc. Promotion of afforestation in the non -forest land will create additional carbon sink besides reducing pressure on forests. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 as well as the Amendment Bill do not contravene any of the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Observation/Recommendation of the Committee 2.4.73 The Committee deliberated upon the proposals made in the Clause including the suggestions made by stakeholders and the rationale/replies/clarifications given by th e Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change thereto and decided to accept the amendments proposed under the Clause. Clause 5 Relevant provisions of Principal Act 2.5.1 Existing provision of Section 2 are as under: Restriction on the de -reservation of forests or use of forest land for non -forest purpose 2.5.2 Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force in a State, no State Government or other authority shall make, except with the prior approval of the Central G overnment, any order directing — i. that any reserved forest (within the meaning of the expression "reserved forest" in any law for the time being in force in that State) or any portion thereof, shall cease to be reserved; ii. that any forest land or any portion th ereof may be used for any non -forest purpose; iii. that any forest land or any portion thereof may be assigned by way of lease or otherwise to any private person or to any authority, corporation, agency or any other organisation not owned, managed or controlled by Government; iv. that any forest land or any portion thereof may be cleared of trees which have grown naturally in that land or portion, for the purpose of using it for reafforestation. Explanation —For the purpose of this section, "non -forest purpose" mean s the breaking up or clearing of any forest land or portion thereof for — a. the cultivation of tea, coffee, spices, rubber, palms, oil -bearing plants, horticultural crops or medicinal plants; b. any purpose other than reafforestation; but does not include any wo rk relating or ancillary to conservation, development and management of forests and wildlife, namely, the establishment of check -posts, fire lines, wireless communications and construction of fencing, bridges and culverts, dams, waterholes, trench marks, b oundary marks, pipelines or other like purposes. Provisions proposed in Amendment Bill 2.5.3 Amendment of Section 2 of the Act In the principal Act, in section 2, — (a) the said section shall be renumbered as sub -section (1) thereof and in sub -section (1) a s so renumbered. - (I) in clause (iii), for the words “not owned, managed or controlled by Government”, the words “subject to such terms and conditions, as the Central Government may, by order, specify” shall be substituted; (II) in the Explanation, for the long line occurring after clause (b), the following shall be substituted: –– “but does not include any work relating to or ancillary to conservation, development and management of forests and wildlife, such as –– (i) silvicultural operations including reg eneration operations; (ii) establishment of check -posts and infrastructure for the front line forest staff; (iii) establishment and maintenance of fire lines; (iv) wireless communications; SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 189 (v) construction of fencing, boundary marks or pillars, bridge s and culverts, check dams, waterholes, trenches and pipelines; (vi) establishment of Zoo and Safaris referred to in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, owned by the Government or any Authority, in forest areas other than Protected Areas; (vii) eco-tourism facilitie s included in the Forest Working PlanorWildlife Management Plan or Tiger Conservation Plan or Working Scheme of that area; and (viii) any other like purposes, which the Central Government may, by order, specify.” 2.5.4 Reasons/Justificatio n given by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 1. Existing provisions of section 2(iii) of the Act, which dealt with assignment of forest land on lease, are not applicable to Government entities. Therefore, to bring uniformity, the secti on 2 (iii) has been proposed for amendment. 2. The term ‘non -forestry purpose’ needs more clarity. The explanation has been made elaborate to include activities which are taken up for the cause of conservation of forest and wild life. Examination by the Co mmittee 2.5.5 The representatives of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change were asked to specify properly the provision made in Clause (iii) of the Section 2 of the principal Act during their briefing on the Bill. In this regard, the Minis try of Environment, Forest and Climate Change submitted in a written note as below :— “In 1988, the clause (iii) of proposed sub -section (1) of section 2 was inserted to regulate the assignment of forest land on lease to private entities for raising commer cial plantations. Provisions of the said sub -section are not being applied to Government entities resulting in lack of uniformity. Therefore, to bring uniformity in the provisions, amendment has been proposed in clause (iii) of the proposed sub -section (1) of section 2 of the Act.” 2.5.6 During briefing on the Bill, it was further pointed out that the Proposed Bill mentions establishment of Zoo and Safari on forest land will increase commercial activities and the forest eco system, food chain and food cycl e system will be disturbed leading to forest deterioration. In this regard, it is suggested that Zoo and Safari should be set up on non -forest land, so that tribals are not disturbed. 2.5.7 Further, in written memoranda received from public, the following observations have been made :— (a) dispensation to Zoos and Safari may lead to concrete structures and road network in the forest areas. (b) Zoos and Safari now being treated as forestry activity is based on absurd premises that it is ancillary to conservation of forest and wildlife. (c) Allowing Zoos and Safaris within the scope of non -forest activities may disproportionately commercialize forests and wildlife without considering the rights of forest -dependent people, wildlife habitats, and ecosystem services. (d) Provisions to include forestry activities such silvicultural activities, zoo, ecotourism and like purposes is vague and is ultravires . (e) In a time where the privatization of Zoo, Eco - Tourism, and Safari are in rampant increase, this amendment will be served on ly in the interest of private corporations. (f) Establishments in the name of ecotourism facilities, zoos and safaris and infrastructure comes at a cost of native vegetation and wildlife habitat. (g) Inclusion of zoo and safari as forestry activities is a back doo r entry for amending the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1980. (h) Bill must remove from its fold increasing swathes of forest under the exclusionary protected area regimes – the national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and tiger reserves – and must resist drooling ov er the mounting disposable income of small global leisured class through ecotourism, even if it be by importing wildlife from the African wild for their viewing pleasure. (i) Proposed provisions of the Bill will likely create a new system of commercial ecology that caters to corporate enterprise rather than investing in conservation and a sustainable future. (j) In India from 2019 some private entities have started establishing zoos and subsequently in 2020 Union Environment and forest department entered into agree ment with private people to manage several zoos. Thus, there is a danger that through this amendment to the act, the zoos and wild life/Eco - tourism will be handed over to the private entities through agreement which will spoil the nature of the forest. 2.5.8 In their written clarification to the above observations, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change stated as follows :— “Zoo and Safari is an activity which is ancillary to the forest conservation and management. Zoo and Safaris will be setup as per the Plan approved by the National Zoo Authority. Therefore, it does not promote commercialization of the forests. Similarly, ecotourism, as per approved Working Plan or Wildlife Management Plan or Tiger Conservation Plan will be taken up in th e forest areas. Such facilities in the forest area, besides catering to recreational and aesthetic aspirations of local population, also sensitize and generate awareness among them about the importance of protection and conservation of forest land and wild life. Such facilities are generally created in the proximity of habitation to ensure minimum disturbances to the forest ecosystem. Setting up Zoos and safari in the forests, besides sensitizing people, will also add to the livelihood sources of local commu nities and thereby providing them opportunities to connect with the mainstream of development. Enabling provisions provided under section 6 of the Bill, will be used by the Central Government to ensure the legitimate use of the dispensations proposed in th e Bill and to issue directions to prevent misuse, if any reported, from these activities. To ensure quick response to natural hazards in the forests, and to facilitate the effective forest management, provisions for basic infrastructure for forest front li ne staff has been provided in the Bill.The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 as well as the Amendment Bill do not contravene any of the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Moreover, establishment of Zoo and safari will be undertaken with the prior approval of the Central Zoo Authority of India. No provisions of the Bill promote corporate enterprises in the forests. All exemptions are considered for the Government entities. Moreover, the new forestry activities included in the Bill were already in place by way of guidelines and such activities viz. eco -tourism, zoo and safaris will be implemented through Government Department.” 2.5.9 Further during briefing meeting, it was suggested that exemptions should be given to monuments of historical impo rtance in States like Rajasthan which have been put it in the revenue records that are also in forest land. In this regard, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in its written comments stated as under :— “As per provisions proposed in the Bill, the ‘Eco -tourism’ has been proposed to be included in the array of forestry activities. Therefore, monuments located in the forest lands, intrinsic part of nature’s tourism, may also be covered under the ecotourism activities.” 2.5.10 During the bri efing on the Bill, it was also pointed out that under Clause 5, Section 2 of the Act, inclusion of zoos, safaris, and ecotourism facilities can be potentially destructive and come at a cost of native vegetation and wildlife habita t because there is endemic species, which are very important and these have to be protected. In this regard, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in its written comments stated as below :— “The provisions proposed in the Bill neither infringe to any other law nor i mpede with conservation of forests including wildlife.” 2.5.11 It was also observed during briefing that there are many primitive tribes and tribal people, they depend on forests There should also be some provision in this act so that the living condition s of those who are dependent on forests be improved. 2.5.12 During briefing on the Bill, it was further observed that the proposed terms such as eco -tourism facility land and activities can harm the ecosystem and may be misused. Forest is the means of liv elihood for the tribals. There is a problem in making culverts and roads in the present situation of the Act, it should be simplified so that the people living in the village can be facilitated. 2.5.13 In reply to the above observations, the Ministry of E nvironment, Forest and Climate Change in their written comments stated as below :— “Further, activities like ecotourism, establishment of Zoo and Safaris, etc. have been included in the Bill as forestry activities. Such facilities, besides sensitizing and g enerating awareness about the importance of protection and conservation of forest land and wildlife, will also add to the livelihood sources of local communities and thereby providing them opportunities to connect with the mainstream of development. The pr ovisions proposed in the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 do not bar or infringe with the operation of other parallel laws, including the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.” 2.5.14 The following statement shows the observations/suggestions received from Members in writing and the reply given by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change :— Observation made by Members Reply given by the Nodal Ministry “Regeneration and culti vation of medicinal plants and herbs” may be treated as forestry purpose and inserted accordingly as in itemised sub -para in this para. [Para 5(a)(II)] Provisions of regeneration activities have already been included at clause (i) of the Explanation given under section 2 of the Act. SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 191 All the terms used in the proposed Bill including ‘forest’, ‘public utility’, ‘eco tourism facili ties’ and ‘any other purposes’ need to be defined to avoid misinterpretation. The move to allow forests to be used for “any other like purposes specified by the Central Government”. This vaguely defined term can potentially open the proverbial floodgate s, easing the way for forests to be diverted from a mine to a mall and any purpose in between. The proposal to keep pristine areas intact and not to subject to diversion for a specific period is also much needed. Identification and demarcation of such are as should however not impact the rights of the scheduled tribes and other traditional forest dwellers and be done in accordance with the provisions of PESA, FRA, and the Biological Diversity Act. 2002. Demarcation of such areas should not mean that the are as which have not been set aside will then be diverted with greater ease. Country's ecological security will be highly compromised if the process of diversion of forests is made lenient and the rigorous process of forest clearance, including the consent cl auses, is not applied to all existing forest areas. As per the provisions contained in the Principal Act the activities li ke cultivation of tea, coffee, spices, rubber, palms, oil -bearing plants, horticultural crops or medicinal plants have been categorised as non -forestry activities. These activities are commercial and non site -specific. To ensure better protection and manag ement of forests for enhanced flow of ecosystem goods and services such activities are not permitted in the forest lands. Moreover, such activities are not in consonance with the provisions of the National Forest Policy, 1988 which discourages use of fores t land for cultivation. The term forest for the purpose of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 has been clarified in Section 1A of the Bill. Further, the terms viz. ‘public utility’, ‘eco tourism facilities’ and ‘any other purposes’ in the section will be clarified/defined by the Central Government, if so needed, in future invoking the provisions of the section 1A(3) and Section 6 of the Bill. The Phrase ‘.. other like purposes’ already exists in the Principal Act. Provisions of the Bill do not infringe o r abrogate the provisions of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, PESA or LARR Act, 2006. The processes envisaged in these laws, including the consent of the ST and OTFD under the Forest Rights Act, 2006is not impeded in any way by the proposed amendment. Moreover , provisions given under rule 9(6) (b) (ii) mandates that compliance of FRA, 2006 is completed by the State before handing over the land to the user agency. The exemption of exploratory drilling and survey activities on forest land is dangerous preceden t. It has several proven effects on air, water and land quality and also causes severe disturbance to wildlife. Survey activities such as investigation, reconnaissance, etc., in forest area are temporary in nature and result in no perceptible change in the forest vegetation or in breaking of land. Exemption considered under the Bill is limited to survey and investigation only, it will not result into diversion of forest land for which prior approval of the Central Government is mandatory. Moreover, the expl oratory drilling for hydrocarbons which involves permanent change in the land use of the forest land is not covered under the exemption proposed in the Bill. The Central Government will prescribe certain terms and conditions to be abided by the States and the concerned user agencies that are undertaking surveys in the forest lands. The provisions of the Bill will not be applicable in the Protected Areas of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Important suggestions by various stakeholders Ministry of Trib al Affairs 2.5.15 The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has suggested that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change may consider inserting a saving clause that “The rights guaranteed to FDSTs and OTFDs under FRA shall remain protected.” Government o f Chattisgarh 2.5.16 Government of Chattisgarh has suggested the following in respect of Section 2 (iii) of the Principal Act :— “that any forest land or any portion thereof may be assigned by way of lease or otherwise to any private person or to any author ity, corporation, agency or any other organisation “subject to such terms and conditions, as the Central Government may, by order, specify after consultation with the concerned State Government for the specific lease” 2.5.17 Government of Sikkim Observati ons/suggestions of the State Government Reply/comment of the nodal Ministry Sub-section (vi) related to the establishment of zoos and safaris owned by ‘any authority’ in forest areas is not clear and, in all likelihood, bound to be misused. In reference t o the establishment of Zoos and Safaris ‘owned by any other authority’ needs clarity. A clear process or mechanism for the establishment of Zoos and Safaris owned by ‘any other authority’ may be provided in the amendment. Activities like establishment of Zoo and Safaris, etc. will be owned by Government and will be set up as per the Plan approved by the Central Zoo Authority. Therefore, it does not promote commercialization of the forests. Similarly, ecotourism, as per approved Working Plan or Wildlife Ma nagement Plan or Tiger Conservation Plan will be taken up in the forest areas. These facilities are generally created in the proximity of habitation to ensure minimum disturbances to the forest ecosystem Such facilities, besides sensitizing and generating awareness about the importance of protection and conservation of forest land and wildlife, will also add to the livelihood sources of local communities and thereby providing them opportunities to connect with the mainstream of development. Guidelines, in this regard, are already in place. Enabling provisions provided under section 6 of the Bill, will be used by the Central Government to ensure the legitimate use of the dispensations proposed in the Bill. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 as well as the Amendment Bill do not contravene any of the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Detailed nature and type of eco -tourism activities that are to be allowed and the maximum extent of area for development of Zoos and Safaris need detailing. Guidelines in this regards already in place. However, clarification, if any, needed in future will be provide by the Central Government by invoking the provisions of section 6 of Bill. 2.5.18 Government of Mizoram Observations/suggestions of the State Gov ernment Reply/comment of the nodal Ministry 5. 5. (a)(I) : Giving all powers to Central Govt. is not agreeable as forest is a subject in concurrent list. Power conferred under section 1A(3) of the Bill is to prescribe terms and condition while considering exemptions. The Central Government shall ensure that relaxation considered under the Act is implemented by taking into account all environmental safeguards. Various aspects like impact assessments, mitigation measures, safe passages for wildlife, implementat ion of site - specific plans, wherever required, monitoring mechanism are implemented by the concerned agencies in consultation with the State Government. While considering such exemptions, such safeguards will always be included in the terms and SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 193 conditions to be prescribed by the Central Government. Provisions proposed under section 2 (iii) are not general powers but specific powers to prescribe terms and conditions that too for the limited purpose of assignment of forest land on lease only and not for diver sion of forest land. These provisions will not be applicable in the Protected Areas of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Provisions given under clause (viii) of the Explanation “…. any other like purpose..’ already exists in the Principal Act. Provisio ns provided under section 5(2) of the Bill are specific to survey and exploration in the forest areas and enables the Central Government to prescribe certain terms and conditions to be abided by the States and the concerned user agencies that are undertaki ng surveys in the forest lands. Provisions provided under section 6 of the Bill will be used by the Central Government to ensure the legitimate use of the dispensations proposed in the Bill. 6. 5.(a)(II): There seems to be no need to specify the activities. It should simply state that “any activity ancillary to forest conservation, development and management of forests and wildlife”. Also, all power related to any matter shall not be vested with the Central Govt. as forest is a subject in the concurrent list and all forests in the States are under the control of the State Govts. only. To carry out various forestry management activities and respond to quick natural hazards in the forests, basic infrastructural facilities are required to be maintained in the fo rest land. For want of enabling provisions in the Act, it is difficult to create such basic infrastructure in the forest area thereby impacting the forestry operations, regeneration activities, monitoring and supervision, prevention of forest fires, etc. Moreover, the proper protection and conservation of forests by local communities requires availability of livelihood opportunities which can be effectively enabled through promotion of eco -tourism, zoos and safaris. Therefore, activities ancillary to forest ry management have been explained under this sub -section. The term ‘Explanation’ has been made elaborate to include activities which are taken up for the cause of conservation of forest and wild life. 2.5.19 Government of Meghalaya Observations/suggestion s of the State Government Reply/comment of the nodal Ministry 1. With regards to the clause (viii) given under explanation of Section 5 of the Bill i.e. “ any other like purposes, which the Central Government may, by order, specify."; t he State Government sho uld also be consulted on matters which hinge directly or indirectly on State subjects. Provisions “any other like purposes, which the Central Government may, by order, specify ” proposed in section 5 of the Bill already exist in the Principal Act and the s ame have been further strengthened keeping in view the dynamic changes in the policies relating to conservation and management of forests. Whenever, provisions of the clause (viii) of the Explanation or other similar provisions of the Bill will be invoked by the Central Government in future, prior consultation with the States/UTs will be made as per need. 2.5.20 Government of Himachal Pradesh Suggestion of the State Government Reply given by nodal Ministry In the Bill, it has been proposed that eco -touri sm facilities included in the Forest Working Plan or Wildlife Management Plan or Tiger Conservation Plan or Working Scheme of that area shall not be construed as non -forestry purpose. It is suggested that the "Eco -tourism" may be defined in the Act for bet ter clarity and transparency. Guidelines in this regard are already in place. However, in case the need arises in future, further clarification will be issued by the Central Government as per the provisions provided under section 6 of the Bill. Importan t suggestions by experts/public 2.5.21 In a memorandum submitted to the Committee, an eminent person made the following suggestion :— “Clause 5(II)(vi) of the Bill be substituted by the following — “establishment of zoo and safaris referred to in the Wildlif e (Protection) Act, 1972, owned by the Government or any public authority, in forest areas other than protected areas.” “The following Explanation be added after clause 5(II)(vii) of the Bill — “Explanation: ‘ecotourism facilities’ in a forest area include s basic infrastructure for the purpose of regulated ecotourism such as non -tarred and non -concrete pathways, temporary halting and nature observation huts for the convenience of visitors and ecotourism managerial staff, but does not include residential acc ommodation for tourists, hotel complexes, airstrips and concrete structures which alter the basic forest/natural ambience of the site.” 2.5.22 During his appearance before the Committee, an expert stated, “I think, zoos and safaris should not be allowed o n forest lands. There should be absolutely no construction activity in the name of eco -tourism in the forests”. In this regard, a representative of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has replied before the Committee as below :— “The oth er issue was raised about zoos and safaris and eco -tourism facilities. I will bring to the attention of the hon. Committee that if we are coming to the FC Act, they were getting the sanction of the Government twice. For establishment of any zoo or safari, prior permission of the Government of India is required because they are governed by the Central Zoo Authority. Then they are coming for the permission under FC Act. For ease of doing business, if they are getting the permission of CZA, we are not requiri ng them to come up again. They are also to be used only for the activity that are done by the Government or any authority. Then regarding the eco -tourism activities, if we read the language, eco -tourism facilities are included in the forest working plan or wildlife management plan or tiger conservation plan. I would like to apprise the Committee that the hon. Supreme Court vide an order has said that the areas will be managed by a working plan or wildlife management plan only after they are approved by the Government of India. So, our IROs who are stationed in 11 localities, approve the working plan and the management plan of that particular area. If eco -tourism facility is part of that working plan, then only they will be allowed and separate requirement of permission under FC Act will not be there. So, it is not correct that the Government of India is shying away from the responsibility. Government of India is very much concerned about the protection of environment and we will do all that we can.” 2.5.23 Regarding Eco -tourism, the following observations have been made :— (i) Ecotourism may result destruction of the forest areas and wildlife. (ii) Clause 5(a)(II)(vii) also provides for consideration of eco -tourism as forestry activity. The word facilities need to elaborated to prevent cropping up of commercial establishment like hotel, roads, airstrips, and other commercial constructions”. (iii) the construction activities should not be permitted in forest land for creation of eco -tourism facilities. 2.5.24 The Ministry of Environement, Forest and Climate Change in a written note clarified in this regard as under :— “Enabling provisions provided under section 6 of the Bill, will be used by the Central Government to ensure the legitimate use of the dispensations proposed i n the Bill. To word ‘facilities’ will be will be clarified through the enabling clause.” 2.5.25 Two stake holders in a written memoranda suggested, “In clause (b) of Clause 5 relating to survey and investigation, the phrase “… which does not involve clear ing of forest or cutting of trees or construction of roads or paths including blasting and drilling…” should be added. In regard to the above suggestion, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change furnished the following written reply :— SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 195 “Provisi ons of levying terms and conditions mentioned in the section will be invoked by the Central Government and additional precautionary conditions, including mitigating measures, as may be needed will be stipulated.” 2.5.26 It was also observed by a stakehold er that activities mentioned under the explanation to section 5 of the Bill would have adverse effects on the wildlife health, also this would influence more human intervention and infrastructure and human activities would disturb animal habitat. In a writ ten reply to the above observation, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has stated as below :— “To carry out various forestry management activities and respond to quick natural hazards in the forests, basic infrastructural facilities are required to be maintained in the forest land. For want of enabling provisions in the Act, it is difficult to create such basic infrastructure in the forest area thereby impacting the forestry operations, regeneration activities, monitoring and supervision, prevention of forest fires, etc. Moreover, the proper protection and conservation of forests by local communities requires availability of livelihood opportunities which can be effectively enabled through promotion of eco -tourism, zoos and safaris in the forest areas.” 2.5.27 Further, stakeholders have stated in written memoranda as under: (i) Exempting any survey, reconnaissance, prospecting, investigation, exploration and seismic survey has impact on forests and wildlife habitats. In all these processes, t he trees are felled and temporary roads are constructed for transporting equipments. (ii) Exemption considered for survey and exploration proposed in the Bill is going to open up all our forests to mining and similar commercial activities. (iii) Exemptions for survey and explorations are arbitrary, and should depend on the underlying project and its implications on the forest and as sociated wildlife. Recently, the Gauhati High Court stayed Environmental Clearance to Oil India Limited with respect to exploration and d rilling through extended reach drilling for hydrocarbons at seven locations in Dibru Saikhowa National Park due to the absence of Biodiversity Impact Assessment. 2.5.28 The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have clarified in writing as fol lows :— “Survey activities such as investigation, reconnaissance, etc., in forest area are temporary in nature and result in no perceptible change in the forest vegetation or in breaking of land. Moreover, the Central Government will prescribe certain terms and conditions to be abided by the States and the concerned user agencies that are undertaking surveys in the forest land. Moreover, these exemptions will not be applicable in respect of Protected Areas notified under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. ” 2.5.29 In a written memorandum from the public it was observed that silvicultural activities are proposed to be considered as forest related activities, however the same involves felling of trees for commercial purpose. In regard to this observation, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has clarified in a written reply that silvicultural operations are carried out to maintain the health, productivity and flow of ecosystem goods and services from forests. Relevant provisions of Principal A ct 2.5.30 Not applicable (provisions do not exist in the Act). Provisions proposed in Amendment Bill 2.5.31 (b) after sub -section (1) as so renumbered, the following sub -sections shall be inserted, namely: –– “(2) The Central Government may, by order, speci fy the terms and conditions subject to which any survey, such as, reconnaissance, prospecting, investigation or exploration including seismic survey, shall not be treated as non -forest purpose.”, Reasons/Justification given by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 2.5.32 This is an activity in which no perceptible change in the forest vegetation is resulted. Important suggestions by various stakeholders Government of Chhattisgarh 2.5.33 Government of Chhattisgarh has suggested the following in respect of the proposed amendment above :— “The Central Government may, by order, specify the terms and conditions after consultation with the concerned state Government subject to which any survey, such as, reconnaissance, prospecting, investigation or exploration including seismic survey, shall not be treated as non -forest purpose.” Important suggestions by experts/public 2.5.34 A stakeholder, in a written memorandum submitted to the Committee, observed that t he Bill also intends to limit the definitio n of non -forest activities like surveys, reconnaissance, prospecting, investigation or exploration including seismic survey, which currently requires forest clearance. In a written clarification to the above observation, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has stated as follows :— “Survey activities such as investigation, reconnaissance, etc., in forest area are temporary in nature and result in no perceptible change in the forest vegetation or in breaking of land. The Central Government w ill prescribe certain terms and conditions to be abided by the States and the concerned user agencies that are undertaking surveys in the forest lands.” 2.5.35 Further it was observed by stakeholders in written memoranda as under :— (i) Amendment of section 2( iii) gives the wide powers to the Central Government to specify terms and conditions.” (ii) Giving the Central Government authority to “specify the terms and conditions subject to which any survey, such as, reconnaissance, prospecting, investigation or explora tion including seismic survey, shall not be treated as non - forest purpose” without mentioning any safeguards. (iii) Sub-clause (1) (iii) the substitution of the words ‘not owned, managed or controlled by Government’ by ‘subject to such terms and conditions, as t he Central Government may, by order, specify’ vastly enhances the powers of the Central Government to decide which lands can be diverted or given on lease. Thus, the conservation concerns of state governments or forest officials or local communities who ma nage such lands will be rendered irrelevant in making such a decision. (iv) The Bill keeps a window open for future dilution by saying that the Central Government can bring in terms and conditions subject to which surveys and investigation will not be consider ed non -forest purpose. (v) Forests should not be leased to any private person or any other agency (government, non -government or private) to maintain the sanctity of forests. (vi) Provisions of FRA, 2006 should not be compromised 2.5.36 In this regard, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has clarified as below :— (i) Power proposed to be conferred to the Central Government under the said section are not general powers are but specific powers to prescribe terms and conditions that too for the limited pur pose of assignment of forest land on lease and not in the Protected Areas of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. (ii) Moreover, provisions propose to bring uniformity by including the government entities within the ambit of the Act for the purpose of assignme nt of forest land on lease to them which hithertofore could have been done without the prior approval of the Central. (iii) Provisions provided under section 5(b) of the Bill are specific to survey and exploration in the forest areas and enables the Central Gov ernment to prescribe certain terms and conditions to be abided by the States and the concerned user agencies that are undertaking surveys in the forest lands. (iv) Provisions were introduced in 1988 and the same are now being extended to the Government compani es as well to bring them under regulation. (v) As the provisions of the section does not entail diversion of forest land, the provisions of Forest Rights Act, 2006 will not be contradicted. However, the authorities in the State/UT concerned will ensure compli ance of FRA, 2006 before the assignment of forest land on lease. Observation/Recommendation of the Committee 2.5.37 The Committee deliberated upon the proposals made in the Clause including the suggestions made by stakeholders and the rationale/replies/cl arifications given by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change thereto and decided to accept the amendments proposed under the Clause. Clause 6 Relevant provisions of Principal Act 2.6.1 Not applicable (provisions do not exist in the Act). Provisions proposed in Amendment Bill 2.6.2 In the principal Act, after section 3B, the following section shall be inserted, namely: –– SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 197 “3C. The Central Government may, from time to time, issue such directions, to any authority under the Central Government, S tate Government or Union territory or any organization, entity or body recognized by the Central Government, State Government or Union territory Administration, as may be necessary for the implementation of this Act”. Reasons/Justification given by the Min istry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 2.6.3 So far, power to issue directions were drawn from the various orders of Hon’ble Supreme Court or policy decision taken by the Central Government on case to case basis. Therefore, it has been proposed to provide the enabling provisions to issue directions keep pace with the dynamic ecological changes. Examination by the Committee 2.6.4 In regard to the above provision, during the briefing on the provisions contained in the Bill by the representatives of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, it was pointed out that the forest management is done on a federal basis now. It is the States which maintain most of the forests except certain national reserved forests This appears to be a bit one-sided. This can be done in a different manner. In response to the above observation, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in its written reply stated as under :— “Currently, no enabling provisions have been provided in the Act and rules mad e there under enabling the Central Government to issue clarifications or directions on the provisions of the Act. Bill also proposes to broaden the horizons of the Act to combat the global issues such as climate change and carbon neutrality which will requ ire road map for augmenting the forest management practices. Therefore, it has been proposed to provide the enabling provisions in the Act empowering the Central Government to issue directions, as may be required for the implementation of the provisions of the Act.” 2.6.5 The following statement shows the written observations/suggestions made by Members and the reply given by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change :— Observation made by Members Reply given by the Nodal Ministry The entire ju risdiction under the proposed Bill has been given to the Central Government. It is suggested that equal agency is set within the purview of Union and State Governments so that a system of checks and balance is present. Stringent protection of ecologically sensitive areas is ensured through the amendment. Forest lands situated along international borders, particularly in the Himalayan region and the northeast belt, should receive special care and extreme protection to maintain ecological security, preserve biodiversity, and mitigate climate change threats. Power conferred under the various section of the Bill are not generic powers rather they are specific to that section only enabling the Central Government to implement the provisions of said section for t he better conservation, management and development of the forests. Power conferred under section 1A(3) of the Bill is to prescribe terms and condition while considering exemptions. The Central Government shall ensure that relaxation considered under the Ac t is implemented by taking into account all environmental safeguards. Various aspects like impact assessments, mitigation measures, safe passages for wildlife, implementation of site -specific plans, wherever required, monitoring mechanism are implemented b y the concerned agencies in consultation with the State Government. While considering such exemptions, such safeguards should always be included in the terms and conditions to be prescribed by the Central Government. Provisions proposed under section 2 (ii i) are not general powers but specific powers to prescribe terms and conditions that too for the limited purpose of assignment of forest land on lease only and not for diversion of forest land. These provisions will not be applicable in the Protected Areas of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Provisions given under clause (viii) of the Explanation “…. any other like purpose..’ already exists in the Principal Act. Provisions provided under section 5(2) of the Bill are specific to survey and exploration in the forest areas and enables the Central Government to prescribe certain terms and conditions to be abided by the States and the concerned user agencies that are undertaking surveys in the forest lands. Provisions provided under section 6 of the Bill will be used by the Central Government to ensure the legitimate use of the dispensations proposed in the Bill. It is recommended that the Government holds a pre -legislative consultation meeting with the forest dependent communities before making any amendment s to the Act which impacts them the most. The Government must attempt a pre -legislative consultation meeting with the forest dwelling communities before making any amendments to the Act. There is requirement of wide scale consultations with the forest dwelling communities on the provisions of the Bill keeping in view the likely impact of its implementation on their livelihood and socio cultural aspects. The provisions of the Bill be translated in languages which they can understand and make such transla tions available to them while providing sufficient time period for such consultations to take place. A Press Communique has been published inviting comments from the public in Hindi and English as per standard practice followed by the Lok Sabha Secretaria t. Comments have been received from the public, including from organization working for the welfare of tribals, and replies thereon provided by the MoEF&CC. Moreover, as per the provisions of the Pre -Legislative Consultation Policy of the Government of Ind ia, the public consultation was also made by the Ministry and a concept paper indicating the amendments proposed in the Act was circulated in the vernacular languages and based on the comments received from the Public, including in vernacular languages, th e Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 has been finalized by the MoEF&CC. A Press Comm ents have been received from the public, including from organization working for the welfare of tribals, and replies thereon provided by the MoEF&CC. Moreover, as p er the provisions of the Pre -Legislative Consultation Policy of the Government of India, the public consultation was also made by the Ministry and a concept paper indicating the amendments proposed in the Act was circulated in the vernacular languages and based on the comments received from A Press Communique has been published inviting comments from the public in Hindi and English as per standard practice followed by the Lok Sabha Secretariat. the Public, including in vernacular languages, the Forest (Cons ervation) Amendment Bill, 2023 has been finalized by the MoEF&CC. Important suggestions by various stakeholders Ministry of Tribal Affairs 2.6.6 In order to ensure that Rules made under this Act or instructions issued give due regard to the protection of forest rights, a clause may be added to say that the provisions of this Act will not be in derogation of any existing act. Government of Sikkim 2.6.7 All power related to any matter shall not be vested with the Central Govt. as forest is a subject in the concurrent list and all forests in the States are under the control of the State Governments only and therefore, all decisions are proposed to be taken in consultation with the State Govts. Government of Meghalaya Observations/suggestions of the State Gove rnment Reply/comment of the nodal Ministry The following also to be considered: (i) The primacy of the State Government in matters falling under its jurisdiction may perhaps not be abrogated. (ii) No such authority could perhaps be conceded in favour of the Centr al Government considering that forest is a concurrent subject and land is further a State subject (Entry – 45) as per List II of VII Schedule of the Constitution. (iii) Similarly, authorities, organizations, entities or bodies functioning under the State Govern ment are amenable Provisions of the section are not abrogating the powers of the State Government. Provisions have been proposed to issue guidelines and clar ification from time to time which may be needed by the various functionaries in view of the dynamic changes in the policies not only at national but at international level also. Currently, no enabling provisions have been provided in the Act and rules made thereunder enabling the Central Government to issue clarifications or directions on the provisions of the SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 199 only to the authority of the State Government who are bound solely by the directions of the State Government. (iv) VII Schedule of the Constitution prescribes the subjects which are dealt under State List, Central List & Concurrent List respec tively. The autonomy conceded to the State Govt. in matters falling under List II and III may perhaps be preserved. Act. As the Bill proposes to broaden the horizons of the Act to combat the global issues such as climate change and carbon neutrality which will requ ire road map for augmenting the forest management practices. Therefore, it has been proposed to provide the enabling provisions in the Act empowering the Central Government to issue directions, as may be required for the implementation of the provisions of the Act. 2.6.8 Government of Odisha Observations/suggestions of the State Government Reply/comment of the nodal Ministry The proposed new Section -3C may be deleted as the Government of India has been issuing guidelines, advisories through executive orders, the same be continued. Currently, no enabling provisions have been provided in the Act and rules made thereunder enabling the Central Government to issue clarifications or directions on the provisions of the Act. As the Bill proposes to broaden the horizons of the Act to combat the global issues such as climate change and carbon neutrality which will require road map for augmenting the forest management practices. Therefore, it has been proposed to provide the enabling provisions in the Act empowerin g the Central Government to issue directions, as may be required for the implementation of the provisions of the Act. Important suggestions by experts/stakeholders 2.6.9 In a written memorandum, it is observed, “Provisions of section 3C gives unfettered power to interfere with any state government or authority’s decision under t he FCA.” In its written reply, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has clarified as follows :— “Provisions of the said section will be invoked, whenever needed, to clarify the various issues related to the implementation of the provisions of the Act and to ensure that no misuse of forest land takes place.” 2.6.10 In written memoranda further observations made in this regard as under :— i. Implementation of any Act i s facilitated by framing of appropriate Rules. Insertion of this Clause -6 allows uncontrolled powers to the Central Government to enforce its ‘directions’ howsoever justified (unjus tified) they may seem to be. This is avoidable. ii. Section 3 C may abrogate t he primacy of the State Government. No such authority should be given to the Central Government. 2.6.11 In its written reply, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has clarified, respectively, as under :— i. Currently, no enabling provisions have been provided in the Act and rules made thereunder enabling the Central Government to issue clarifications or directions on the provisions of the Act. Bill also proposes to broaden the horizons of the Act to combat the global issues such as climate ch ange and carbon neutrality which will require road map for augmenting the forest management practices. Therefore, it has been proposed to provide the enabling provisions in the Act empowering the Central Government to issue directions, as may be required f or the implementation of the provisions of the Act.” ii. Provisions of the section are not abrogating the powers of the State Government. Provisions have been proposed to issue guidelines and clarification from time to time which may be needed by the various functionaries in view of the dynamic changes in the policies not only at national but at international level also. 2.6.12 Further stakeholders made the following observation in the written memoranda as follows :—  “the Amendment Bill reserves plenary powers in the Central Government to add and modify the number of permissible works that can be undertaken in forests under Section 5 and Section 6 of the Amendment Bill. Therefore the Central Government will be able to justify almost any project or activity in f orest land by invoking its new plenary powers sought to be introduced under Explanation clause (viii) to Section 2 (1), Section 2 (2) Section 3(C). Such vesting of excessive and unguided powers in the Central Government will defeat the purpose of the Fores t Conservation Act and should not be allowed.”  The provision made in Section 4(2) where unbridled discretion has been given to the Central government and little consolation provided in Section 4(3) is ambiguous and left to the mercy and will the Central Go vernment which may frame guidelines violating provisions in PESA -1996, FRA -2006, RFCTLARR Act -2013 vis -a- vis calling upon of Article -13 of the Constitution. 2.6.13 In regard to the above, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have furni shed the following clarification :— “Power conferred under the various section of the Bill are not generic powers rather they are specific to that section only enabling the Central Government to implement the provisions of said section for the better conser vation, management and development of the forests. Power conferred under section 1A(3) of the Bill is to prescribe terms and condition while considering exemptions. The Central Government shall ensure that relaxation considered under the Act is implemented by taking into account all environmental safeguards. Various aspects like impact assessments, mitigation measures, safe passages for wildlife, implementation of site -specific plans, wherever required, monitoring mechanism are implemented by the concerned agencies in consultation with the State Government. While considering such exemptions, such safeguards should always be included in the terms and conditions to be prescribed by the Central Government. Provisions proposed under section 2 (iii) are not gener al powers but specific powers to prescribe terms and conditions that too for the limited purpose of assignment of forest land on lease only and not for diversion of forest land. These provisions will not be applicable in the Protected Areas of the Wild Lif e (Protection) Act, 1972. Provisions given under clause (viii) of the Explanation “…. any other like purpose..’ already exists in the Principal Act. Provisions provided under section 5(2) of the Bill are specific to survey and exploration in the forest are as and enables the Central Government to prescribe certain terms and conditions to be abided by the States and the concerned user agencies that are undertaking surveys in the forest lands. Provisions provided under section 6 of the Bill will be used by th e Central Government to ensure the legitimate use of the dispensations proposed in the Bill.” Observation/Recommendation of the Committee 2.6.14 The Committee deliberated upon the proposal made in the Clause including the suggestions made by stakeholders and the rationale/replies/clarifications given by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change thereto and decided to accept the amendment proposed under the Clause. SHRI RAJENDRA AGRAWAL CHAIRPERSON, JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE FOREST (CONSERVATION) AMENDMENT BILL, 2023. NEW DELHI; 11 July, 2023 20 Ashadha, 1945 (SAKA) SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 201 APPENDIX -I MOTION IN LOK SABHA FOR REFERENCE OF THE BILL TO THE JOINT COMMITTEE Wednesday, March 29, 2023/Chaitra 8, 1945 (Saka) Shri Bhupender Yadav moved the following motion :— “Tha t the Bill further to amend the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 be referred to a Joint Committee of the consisting of the following 19 Members from the House :— 1. Shri Rajendra Agrawal 2. Dr. Dhal Singh Bisen 3. Shri Raju Bista 4. Shri Jamyang Tsering Namgyal 5. Shri Tapir Gao 6. Shri Ajay Tamta 7. Shri Suresh Kumar Kashyap 8. Smt. Gomati Sai 9. Shri Sudarshan Bhagat 10. Shri Pallab Lochan Das 11. Km. Diya Kumari 12. Shri T.R. Baalu 13. Smt. Agatha K. Sangma 14. Smt. Sajda Ahmed 15. Shri Kotagiri Sridhar 16. Shri Rajendra Dhedya Gavit 17. Dr. Alok Kumar Suman 18. Shri Mahesh Sahoo 19. Shri Girish Chandra and two Members to be nominated by Hon’ble Speaker, and 10 Members from the Rajya Sabha; that in order to constitute a sitting of the Joint Committee the quorum shall be one-third of the total number of Member s of the Joint Committee; that the Committee shall make a report to this House by the last day of the first week of the next session; that in other respects, the Rules of Procedure of this House relating to Parliamentary Committee shall apply with such var iations and modifications as the Speaker may make; and that this House recommends to Rajya Sabha that the Rajya Sabha do join the said Joint Committee and communicate to this House names of the Members to be appointed by the Rajya Sabha to the Joint Commi ttee; The motion regarding reference was adopted. APPENDIX -II MOTION IN RAJYA SABHA FOR REFERENCE OF THE BILL TO THE JOINT COMMITTEE Wednesday, March 29, 2023/Chaitra 8, 1945 (Saka) Message from Rajya Sabha: “That this House concurs in the recommendation o f the Lok Sabha that this House do join in the Joint Committee of the Houses on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 and resolves that the following Members of the Rajya Sabha be nominated to serve on the said Joint committee :— 1. Dr. Ashok Bajpa i 2. Shri Anil Baluni 3. Shri Samir Oraon 4. Dr. C. M. Ramesh 6. Shri Jawhar Sircar 6. Dr. Prashanta Nanda 7. Shri Hishey Lachungpa 8. Shri Birendra Prasad Baishya and two Members to be nominated by Hon’ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha. The above motion was p assed by the Rajya Sabha at its sitting held on Wednesday, 29th March, 2023.” SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 203 APPENDICES -III LIST OF EXPERTS/STAKEHOLDERS/ NGOs/ORGANIZATIONS AND PUBLIC IN GENERAL WHO SUBMITTED MEMORANDA Sl. No. Name 1. 1. Shri Achyut Das, Social worker, Agragamee, Kashi pur Odisha, 2. Dr.Aurobindo Behera, IAS, Ex - Principal Secretary, Department of Forest and Environment Government of Odissha 3. Dr. Sanjaya Kumar Panda, IAS , Ex - Chief Secretary, Government of Tripura 4. Shri G.V. Venugopala Sarma, IAS , Ex -Member, Bo ard of Revenue, Govt. of Odisha 5. Shri Anil Pradhan, Sikshasandhan, Bhubaneswar 6. Shri Gouranga Mohapatra, BGVS Odisha 7. Shri Sandeep Patnaik, Social Worker, AtPo - Dimirisena, Via - Brahamagiri, Dt - Puri, Odisha, Pin -752011 sandeepkumar.pattnaik@ gmail.com 2. [email protected] 3. Shri A Cardoso, Vasco Mormugao Goa -403712, Vasco, [email protected] 4. Shri A K Varma, [email protected] 5. Shri A. Chanru, [email protected] 6. Shri A. K. Johari, IFS (Retd.), Ex Principal Chief Conservator of Forests -Assam, [email protected] 7. Shri A. Karthikeyan, [email protected] 8. Shri A. Mohamed Elahi, Tamilnadu, [email protected] 9. Shri A. Murugan, [email protected] 10. Shri A. Punitha raj, [email protected] 11. Shri A. Ram Rexahan, [email protected] 12. Shri A. Sahul Hameed, [email protected] 13. Shri A. Thamilselvan, [email protected] 14. Shri A.Akbar Basha, Cheyyaru, [email protected] 15. Shri A.C. Raj, Tiruchirapp alli, Tamil Nadu, [email protected] 16. Shri A.C. Zonunmawia, Chairman, Centre for Environment Protection (CEP), Aizawl, Mizoram., [email protected] 17. Shri A.Pandurangan, [email protected] 18. Shri A.R. Meghn a Bhandari Saklecha [email protected] 19. [email protected] 20. Shri Aan Priya C Philip, Parappallill Pathirappally Junction, Alappuzha -688081 21. Shri Aasic Raja [email protected] 22. Shri Abani Kumar Kanhor, Secretary, Kui Samaj Seba S amiti, Phulbani, [email protected] 23. Shri Abdul Hameed Mohamed Anvar, New St. Vellayapuram -623315 [email protected], [email protected] Sl. No. Name 24. Shri Abdul Hameed, [email protected] 25. Shri Abdul K alam BS, [email protected] 26. Shri Abdul Majeed, 3, Chennai - 600013 [email protected] 27. Shri Abdul Nayeem, 11 -38, Godavari Road, Lakshettipet -504215 [email protected], [email protected] 28. [email protected] 29. Shri Abdur Rahman MA veeraezhil14 [email protected] 30. Shri Abhi Sabar, [email protected] 31. Shri Abhijit Prabhudesai, General Secretary, Federation of Rainbow Warriors, [email protected] 32. Shri Abhijit Thengodkar, Thengodkar, [email protected] 33. Shri Abhimanyu Sabar, [email protected] 34. Shri Abhinand, [email protected] 35. Shri Abhinav G aur, Advocate, Allahabad High Court, [email protected] 36. Shri Abhinav Prasad, RR nagar, Bangalore , Bangalore -560098 [email protected] [email protected] 37. Shri Abul Fazal, Yari Road , Mumbai - 400095 [email protected], [email protected] 38. [email protected] 39. Shri Adhithyan. V, [email protected] 40. Shri Aditi Kale, Pune, India [email protected] 41. Shri Aditya L, No D 81, Dhanishka Allegria Gardens, Plot No.23, Vengadamangalam Main Road , Kandigai, Kanchipuram -600127 42. Shri Aditya Prasad, 35 Mutthiganj -700053, Allahabad [email protected] [email protected] 43. Adv. Nithianandan Balagopalan Flat 8/1201, Nerio Building, Kesar Exotica CHS Ltd., Plot No. 264, 265, 266, Sector -11, Khargha r, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra - 410210 44. Shri Agadesh Waran, G, 641603 Tiruppur [email protected] 45. Shri Aganathavenkatesh. M, [email protected] 46. Shri Ahamed Ali, 9C, Pathu Nonbu Chavadi Str, 1st Lane, Goripalayam, Madurai -625002 47. Shri Ahmad Bin muha mmmad, Darul khairath , Kuttur -670306 670306 [email protected], [email protected] 48. Shri AIKMKS Sabha Kisan Mazdoor Khet India LLA, Bengal West Purrup, Village Post -731236 49. Shri Aishwarya Kammili, Noida -201305, [email protected], [email protected] 50. Shri Aishwarya, [email protected] 51. Shri Ajay C, No:27E , Poonthotta Street, Krishna Puram, Kadayanallur , Tenkasi -627759 52. Shri Ajay Dsouza, Benson Town, Bangalore -560046 [email protected] [email protected] 53. Shri Ajay Phatak, [email protected] 54. Shri Ajay Shah [email protected] 55. Shri Ajay Shah F -403, Parmeshwar 7, near Godrej Gar den city, Jagatpur, Ahmedabad 56. Shri Ajin Mon , [email protected] 57. Shri Ajith, [email protected] SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 205 Sl. No. Name 58. Shri Ajith Kumar [email protected] 59. Shri Ajith Kumar S, Dharmapuri, [email protected] 60. Shri Ajith Kumar. A, ajithkumardae2225@gmail .com 61. Shri Ajith R, 2/32, Kongavembu , Dharmapuri -636902 62. Shri Akash. K, [email protected] 63. [email protected] 64. [email protected] 65. Shri Akhilesh Chipli, General Secretary, SWAN & Man (Save -Wild -Atmosphere -Nature & Man), Chipli - Lingadahalli, P ost:Varadamoola, Sagar Taluk -577417, Shivamogga -Karnataka 66. Shri Akilan Balaguru , Vriddhachalam -606001, Tamilnadu [email protected] 67. Shri Akruara Luha, AT Budhibahal, P.O., Turekela, Dist. Balangir, Odisha [email protected] 68. Shri Akshaya Raj , Ashoknagar , Chennai -600083 [email protected] 69. Shri Alisha Pereira , [email protected] 70. Shri N. Alaguponnirul, [email protected] 71. Shri Along Longkumer, Convenor,The Naga Rising & Khriezodilhou Yhome, Secretary, The Nagar Rising, [email protected] 72. Shri Aman Bharti, Begusarai Bihar -851101, Begusarai [email protected] , [email protected] 73. Shri Amar Ghosalkar, Bhandup, Mumbai -421306 [email protected], [email protected] 74. Shri Ameen, [email protected] 75. Shri Ameet Singh, economist & farmer, [email protected] 76. Shri Amer Jaleel, (Indian Citizen), [email protected] 77. Shri Amit Lahiri, AE 520, Bidhannagar, Kolkat a-700064 [email protected] [email protected] 78. Shri Amit Nagwanshi, Guna -473001, Toriua, M.P. [email protected], [email protected] 79. [email protected] 80. Ms. Ammu , TamilNadu ammukutty318@gma il.com [email protected] 81. Shri Ammulu D, 77 indra Nagar , Thiruninravur -602024 82. Shri Ana Gracias, Near SFX Cross, Chinchwadda chimbel [email protected] 83. Shri Anand Paramasivam [email protected] 84. [email protected] 85. [email protected] 86. [email protected] 87. Shri Anantharaman, [email protected] 88. Shri Ananthi Ponnusamy, IIT Madras - 600036 Chennai [email protected] [email protected] 89. Shri Anbarasan Kannan, Naam Tamilar Katchi District Organizer, Cuddalore West, [email protected] 90. Shri Anbazhagan Palanichamy, Aratt Premier Apartment, Bangalore -560048 [email protected], [email protected] Sl. No. Name 91. [email protected] om 92. [email protected] 93. Shri Anden Mesmar, [email protected] 94. Shri Aniket J, P 7/1 , NAD Colony, Navi Mumbai -410206 95. Shri Anil kumar H A, 97 7 th cross lpo, Bangalore 560003 96. Shri Anil Xalxo AT/PO -Ratakhandi , Dist -Sundergarh Odisha, Pin c ode-770039 [email protected] 97. [email protected] 98. Ms. Anju, [email protected] 99. Shri Antaraa Vasudev, Founder, Civis, [email protected] 100. Shri Antonio Vital Luis,Carmona ,south Goa, [email protected] . 101. Shri Antony, [email protected] 102. [email protected] 103. Shri Anuj Mishra, Gwalior -474011, M.P., [email protected] om, [email protected] 104. Shri Anujan Prabhakaran, [email protected] 105. [email protected] 106. Ms. Anusha B, Nayandahalli, 560039 Bengaluru, [email protected], [email protected] 107. Ms. Anuviya Anbuselvam, Chetpet , Chennai -600031 [email protected] , [email protected] 108. [email protected] 109. Shri Arasakumar, [email protected] 110. Shri Aravind [email protected] 111. Shri Aravind Kathiravan, Tamilnadu Social Media Division In -charge, Naam Tamilar Katchi.Tamilnadu, aravindkathiravan26@gma il.com 112. [email protected] 113. Shri Arikrishnan, [email protected] 114. Shri Aril Krishnappa Sugandhini, S/O. Sri Krishnappa Poojary, Kalnayabagh, Andinje Post & Village, Belthangady Taluk, 574242, D.K. District, Karnataka. 115. Shri Arka Roychoudhu ry, P86 Green View Baoshmabghata -700084, Kolkata 116. Shri Arnab Dutta, Dr BC Roy Road Shyamnagar, North 24 Parganas -743127 [email protected], [email protected] 117. Ms. Aruthi, [email protected] 118. Shri Artheeswaran S, 2/25, perumal koil Street, Then puthur village , Viluppuram -604306 119. Shri Arul Prasath M, Aranganal street , Chennai -600113 [email protected] [email protected] 120. [email protected] 121. Shri Arulprasath M, [email protected] SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 207 Sl. No. Name 122. Shri Arumugam K, No 44, Kannagi ST, Rajeshwari Nagar, Chennai -603202 123. Shri Arun Anthony Raj S., [email protected] 124. Shri Arun Chakaravarthy, No.3 middle street , Vadakurumboor -607201 125. Shri Arun Kumar, [email protected] 126. Shri Arun N, [email protected] 127. Shri Arunabh Dev Sharma, For Ho pe & Care Foundation, [email protected] 128. [email protected] 129. Shri Ash M, Jayamahal Extension Benson Town , Bangalore -560092 [email protected] [email protected] 130. Shri Ashay Chaware, Flat no. 007, Sai Sadan Apt, Sugwekar Ali , Neral -410101 131. Shri Ashish Kotamkar [email protected] 132. Shri Ashok Kumar [email protected] 133. [email protected] 134. [email protected] om 135. Shri Ashwinkumar Rangasamy, Padhirikuppam , Cuddalore -607401 [email protected], [email protected] 136. Shri Ayush Sahoo, Shreekhetra Vihar , Bhubaneswar -751003 [email protected] 137. [email protected] 138. Shri Azharudeen, [email protected] 139. Shri B K Singh, Retired PCCF (Head of Forest Force), Karnataka, [email protected] 140. Shri B. Babusandar, [email protected] 141. Shri B. Girija, Director, [email protected] 142. Shri B. Prabhakaran Hospitality Supplies & Services, [email protected] 143. Shri Babu, [email protected] 144. Shri Babu S, [email protected] 145. [email protected] 146. Shri M. Siva, [email protected] 147. Badapalli Gramsabha At -Badapalli, Po -Badapalli, Via-Khall ikote, Dist - Ganjam, Odisha, Pin - 761029 [email protected] 148. Shri Badnaran Majhi, Trustee, (Simlipal Trust for Ecology & Economic Development), [email protected] 149. Shri Baibaraj Majhi, on beha lf of Bagbel Gram Sabha, AT - Bagbel , P.O. / Via-Turekela District Balangir, Odisha , Pin 767060 [email protected] 150. Baidipada Nuasahi Gramsabha At - Baidipada Nuasahi, Po -Jagilipadar, Via-Kodala, Dist - Ganjam, Odisha, Pin- 761032 padmalaya103@ gmail.com 151. Shri Baidyanath Sing, General Secretary (Org.) of Bahujan Mukti Party (BMP), District Unit Mayurbhanj, Odisha 152. Shri Baishanb Hans, At - Malibahali, Po Mahakhand, Via- Bangomunda, dist. Balangir [email protected] 153. Shri Bakiyaraj [email protected] Sl. No. Name 154. Shri Bala Murugan, Pachapalayam , Coimbatore -641010 [email protected], [email protected] 155. Shri Balachandran Chinnaiyan, 1109, V. O. C. Nagar , Pudukkottai -622004 156. Shri Balaji Chitravel, [email protected] 157. Shri Balajee T E [email protected] 158. Shri Balaji [email protected] 159. Shri Bala Mukundhan Vysar Moorthy, 5/817 c Sriram Nagar Kunnur Road Krishnan Kovil - 626138 160. Shri Balamurugan T NTK Environmental Wing [email protected] 161. Shri Balamurugan. Mu, balamurugankani02@ gmail.com 162. Shri Banadhikar O Prakriti Banchao Adivasi Mahasabha, Garbeta, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal -721127 [email protected] 163. Banadhikar O Prakriti Banchao Adivasi Mahasabha, Paschim Medinipur, Garbeta, Tigar House, West Bengal 164. [email protected] 165. [email protected] 166. Shri Baskar Pandiyan, No.4, 3rd Street, Kamarajar Nagar, Avadi -600071 167. Shri Baspet Bag, On behalf of Bagdor Gram sabha , [email protected] om 168. Bayasahi Gramsabha At -Bayasahi, Po -Mundula, Via -Kodala, Dist - Ganjam, Odisha, Pin - 761032 [email protected] 169. Beherakhai, Gram Sabha, GP -Gudighat, District Balangir, Odisha [email protected] 170. [email protected] 171. Shri Bhagaban Putel, AT/P.O., Turekela, Dist. Balangir, Odisha [email protected] 172. Shri Bhagvan Shiv, [email protected] 173. Shri Bhagyashree Pancholy, Add. - Pancholy House,PP Singhal Marg, Udaipur - 313004, Rajasthan 174. Shri Bhaja Majhi , AT -Tikrapada P.O. - Salemudhanga, Via- Bangomunda Dist. Balangir [email protected] 175. Shri Bharath Kumar R, 50,Vettavalam Road, Tiruvannamalai -606602 176. Shri Bharathi Raja Pandi, Sivaganga -630561 [email protected] 177. [email protected] 178. Shri Bij ay Kumar Hembram, Rastriya Adivasi Ekta Parishad (RAEP), [email protected] 179. Shri Bijaya Jani ( Village President), [email protected] 180. Shri Biju Sabar, [email protected] 181. Shri Bira m Soren, Mayurbhanj Hanat Paranik, [email protected] 182. Shri Bisambar Mura, General Secretary, All India Jan Adhikar Suraksha Committee, [email protected] 183. [email protected] 184. Shri Boobathi Raja.V, S/O.K.Veerappan, Samiyarpudur, Oddanchatram, Dindigul [email protected] 185. Shri Boopathi, Naam Thamizhar Party, Tamil Nadu, [email protected] 186. [email protected] 187. Shri Brian Lobo [email protected] SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 209 Sl. No. Name 188. Shri Brijesh CS, [email protected] 189. Ms Brinda Karat, Member, Polit Bureau, CPI(M), Former Member, Rajya Sabha, [email protected] 190. Shri B.vijayaprabakaran [email protected] 191. Shri C. Kugan [email protected] 192. Shri C.M. Kartik Kumar, [email protected] 193. Shri C.R Bijoy, [email protected] 194. Shri C. Suresh, NTK Environmental Wing 195. Shri C.V. Anandan, cvan [email protected] 196. [email protected] 197. [email protected] 198. Shri Cedric Savio Dsouza 199. Shri CH Varte, Joint Secretary, Hmar Inpui (Hmar Supreme House),Assam Hills Region, Assam, India 200. Shri Chambra Munda, AT –Kusumdihi, PO -Kalta, Dist -Sundar garh, Odisha, 770052 201. Shri Chanchara Sahi Gramsabha At -Chanchara Sahi, Po -Mundula, Via-Kodala, Dist - Ganjam, Odisha, Pin- 761032 202. Shri Chandru Chawla, [email protected] 203. [email protected] 204. Shri Cha rles Ebinezer, [email protected] 205. Shri Charles Teunissen, Botterland, Zevenaar [email protected], [email protected] 206. Shri Chetan Agarwal, [email protected] 207. Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan, Conveners – Shri Sudesh Tikam, Shri Manish Kunj am, Shri Bijay Bhai, Ms. Shalini Gera, Shri Ramakant Banjare, Shri Nandkumar Kashyap, Shri Alok Shukla, [email protected] 208. Shri Chiranjit Roy, Durgapur -713212, West Bengal [email protected], [email protected] 209. Shri Chitra Iyer Sah, Headingly Cottage, Nainital -263002 [email protected], [email protected] 210. Shri Chitrakar Majhi, on Behalf of Mahulmunda Gram sabha [email protected] 211. Shri Clara Vaz Goa [email protected] 212. Shri Cleo Wendy, [email protected] 213. Col CP Muthanna [Retd], Hon Secretary, Environment and Health Foundation [India], [email protected] 214. Concerned Punekars, C/o Sarang Yadwad kar, A -10 Pradnyangad, Sr. No. 119/3, Sinhgad Raod, Pune - 30 215. Shri Cuz Judas S. Barreto, [email protected] 216. Shri D. Ajith Kumar, [email protected] 217. Shri D. E. Asokan, [email protected] 218. Shri D. Manokaran, [email protected] 219. Shri D. Raja, [email protected] 220. Shri Dadio Podar, Gram Sabha, GP -Haldi, District Balangir, Odisha [email protected] Sl. No. Name 221. Dahu Gramsabha, Dahu, Hatmunda, PS - Brahmanigon, Dist -Kandhamal, 762021, Odisha, [email protected] 222. Shri Dakshina Ranjan Kisku, West Bengal -713209, Bardhaman, [email protected] , [email protected] 223. Shri Daman Kumar, Pahari Gate Hariana -144208 V.P.O Hariana 224. Shri Dandasi Sabar ( Village President), [email protected] 225. Shri Danny R., Anand Park , Pune -411007 [email protected], [email protected] 226. Shri David Rodrigues, H.No.191, Murmo Vaddo, Tamsheriem, Borim. Ponda, Goa - 403401 227. Shri Dayasagar Patil, Savali, Plot No 476/A 2nd Cross Bhagyanagar, Belgaum -590006 228. Shri Debadityo Sinha, Lead, Climate & Ecos ystems, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, A -232, Defence Colony, New Delhi - 110024 229. Shri Debaraj Budek, on Behalf of Masina Gram Sabha [email protected] 230. Shri Debi Goenka, Executive Trustee, Conservation Action Trust, 5 SahakarBhavan, 1st Floo r, LBS Marg, Narayan Nagar, Ghatkopar (West),Mumbai 400086 231. Shri Deekshith N, 428 5th Main Road Domlur Village Domlur, Bengaluru -560071 [email protected], [email protected] 232. Shri Deepak, [email protected] 233. Shri Deepak Gogate, thandademag@gmail .com 234. Shri Deepak Holkar, Bhigwan -413105 [email protected], [email protected] 235. Shri Deepak kumar, 4th block,Koramangala , Bangalore -560034 236. [email protected] 237. [email protected] 238. Shri Deivasigamani R., Bryant nagar , Thoothukudi -628008 239. Shri Denis Fernandes, House No. 405, Agas,Loliem, Canacona, Goa. 240. Shri Devaki Kunte [email protected] 241. Shri Dhanasekar. K, [email protected] 242. Shri Dhanraj Karthikeyan, Thiruvarur, Tamilnadu -613701, [email protected] 243. Shri Dhanush Chandra, Water T ank Road , Bengaluru -560085 [email protected], [email protected] 244. Shri Dharmaraj C S, Our Own Nature, Reg.No.68/10, P.O.Krishnagiri, Meenangadi,Wayanad Dist,Kerala -673591 245. Dharma Babu, No. 2/5, First floor, Sardar colony first street, Ek 600032 Chenn ai [email protected] , [email protected] 246. [email protected] 247. Shri Dheeran Mukesh, [email protected] 248. Shri Dhinakaran V [email protected] 249. [email protected] 250. Shri Dhiraj U Mirajkar, B.Sc., LL.M., Legal Advisor to Sanja y Gandhi National Park (2000 - 2023), Legal Advisor to Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Foundation of Maharashtra (2020 - 2023), 405 -406 Kanchan Holy Cross Road, Borivali West, Mumbai 400103 251. Dhobapadar Gramasabha Post - Haridaguda, Block -Borigumma Ps -B.Singhpur, Dist -Koraput Odisha, Pin-764057 [email protected] SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 211 Sl. No. Name 252. Shri Dhruvang Sunil Hingmire, 4, Vrindavan society, Near Mhatre bridge, Pune - 411030 253. Shri Dhuruvan Selvamani, Spoke Person, Naam Tamilar Katchi [email protected] 254. Shri Diamond D F ernandes (Indian Citizen) [email protected] 255. Shri Dickson Agnelo Pereira (Indian Citizen) [email protected] 256. Shri Dileep Kumar Yadav (I.F.S.), Divisional Forest Officer, Garhwa North Forest Division, Van Bhawan, Kutchery Road, Garhwa, Jha rkhand -822114 257. Shri Dilip Chakma, Executive Director, Indigenous Rights Advocacy Centre (IRAC), [email protected] 258. Shri Dilip Gode, Executive Director, VNCS, Vidarbha Nature Conse rvation Society,B -401, Gondawana - Dhruv Apartments, KT Nagar, Katol Road, Nagpur -440013 259. Shri Dilli Rajan, [email protected] 260. Ms. Dimple Asha, 4 -280/2A, Balaji Nagar -517002 Chittoor 261. Shri Dinesh Kumar Agrawal, S/o Late Moti Lal Agrawal, 1/24, Fir st Floor, Charmwood Village, Eros Garden, Suraj Kund, Faridabad -121009. 262. Shri Dinesh Kumar G, [email protected] 263. Ms. Dipti Arora, [email protected] 264. District Forest Right Group Member, 15 Ward M ember, Vettaikaranpudhur, Dapslip, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 265. [email protected] 266. Ms. Divya Sree, Jettypalem, Venkatagiri -524132 [email protected], [email protected] 267. Ms. Dolly Pandya, Mangal Bagh Street No. 1, Gurudwara Road , Jamnagar -3610 01 268. [email protected] 269. Domturunji Gramasabha Post - Haridaguda, Block -Borigumma Ps -B.Singhpur, Dist -Koraput Odisha, Pin-764057 [email protected] 270. Dr. Arvind Kumar Jha, PCCF & DG (SFD), Maharashtra, Member (Bar Council of High Court of Bomba y and Goa) 271. Dr. Ashok Kaushal [email protected] 272. Dr. Bhushi Venkata Rao. Convenor, Visakha Dalit Unity Forum, Bhushi Bhavan, Ashok Nagar, Desapalrunipalem, Nea Check Post, Parawada(M), Visakhapatnan -531021 273. Dr. D K Sriwastwa IFS Rtd, Secretary, S ILVAN, [email protected] 274. Dr. H.S Gupta, Ranchi -834002., Jharkhand (India) 275. Dr. Thimmappaiah G, Vijayanagar , Bangalore -560040 [email protected] 276. Dr. A. Simon Justin, [email protected] 277. Dr. Balathand ayuthabani P, PhD (Sweden) Environmental Science [email protected] 278. Dr. Fr. Bolmax Fidelis Pereira, Convenor, Diocesan Commission For Ecology Goa (DCE), [email protected] 279. Dr. Kalpana S Gupte gupte.sank [email protected] 280. Dr. Kishor Moghe 19,Vishalnagar, Moha, Dhamangaon Road, Yavatmal - 445001 281. Dr. M. Saren, Paranik/President (B.J.M, P.M.),Barsarsa, P.O. Itachuna,Block - Pandua, District - Hooghly, W.B. 282. Dr. M.P. Singh, IFS, Director, Institute of Wood Sc ience and Technology, 18Cross, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru - 560 003 Sl. No. Name 283. Dr. Mailaraaj, [email protected], 13.05.2023 08.37 284. Dr. Mairee Chet, [email protected] 13.05.2023 08.27 285. Dr. N M Saran MD Physician (Russia & Armenia), nmsaran2040@gmail .com 286. Dr. Sejal Worah, Programme Director, WWF India, [email protected] 287. Dr. T. Santhosh Raj, [email protected] 288. Shri Durai, [email protected] 289. Shri Durairaj [email protected] 290. Shri Durga M, Ad yar, Chennai -600020 291. Shri Durgacharan Hembram, (vice president,Mayurbhanj Surakhya Manch) BadNaran Majhi, (Advisor, Mayurbhanj Surakhya Manch) [email protected] 292. Shri Durgacharan Singh, Working P resident of Bahujan Mukti Party (BMP), District Unit Mayurbhanj, Odisha At :— Kanchanpal, PO :— Orachandabilla, PS :— Betnoti, Dist :— Mayurbhanj, State :— Odisha, Pin: 757103 293. Shri E Sathish Kumar, [email protected] 294. Shri E Tamilselvan, ts0582020@ gmail.com 295. Shri E. Batsha, Naam Tamilr Katchi, [email protected] 296. Shri A. Manikanandan, [email protected] 297. Shri E. Rasaiya, [email protected] 298. Shri E. Tamilselvan, [email protected] 299. Shri E.A.S.Sarma, 14 -40-4/1 Gokhale Road, Maharanipeta , Visakhapatnam - 530002 300. Ms. R Kanagapriyaa, [email protected] 301. [email protected] 302. [email protected] 303. Shri Eliel D'Souza, Panaji 403002, North Goa, Panaji [email protected] [email protected] 304. [email protected] 305. Ms. Elisabe th Bechmann, Neugebäudeplatz 4 / 67, St. Pölten, [email protected], [email protected] 306. Er. Royson E. Da Costa Consultant Civil Engineer, [email protected] 307. [email protected] 308. Shri Eswar M, 250, Santhiyakinatru Street, Srivilliputhur -626125 309. Shri Eswara, [email protected] 310. [email protected] 311. Shri Fahad CV, #202 Sri Ram NIlaya Apartments, 145, AECS B Block, Wellington Paradise, Begur, Bengaluru, Karnataka -560068, Bangalore 312. Ms. Fatima M Noronha [email protected] 313. Shri Felix Furtado, H. No. 330,Cavorim,Chandor, Salcete,Goa -403714 314. Shri Felix Pereira, H. No. 642, Moll ward,Sao Jose de Areal, Salcete Goa 403709 315. Forest Rights Committee, Distt. - Bayurbhanj, Odisha SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 213 Sl. No. Name 316. Shri Francis, francismmvdj@g mail.com 317. Shri Francis Selvaraj, [email protected] 318. Shri Fred Hamilton Hamilton, Hiranandani Gardens Powai, Mumbai -400076 [email protected] [email protected] 319. Shri G Dhayalan, [email protected] 320. Shri G Maharajan, [email protected] m 321. Shri G. Munisamy, [email protected] 322. Shri G. Prasanna, [email protected] 323. Shri G. Prasannavenkatesh, [email protected] 324. Shri G. Rajasekar., [email protected] 325. [email protected] 326. Shri Ganesan Pazhani , 25/162 Kali Amman koil Street Virugambakkam -600092 Chennai 327. Shri Ganesh G, Chennai -600019 [email protected], [email protected] 328. Shri Ganesh Sabar, [email protected] 329. Shri Ganesh Veluswami , Thilagar Street , Chennai -600091 [email protected], [email protected] 330. ganesht [email protected] 331. Shri Ganga Majhi, on Behalf of Rautmunda Gram sabha, District - Balangir, Odisha, [email protected] 332. Shri Gangadhar Majhi , At - Ganjaudar Po /via Turekela, Dist - Balangir (Odisha) Pin 767060, [email protected] 333. Shri Gaurish Angawalkar, 25/C/104,Green Hill Goregaon East Near NNP 1&2 , Mumbai -400065 334. Shri Gehla Charan Munda, AT-Birtola, P.O. -Darjing, Via -lahunipara, PS -Chandiposh, Pin -770040, State - odisha [email protected] 335. Shri Gerald C, 44 Bajanai Madam St reet, Pondicherry - 605003 [email protected] 336. Shri Ghana Majhi, on Behalf of Barakani gram sabha [email protected] 337. [email protected] 338. Gilinda Gramsabha At -Gilinda, Po -Angaragaon, Via -Sumandal, Dist - Ganjam, Odisha, Pin - 761035 [email protected] 339. [email protected] 340. [email protected] 341. Shri Gnanamuthu, [email protected] 342. Shri Gnanamuthu. T, [email protected] 343. [email protected] 344. Shri Gnanasekar, [email protected] 345. Shri Gobinda Majhi, o n Behalf of Jharani gram sabha [email protected] 346. Shri Gogulan. S, [email protected] 347. Shri Gokul KR, 16 Brindavan Road Salem -636016 Sl. No. Name 348. Shri Gopal, [email protected] 349. Shri Gopalakrishnan Srinivasan, 1 -1/438, Rasi Nagar, Mohan Nagar P.O., Salem – 636030 350. Shri Gopi Vijayakumar, [email protected] 351. Shri Gopikrishnan N, [email protected] 352. Shri Gopinath K, 36/47, Nachiappa Street , Chennai -600004 353. Shri Goutam Rana, AT Pandaren P.O. - Kuibahal, Via- Turekela, Dist Bala ngir [email protected] 354. Shri Govindarasu, [email protected] 355. Shri Gowri Shankar Manimuthu, Senganoor, boominaikenpatty, 636304 Salem [email protected] , [email protected] 356. Shri Gowtham M, Environmentalist, [email protected] 357. Shri Gowthamraj Kandasamy, Tamil Nadu, [email protected] 358. [email protected] 359. Gramasabha Samuha, Dadapalla Block, Nayagarh Odisha, Odisha. [email protected] 360. Gudikia Gramasabha, P.O. Gudikia, PS -Brahmanigam, District Kan dhamal, Odisha [email protected] 361. Gumandi Gramasabha, [email protected] 362. Shri Gura Singh, Member of Rashtriya Adivasi Ekta Parishad, District Unit , ayurbhanj, Odisha At :— Kandaliasole, PO :— Sankerko, PS :— Badasahi, Dist :— Mayurbhanj State :— Odisha, Pin :— 757024 363. Shri Gurudas Nulkar [email protected] 364. Shri Hamza Tariq, Kanuni Lok Sahayta Kendra -Mandvi [email protected] 365. Shri Hannan Mollah, [email protected] 366. Haraguda Gramasabha, [email protected] 367. Shri Harald Nixon C C, [email protected] 368. Shri Haraprasad Raut, on behalf of Dumermunda Gramsabha zindabadsangathanbgr@g mail.com 369. Shri Hari Krish, 620 Bharathi Road, Chennai -600050 370. Shri Hariharan. K, [email protected] 371. [email protected] 372. Shri Hariprasad G, [email protected] 373. Shri Haripriya Haridasan, Eliyan House , illipuram, PO: Irinave, District Kannur -670301 374. Shri Harish N, Mahadeshwarnagar , Bangalore -560091 [email protected] 375. [email protected] 376. Shri Haritha M, Meledath House , Thaliparamba -670581 377. [email protected] 378. [email protected] 379. [email protected] 380. Ms. Hema Chari, [email protected] 381. Hema Chari, [email protected] 382. Ms. Hema Ramani, Campaigns Director [email protected] SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 215 Sl. No. Name 383. Shri Hemant Kumar Lodhi, Middle High Teacher, Gram+Post - Kundli, Tehsil - Hilwani, District - Raisen (MP) 384. Shri Hemanth, [email protected] 385. Shri Hemasagar Dharua, At Khutulumunda, Po Kantabanji, Dist Balangir, Odisha [email protected] 386. Shri Himanshu Singh, Bijliasi, 226003 Lucknow 387. Shri Hussain Ahamed. [email protected] , Software Engineer. [email protected] 388. Shri I. Jayaraman, [email protected] 389. [email protected] 390. Shri Inamdar Tabussum S., Advocate, Mumbai High Court 391. Shri Inder Jit Singh, D 383, Defence Colony -110024, New Delhi 392. Indigenous Lawyers Association of India C3/441, Top Floor, Janakpuri, New Delhi -110058 393. [email protected] 394. Shri Infant Prakash, inf [email protected] 395. [email protected], Kachchh Camel Breeder’s Association 396. Initiative for Social Inclusion & Change, Silchar, Cachar, Assamm, [email protected] 397. Shri Iniyan PK, Ayothidhasar Nagar , Madurai -625514 [email protected], info@jha tkaa.org 398. [email protected] 399. Shri Iona Yvette Fernande, Goa [email protected] 400. Shri J Chandralega, Advocate, Thiruppullani, Ramanathapuram 623532 [email protected] 401. Shri J Johnwesly, [email protected] 402. Shri J. Loganathan, 4u.l [email protected] 403. Shri J. Richard Amalraj [email protected] 404. Shri J.F. Jino (President), Mountainside Farmers Association, Kamarajapuram, Thadikkarankonam (Post) Kanniyakumari Dist. -629851 405. jabezduke9 [email protected] 406. Shri Jacob Raja, [email protected] 407. Shri Jadelin Athena, 3 51 24 Arokia Nagar Muthalakurchy Thuckalay Post Kanyakumari Dist. Kanyakumari - 629175, Tamil Nadu 408. Shri Jaffer Li, [email protected] 409. Shri Jaffer Ali, jaffersara786@gmail .com 410. Shri Jagadeesh S, 24/31, Perumal 1st Street, Purasaiwalkam Chennai -600007 411. Shri Jagadish G Shet, Nagara -577425, Hosanagara Tq, Shivamogga Dist [email protected] 412. Shri Jagan Shekhar, [email protected] 413. [email protected] 414. Shri Jainam Sheth, Mulund west -400080, Mumbai [email protected], [email protected] 415. Shri James Zacharias, Former Forest Officer, Kerala [email protected] 416. Ms Janaki Gandhi , #6 Shivalik Apartment, 88 Anand P ark , Pune -411007 417. Ms Janani, Parisar Pune [email protected] Sl. No. Name 418. Shri Janardan Nayak, Milita Adibasi Kalyan Monch, Keonjhar, Odisha -758001 419. Shri Janarthanan Mani [email protected] 420. Shri Janarthanan Mohan, 269 new Street Kedambur, Ambur -635808 421. Janibili Gramsabha At -Janibili, Po -Mardamekha, Via -Kodala, Dist - Ganjam, Odisha, Pin - 761032 [email protected] 422. Jarapalli Gramsabha At -Jarapalli, Po -Badapalli, Via -Khallikote, Dist - Ganjam, Odisha, Pin - 761029 [email protected] 423. Ms. Jaya Sabar ( Vi llage President) At - Telimal, Po - Jagilipadar, Via - Kodala, Dist - Ganjam, Odisha, Pin- 761032 424. [email protected] 425. Shri Jayakumar, [email protected] 426. Ms. Jayanti K. Ramani (Lakdawala) [email protected] 427. Shri Jayapal Balaji, balaji21 [email protected] 428. [email protected] 429. [email protected] 430. [email protected] 431. [email protected] 432. [email protected] 433. Shri Jeferry Rebello, President, United Planters Association of Southen India (UPASI), Coonoor, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu 434. Shri Jegan Raj, [email protected] 435. Shri Jeganathan S., [email protected] 436. Jesufair Environmental Activist, [email protected] 437. Shri Jeya S, [email protected] 438. [email protected] 439. Shri Jeyaraj, jeyamjeyar [email protected] 440. Shri Jodi Rodar, 223 North Valley Road , Pelham 441. Shri John Mark Pena, President, Hmar Students’ Association, HSA Campus, Muolhoi, Haflong, Dima Hasao, Pin-788819 442. Shri John paul, [email protected] 443. Shri John Peppin, johnpeppin19 [email protected] 444. Shri Jon Botham, [email protected] 445. Shri Jose Carlos Da Veiga Gracias, 54 Borda Fatorda Goa 403602 [email protected] 446. Shri Joseph D'costa (Indian Citizen) joseph.dcosta@3i -infotech.com 447. Shri Joseph Hoover, Former member, State Boa rd for Wildlife, Karnataka, Independent Senior Journalist [email protected] 448. [email protected] 449. Ms. Jothimageswari R, [email protected] 450. [email protected] SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 217 Sl. No. Name 451. Shri Jubaraj Dharua, AT Barakani, P. O. Jamkhunta, Via- Sindhekela, Dist -Balangir [email protected] 452. Shri Juheb Jhony, Barak, Assam [email protected] 453. [email protected] 454. Ms. Jyoti Pande Lavakare [email protected] 455. Jyoti Pande Lavakare, [email protected] 456. Shri Jyotiraditya Chillal, Gandhinagar -411041, Narayanpet [email protected], [email protected] 457. Shri K .Jagadeesan Dhana [email protected] 458. Shri K Suresh Nayak, Member, NECF, Mangaluru, Karnataka [email protected] 459. Shri K. Elumalai, [email protected] 460. Shri K. Johnson, [email protected] 461. Shri K. Murugesan, [email protected] 462. Ms. K. Rajalakshmi, [email protected] 463. Shri K. Silamabarasan, [email protected] 464. Shri K. Silamabarasan, [email protected] 465. Shri K. Silambarasan, [email protected] 466. Shri K. Venkatesh, [email protected] 467. Shri K. Venkatraman, G eneral Secretary – Thamizh Thesiya Periyakkam, (Thamizh National Movement), SP – 10 / 34, First Sector, Third Street, First Floor, Kalaignar Karunanithi Nagar, Chennai – 600 078. 468. Shri K. Vijayakumar, [email protected] 469. Shri K. Yuvaraj, yuvrajuv591@gm ail.com 470. Shri K.A.S.S.Rahman [email protected] 471. Shri K.M. Kajendiran, NTK MEMBER, [email protected] 472. Shri K.Nuagan Gramsabha, PS -Brahmanigam, District Kandhamal, Odisha [email protected] 473. [email protected] 474. Shri Kaartikeyan , Vellore, [email protected] 475. Shri Kailash. S, [email protected] 476. Shri Kalaigukan Mathivanan, [email protected] 477. Shri Kalaimani, [email protected] 478. Shri Kalaimaran A, 302 A Harihar Residency, Tiruchi -620020 479. Shri Kalaivendan J, [email protected] 480. Shri Kalidadan, [email protected] 481. Shri Kalimuthu S [email protected] 482. [email protected] 483. Shri Kalpavriksh [email protected] 484. Shri Kamal Rat hi, Naturalist and Conservationist, [email protected] 485. Ms. Kamali Sudhakar, [email protected] Sl. No. Name 486. [email protected] 487. [email protected] 488. Shri Kameswar Majhi, At - Kadalipali, P O Mahak hand, Dist Balangir [email protected] 489. [email protected] 490. Shri Kankani Pdar, Gram Sabha, GP -Malisira, District Balangir, Odisha 491. [email protected] 492. Shri Karan Bhure, Tatya Tope Nagar Nagpur -440015 [email protected], info@jh atkaa.org 493. Shri Karn Debara, Gram Sabha, GP -Gudighat, District Balangir, Odisha [email protected] 494. Kartas Gramasabha , Post-Haridaguda, Block -Borigumma Ps -B.Singhpur, Dist -Koraput , Odisha, Pin -764057 495. Shri Karthi, [email protected] 496. Shri Karthick, [email protected] 497. Shri Karthick Manickam, No . 46/52 Valluvan Street, Chennai -600012 498. Shri Karthick R, [email protected] 499. Shri Karthik, [email protected] 500. Shri Karthik M, [email protected] 501. Shri Karthikeyan S, Kanchipuram, [email protected] 502. [email protected] 503. [email protected] 504. [email protected] 505. Shri Karti k Lunge, Raheja vistas, near Royal Heritage mall, Pune -411060 506. [email protected] 507. [email protected] 508. [email protected] 509. [email protected] 510. Shri Kaushalendra Kumar Jha IFS (Retd) Former PCCF, Uttar Pradesh 511. Shri Kavidasan P, 1, Govindraj Street demallows Road Choolai -600112 , Chennai 512. Shri Kavin, [email protected] 513. [email protected] 514. [email protected] 515. Ms. Kavita Mehta, Executive Director, Sahjeevan, 1 75-Jalaram Society, B/h. Vishwamangal Apartment, Vijaynagar, Bhuj 370 001 Kachchh, Gujarat, INDIA 516. Ms. Kavitha Devi Anbazhagan, Radhanagar Main Road, Chennai -600044 [email protected], [email protected] 517. Shri Kaviyarasan N. , [email protected] 518. [email protected] 519. Shri Kaza Ramana Prasad, Yapral, Hyderabad -500087 [email protected] 520. Shri Keerthivasan T, New Colony Street Keezh Edaiyalam, Tindiva nam -604302 [email protected], [email protected] SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 219 Sl. No. Name 521. Shri Kesar Singh, Social worker and resident Village Kot, Dist. Faridabad, Haryana 522. Shri Keshav Jangid, Near Neelkanth public school, khari kothi mohalla, Dausa -303303 523. Ms. Ketaki Patil , kvp.ke [email protected] 524. [email protected] 525. Khadakpada Adivasi Gaothan Main Pump House, Aarey Milk Colony, Goregaon East, Mumbai - 400065, [email protected] 526. Khajuri Sahi Gramasabha At -Khajuri Sahi, Po -Badapalli, Via-Khallikote, Dist - Ganjam , Odisha, Pin - 761029 [email protected] 527. Khandyanal Gramsabha At -Khandyanal, Po -Badapalli, Via-Khallikote, Dist - Ganjam, Odisha, Pin - 761029 [email protected] 528. [email protected] 529. [email protected] 530. [email protected] 531. Kovilpatti Forest Rights Committee, Nilgiris Dist. Masinagudi Post -643223, Tamil Nadu 532. [email protected] 533. Shri Krishna Chandra Chattar, Rastriya Adivasi Ekta Parishad, District President/Co -ordinator, District - Keonjhar, Odisha 534. Shri Krishna Kumar D, Periyar N agar- 626203, Sattur [email protected], [email protected] 535. Shri Krishna Prasath G, Naam Thamizhar Katchi – Chennai, [email protected] 536. Shri Krishna Raj, Jeeva Nagar, 605602 Villupuram, [email protected], [email protected] 537. Ms. Krishna Val li M, [email protected] 538. [email protected] 539. Shri Krishnan Nimmathi , 889, Malligai St, Anbarasu Nagar , Poonamallee -600123 540. Ms. Kriti Mehra, Malad W , Mumbai -400064 [email protected] 541. Shri Krunal Bhagat, Achole Road, Nalasopara East, Maharashtra -401209 Vasai 542. Shri Kshetramohan Majhi , AT Pingalmunda, P.O. Ghunasar, Via - Khaprakhol Dist Balangir, Odisha [email protected] 543. Shri Kuldip Singh, Member of Rashtriya Adivasi Ekta Parishad (RAEP), District Unit Mayurbhanj, Odisha At:— Kukudakhumpi, PO :— Kuchei, PS :— Kuliana, Dist :— Mayurbhanj, State :— Odisha, Pin: 757105 544. [email protected] 545. kuma [email protected] 546. [email protected] 547. Kutani Jhoran Gramsabha, GP -Gudighot, District Balangir, Odisha [email protected] 548. Shri Kuttalam, [email protected] 549. Shri L J R aj, [email protected] 550. Shri L Kumar, Vyasar Nagar 6th Street, Vyasarpadi , Chennai -600039 [email protected] [email protected] 551. Shri L. Senthilkumar , [email protected] 552. Shri Lakapati Bag, A T-Gudramunda, P.O. Kuibahal, Via - Turekela , Dist Balangir [email protected] Sl. No. Name 553. Shri Lakhia Sabar, [email protected] 554. Shri Lakshmanakumaran Kumaran , 175/176, Radhakrishnan Nagar, Avaniapuram Byepass Road , Madurai - 625012 555. Shri Lakshmanan R, [email protected] 556. [email protected] 557. [email protected] 558. Ms. Lalita Premsila Lakra, Block -lathikata, V ill-Birkera, District -Sundagarh (Odidhsa) [email protected] 559. Shri Lalri nghnem Pulamte, Secretary, Hmar Women's Association, Assam Hills Region, Hqr Muolhoi, Haflong, Assam 560. Shri Lalrothang Thiek, General Secretary ,Hmar Youth Association N. Chills Joint Headquarters Muolhoi,Haflong, [email protected] 561. Shri Latasahada, Gram Sabha, GP -Gudighat, District Balangir, Odisha [email protected] 562. Shri Laxmidhara sahoo, [email protected] 563. [email protected] 564. Ms. Leona Delphi, [email protected] 565. [email protected] 566. Shri Lochan Bariha, on Behalf og Barla Gram S abha, AT - Barla , P.O. Ghunesh PS-Turekela , Dist. Balangir [email protected] 567. [email protected] 568. [email protected] 569. [email protected] 570. Shri Lokesh P., No . 6/2, Ashok Nagar, 600 083 Chennai 571. Ms. Lona Yvette Fernande, Goa 572. Shri S. Shiva, [email protected] 573. [email protected] 574. Shri M Karthik, [email protected] 575. Shri M Kavin, [email protected] 576. Shri M Nishar Ahamed, [email protected] 577. Shri M. Palaniswami, [email protected] 578. Shri M. Antony Stephen [email protected] 579. Shri M. Anand, [email protected] 580. Shri M. Baskaran, [email protected] 581. Shri M. Gopalsami, Muthumari Amman, Kovil Keela, Velipalaoam, Nagapatina m 582. Shri M. Isai Desan [email protected] 583. Shri M. Jeeva, [email protected] 584. Shri M. Kaja [email protected] SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 221 Sl. No. Name 585. Shri M. Kathiresan, [email protected] 586. Shri M. Kesavan [email protected] 587. Shri M. Lakshamanan, [email protected] 588. Shri M. Mohamed Kani, [email protected] 589. Shri M. Muthukrishnan, [email protected] 590. Shri M. Muthukrishnan, [email protected] 591. Shri M. Pandian, Presidient, Theni District Farmers Union, Periyakulam, Tamil Nadu mvetrivelformer19 [email protected] 592. Shri M. Prabaharan, [email protected] 593. Shri M. Prabhakaran, [email protected] 594. Shri M. Sathish, [email protected] 595. Shri M. Sathishkumar, [email protected] 596. Shri M. Subramanian, Secretary, Maramalai Planters Association, Vivekanandan Street, K.P. Road, Nagarcoil -629001 597. Shri M. Venkatesan, [email protected] 598. Shri M. Antony Stephen [email protected] 599. Shri M. Asisa [email protected] 600. Shri M. Kesavan 601. Shri M. Deepan, [email protected] 602. Shri Madan Sharma , [email protected] 603. Shri Mahesh Kumar BN [email protected] 604. Shri Maheswar Dharua, on behalf of Sanbanki Gram sabha , District - Balangir, Odisha [email protected] 605. Shri Malarvizhi Ekambaram, 10/17A, 8th Street, B.V. Nagar, Pazhavanthangal Chennai -600114, Tamil Nadu 606. Shri Maneck Kapadia, Havelock Rd., Camp, Belgaum -590001 607. Shri Mangilal Gujjar, Jangal Jamin Jan Andolan, [email protected] 608. Shri Mani, [email protected] 609. Shri Manian NTK, [email protected] 610. [email protected] 611. [email protected] 612. Shri Manika Sabar ( Village President), [email protected] 613. Shri Manikandan K K, [email protected] 614. Shri Manikandan Kuppusamy , [email protected] 615. Shri Manikandan S, [email protected] 616. Shri Manikandan M, [email protected] 617. [email protected] 618. Shri Maninder Singh [email protected] 619. Shri Manish Ghurde , Amravati -444607 [email protected], [email protected] Sl. No. Name 620. [email protected] 621. Ms. Manjushri [email protected] 622. Shri Manohar [email protected] 623. Shri Manoj Negi, Brothers Apartment, I.P. Extension, Patparganj, Delhi -110092 [email protected], [email protected] 624. Shri ManojKumar, manojindian912@gmai l.com 625. Shri Mansoor Ali , [email protected] 626. [email protected] 627. Marad Gramasabha , Post- Haridaguda, Block -Borigumma Ps -B.Singhpur, Dist -Koraput Odisha, Pin -764057 [email protected] 628. Shri Marcos Agos tinho dos Santos [email protected] 629. Shri Margaret Viegas, (Indian Citizen ) [email protected] 630. Shri Maria do Carmo Fernandes [email protected] 631. Shri Maria Jacinta de Silva (Indian Citizen) [email protected] 632. Shri Maria Jegan, Estimation Supervisor, ZIMIPCO Dammam, K.S.A., [email protected] 633. Shri Mariappa T, [email protected] 634. Shri Mariappan, [email protected] 635. Shri Mariya Bakiya Raj , [email protected] 636. Shri Mariya Mary Joseph , Mundoor h, Panathady. P.O., Cherupanathady, Kasaragod -671532 [email protected] [email protected] 637. Shri Mariyamuthu M, [email protected] 638. [email protected] 639. Shri Mathan Kumar, Jailaniyastreet 6th Cross, Subramani apuram -620020, Trichy 640. Shri Mathan Muthuswamy , 22-12, Ananthapadmanabhapuram -629901, Nagercoil 641. Shri Mathavan M , [email protected] 642. Shri Mathumitha Sathiyamoorthy, MCA, [email protected] 643. Shri Mayank Mikhail Mukherjee, Advocate, Chambers o f Mayank Mikhail Mukherjee, B6/58, Terrace, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi - 110 029 644. Mayurbhanj Jungle Manch, AT -Jyotipur, P.O. Goudadiha, Baripada, Mayabhan -757003, Odisha [email protected] 645. Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, Village - Devdungri, Pos t - Barar, District - Rajsamand, Rajasthan, India - 313341, [email protected] 646. Ms. Meenakshi Kapoor and Ms. Krithika A Dinesh, Independent Environmental Researcher [email protected] 647. Ms. Meenal Tat pati, Salisbury Park, Pune -411037 [email protected] [email protected] 648. Ms. Meera [email protected] 649. Shri Melvi Fernandes , (Indian citizen) [email protected] 650. Shri Mervin, [email protected] 651. Shri Mervyn Vales, [email protected] SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 223 Sl. No. Name 652. Minapur Gramsabha At -Minapur, Po -Badapalli, Via -Khallikote, Dist - Ganjam, Odisha, Pin - 761029 [email protected] 653. Minjapanka Gramasabha, [email protected] 654. Shri Mirona Afonso (Indian Citizen) [email protected] 655. Shri Misbah Qureshi, 40 3/A Wing Kshitij Building , Mumbai -400016 656. Shri Mo Haroon, 4, Kasturi Bai Street, Chennai -600094 657. Shri Mohamed Shareef, [email protected] 658. Mohamed Shareef, [email protected] 659. Shri Mohamed Siddiq, [email protected] 660. Shri Moham ed Thajudeen, [email protected] 661. Shri Mohan M, [email protected] 662. Shri Mohanam, [email protected] 663. [email protected] 664. Ms. Monisha V, [email protected] 665. Shri C. Lalaji, [email protected] 666. Shri Durai [email protected] 667. Shri Edwin Jayakumar, [email protected] 668. Shri Joseph Sequeira Calangute [email protected] 669. Shri D.A. Narayanan ( Serve a Tribe ) ADVOCATE, Coimbatore 312, Lawyers Chambers Distri ct Court complex , Gopalapuram, Coimbatore – 641018, Tamilnadu State 670. Ms. Fatima Fernandes, Siolim -Bardez, Goa [email protected] 671. Ms. Peruma, Naam Tamilar Party, Tamilnadu, [email protected] 672. 1. Ms. Prerna Singh Bindra, Former member, Standing Committee, National Board for Wildlife, Former member, State Board for Wildlife, Uttarakhand, PhD Scholar, University of Cambridge. 2. Ms. Prakriti Srivastava, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Ker ala [email protected], [email protected] 673. Ms. Bhagyashree Panchaly, Pancholy House, PP Singhal Marg, Udaipur, Rajasthan 674. Ms. Qaneez Sukhrani, Convenor - Association of Nagar Road Citizens Forum, A/3 Hermes Drome CHS Ltd., S.no.211/3/1B Viman Nagar, Pune 411 014 675. Ms. Shubhda Deshmukh, Dr Satish Gogulwar, Convener, Amhi Amchya Arogyasathi [email protected] 676. [email protected] 677. [email protected] 678. Shri Mukilan Manikandan, Thelepan Street, P. Vadugapalayam, Palladam -641664 [email protected], [email protected] 679. Shri Mukund V Mavalankar , [email protected] 680. Shri Munindra, IFS (retd) [email protected] 681. Shri Murali Kumar K, T.N, Ranipet, [email protected] 682. [email protected] 683. murugan [email protected] Sl. No. Name 684. [email protected] 685. [email protected] 686. [email protected] 687. [email protected] 688. Ms. Muskan Agarwal, Malvi ya Nagar Delhi, Delhi -302017 [email protected], [email protected] 689. Shri Muthu, [email protected] 690. Shri Muthu Kumaran, [email protected] 691. Shri Muthu Veerasamee, [email protected] 692. Shri Muthukr ishnan Uthaman, Thirunagar -625006, Madurai 693. Shri Muthukumar Gurusamy Kadavur , Mayilampatti -621301 [email protected] 694. Shri Muthukumar S, [email protected] 695. Shri Muthukumar V, [email protected] 696. Shri N Alagu Ponnirul , [email protected] m 697. Shri N K, Katwaria Sarai , New Delhi -110016 [email protected] [email protected] 698. Shri N.K., 560082 Bengaluru [email protected], [email protected] 699. Shri N. Udaya, Member of NECF, Mangalore [email protected] 700. [email protected] 701. Shri Nagara j H Shettar, 1st cross, park extension, Durgigudi, Shivamogga, Karnataka -577201 702. Shri Nagaraja Koove, Ganapathikatte, Koove Post MudigereTaluk , Chickamgalur District 703. Shri Nagesh S.V., 'Navyasgree', 100ft Road, Vinayaka Nagara, Shivamogga -577201 704. Shri Nakul Bariha, AT -Khuripani, P.O. - Rengali, Via - Khaprakhol, District Balangir [email protected] 705. Ms. Namrata Das, J -78/2, Pandav Nagar, Opposite Mother Dairy, New Delhi -400061 706. Shri Na ndha Kumar, Asf3 Barathi Avenue 1st cross street New Perungalathur Tamilnadu , Chennai -600063 707. Shri Narasimma, [email protected] 708. Shri Narendra Armor, President, Forest Right Committee, Village - Morga, Post - Morga, Tahsil - Podi, District - Korba , Chhattisgarh 709. Shri Naresh B, Thiruvanmaiyur - 600018 Chennai [email protected], [email protected] 710. Shri Naresh Jamatia, President, Radhacharan Debbarma, General Secretary, GMP, Tripura. nareshjamatia@g mail.com 711. Ms. Natarajanjothi, M.Com, [email protected] 712. Shri Nathiya Raman, 16/27 Meenakshipuram -629301, Aralvoimozhi 713. National Alliance on CFR and MFP, C/o Dr. Kishor Moghe, 19 Vishal Nagar, Moha, Dhamangaon Road, Yavatmal, Maharashtra - 445001 714. Shri Navaneethakrishnan S, [email protected] 715. Shri Naveen Kumar H C, Hadinaru Village and Post Chatra Hobli Nanjangud , Thaluk Mysore , district, Mysore -571302 [email protected] [email protected] 716. [email protected] SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 225 Sl. No. Name 717. [email protected] 718. Shri Navin, [email protected] 719. Shri K. Navinrajan, [email protected] 720. Shri Nawinrajtamiz, [email protected] 721. Ms. Neela Dhavale [email protected] 722. Ms. Neelam Ahluwalia Nakra, Co -Founder and Trustee, Aravalli Bachao Citizens Movement [email protected] 723. Shri Neenu Somaraj, Sreevalsam, Parippu, P.O. Kottayam, Kerala 724. Ms. Nelisha Trindade, Goa ,Candolim, Mapusa -403515 725. [email protected] 726. Shri Niruban Chakaravarthy, No.8/30A Mettu Street Agraharam Korattur Chennai - 600076 727. Shri Nishikan t Jadhav, Nishikant Bhaskar Jadhav At post shirgaon tehsil Deogad District Sindhudurg - 416610, Maharashtra [email protected] [email protected] 728. Shri Nithin K M, Prestige Willow Tree, Vidyaranyapura , Bangalore -560097 [email protected] info@jhat kaa.org 729. Shri Nitin Shinde , [email protected] 730. Shri Nityan and Shri Jayaraman, S45, 35th Cross, Besant Nagar , Chennai -600090 731. Shri Nivaas Sudhan, C403, Coimbatore -641041 [email protected] [email protected] 732. [email protected] 733. Shri NTK R anipet, [email protected] 734. [email protected] 735. Shri Nu Nizaam Ahmad, [email protected] 736. Nuapalli Gramsabha At -Nuapalli, P O-Badapalli, Via -Khallikote, Dist - Ganjam, Odisha, Pin - 761029 [email protected] 737. Shri Om Ran e, 12, Raigad Society, Mumbai -400078 738. on behalf of Area Sabha Association of Pune (ASAP) [email protected] 1. Ms. Swapna Narayan, Co -ordinator, 2. Shri Ravindra Sinha, Member, 3. Ms. Vaishali Patkar, Member, 4. Shri Makarand Shende, Member, 5. Ms. Hema Chari, Member, 6. Shri Akhilesh Bhandari, Member 7. Shri Satya Natarajan, Member 739. [email protected] 740. Our Race, [email protected] 741. Shri Oviyan K, 1 ayothidhasar nagar, Madurai -614154 [email protected] [email protected] 742. Shri P Mallikharjuna Rao,Hyderabad [email protected] 743. Shri P. Pasupathy, [email protected] Sl. No. Name 744. Shri P. Prakash , [email protected] 745. Shri P. Raghuveer , [email protected] [email protected] 746. Shri P. Ragh uveer, Flat No. 205, Sri Tirumala Prestige Apartments, Hill Top Colony, Erramanzil, Hyderabad - 500 082 747. Shri P. Tamilselvam., Rtd. PSU officer, Vellore, [email protected] 748. Shri P. Thiruvalluvan, [email protected] 749. Shri P. Thiruvalluva n, [email protected] 750. Shri P. Vasanth Raj, Salem,Tamilnadu, [email protected] 751. Shri Pa. Bharatirajaa, [email protected] 752. Shri P.A. Kalidhasan [email protected] . kalidhasanp [email protected] 753. Shri Padmanagarajan, [email protected] 754. Shri Pagala Prudhvi, Ganganagunta - 517507, Tirupati [email protected] [email protected] 755. [email protected] 756. [email protected] 757. Shri Pandiyan, pandiyani [email protected] 758. Shri Pankaj Singh, A Narayanapura , Bengaluru -560016 [email protected] [email protected] 759. Shri Partha Sarathy, Mylapore - 600004, Chennai [email protected], [email protected] 760. Shri Pasupathy, [email protected] 761. Patiasil G ramasabha Post - Haridaguda, Block -Borigumma Ps -B.Singhpur, Dist -Koraput , Odisha, Pin -764057 [email protected] 762. Shri Pavan Kumar, #21,1st Cross Kenchenahalli, Rajarajeshwari Nagar -560098 763. Shri Pavan Kumar, Electronic City -560100, Bangalore, pavangra [email protected] 764. [email protected] 765. Shri Peruamal, Gram Sabha, GP -Haldi, District Balangir, Odisha, [email protected] 766. [email protected] 767. [email protected] 768. Phasikhol Gramsabha AT -Phasikhol, P.O. -Badapalli, V ia-Khallikote, Dist - Ganjam, Odisha, Pin - 761029, [email protected] 769. Shri Phuduku Sabar, on behalf of Mudakani Gram Sabha, [email protected] 770. [email protected] 771. Shri Ponnuppandian, [email protected] 772. Shri Ponnusamy S, 32, Kannimar Kovil Pudur -638661 Tiruppur SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 227 Sl. No. Name 773. [email protected] 774. Shri Poonam Saini, Landscape Architect and Research Scholar, [email protected] 775. Shri Pounvel, [email protected] 776. [email protected] 777. Shri Prabakaran Veera Arasu, Poovulagin Nanbarkal (Friends of Earth), 12th Street, Vaigai Colony, Ashok Pillar, Chennai -600083 778. [email protected] 779. [email protected] 780. Shri Prabhakar Thayumanavan, [email protected] 781. Shri Prabhakaran Veeraarasu, Ramakrishna Nagar-600048, Chengelpet, [email protected] [email protected] 782. Shri Prabuddha Gaikwad, Solapur -413004, [email protected] [email protected] 783. Shri Pradeep Arjunan, Denalai , Coonoor -643102, [email protected] [email protected] 784. Shri Pr adeep Ghumare [email protected] 785. Shri Pradeep Kumar G, [email protected] 786. Shri Pradeep Mokardkar, President, Poinguinkarancho Ekvott judas.barreto1967 @gmail.com 787. Shri Pradeep S, [email protected] 788. Shri Pradeep Singh, Advocate, District Bar Association, Chamoli (Gopeshwar), Gram - Sagar, Post - Gwad Devaldhar, District – Chamoli, Pin - 206401. 789. Shri Pradip Chatterjee, National Convener, NPSSFW [email protected] 790. Shri Pradip Kumar Mahapatra, General Secretary, Paschimbanga Vigyan Mancha, 162 -B, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road, Kolkata – 700 014 791. Shri Pradyumna Behera, on beha lf of Community Network Against Protected Areas (CNAPA) 792. Shri Prakaran Veeraarasu, on behalf of Poovulagin Nanbargal 793. Shri Prakash Manivel , Thular east street , Sendurai -621719, Ariyalur 794. Shri Prakash Shrivastava, D -270, Old Minal Residency, Bhopal -4620 23 [email protected] 795. [email protected] 796. Prakriti Banchao Adivasi Banchao Mancha, Ajodhya Hill, District - Purulia West Bengal, [email protected] 797. Ms. Prakriti Srivasta va, I.F.S, PCCF, Kerala Forest Department 798. Shri Pranab Doley, Assam, JA Shivu, Karnataka, Pradyumna Behera, Odisha, Sharanya Nayak, Odisha, OSR Rajaraman, Tamil Nadu 799. Shri Pranav Kalra, 4, Bamroli Road, Godhra -411045, [email protected] info@jhatka a.org 800. Shri Pranav Takkar, Pandit Parth Extension, Delhi -110051, [email protected] [email protected] 801. Ms. Praneti Lawange, [email protected] 802. Shri Prasadkumar GM, Byndoor Udupi District Sl. No. Name 803. Shri Prasanna Hial, on Behalf of Gadagada bahal Gr am sabha, [email protected] 804. Shri Prasanth D, [email protected] 805. Shri Prasanth Muthuraman, 1/680, Sivasakthi Nagar, Pamban -623521 806. [email protected] 807. Shri Prasath Renganathan , Manjanviduthy, Pudukkottai -622303 808. Ms. Pratibha R, [email protected] 809. Shri Praveen, [email protected] 810. Shri Praveen Bhargav, Trustee - Wildlife First, Former Member - National Board for Wildlife, Author - Wildlife Law for Rangers wildlifefirst@gmai l.com 811. Shri Praveenkumar R, [email protected] 812. Shri Pravin Mathew, Plot No. 326/327,G2, Baba Nagar 2nd Main Road, Villivakkam - 600049, Chennai 813. Shri Pravin Mote [email protected] 814. Shri P ravinsingh Shedgaonkar, [email protected] 815. Shri Premkumar D, Oomerabad , Ambur -635808, [email protected] 816. Shri Premkumar R [email protected] 817. President, Jangle Adhikar Committee, Bandhabhuin, Jhillimili, [email protected] 818. President/Secretary, National Environment Care Federation (NEFC), Mangalore, Karnataka 819. Shri Prince Nadar, [email protected] 820. [email protected] 821. Ms. Priya Kumari, Dharamapuri -636906, Tamil Nadu, [email protected], [email protected] 822. priyaalem [email protected] 823. Ms. Priyadarshini J, 560085 Bangalore, [email protected] 824. Ms. Priyanka Gunjikar, 4, Vrindavan society, Near Mhatre Bridge, Pune -411030 825. Ms. Priyanka Verma, Delhi -110001, [email protected] 826. Prof. Richard Hay, Ex MP, Asset Rangoli, 12 B, M aradu, Kochi -682304. 827. Prof. (Dr.) Tejbir Singh Rana, Department of Geography, Shivaji College, University of Delhi, Delhi -110027 828. Shri Pugal Suriya, [email protected] 829. Shri Pugal, [email protected] 830. Shri Pugazhanthi. M, [email protected] om 831. Pullikata Gramsabha, Odisha, [email protected] 832. Shri Purushothaman. N, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, [email protected] 833. Shri Pushkar Kulkarni [email protected] 834. Shri Pushkar.V.Kulkarni D -901, Kapil Aasamant, Near Shivshakti chowk Pashan Sus road, Pashan, Pune – 411 021 SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 229 Sl. No. Name 835. Shri Pushpa Lingam Padmaraj, [email protected] 836. [email protected], 837. [email protected] 838. R J Travels, No.1 MGR Street, 2nd Cross, Padhuvanchery, Chennai – 126, [email protected] 839. Shri R Prabakaran, [email protected] 840. Ms. R Swarnalatha [email protected] 841. Shri R. Anbarasan, [email protected] 842. Shri R. Anbarasan, Naam Tamilar Party, Thanjavur District Secretary, [email protected] 843. Shri R. Bhuvanendran Tirunelveli, [email protected] 844. Shri R. Elango, [email protected] 845. Shri R. Gopinathan, [email protected] 846. Shri R. Gowtham, [email protected] 847. Shri R. Hariprasath, [email protected] 848. Shri R. Kannan, [email protected] 849. Shri R. Sanjiv, Deputy State Secretary, Anti Bribe Wing, Naam Tamilar Party, [email protected] 850. Shri R. Siva, [email protected] 851. Shri R. Srinivasan, Sales Officer North Arcot Zone, SKM Siddha and Ayurve dics Pvt. Ltd., Vellore, [email protected] 852. Shri R.Mohan, Tamil Nadu, [email protected] 853. Shri R.Murugananatham, [email protected] 854. Shri R.Sivaramakrishnan, [email protected] 855. Shri R. A. Murugananda, [email protected] 856. Shri R abi Sabar, [email protected] 857. [email protected] 858. [email protected] 859. Shri Raj Kumar, 8/1, 13 solaiamman Kovil Street , Purasawalkam -600007 860. Shri Raja C., [email protected] 861. Shri Raja. M, North kattur, Trichy 19, rajaharini [email protected] 862. [email protected] 863. Shri Rajaram, [email protected] 864. Shri Rajaselvam M, South Boag Road , Chennai -600017 865. Shri Rajavel. R, [email protected] 866. Shri Rajeev Savant rajeev_sava [email protected] 867. [email protected] 868. Shri Rajen Tudu, President, Bharat Jakat Majhi Pargana Mahal Juwan Mahal Purulia District [email protected] 869. Shri Rajendra Thilahar, Chengalpet -603101, info@jha tkaa.org Sl. No. Name 870. [email protected] 871. Shri Rajesh Gosalia, C - 314 Antophill Warehouse, Wadala East -400037 Mumbai 872. Shri Rajib Baskey, Raghunathpur,Dahijuri,Binpur, Jhargram -721504, [email protected] 873. Shri RajiniKanth B, [email protected] 874. Shri Rajiv Gandhi, [email protected] 875. Shri Rajkumar Vellore , [email protected] 876. Shri Rajmohan Jegatheesan , 199, Lakeview Road West mambalam -600033, Chennai 877. Rajpur Gramasabha, [email protected] 878. Shri Raju K, 255, 5th cross st, Yeshwanth nagar, Madambakkkam, Tambaram - 600126 879. Shri Ram Kumar. M, [email protected] 880. [email protected] 881. Shri Ramamoorthy, [email protected] 882. Shri Raman, [email protected] 883. Shri Raman 884. Shri Ram anan Ganapathy, [email protected] 885. Rambuli Gramasabha, [email protected] 886. Shri Ramesh Sabar, [email protected] 887. [email protected] 888. Shri Ramkumar, [email protected] 889. Shri Ramkumar B, [email protected] 890. Shri Ranen Bhadr a , 4/C Dhrubesh Chatterjee Lane, PO: Uzarpara, Pin: 712258 Dist: Hooghly 891. Shri Ranjan Sabar ( Village President), [email protected] 892. Ranpudi Gramsabha AT -Rampudi, Po -Pandiripada, Via -Polasara, Dist - Ganjam, Odisha, Pin - 761105, padmalaya103@gmail. com 893. Shri Rans, [email protected] 894. [email protected] 895. Rasaiya Rasa, [email protected] 896. Rastrya Advasi Ekta Parisad, Rourkela 897. Shri Ravi Palanisamy, Mondipalayam, Bhavani -63831, mailravipkumar@gmail. com [email protected] 898. [email protected] 899. Shri Ravichandran k, [email protected] 900. Shri Ravina Raj Kohli [email protected] 901. Shri Ravind ra Nath Saxena IFS (Retd.), Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Government of Madhya Pradesh Bhopal – 462026 (M.P.) 902. Shri Ravindra Sinha, Flat no C -703, Camellia Apartments, Baner Pashan Link RoadPashan, Pune – 411 021 903. Shri Ravindra Velip, H. No. 39/04, Velipwada Caurem Quepem, Goa 904. Shri Ravivarma Kumarasamy, Kuruvikkarambai, Post Petavurani Taluk -614802, [email protected] [email protected] 905. Shri Raymond, [email protected] SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 231 Sl. No. Name 906. [email protected] 907. Shri Richardson Colaço, H. No 1545, Udden Shiroda, Ponda Goa 908. Shri Rishabh Karade, Bibwewadi, Pune -411037, [email protected] [email protected] 909. Shri Rishabh Pardeshi, House no 1165, Olkaiwadi, Lonavala -41040, [email protected] , [email protected] 910. Shri Rishi Kant Chaudhary, Durg -491001, Chhattisgarh 911. Shri Rishi Senthil, Karamadai , Chikkarampalayam -641104, [email protected] [email protected] 912. Shri Rishi [email protected] 913. Ms. Ritanya, [email protected] 914. Shri Ritwick, N -73 Lower Ground Floor, Greater Kailash 1,New Delhi 915. [email protected] 916. [email protected] 917. Shri Rohit M, Tirupur -641652, [email protected] 918. Shri Rohit Menon, Mulund -West -400080, Mumba i, [email protected] [email protected] 919. Shri Rohit Pandit, Secretary General, Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) , PHD House (3rd Floor), 4/2 Siri Institutional Area (Opposite AsianGames Village) , New Delhi – 110 016 (India). 920. Shri Rohi th, Udupi, Karnataka [email protected] 921. [email protected] 922. [email protected] 923. Shri Rooban, Coimbatore district Secretary, Naam Tamil Party, Environmental Wing, [email protected] 924. Ms. Rosaria Pimenta, Convent of Jesus and Mary, Palanpur -385001, [email protected] [email protected] 925. Roseipadar Gramasabha Post - Haridaguda, Block -Borigumma Ps -B.Singhpur, Dist -Koraput Odisha, Pin-764057, [email protected] 926. Shri RP Ganesan BE, 268/2B2, Thennamplayam,Arasur PO, Sulur TK, Coimbatore DT, Tamil Nadu - 641407 927. Ms. Rupa Majhi, on Behalf of Lahumunda Gram Sabha, [email protected] 928. Shri Rupadhar Bag, AT/PO Kuibahal, Via- Turekela, Dist. Balangir , Odisha, zindabadsang [email protected] 929. Shri S Jothimani, Member of Parliament, Karur,Tamil Nadu [email protected] 930. Shri S Karthick, [email protected] 931. Shri S Lohith, Vyasar Nagar 6th Street , Vyasarpadi , Chennai -600039, [email protected] [email protected] 932. Shri S Nagaraj, [email protected] Sl. No. Name 933. Shri S Srikanth, [email protected] 934. Shri S. Arun, Subsistence Farming , [email protected] 935. Shri S. Edward Xavier, [email protected] 936. Shri S . Jaya Prakash, [email protected] 937. Shri S. Kanojkumar, [email protected] 938. Shri S. Kumar, [email protected] 939. Shri S. Kumaresa Moorthy, [email protected] 940. Shri S. Kurlanda Gram Sabha, Post - Tarangada, District - Gajapati, Odisha 941. Shri S. Mohith, [email protected] 942. Shri S. Murugapandi, [email protected] 943. Shri S. Nandakumaar, [email protected] 944. Shri S. Prabakar, [email protected] 945. Shri S. Radhakrishnan, [email protected] 946. Shri S. Rajan, vnselvar17@g mail.com 947. Shri S. S. Karthik, [email protected] 948. Shri S. Sarathraj, [email protected] 949. Shri S. Sharmi, [email protected] 950. Shri S. Siva, [email protected] 951. Shri S. Varun, State Joint Secretary of Environmental Wing in NTK, sssvar [email protected] 952. Shri S. Vetriselvi, Assistant Commissioner of GST Retired, Thanjavur, [email protected] 953. Shri S.Gnana Prathaban, [email protected] 954. Shri S.Gunasekaran, [email protected] 955. Shri S.Kumaran, Naan Tamilar Katchi (NTK), (Envi ronmental Wing), Chennai, [email protected] 956. Shri S.M. Selvakumar, [email protected] 957. [email protected] 958. Shri SA Arulraj Selvamarry, Sriperumbudur -602105, Vallam, [email protected] [email protected] 959. Ms. Saanvi Roshan kurunji , Mangalore -574142, [email protected] [email protected] 960. [email protected] 961. [email protected] 962. Ms. Sabita D'costa, (Indian Citizen), [email protected] 963. Sachin Dave, Shardanahar Society, Paldi -400058, Ahmedabad sachin.dav [email protected] [email protected] 964. Sachin Yadav, C -101, Tivoli ,Godrej City, Ahmedabad -380054 [email protected] [email protected] 965. Sadat Khan, Subedarpalya Yeshwantpur, Bangalore -560022 [email protected] [email protected] 966. Shri Sadhu Charan Jarika, [email protected] 967. Vetri, [email protected] 968. Shri Sagnik Sengupta, Director, Stripes And Green Earth Foundation [email protected] 969. Shri Sahadev S H, Paschima Ghatta Jaagruti Vedike, Shivapura, Koppa Taluk, Chickamgalur District SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 233 Sl. No. Name 970. Shri Sahadev Shivapura, Shivapura, Suryadevasthana Post , Chickmagalur District -Koppa -560062 971. [email protected] 972. [email protected] 973. Shri Sajjan Bhajanka, President, Federation of Indian Plywood & Panel Industry, 404, Vikrant Tower 4, Rajendra Place, New Delhi – 110008 974. Shri Sakani Podar, Gram Sabha, GP -Gudighat, District Balangir, Odisha, [email protected] 975. Shri Sakshi Khare, Banjara hills, Navi Mumbai -410206, itsmesaks [email protected] [email protected] 976. Shri Sakthivel, [email protected] 977. Shri Sakthivel Duraisamy, Kamaraj Nagar -638301 Bhavani, [email protected] [email protected] 978. Shri Samara Tudu, Manjhi Pargana Mahal, Keonjhar, Odisha -758001 979. Shri Sambhav Ja in, Nirman Vihar -110092, East Delhi, [email protected] [email protected] 980. Shri Samuel L Khobung, President, The Hmar Student Association, New Delhi. 981. Shri Samy, [email protected] 982. Ms. Sandhiya Murugan, [email protected] 983. Ms. Sa ndra Fernandes, Sarpanch, Village Panchayat, Carmona, Goa 984. Shri Sanjay Bramhane [email protected] 985. Shri Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, IFS (Retd) &, Praveen Chandra Tyagi, IFS (Retd), Formerly PCCF s (HoFF), Tamil Nadu 986. Shri Sanjay. G, [email protected] 987. Shri Sanjay. G, [email protected] 988. Shri Sanjeev Gaur, IFS, CGM (Planning), Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited, Nagpur, Maharashtra 989. Shri Sanjeev Gawade, Pune M aharashtra India, [email protected] 990. Shri Sanjeev Gawade, Shantisheela Soc Plot No 18, Law College Road Pune -411016, Maharashtra State 991. Shri Sanjeev Jagtap, Pune, [email protected] 992. [email protected] 993. Shri Sankar Sabar, padmalaya103@ gmail.com 994. Shri Sankaran C, [email protected] 995. Shri Sankaran Lakshmanan, [email protected] 996. [email protected] 997. [email protected] 998. [email protected] 999. Shri Santosh Shintre, samadhan,prabhat road 9th lane,Pune -411004 1000. Shri Sar an, [email protected] 1001. Shri Saran Subramaniam, 17, Gandhinagar -641024, Coimbatore, [email protected], [email protected] 1002. Shri Saranya Inbaa, 2/182, Mel Theru, Neikkarapatty , Salem -636010 1003. Shri Saranya kumaresan, KGM Hospital, Coimbatore - 64106 2, [email protected], [email protected] Sl. No. Name 1004. Shri Saranya Raghavan, [email protected] 1005. Shri Saravana Kumar, 1/110/51 -A ,Sri Senthil Nagar ,Iduvai P.O. Tirupur -641687 1006. Shri Saravana Kumar, 3/90 -A, Avalchiinampalayam - 642123 1007. Shri Saravanan , [email protected] 1008. Shri Saravanan, [email protected] 1009. Shri Saravanan Moorthi, Ramadoss Street, Cuddalore -607001, [email protected], [email protected] 1010. [email protected] 1011. Shri Sasikumar G, [email protected] 1012. Shri Sastha, sas [email protected] 1013. Shri Satheesh S, 1/280 Gadambur,oomerabad Post, Ambur Taluk , Ambur -635808 1014. Shri Satheeshkumar S, [email protected] 1015. Shri Sathishku mar, [email protected] 1016. [email protected] 1017. [email protected] 1018. Shri Sathya. V, [email protected] 1019. [email protected] 1020. [email protected] 1021. Shri Saviola Fernandes [email protected] 1022. Ms.Savitha Nagabhushan, Nagabhushansavitha , Mysuru -570009, [email protected] 1023. Shri Seeman Thambi, [email protected] 1024. Shri Seenivasan M, [email protected] 1025. Shri Seenuvasan V, vaseenuvasan@ gmail.com 1026. Shri SeKi, [email protected] 1027. Shri Selin Paulraj, Tamilnadu, [email protected] 1028. Shri Selva Kumaran, Palaya Thottam - 638505 Gobichettipalayam, [email protected] [email protected] 1029. [email protected] 1030. Shri Selvakuma r, [email protected] 1031. Shri Selvakumar. P, [email protected] 1032. [email protected] 1033. [email protected] 1034. [email protected] 1035. Shri Selvendran A, [email protected] 1036. [email protected] 1037. Shri Senthamil selvan MP, 16 akr 3rd Street , Valasaravakkam -600083 1038. Ms. Serena Chopra, New Delhi [email protected] 1039. Shri Seshadri Vasu, Sobhitha seshadri, Sai Sunayana, Sai Chanasya, Lakshmidevamma [email protected] SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 235 Sl. No. Name 1040. Shri Sethupathy. M, [email protected] 1041. Shri Shahbaz Ahmad IFS Retd., Ex -Principal Chief Conservator of Forests &Chief Wildlife Warden, MP, 81/3, North Malaka, Prayagraj, UP - 211001 1042. Ms. Shailaja Deshpande, on behalf of Jeevitnadi Living River Foundation, [email protected] 1043. Ms. Shailaja Deshpande [email protected] 1044. Shri Shailender Singh, Vpo Kolar,Teh.Paonta Sahib, Distt.Sirmaur(H.P.),173001 1045. Shri Shailesh Dathe, Sh ailesh Sathe, Datta Nagar , Panchavati Nashik -422003 , [email protected] [email protected] 1046. [email protected] 1047. Ms. Shalini, [email protected] 1048. Shri Shamsher Singh on behalf of the Residents of Villages residentsofvillages@gmail. com 1049. Shri Shankar Prakash, [email protected] 1050. [email protected] 1051. [email protected] 1052. Shri Shanu Charan Murmu, Rastriya Adivasi Ekta Parishad, District President/Co -ordinator, District - Mayurbhanj, Odisha, [email protected] 1053. Shri Sharad Paliwal, President, Paryavaran Prerna Maharashtra, [email protected] 1054. Ms. Sharmila Deo, Pune. [email protected] 1055. [email protected] 1056. Shri Shekhar Phatak (Indian Citizen), shekhar. [email protected] 1057. Shri Sheriff Mohamed Nagoore Mohideem, West Street, Achanputhur -627803 1058. Ms. Sherlin Pinto, Amtady, Bantwal T.Q., Karnataka -574211, Bantwal, [email protected] [email protected] 1059. Shri Shirish Kanitkar, Ecologist, Consultant, shirishk [email protected] 1060. Shri Shiv Ka Bhandar, [email protected] 1061. Shri Shiva Kumar, [email protected] 1062. Shri Shivam Kushawah, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh -206120 Bakewar , Etawah, [email protected] [email protected] 1063. Shri Shogun Fernandes , President , Chicalim Youth Farmers Club, [email protected] 1064. Ms. Shomona Khanna, Advocate, Supreme Court of India [email protected] 1065. Shri Shree Arun Kumar, [email protected] 1066. Shri Baijnath Pandey, S/o Late Shri Ba ikunth Nath Panday, 127/317 W Block, Kesav Nagar, Kanpur -208014 1067. Shri D.A. Narayanan, Advocate, 312, Lawyers Chambers, District court complex, Gopalapuram,Coimbatore -641018, Tamil Nadu 1068. Shri Dinesh Kumar Agrawal, S/o Late Moti Lal Agrawal, 1/24, First F loor, Charmwood Village Eros Garden, Suraj Kund, Faridabad -121009 1069. Shri Jitendra Chaudhary, Formar MP, National Convener, Aadivasi Adhikar Rashtriya Manch 1070. Shri K.K. Singh Lohali Jalal, Nainital, Uttrakhand Sl. No. Name 1071. Shri Lalaji P., Secretary, Blackrock Hill Pla nters Association, Nagercoil, 1072. Shri M.S. Selvaraj, Campaign for Survival and Dignity -Tamil Nadu, Vyavasaayikal Thozhilalarkal Munnetra Sangam, Tamilnadu Pazhangudi Makkal Sangam 1073. Shri Rajan Singh, R/o Lane No. 5, Lower Tathar, Pooja Colony, Bantallab, Jammu -J&K UT 1074. Shri. L Kuki President, Shri S. Jeme, Working President, Shri L. Hlima Keivom, General Secretary, Indigenous People Forum’s, HQ - Haflong, N.C. Hills, Assam, Pin -788819. 1075. Shri. Sanjay Deshpande, Shrushti Parayavaran Mandal, Nagpur 1076. Ms. Shr isty Mukherjee, Shristy, Bangalore -560032, [email protected] [email protected] 1077. Ms. Shriya M, Laburnum, Gurgaon -400069, [email protected] [email protected] 1078. Ms. Shruti Mahajan, 699, Saraswati Vihar, MG Road, Gurgaon -122002 1079. Ms. Shweta Vernekar, [email protected] 1080. Shri Shyam K, [email protected] 1081. Ms. Shyamala Das , Bengaluru -560066, [email protected] [email protected] 1082. [email protected] 1083. Siunapadar Gramasabha Post - Haridaguda, Block -Borigumma Ps -B.Singhpur, Dist -Koraput Od isha, Pin - 764057, [email protected] 1084. Shri Siva, [email protected] 1085. Shri Siva R, Ozone Greens, Chennai -600100, [email protected] [email protected] 1086. [email protected] 1087. Shri Sivabalan Chidhambaram, Journalist, Dream T amilnadu -(Junior Vik atan). 1088. Shri Sivabalan Chidhambaram, No.14 /A , Sakthi Nagar, Nerkundram , Chennai -600107 1089. Shri Sivasakthivel, [email protected] 1090. Shri Skanda, [email protected] 1091. Shri SL Kumar, Vyasar Nagar 6th Street , Chennai -600039, lohithkumar.1008@gma il.com [email protected] 1092. Ms. Smitha Naik, [email protected] 1093. [email protected] 1094. Ms. Sneha C , Kannur -670142, Kerala 1095. Shri Snehasis Sarkar, Silchar -781011 Guwahati, [email protected] [email protected] 1096. Ms. Sobha Royyuru IFS Retd, Advisor to Govt.of Telangana , Forestry Affairs, Hyderabad, Telangana , India. 1097. Shri Soma Shekhar Venugopal, 475, 9th Cross BSK 3rd Stage , Bengaluru -560085 1098. Ms. Soniya DE, magadi road , Bengaluru -560091 1099. Ms. Soniya Tadvi, Jalgaon , Jalgaon - 425002, info@jhatkaa .org 1100. [email protected] 1101. Shri Soundarraj M, [email protected] 1102. Shri Sourav Mukherjee, Howrah, West Bengal, [email protected] 1103. Shri Sourav Paul, Electronic City , Bengaluru -560100, [email protected] [email protected] 1104. sowkathali [email protected] 1105. Shri Sreekanth [email protected] SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 237 Sl. No. Name 1106. Shri Sri Blr, Bengaluru -560027, [email protected] [email protected] 1107. Shri Sri Gopinath Majhi, Convenor, Campaign for Survival and Dignity, Odisha [email protected] 1108. Shri Srichandra Mallik, on behalf of Khujen Gram Sabha, AT Khujen P.O. Ghunesh, Via H.S.Road, District Balangir , Odisha, [email protected] 1109. Shri Srikant Verma [email protected] 1110. Shri Srikant Verma, Divisional Forest Officer, Ranchi Forest Division, Ranchi, Block - F, Van Bhawan, Doranda 1111. Shri Srikanthan V, 32, 14th Cross New Colony, Chromepet -600044 1112. Srikrushnasara Gramsa bha At -Srikrushnasara, Po -Sankuda, Via -Sumandal, Dist - Ganjam, Odisha, Pin - 761035, [email protected] 1113. Shri Srikumaran , For Karnada Estate - Melta Div., Gunumalai House, Virudhunagar -6260001 1114. Shri Srimuralidharan, [email protected] 1115. Shri S rinivasan.M, [email protected] 1116. [email protected] 1117. [email protected] 1118. Shri Stalin, [email protected] 1119. Shri Stanley Balasingh.S D, [email protected] 1120. [email protected] 1121. Shri Su. Ranjith Kumar, ranjithraj1991143@gma il.com 1122. [email protected] 1123. Shri Subir Mario Chowfin, Gadoli House,Gadoli Fee Simple Estate,Pauri,District Pauri Garhwal,Uttarakhand - 246001. 1124. Shri Subodh Bansal, 3, North Idgah Colony, Agra 282010, UP, [email protected] 1125. Shri Subramani Kan dasamy , 8 and 9, Tulips Sherwood , Thuthipattu -632011, Vellore 1126. Shri Sudam Bhoi, H.S. Road, District - Balangir, Odisha, [email protected] 1127. Shri Sudarshan Ramakrishnan, 3/1/148 , T.Kallupatti -625702 1128. Shri Sudhansu Sekhar Mishra, Retd Forest Of ficer, Govt of Odisha, Flat no c 203, PDN Exotica Apartment, Panchasakhanagar, Dumduma, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Pin 751019 1129. Shri Sudharsanam Subramani, 268, AV salai,Veerapuram,Ch - 55, Avadi -600055 1130. Shri Sudip Birade, Nashik -422001, [email protected] [email protected] 1131. [email protected] 1132. Sujanith Shetty, Vijayanagar , Bangalore -560072, [email protected] 1133. Shri Sujit Vetal, Manjinagar , Narhe -411041, Pune 1134. [email protected] 1135. Shri Sukumar, Chennai, Thamilnadu, [email protected] 1136. Shri Suman Sabar, [email protected] 1137. Shri Sumathikabilan, [email protected] 1138. Ms. Sumi Munda, At-Birtola, Po -Darjing, Ps -Lahunipara, Dist -Sundargarh, Pin -770040, State -Odisha, [email protected] Sl. No. Name 1139. Ms. Sumitha, [email protected] 1140. [email protected] 1141. Shri Sundar Mohan Soren, Mayurbhanj Hanat Pargana, Shri Biram Soren, Mayurbhanj, Shri Hanat Paranik, Bharat Jakat Majhi Pargana Mahal, Majhi Pargana Mahal Bakhul, Pawra, Ghatsila, District - East Singbhum, Jharkhand [email protected] 1142. Shri Sundararajan P., Thambu Chetty Street, Chennai -600001, 600001 [email protected] [email protected] 1143. Shri Sundermohan Soren and Biram Soren, Bharat Jakat Majhi Pargana Mahal, [email protected] om 1144. Shri Sunil Chhabra, Aamgam Road , Sanjan -396150, [email protected] [email protected] 1145. Shri Sunil Harsana, Independent researcher and conservationist, Resident of Mangar Village, Faridabad, Haryana -121004 1146. Ms. Sunita Dhairyam (Jayapathy) (Ind ian Citizen), [email protected] 1147. Ms. Suparna Sankaran, Flat GB, Sivedha Apartments, New no 27, 3rd Avenue , Chennai -600090 1148. Shri Suresh, [email protected] 1149. Shri Suresh Kumar Vadivel, [email protected] 1150. [email protected] 1151. Shri Sures hbabu R, Karavalimathappur, Coimbatore -641668, 641668 [email protected] [email protected] 1152. [email protected] 1153. [email protected] 1154. Shri Suru Sing Majhi , on behalf of Gunchijor Gram sabha , [email protected] 1155. Shri Susan S harma, C -2490, Sushantlok -122009, Gurgaon 1156. Ms. Suwathy Venugopal, S.V.Puram, Venkatesa Mills, Udumalpet -642128, [email protected] [email protected] 1157. Swacch Association, [email protected] 1158. Shri Swaminathan E, Nathapattu Housing Board, Cudd alore -607001, [email protected] [email protected] 1159. Shri Swaminathan G L, 37/63, Kala Complex, 4th Avenue, Ashok Nagar, Chennai - 600083 1160. Shri Swapnil Gupta, 302 Tower 3 ILD Greens Sector 37C, Gurgaon -122001 1161. Ms. Swathilakshmi S, swathisekar0308@gma il.com 1162. Ms. Swati M, Indiranagar , Bangalore -560008, [email protected] [email protected] 1163. Shri Swayambar Majhi , on behalf Phulakimunda Gram sabha, [email protected] 1164. Shri Syed Naqvi, Jaipur -302004, [email protected] [email protected] 1165. Shri T .Franklin, 17 A, Henry Road, Nagercoil, Tamilnadu. 1166. Shri T Deiva Arul, [email protected] 1167. Shri T Deivaarul , [email protected] 1168. Shri T Deivaarul , [email protected] 1169. Shri T Pandiyan cheyyar [email protected] 1170. Shri T. Mayilraj, tam [email protected] 1171. Shri T. Mohanta, General Secretary, Society of Geoscientists & Allied Technologists, Plot No. ND -12 (Part), V.I.P. Area, P.O.: IRC Village, Bhubaneswar - 751 015, Odisha, India SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 239 Sl. No. Name 1172. Shri T. Vinmeen Pandian, [email protected] 1173. Tabhabania Gramsabha At -Tabhabania, Po -Mardamekha, Via-Kodala, Dist - Ganjam, Odisha, Pin - 761032, [email protected] 1174. Tamil Ulagan Sanjay, [email protected] 1175. Tamil, [email protected] 1176. [email protected] 1177. Tamilnadu Tribal p eoples Assn, 103 / 4, Kannappan Kinatru Veethi, Anthiyur - 638501, [email protected] 1178. [email protected] 1179. Shri Tamizharvan Thandayuthapany, Tamil Nadu, [email protected] 1180. Ms. Tannistha Lahiri, 3 96/9 Becharam Chatterjee Road , Kolkata -700034 1181. Ms. Tanuja Aundhe, Raheja Gardens , Thane -400604 1182. Ms. Tara Misra, Binny Crescent Rd, Benson Town , Bangalore -560046 1183. Ms. Tatum Ghosh, Amrapali Silicon City, Noida -201304, [email protected] [email protected] 1184. Shri Tej Vohra, Bangalore, Karnataka [email protected] 1185. [email protected] 1186. Shri Tejaswi Kumar Pradhan, Advocate, S/o Late Muralidhar Pradhan, Chamber No. 5 (R.K. Garg Block), Supreme Court of India New Delhi, [email protected] 1187. Shri Teju Rana, At Semla, Po Kuibahal , Via- Turekela, Dist. Balangir Odisha, [email protected] 1188. Shri Thamilum Aramum, [email protected] 1189. [email protected] 1190. [email protected] 1191. Shri Thasarathan V, [email protected] 1192. Shri Theeran Thirumurugan,S/o Ganesan,Morepannai Fishing Village,Uppoor post, Thiruvadanai Taluk,Ramanathapuram District. 1193. [email protected] 1194. Shri Thiru, [email protected] 1195. Shri Thiru ragava Krish na, Thiruporur , Chennai -600001 1196. Shri T Thirumalaikumar Thangaiah, Gandhi street, 2/107,Vedanthankal Nagar, Arasan kazani, Chennai 600126 Chennai, [email protected] [email protected] 1197. Shri Thiruvalluvan, [email protected] 1198. Shri Tiak Ba riha, AT/PO - Ghunesh, Via Harishankar Road, Dist. Balngir , Odisha [email protected] 1199. Shri Tommy Lobo, 53, Coconut Grove, Behind Deva Matha School, Horamavu, 560043 Bangalore 1200. Shri Tony AR, E -503 Santha Towers Paruthipattu , Avadi Chennai -600071 1201. Shri Toshesh Daulta, AFNOE, Sec -7, Plot -11, Dwarka -400095, New Delhi 1202. Shri Trilochan Punji, Zindabad Sangathan, Balangir, Odisha 1203. [email protected] Sl. No. Name 1204. Shri Uday Kumar, Thanjavur -614205, Papanasam [email protected] [email protected] 1205. udayakmr [email protected] 1206. Shri Udhayakumar TS, No 1c, 3rd Street, Jothy Nagar,West Tambaram,Chennai -600045. 1207. Uhavan Art Gallery, [email protected] 1208. Shri Uma Shanker Singh IFS (Retd.), Director Vanashakti, 3/184, VibhavKhand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow - 226010 1209. Shri Umesh Athavia, Pune [email protected] 1210. United Conservation Movement [email protected] 1211. United Conservation Movement, [email protected] 1212. United Conservation Movement, [email protected] 1213. United Conservation Movement, dheerajsalian33 [email protected] 1214. United Conservation Movement,[email protected] 1215. United Conservation Movement, [email protected] 1216. Shri Ushnish Chattopadhyay, Dy. General Manager (Raw Materials), JK Paper Ltd, 2nd Floor, Nehru House,4, Bahadur Sha h Zafar Marg, New Delhi - 110002 1217. Shri V. Thirumurugan, [email protected] 1218. Shri V G Srikara BE Convener, Shimoga District Westernghat Conservation, Committee R/o Channappa layout, Ist Cross, Shimoga, Karnataka 1219. Shri V. Muruga Anand murugananand73 [email protected] 1220. Shri V. Sathish Kumar, [email protected] 1221. Shri V. Selva Kumar [email protected] 1222. Shri V. Subash, [email protected] 1223. Shri V. Thampi [email protected] 1224. Shri V. Vignesh M.Sc Bi otechnology, [email protected] 1225. Shri V. Vimalraj, [email protected] 1226. Shri Vaarthai, [email protected] 1227. Shri Vaibhav Shettar, 1st cross, Park Extension, Durgigudi, Shivamogga, Karnataka -577201 1228. Ms. Vaira Meenakshi, [email protected] 1229. [email protected] 1230. Ms. Vaishali Nikam, B/403 , Mumbai -400092 1231. Ms. Vaishali Rawat, Writer and wildlife conservationist, M.Sc. Biodiversity, Conservation and Management, University of Oxford vaishali.rawat@gmai l.com 1232. Ms. Vaisshali J Patkar , President, Aundh Mohalla Committee, Director, CCP, Environmental Foundation, Trustee, Bhujal Abhiyan, Convener, Pune Texas -Austin Sister city International, Area Sabha Association of Pune, Ramnadi Restoration Mission vpshal [email protected] 1233. Ms. Vaitheeswaran, [email protected] 1234. [email protected] 1235. Shri Valluvan Valai, [email protected] 1236. Ms. Vanisri K, Chennai -600015 [email protected] [email protected] SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 241 Sl. No. Name 1237. Ms. Vanya Jain, 31 Tramoo Street, Lalor -110076 1238. [email protected] 1239. Shri Varun [email protected] 1240. Shri Vasuki Tamilselvam, B.A history, Vellore, [email protected] 1241. Ms. Vasumati Kale, Pune, India [email protected] 1242. Vayagam Amar Rahen, man [email protected] 1243. Veeramani, [email protected] 1244. Shri Veeramuthu A, [email protected] 1245. [email protected] 1246. [email protected] 1247. Shri Velkumar Satchidanandam, Kandaswami koil street , Kosapet -600012 [email protected], info@jhatkaa .org 1248. Shri Vellian Giri, Kudlu, Bangalore -560068 [email protected], [email protected] 1249. Shri Velmurugan, [email protected] 1250. Shri Velmurugan R, [email protected] 1251. Shri Vembuselvam M, [email protected] 1252. [email protected] 1253. Shri Ve nkatesan. D, [email protected] 1254. [email protected] 1255. Shri Venkatesh Nagarajan, 4/233, Mullukurichi , Namakkal -636142 1256. Shri Venkatesh Pandi B, #697, Thanthai Periyar Nagar 4th street, Burma Colony Karaikudi -630002 1257. venkisumathi@gmail. com 1258. Ms. Vennila Thayumanavan, [email protected] 1259. [email protected] 1260. [email protected] 1261. Shri Vetriselvi Thayumanavan, Assistant Commissioner of GST Retired, [email protected] 1262. [email protected] 1263. Ms. Viana Fernande s, H.No.268/A, Arossim Bandar , Cansaulim Mormugao, Goa 1264. Vibrant India Economic Council,Shri Manoj Patil, Shri MaheshTapase, Shri Pawan Kolte [email protected] 1265. Shri Shri Vignesh B., vignesh.subramaniam1511@gm ail.com 1266. Shri Vignesh Kumar G, 8/16,palathumarriamman street , Musiri -621215 1267. Shri Vignesh Rajendran, Norton Road, Mylapore -600028 1268. Shri Vigneshwaran RK, 4/82, Annai Nagar, Visuwasapuram -641035 Coimbatore 1269. Shri Vihaan Vee, Kasavanahali - 560035, Bangal ore [email protected] [email protected] 1270. Shri Vijay, [email protected] 1271. [email protected] 1272. Ms. Vijayarani, [email protected] Sl. No. Name 1273. Shri Vijay, [email protected] 1274. Shri Vijaykaant, [email protected] 1275. [email protected] 1276. Shri Vimal Seeta, [email protected] 1277. Shri Vinay Keerthy, Mahadevapura, Bengaluru - 560016 [email protected] [email protected] 1278. [email protected] 1279. Shri Vinoth Kumar T, [email protected] 1280. Shri Vinoth Kumar, [email protected] 1281. Shri Vinothkumar Periyasamy , 2/366 paravalur South Street Vridhachalam Cuddalore - 606001 Vriddhachalam.TK, 1282. Shri Vinothkumar S, [email protected] 1283. [email protected] 1284. Shri Viren Lobo, Institute for Ecology and Livelihood Action 1285. Shri Vishal B Nair, Kottarathil House , Kanjikuzhy - 685606 1286. Shri Vishal Sudhakar Rasal [email protected] 1287. Shri Vishnu Kant, Joint Gen Sec; ABVKA; Delhi [email protected] 1288. [email protected] 1289. Shri V ishnupriya B M, Menjhaniyam , Kozhikode -673525 1290. Shri Vishukumar Naguvanahalli, Bengaluru -560094 [email protected] [email protected] 1291. Shri Vishwad N Dinni, Responsible Citizen of India [email protected] 1292. Shri Viswanathan K S, Jalakandapuram -6365 01 [email protected] 1293. Shri Vivek Shinde, Flat No 1102, Primal Homes Society, Backside of Moshi Dmart - 414006, Moshi, Pune 1294. [email protected] 1295. Shri VS Kumar, Vyasar Nagar 6th Street , Vyasarpadi , Chennai -600039 [email protected] info@jhatka a.org 1296. Shri W. Saravankumar, [email protected] 1297. [email protected] 1298. WG CDR ID Soans, 29, Jal Vayu Vihar, Kammanahalli Main Road, Bengaluru -560043 [email protected], [email protected] 1299. [email protected] 1300. Worli , Mumbai -400018 [email protected] 1301. Shri Yadhavaraja. S, [email protected] 1302. [email protected] 1303. Shri Yannah Marchon (Indian Citizen) [email protected] 1304. Shri Yash Pal, 8/1 2nd cross, Wheeler Road, Fraser Town, Bengaluru -560005 1305. [email protected] 1306. Shri YPS Prab akar [email protected] SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 243 Sl. No. Name 1307. Shri Yujin Leonidas, Sait Colony, Egmore -600008, Chennai [email protected], [email protected] 1308. [email protected] 1309. Shri Yuvaraj, [email protected] PPENDIX -IV DETAILS OF THE DISCUSSIONS HELD BY THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE FOREST (CONSERVATION) AMENDMENT BILL, 2023 DURING THE STUDY VISIT OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE TO SRINAGAR, GUWAHATI AND BHUBANESWAR FROM 2 TO 7 JUNE, 2023. Sitting No. Date of Sitting Agenda of the sitting 1 02.06.2023 Discussion with various defence o rganizations and institutions viz. BRO, BSF, DRDO, Army Northern Command (Chinar Corps) regarding their views on provisions made in the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023. 2 03.06.2023 Discussion with Chief Secretary/State Government Representativ es of Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Laddakh, States of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand regarding their views on provisions made in the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023. 3 05.06.2023 Discussion with Directorate General of Hydr ocarbons (DGH) and ONGC representatives and with Chief Secretaries/State Govt. Representatives of State of Tripura, Sikkim and Nagaland regarding their views on provisions made in the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023. 4 06.06.2023 Discussion wit h Chief Secretary/State Govt. Representatives of State of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh regarding their views on provisions made in the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023. 5 07.06.2023 Discussion with representatives of Indian Bu reau of Mines (IBM) and with Chief Secretary/State Government Representatives of State of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh regarding their views on provisions made in the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023. SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 245 APPENDIX -V DETAILS OF THE SITTINGS OF THE JOIN T COMMITTEE ON THE FOREST (CONSERVATION) AMENDMENT BILL, 2023 Sitting No. Date of Sitting Agenda of the sitting 1 25.04.2023 Briefing by the representatives of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment B ill, 2023. (Also Present: Ministry of Law & Justice - Legislative Department & Department of Legal Affairs) 16.05.2023 To elicit views of representatives of the following Ministries on the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023: 1. Ministry of Home Affairs 2. Ministry of Defence 3. Ministry of Tribal Affairs (Also Present: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Law & Justice -Legislative Department) 3 To elicit views of Left Wing Extremism Affected States on the Fore st Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023: 1. Government of Chhattisgarh 2. Government of Maharashtra 3. Government of Telangana (Also Present: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Law & Justice -Legislative Department) 17.05.2023 To elicit views of representatives of the following Ministries on the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023: 1. Ministry of Railways 2. Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways 3. Ministry of Rural Development (Also Present: Ministry of Environ ment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Law & Justice -Legislative Department) 5 To elicit views of representatives of following Ministries on the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023: 1. Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation 2. Ministry of Mines 3. Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) (Also Present: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Law & Justice -Legislative Department) 30.05.2023 Oral evidence of Experts/Stakeholder/Organizations who s ubmitted memoranda in response to Press Communique on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023. (Also Present: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Law & Justice -Legislative Department) 7 Oral evidence of Experts/Stakehol ders/Organizations on the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023. (Also Present: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Law & Justice -Legislative Department) 8 26.06.2023 Clause by Clause consideration of the Forest (Conservat ion) Amendment Bill, 2023 (Also Present: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Law & Justice - Legislative Department & Department of Legal Affairs) 9 11.07.2023 Consideration and adoption of the draft report on the Forest (Conser vation) Amendment Bill, 2023. SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 247 APPENDIX -VI LIST OF OFFICIAL/ NON -OFFICIAL WITNESSES WHO TENDERED ORAL EVIDENCE BEFORE THE COMMITTEE A. LIST OF OFFICIAL WITNESSES Sl. No. Name of Ministries/State Governments/Union Territories 1 Ministry of Environment , Forest and Climate Change 2 Ministry of Law & Justice - Department of Legal Affairs 3 Ministry of Law & Justice - Legislative Department 4 Ministry of Home Affairs 5 Ministry of Defence 6 Ministry of Tribal Affairs 7 Government of Chhattisgarh 8 Government of Maharashtra 9 Government of Telangana 10 Ministry of Railways 11 Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways 12 Ministry of Rural Development 13 Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation 14 Ministry of Mines 15 Ministry of Development of N orth Eastern Region (DoNER) B. LIST OF OFFICIAL WITNESSES WHO TENDERED ORAL EVIDENCE DURING STUDY TOUR TO SRINGAR, GUWAHATI AND BHUBANESWAR FROM 2ND TO 7TH JUNE, 2023 Sl. No. Name of State Governments/Union Territories and other organizations 1. Border Road Organization (BRO) 2. Border Security Force (BSF) 3. Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) 4. Army Northern Command (XV Corps) 5. Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir 6. Union Territory of Laddakh 7. Government of Himachal Pradesh 8. Government of Punjab 9. Government of Uttarakhand 10. Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) 11. Oil and Natural Gas Company (ONGC) 12. Government of Tripura 13. Government of Sikkim 14. Government of Nagaland 15. Government of Assam 16. Government of Meghalaya 17. Government of Mizoram 18. Government of Arunachal Pradesh 19. Indian Bureau of Mines 20. Government of Odisha 21. Government of Andhra Pradesh C. LIST OF NON -OFFICIAL WITNESSES Sl. No. Name of Experts/Stakeholders/Organizat ions 1. Smt. Brinda Karat, Ex. MP (Rajya Sabha) 2005 -2011 2. Dr. Prashant Kumar Jha, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) (Retd.), Telangana Forest Department 3. Shri R.D. Kamboj, Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) (Retd.), Guj arat Forest Department 4. Shri Suresh Chopane, Member - Regional Empowered Committee (REC), Nagpur and Raipur (Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change), President - Green Planet Society 5. Shri K. Ravichandran, Director - Indian Institute of Fore st Management (IIFM) 6. Dr. Ravindra Kumar Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) (Retd.), Chhattisgarh Forest Department 7. Shri Shahbaz Ahmad, Indian Forest Service (IFS) (Retd.) Ex-Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden, MP 8. Debi Goenka, Executive Trustee, Conservation Action Trust 9. Shri Abhinav Gaur, Advocate एAllahabad High Court. 10. Shri Praveen Bhargav, Trustee Wildlife First Former Member - National Board for Wildlife 11. Shri Manoj Patil,Convener, Vib rant India Economic Council (VIEC), Mumbai 12. Shri Bijay Convener, Bharat Jan Andolan(Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan) SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 249 APPENDIX -VII MINUTES OF THE SITTINGS Minutes of the 1st Sitting of the Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 The 1st sitting of the Joint Committee was held on Tuesday, the 25th April, 2023 from 1100 hrs. to 1235 hrs. in Committee Room No.62, Parliament House, New Delhi. PRESENT Shri Rajendra Agrawal — Chairperson LOK SABHA 2. Dr. Dhal Singh Bisen 3. Shri Suresh Kuma r Kashyap 4. Smt. Gomati Sai 5. Shri Sudarshan Bhagat 6. Shri Pallab Lochan Das 7. Km. Diya Kumari 8. Shri T.R. Baalu 9. Smt. Agatha K. Sangma 10. Shri Kotagiri Sridhar 11. Dr. Alok Kumar Suman 12. Shri Girish Chandra 13. Shri Pradyut Bordoloi 14. Ms. Geeta Kora RAJYA SABHA 15. Shri Jawhar Sircar 16. Shri Birendra Prasad Baishya 17. Smt. Phulo Devi Netam SECRETARIAT 1. Shri J.M.Baisakh - Joint Secretary 2. Shri C. Kalyanasundaram - Director 3. Ms. Rachna Saxena - Deputy Secretary REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE 1. Smt. Leena Nandan - Secretary 2. Shri S P Yadav - ADG 3. Shri Ramesh Kumar Pandey - Inspector General of Forests 4. Dr. Dheeraj Mittal - Assistant Inspector General of Forests 5. Shri Charan Jeet Singh - Scientist ‘D’ REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE (LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT AND DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS) 6. Shri Rajveer Singh Verma - Additional Secretary 7. Shri Udaya Kumara - Joint Secretary & Legislative Counsel 2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the Members to the first sitting of the Joint Committee. Thereafter, he drew the attention of the Member son the motion to refer the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 to Joint Committee which was adopted by Lok Sabha and concurred by Rajya Sabha on 29 March 2023. He further appri sed the Members about the agenda of the sitting. 3. Thereafter, the Chairpers on invited the representatives of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Law & Justice (Department of Legal Affairs and Legislative Department ) to brief the Committee on various aspects related to the Forest (Conservation) Amendment bill, 2023. He then drew the attention of the representatives from the Ministries to Direction 58 of the Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha concerning the confiden tiality of the Committee proceedings. 4. The representatives of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change then made a Power Point presentation to the Committee illustrating the proposed Amendments in the Bill and the rationale behind them. 5. The Members, thereafter, sought clarification on various amendments being proposed in the Bill which were briefly replied by the representatives of the nodal Ministry. The Chairperson then directed the Ministry to provide written replies to all the points raised during the sitting. The representatives of the Ministries then withdrew 6. The Committee, thereafter, briefly deliberated on future course of action by the Committee and decided to hold the next sittings of the Committee on 16th and 17th May, 2023 for taking oral evidence of the representatives of the other concerned Ministries and State Governments. The Committee also decided to invite memoranda containing views/suggestions from the public in general and NGOs/experts/stake holders and institutions in particular by issue of a Press Communiqué. The Committee then adjourned. A copy of verbatim record of the proceedings is kept on record SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 251 Minutes of the 2nd sitting of the Joint Committee on the Forest ( Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023. The 2nd sitting of the Joint Committee was held on Tuesday, the 16th May, 2023 from 1100 hrs. to 1230 hrs. in Committee Room No. 'D', Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi. PRESENT Shri Rajendra Agrawal - Chairperson LOK SABHA 2. Dr. Dhal Singh Bisen 3. Shri Raju Bi sta 4. Shri Tapir Gao 5. Shri Ajay Tamta 6. Smt. Gomati Sai 7. Shri Pallab Lochan Das 8. Shri T.R. Baalu 9. Smt. Agatha K. Sangma 10. Smt. Sajda Ahmed 11. Shri Kotagiri Sridhar 12. Dr. Alok Kumar Suman 13. Shri Girish Chandra 14. Ms. Geeta Kora RAJYA SABHA 15. Shri Jawhar Sircar 16. Shri R. Giriraja n 17. Smt. Phulo Devi Netam SECRETARIAT 1. Shri J.M. Baisakh - Joint Secretary 2. Ms. Rachna Saxena - Deputy Secretary REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE 1. Smt. Leena Nandan - Secretary 2. Shri Chandra Prakash Goyal - DGF&SS 3. Shri Ramesh Kumar Pandey - Inspector General of Forests REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE (LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT) 4. Shri Udaya Kumara - Joint Secretar y & Legislative Counsel REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS 5 . Shri Dharmendra Singh Gangwar - Secretary (BM), MHA 6. Shri Nishant Kr. Mishra - DS (LWE), MHA REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF DEFENCE 7. Smt. Dipti Mohil Chawla - Additional Secretary 8. Shri Manish Tripathi - Joint Secretary 9. Brig Praveen Badrinath - Brig MO (C ) 10. Shri C P Meena - Sc ‘E’, DRDO REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS 11. Shri Anil Kumar Jha - Secretary (TA) 12. Shri Naval Ji t Kapoor - Joint Secretary 13. Smt. Samidha Singh - Director 14. Shri Nadeem - Under Secretary 2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the Members to the second sitting of the Joint Committee. He further apprised the Members about the agenda of the sitting. 3. Thereafter, the Chairperson invited the represent atives of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Tribal Affairs to brief the Committee on various aspects related to the Forest (Conservation) Amendment bill, 2023 . The representatives of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Law & Justice (Department of Legislative Department) were also present to assist the committee during deliberations. The Chairperson then drew the attention of the rep resentatives from the Ministries to Direction 58 of the Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha concerning the confidentiality of the Committee proceedings. 4. The representatives of Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Tribal Affair s explained their views on the amendments proposed in the Bill. 5. The Members, thereafter, sought clarification on various amendments being proposed in the Bill and views of Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Tribal Affairs whic h were briefly replied by the representatives of Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The Chairperson then directed the Ministry viz. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to provide written replies to all the points raised by the Members during the sitting. 6. The Committee also decided to undertake a study tour to Srinagar, Guwahati and Bhubaneswar from 2nd June, 2023 to 7th June, 2023 to hold informal discussion with Chief Secretaries/representatives of various States/UTs and organizations regarding their views on provisions made in Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023. The representatives of the Ministries then withdrew The Committee was adjourned. A copy of verbatim record of the proceedings is kept on record SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 253 Minutes of the 3rd sitting of the Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 The 3rd sitting of the Joint Committee was held on Tuesday, the 16th May, 2023 from 1315 hrs. to 1430 hrs. in Committee Room No. 'D', Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi. PRESENT Shri Rajendra Agrawal - Chairperson LOK SABHA 2. Dr. Dhal Singh Bisen 3. Shri Raju Bista 4. Shri Tapir Gao 5. Shri Ajay Tamta 6. Smt. Gomati Sai 7. Shri Pallab Lochan Das 8. Shri T.R. Baalu 9. Smt. Agatha K. Sangma 10. Dr. A lok Kumar Suman 11. Shri Girish Chandra 12. Ms. Geeta Kora RAJYA SABHA 13. Shri Jawhar Sircar 14. Shri R. Girirajan 15. Smt. Phulo Devi Netam SECRETARIAT 1. Shri J.M. Baisakh - Joint Secretary 2. Shri C. Kalyanasundaram - Director 3. Ms. Rachna Saxena - Deputy Secretary REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE 1. Smt. Leena Nandan - Secretary 2. Shri Chandra Prakash Goyal - DGF&SS 3. Shri Ramesh Kumar Pandey - Inspe ctor General of Forests REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE (LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT) 4. Shri Udaya Kumara - Joint Secretary & Legislative Counsel REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVERNMENT OF CHHATTISGARH 5. Shri Amitabh Jain - Chief Secre tary 6. Shri V. Sriniwas Rao - Principal Chief Conservator of Forest 7. Shri Sunil Mishra - Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Land Management) and Nodal Officer, Forest Conservation Act, 1980 REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVER NMENT OF MAHARASHTRA 8. Shri Venu Gopal Reddy - Principal Secretary (Forests) 9. Shri Y.L.P. Rao - Principal Chief Conservator of Forests(Head of Forest Force) REPRESENTATIVE OF GOVERNMENT OF TELANGANA 10. Shri Mohan Cha ndra Pargaien, IFS - Prl. Chief Conservator of Forests (FCA) and Nodal Officer, Telangana 2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the Members to the third sitting of the Joint Committee. He further apprised the Members about the agenda of the sitt ing. 3. Thereafter, the Chairperson invited the representatives of the Government of Chhattisgarh, Government of Maharashtra and Government of Telangana to brief the Committee on various aspects related to the Forest (Conservation) Amendment bill, 2023 . The representatives of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Law & Justice (Department of Legislative Department) were also present to assist the committee during deliberations. The Chairperson then drew the attention of the rep resentatives to the Direction 58 of the Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha concerning the confidentiality of the Committee proceedings. 4. The representatives of the Government of Chhattisgarh, Government of Maharashtra and Government of Telangana explained their views on the amendments proposed in the Bill. 5. The Members, thereafter, sought clarification on various amendments being proposed in the Bill and views of Government of Chhattisgarh, Government of Maharashtra and Government of Telangan a, which were briefly replied by the representatives of Government of Chhattisgarh, Government of Maharashtra and Government of Telangana. The Chairperson then directed the Nodal ministry viz. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to provide w ritten replies to all the points raised by the Members during the sitting. The representatives of the Ministries then withdrew The Committee was adjourned. A copy of verbatim record of the proceedings is kept on record SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 255 Minutes of the 4th sitting of the Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 The 4th sitting of the Joint Committee was held on Wednesday, the 17th May, 2023 from 1100 hrs. to 1215 hrs. in Committee Room No. 'D', Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi. PRESE NT Shri Rajendra Agrawal - Chairperson LOK SABHA 2. Shri T.R. Baalu 3. Dr. Dhal Singh Bisen 4. Shri Raju Bista 5. Shri Tapir Gao 6. Shri Sudarshan Bhagat 7. Shri Pallab Lochan Das 8. Smt. Agatha K. Sangma 9. Smt. Sajda Ahmed 10. Shri Kotagiri Sridhar 11. Dr. Alok Kumar Suman 12. Shri Girish Chandra RAJYA SABHA 13. Shri Jawhar Sircar 14. Shri R. Girirajan 15. Smt. Phulo Devi Netam SECRETARIAT 1. Shri J.M. Baisakh - Joint Secretary 2. Shri C. Kalyanasundaram - Director 3. Ms. Rachna Saxena - Deputy Secretary REPRESENTATIVE OF MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE 1. Shri Chandra Prakash Goyal - DGF&SS REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE (LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT) 2. Shri Udaya Kumara - Joint Secretary & Legislative Counsel REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAILWAY BOARD) 3. Shri Roop N. Sunkar - Member (Infrastructure) 4. Shri Anil Kumar Khandelwal - Principal Executive Director (Gati Shakti) 5. Shri Dhananjaya Singh - Executive Director/Gati Shakti (Civil) -II REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF ROAD, TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS 6. Shri Anurag Jain - Secretary 7. Shri Amit Kumar Ghosh - Additional Secretary 8. Shri Kamlesh Chaturvedi - Joint Secretary REPRESENTATIVES O F MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT 9. Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh - Secretary 10. Shri Praveen Mahto - Chief Economic Adviser 11. Shri Amit Kataria - Joint Secretary (MGNREGA) 2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the Members to the fo urth sitting of the Joint Committee. He further apprised the Members about the agenda of the sitting. 3. Thereafter, the Chairperson invited the representatives of the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board), Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways and M inistry of Rural Development to brief the Committee on various aspects related to the Forest (Conservation) Amendment bill, 2023. The representatives of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Law & Justice (Department of Legislativ e Department) were also present to assist the committee during deliberations. The Chairperson then drew the attention of the representatives from the Ministries to Direction 58 of the Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha concerning the confidentiality of t he Committee proceedings. 4. The representatives of the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Ministry of Rural Development explained their views on the amendments proposed in the Bill. 5. The Members, the reafter, sought clarification on various amendments being proposed in the Bill and views of Ministry of Railways (Railway Board), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Ministry of Rural Development which were briefly replied by the representatives of Ministry of Railways (Railway Board), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Ministry of Rural Development. The Chairperson then directed the Ministries including Nodal ministry viz. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to provide writt en replies to all the points raised by the Members during the sitting. The representatives of the Ministries then withdrew The Committee then adjourned. A copy of verbatim record of the proceedings is kept on record SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 257 Minutes of the 5th sitting of the Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 The 5th sitting of the Joint Committee was held on Wednesday, the 17th May, 2023 from 1215 hrs. to 1315 hrs. in Committee Room No.’D’, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi. PRESENT Shri Rajendra Agrawal - Chairperson LOK SABHA 2. Shri T.R. Baalu 3. Dr. Dhal Singh Bisen 4. Shri Raju Bista 5. Shri Tapir Gao 6. Shri Sudarshan Bhagat 7. Shri Pallab Lochan Das 8. Smt. Agatha K. Sangma 9. Smt. Sajda Ahmed 10. Shri Kotagiri Sridhar 11. Dr. Alok Kumar Suman 12. Shri Girish Chandra RAJYA SABHA 13. Shri Jawhar Sircar 14. Shri R. Girirajan 15. Smt. Phulo Devi Netam SECRETARIAT 1. Shri J.M. Baisakh - Joint Secretary 2. Shri C. Kalyanasundaram - Director 3. Ms. Rachna Saxena - Deputy Secreta ry REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE 1. Shri Chandra Prakash Goyal - DGF&SS 2. Shri S P Yadav - ADG 3. Shri Ramesh Kumar Pandey - Inspector General of Forests REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTIC E (LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT) 4. Shri Udaya Kumara - Joint Secretary & Legislative Counsel REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI (DEPARTMENT OF DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION) 5. Ms. Vini Mahajan - Secretary 6. Shri Samir Kumar - Economic Advisor REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF MINES 7. Shri Sanjay Lohiya - Additional Secretary 8. Shri Mustaq Ahmad - Director 9. Shri Pradeep Singh - Director (Technical) REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EAS TERN REGION (DoNER) 10. Shri Lok Ranjan, IAS (TR:1989) - Secretary 11. Shri Angshuman Dey, IFS (TR:1997) - Joint Secretary 2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the Members to the fifth sitting of the Joint Committee. He further apprised the Members about the agenda of the sitting. 3. Thereafter, the Chairperson invited the representatives of Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation), Ministry of Mines and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) to brief the Committee on various aspects related to the Forest (Conservation) Amendment bill, 2023. The representatives of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Law & Justice (Department of Legislative Department) were also present to assist the committee during deliberations. The Chairperson then drew the attention of the representatives from the Ministries to Direction 58 of the Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha concerning the confidentiality of the Committee proceedings. 4. The represe ntatives of Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation), Ministry of Mines and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) explained their views on the amendments proposed in the Bill. 5. The Members, thereafter, sought clarification on various amendments being proposed in the Bill and views of Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation), Ministry of Mines and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) which were briefly replied to b y the representatives of Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation), Ministry of Mines and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). The Chairperson then directed the Ministry viz. Ministry of Environment, Forest an d Climate Change to provide written replies to all the points raised by the Members during the sitting. The representatives of the Ministries then withdrew The Committee was adjourned. A copy of verbatim record of the proceedings is kept on record SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 259 Minutes of the 6th sitting of the Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 The 6th sitting of the Joint Committee was held on Tuesday, the 30th May, 2023 from 1030 hrs. to 1230 hrs. in Committee Room No. ’D’, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi. PRESENT Shri Rajendra Agrawal - Chairperson LOK SABHA 2. Shri T.R. Baalu 3. Dr. Dhal Singh Bisen 4. Shri Tapir Gao 5. Shri Ajay Tamta 6. Shri Sudarshan Bhagat 7. Smt. Agatha K. Sangma 8. Shri Rajendra Dhedya Gavit 9. Shri Girish Chandra 10. Shri Pradyut Bordoloi RAJYA SABHA 11. Dr. Ashok Bajpai 12. Dr. Prashanta Nanda 13. Shri Birendra Prasad Baishya 14. Shri R. Girirajan 15. Smt. Phulo Devi Netam SECRETARIAT 1. Shri J.M. Baisakh - Joint Secretary 2. Ms. Rachna Saxena - Deputy Secretary REPRESENTATI VES OF MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE 1. Shri Chandra Prakash Goyal - DGF&SS 2. Shri S P Yadav - ADG REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE (LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT) 3. Shri Udaya Kumara - Joint Secretary & Legislative Counsel EXPERTS/ STAKEHOLDERS/ORGANIZATIONS 4. Smt. Brinda Karat - Ex-Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha 5. Dr. Prashant Kumar Jha - Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF). (Retd .), Telangana Forest Department 6. Shri R.D. Kamboj - Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) (Retd.), Gujarat Forest Department 7. Shri Suresh Chopane - Member, Regional Empowered Committee (REC), Nagpur and Raipur (M inistry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change) President - Green Planet Society 8. Shri K. Ravichandran - Director - Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) 9. Dr. Ravindra Kumar Singh - Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) (Retd.) Chhattisgarh Forest Department 2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the Members to the sixth sitting of the Joint Committee. He further apprised the Members about the agenda of the sitting. 3. Thereafter, t he Chairperson invited the experts to brief the Committee on various aspects related to the Forest (Conservation) Amendment bill, 2023. The representatives of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Law & Justice (Department of Legi slative Department) were also present to assist the committee during deliberations. The Chairperson then drew the attention of the witnesses present to the Direction 58 of the Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha concerning the confidentiality of the Commi ttee proceedings. 4. Then, the experts, one by one, explained their views on the amendments proposed in the Bill. 5. The Members, thereafter, sought clarification on various amendments being proposed in the Bill and views of the experts which were briefly replied to by the experts. The Chairperson then directed the Ministry viz. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to provide written replies to all the points raised by the Members during the sitting. The witnesses then withdrew. The Co mmittee was adjourned. A copy of verbatim record of the proceedings is kept on record SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 261 Minutes of the 7th sitting of the Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 The 7th sitting of the Joint Committee was held on Tuesday, the 30th May, 2023 from 1230 hrs. to 1400 hrs. in Committee Room No.’D’, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi. PRESENT Shri Rajendra Agrawal - Chairperson LOK SABHA 2. Shri T.R. Baalu 3. Dr. Dhal Singh Bisen 4. Shri Tapir Gao 5. Shri Ajay Tamta 6. Shri Sudarshan Bha gat 7. Smt. Agatha K. Sangma 8. Shri Rajendra Dhedya Gavit 9. Shri Girish Chandra 10. Shri Pradyut Bordoloi RAJYA SABHA 11. Dr. Ashok Bajpai 12. Dr. Prashanta Nanda 13. Shri Birendra Prasad Baishya 14. Shri R. Girirajan 15. Smt. Phulo Devi Netam SECRETARIAT 1. Shri J.M. Baisakh - Joint Secretary 2. Ms. Rachna Saxena - Deputy Secretary REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE 1. Shri Chandra Prakash Goyal - DGF&SS 2. Shri S P Yadav - ADG REPRESENTATIVE OF MINISTRY O F LAW & JUSTICE (LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT) 3. Shri Udaya Kumara - Joint Secretary & Legislative Counsel EXPERTS/ STAKEHOLDERS/ORGANIZATIONS 4. Shri Shahbaz Ahmad - Indian Forest Service (IFS) (Retd.) Ex-Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden, MP 5. Shri Debi Goenka - Executive Trustee, Conservation Action Trust 6. Shri Abhinav Gaur - Advocate, Allahabad High Court 7. Shri Praveen Bhargav - Trustee Wildlife First, Former Member – National Board for Wildlife Author – Wildlife Law for Rangers 8. Shri Manoj Patil - Convener, Vibrant India Economic Council (VIEC), Mumbai 9. Shri Bijaya K Panda - Convener, Bharat Jan Andolan (Chhattisgarh Bacha o Andolan) 2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the Members to the seventh sitting of the Joint Committee. He further apprised the Members about the agenda of the sitting. 3. Thereafter, the Chairperson invited the experts to brief the Committ ee on various aspects related to the Forest (Conservation) Amendment bill, 2023. The representatives of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Law & Justice (Department of Legislative Department) were also present to assist the com mittee during deliberations. The Chairperson then drew the attention of the witnesses present to the Direction 58 of the Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha concerning the confidentiality of the Committee proceedings. 4. Then, the experts, one by one, ex plained their views on the amendments proposed in the Bill. 5. The Members, thereafter, sought clarification on various amendments being proposed in the Bill and views of the experts which were briefly replied to by the experts. The Chairperson then direct ed the Ministry viz. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to provide written replies to all the points raised by the Members during the sitting. The witnesses then withdrew. The Committee was adjourned. A copy of verbatim record of the procee dings is kept on record SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 263 Minutes of the 8th sitting of the Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 The 8th sitting of the Joint Committee was held on Tuesday, the 26th June, 2023 from 1100 hrs. to 1300 hrs. in Committee Room N o.’1’, Extention to Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi. PRESENT Shri Rajendra Agrawal - Chairperson LOK SABHA 2. Shri T.R. Baalu 3. Dr. Dhal Singh Bisen 4. Shri Raju Bista 5. Shri Tapir Gao 6. Shri Suresh Kumar Kashyap 7. Smt. Gomati Sai 8. Shri Sudarshan Bhagat 9. Km. Diya Kumari 10. Smt. Agatha K. Sangma 11. Shri Rajendra Dhedya Gavit 12. Dr. Alok Kumar Suman 13. Shri Pradyut Bordoloi RAJYA SABHA 14. Dr. Ashok Bajpai 15. Shri Samir Oraon 16. Dr. Prashanta Nanda 17. Shri Birendra Prasad Baishya 18. Shri R. Girirajan SECRETARIAT 1. Shri J.M. Baisa kh - Joint Secretary 2. Shri C. Kalyanasundaram - Director 3. Ms.Rachna Saxena - Deputy Secretary REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE 1. Smt. Leena Nandan - Secretary 2. Shri Chandra Prakash Goyal - DGF&SS REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE (LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT) 1. Shri Udaya Kumara - Joint Secretary & Legislative Counsel REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE (DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AF FAIRS) 1. Dr. Padmini Singh - Joint Secretary & Legislative Adviser 2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the Members to the eighth sitting of the Joint Committee and apprised the Members about the agenda of the sitting. 3. Ther eafter, the Chairperson also welcomed the representatives of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Law & Justice and initiated the deliberations on the Clause by Clause consideration of the propose d amendments in the Fo rest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023. The representatives of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change assisted the Committee during deliberations. 4. The Members of the Committee put forth their views on the proposed amendments in Forest (Co nservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 and the representatives of Ministry explained the queries raised by the Members. 5. After detailed deliberations, the Committee accepted all the proposed amendments in the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023. The s itting of the Committee then adjourned. A copy of verbatim record of the proceedings is kept on record. SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 265 Minutes of the 9th sitting of the Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 The 9th sitting of the Joint Committee was held on Tuesday, the 11th July, 2023 from 1500 hrs. to 1530 hrs. in Committee Room No. ’D’, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi. PRESENT Shri Rajendra Agrawal - Chairperson LOK SABHA 2. Shri Tapir Gao 3. Shri Sudarshan Bhagat 4. Shri Pallab Lochan Das 5. Km. Diya Kumari 6. Smt. Agatha K. Sangma 7. Dr. Alok Kumar Suman 8. Shri Girish Chandra RAJYA SABHA 9. Shri Samir Oraon 10. Dr. C.M. Ramesh 11. Dr. Prashanta Nanda 12. Shri Birendra Prasad Baishya 13. Shri R. Girirajan 14. Smt. Phulo Devi Netam SECRETARIAT 1. Shri J.M. Baisakh - Joint Secretary 2. Shri C. Kalyanasundaram - Director 3. Ms. Rachna Saxena - Deputy Secretary 2. At the outset, Chairperson welcomed the Members of the Joint Committee to the sitting of the Committee convened for considerat ion and adoption of Draft Report of the Committee. The Committee considered the Draft Report in entirety and adopted the same. The Committee also authorised the Hon'ble Chairperson to finalize and present the Report in Lok Sabha and lay the same on the tab le of the Rajya Sabha. 3. The Chairperson also announced that if any member desired to give any dissent note, the same may be submitted to the Secretariat by 4:00 pm on 13 July 2023. 4. Thereafter, the Chairperson in his concluding remarks thanked all the members of the Joint Committee for their unstinted support and cooperation which enabled the Committee to examine and finalize the report on an important legislation within defined time frame of time. The Chairperson, also placed on record the appreciation for the relentless assistance rendered to the Committee by the officers and staff of the Lok Sabha Secretariat. The Committee then adjourned. APPENDIX -VIII Notes/Minutes of dissent received from the Members of the Joint Committee PRADYUT BORDOLOI MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (LOK SABHA) MEMBER, STANDING COMMITTEE OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS MEMBER, COMMITTEE OF RULES, LOK SABHA MEMBER, CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE OF MINISTRY OF POWER, NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY D.O. No. MP: Nowgong: 03 Date: 26th June, 2023 Shri Rajendra Agarwal, Chairperson, Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 Respected Shri Agarwal ji, Subject: Comments of dissent on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 (TBD) for inclusion in the JPC Report . At the outset, I woul d like to appreciate efforts being undertaken to conduct vital public consultation as a part of the Committee's examination of the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023. This is crucial for strengthening environmental protection mandate and building co llective responsibility around forest conservation in India. I am thankful to you for allowing me to interact extensively during the hearings. While the preamble of the proposed Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 invokes India's rich tradition of preserving forests and their importance in achieving net zero emission targets, there is reason to believe that the substance of the proposed changes will, however, emasculate the original Forest Conservation Act (FCA), thereby subverting the FCA's primary objective of providing for conservation of forests and checking further deforestation. The following are my detailed clause -wise comments, which are put forward for the Committee's consideration and if necessary, regarded as comments of dissent for the record. 1. Clause 3: Changing title of the Act from "Forest (Conservation) Act" to "Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam Given that the FCA is of great importance to people across the country, 60% of which are dependent on forests and other ecosystems d irectly for their sustenance and livelihood, it is vital that is inclusive in its terminologies, not leaving out population in non -Hindi speaking regions, including the South and the North -East regions. 2. Clause 4: Insertion of Section 1A (subsection 1) r egarding lands to be covered under the FCA a. By proposing to include only those lands within the ambit of the FCA which are recorded as the forest on or after 25th October 1980, a significant section of forest land area will be exempted, especially becau se large tracts of forest land in India were recorded as 'forest' during transfer of lands to the forest department while abolishing the Zamindari system in respective states after independence (in 50s -70s). A large section of such transferred land could n ot be notified as forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, or state forest legislations because of improper demarcation, ownership disputes and administrative lethargy. However, such lands continue to be protected as forests under the FCA, irrespective of their ownerships. Such forests can be easily found in ecologically rich landscapes like the Aravallis, central Indian plateaus, western ghats, etc and are important as wildlife habitats providing critical ecological services. These biodiversity hotspots will no longer be considered 'forest' and can potentially be sold, diverted, cleared, felled, utilized, exploited without any regulatory oversight, if the bill is passed in its current form. b. Such an amendment would dilute the Hon'ble Supreme Court's 1996 landmark Godavarman judgment which widened the scope of the FCA to apply to any land recorded as forest by the government irrespective of its ownership. The proposed amendment would in effect limit the scope of the forest clearance mandate under the FCA a t a time when India is rapidly losing essential forest cover. Clause 4: Insertion of Section 1A (subsection 2) regarding lands to not be covered under the FCA: The proposition to exempt certain categories of land from provisions of forest clearance bears t he following grave implications: a. Threat to bio -sensitive areas : Significant forests in Himalayan. Trans - Himalayan and North Eastern regions , which are rich with endemic biodiversity will be exempted because of their proximity to international borders. Clearing SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 267 of such forests without any assessment and mitigation plan will not only threaten the biodiversity but will also increase the vulnerability of the ecologically and geologically sensitive areas, which are already threatened by unsustainable infras tructure developments and extreme weather events . Blanket exemptions for border infrastructure projects are problematic as they have significant impact on sensitive landscape and biodiversity, and may adversely impact the infrastructures themselves, due to resultant environmental hazards in case of extreme weather events. b. Wide scope of terminology : The usage of forest land for 'security -related infrastructure' and 'public utility' is also very wide and can be used to establish a variety of infrastructure projects on forest lands without applying for forest clearance. For example, public utility services are commonly understood as services provided by the government essential to citizens' requirements. This includes transport, postal, telephone, power, wat er, etc. This virtually allows the construction of any project on forest land. c. Further, in Amendment of Section 2, further exemptions are provided using vague terminology like 'proposed', 'ecotourism facilities', and 'any other purposes' which can be ex ploited or misused for activities damaging forests and ecosystems in forest lands. Bringing all zoos, safaris and forest training infrastructures within the ambit of forestry activities, is inconsistent with the FCA and the FCA Guidelines, 2019 which clear ly differentiate low footprint conservation establishments from exhibition -oriented outreach centers. Further, this may disproportionately commercialize forests and disturb forest ecosystems. d. The exemptions provided for are bound to promote commerciali sation of forests (including notified forests) and cause irreversible disturbance to wildlife . It is a common misconception that wildlife only occurs inside Protected Areas (PA). On the contrary, areas outside PA are considered to support essential habitat s and biodiversity. The proposed Bill makes no provision for any impact assessment or any kind of regulatory oversight on the loss of habitats an d species, nor would there be any remedies available for interventions to raise concerns. Roads, railway lines and such linear intrusions have a disproportionately vast impact on wild habitats and wildlife as it fragments, erodes natural forests. Remov ing safeguards in such a blanket manner will only further jeopardise, degrade and destroy forests. 4. Clause (1) ( a) (2) (c) Blanket exemption of 100 km from international border is of particular concern in the North East region, due to proximity to international borders & small size of state as a result, will subsume the entire state and open up pristine forest areas along with its biodiversity for non -forestry uses without FCA regulation. Further, the ecologically fragile landscape along the LAC has the majority of the Protected Areas with critically threatened endemic species of flora and fauna, whose conservation w ill be threatened. 5. Clause 5: Insertion of sub -section 2 of Section 2: This section which exempts survey activities, such as, reconnaissance, seismic survey and drillings by Oil Companies, prospecting, investigation or exploration from FCA clearance, wo uld open vast tracts of biodiversity rich forest across the country for scoping, prospecting and surveys for coal, iron ore, diamond and other mining, as well as for oil with no environmental safeguards Also at risk is our 7,517 kilometers long coastline a nd 1,382 islands from deep sea mining for deposits of minerals which will pave the way for commercial exploitation. Once scoping is done, analysis indicates that clearances for projects is usually a fait accompli. The proposed exemptions for all surveys an d investigations are arbitrary in nature, and such exemptions should instead depend on the underlying project and its implications on the forest and associated wildlife . 6. Critically assessing emphasis on carbon neutrality through plantations: The Bill's focus on raising tradeable vertical repositories of carbon, i.e achieving carbon neutrality through a push for plantations, can jeopardize the very purpose of the Act to protect and conserve India's forests. While India's commitments to meeting nati onal Net Zero Emission targets are important, experts have long argued that creating carbon sinks via plantations and increasing tree cover is counter intuitive , and multiple studies, including in India show that these are poor in sequestering carbon, as well as in other ecosystem services such as containing soil erosion, biodiversity conservation, water retention etc. Research has sho wn that natural forests are far more effective in this regard , considering that the carbon sequestration potential of natural fore sts is 40 times greater as compared to plantations. Further, it is important to consider that the destruction and degradation of forests in itself contributes to climate change through the release of carbon dioxide (CO 2). 7. Need to foreground forest right s in forest conservation legislation : What remains an obvious gap, even in the statement and objects of the amendment, is the reconciliation of the forest conservation legislation with the forest rights question, w hich should have been important especially when almost all proposed amendments will necessarily come to bear on prevailing, pending or recognised forest rights. There is an absence of any perspective on how existing proprietary, customary, and livelihood use rights will be dealt with for net zero compliant lands or in the case of fresh forest land diversions. While the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in its response (dated 19th June 2023) has attempted to clarify some of the above mentioned points, concerns persist as there is an overwhelming reliance on implied meaning of provisions rather than categorically laying out safeguards in the text of the amendment. Further, on the question of ensuring safeguards , one observes a tendency to leave terms & conditions to the discretion of the Executive at subsequent junctures, creating scope for misinterpretation and misuse. India's ancient civilisation and culture is closely linked to nature. Millions of marginalized and indigenous people continue to depend on forests for their sustenance and livelihood and will be rendered even more vulnerable were the proposed amendments come to pass. I strongly believe that rather than weakening regulation, amendments to India's Forest Conservation Act must focus on ensuring more effective implementation of conservation practices, especially in view of the accelerating threat of climate change. Regards, (PRADYUT BORDOLOI) SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 269 Relevant Provisions of Principal Act Provisions proposed in Amendment Bill Comments of Shri Pradyut Bordoloi, MP Lok Sabha (Member JPC) Suggestion for Re - drafting 1(1) This Act may be called the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Amendment of section 1. In section 1 of the principal Act, in sub-section (1), for the words and brackets “Forest (Conservation) Act”, the words and bracke ts “VAN (SANRAKSHAN EVAM SAMVARDHAN) ADHINIYAM” shall be substituted. Should be amend to make it more acceptable to all across the country. A separate Hindi translated version can be made available alongside the English version, for the purpose of impro ved accessibility. English Translation of Bill: This Act may be called the Forest (Conservation) Act , Appropriate Hindi name can be inserted Not applicable (provisions do not exist in the Principal Act). Insertion of new section 1A- Act to cover certain land. After section 1 of the principal Act, the following section shall be inserted, namely: –– “1A. (1) The following land shall be covered under the provisions of this Act, namely: –– 1) Subsection 1A(1)(b) along with the proviso can be potentiall y misinterpreted to create an exception to the Supreme Court’s judgment in T.N. Godavaraman case dated 12.12.1996 (which imposed applicability of Section 2 of the Act to any area recorded as forest in the Govt record irrespective of ownership and date) This has negative implications on the applicability of Section 2 of the Act, which mandates permission of the Central Government for any non -forest activity on lands recorded as forest in ‘government record’, which also includes lands that are not notified un der a statute. 2) The new changes also omit the category of lands which are neither notified nor recorded as forests in any government records but qualify the characteristics of a natural forest including those proposed to be notified as forest. As per the latest FSI’s “India State of Forest Report” (2021), Unclassed Forests account for approximately 15% of India’s total forest cover, and in some States and Union Territories Unclassed Forests are a massive portion of their total forest cover. Some of these states constitute some of India's most unique and endangered biodiversity - rich regions (biodiversity hotspots). For instance, in Northeast India, 97.2% of Nagaland’s, 88.2% of Meghalaya’s, 75.6% of Manipur’s, 53% of Arunachal Pradesh’s and 33.4% of Assam ’s total forest are categorized as unclassed forest. There is a concern that most of such lands may be exempted from the FCA as they are recorded as forests much before 1980. 3) The new changes also exclude those forest lands which are proposed to be decla red forests but yet to be notified under Section 4 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or other state laws. (For e.g in Assam, nearly 730 sq.km. of lands are in the process of notification as RF from the existing category of Proposed RF under Assam Forest Regul ation Act, 1891.) Not applicable (provisions do not exist in the Principal Act). The following land shall be covered under the provisions of this Act, namely: –– (a) the land that has been declared or notified as a forest in accordance with the provision s of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or under any other law for the time being in force. (b) the land that is not covered under clause (a), but has been recorded in Government record as forest, as on or after the 25th October , 1980: ” The following land sha ll be covered under this Act, namely: — (b) the land that has been declared or notified or is under the process of being notified as a forest following the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or under any other law for the time being in force. (b) th e land that is not covered under clause (a) but has been recorded in Government records as forest irrespective of their ownership . (c) the land that is not covered under clauses (a) or (b) but is recognizable as forests by local communities or in terms of its ecological and cultural significance. (d) the land that is not covered in clauses (a), (b), (c) but identified or used for compensatory afforestation in lieu of SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 271 forest diverted under Section 2 of the Act. Proviso Provided that the provisions of this clause shall not apply to such land, which has been changed from forest use to use for non -forest purpose on or before the 12th December, 1996 in pursuance of an order, issued by any authority authorised by a State Government or an Union territory Administ ration in that behalf: There have been many instances where the States have unlawfully diverted lands recorded as forests for non - forest activities in the violation of the Act. The proposed amendment attempts to legalize such diversions. The Supreme Court has reiterated that the primary purpose of the FCA is to prevent further deforestation, and any interpretations must sub -serve and help implement the intention of the Act. Many of such forest lands were diverted on lease for activities such as plantations , mining etc., by the States before 12th December , 1996 or even before the enactment of the FCA in 1980. For instance, Gavi, a RF in the core area of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, was leased to Kerala Forest Development Corporation for the cultivation of card amom before 1980. The lease is set to expire in 2026, after which new permission will be required to be obtained under Section 2 of the Act. However, if the proposed amendment is accepted, many of such leased forest areas may get permanently diverted for s uch non-forest activity. This may also allow the lessee to change the nature of such plantation for other non -forest purposes like tourism, infrastructure etc. Recommend to be deleted from amendment Not applicable (provisions do not exist in the Principal Act). 1A. (2) (a) The following categories of land shall not be covered under the provisions of this Act, namely: — (a) such forest land situated alongside a rail line or a public road maintained by the Government, which provides access to a habitation, or to a rail, and roadside amenity up to a maximum size of 0.10 hectare in each case; Exemptions for roadside amenities are regressive and ultra vires the FCA. The new changes will fragment forest areas and will be detrimental to wildlife habitats and corri dors, especially with lack of specifics with respect to the frequency of these facilities along such linear projects makes vast forest areas susceptible. Already many railway lines such as Rail line thro the Deepor Beel (a Ramsar Site) on the outskirts of Guwahati City and roads pass through sensitive biodiversity Recommend to be deleted from the amendment rich areas. More road and railways infrastructure are proposed to be constructed in upcoming years, which are going to fragment forests and affect wildlife in other parts of the country. Granting any exemptions to areas alongside the roads will not only lead to massive deforestation but create multiple disturbance to forests and put immense pressure on wildlife. Linear infrastructure significantly affects and reverses the decades old conservation efforts to protect endemic flora and fauna, in many cases roads and railways are one of the major reasons of fatalities of protected species. According to reports, 45 elephants died between 2019 - 2021 and 26 tigers died between 2010 -2021 due to railway accid ents. For development of access roads to adjoining villages or human habitations, diversion of forest lands must be allowed judiciously following due procedure of forest clearance under Section 2 of the Act and in such a manner that it causes minimum distu rbance to the forest and wildlife, rather than through blanket exemption. (1) (a) (2)(b) such tree, tree plantation or reafforestation raised on lands that are not specified in clause (a) or clause (b) of sub -section (1); and Need for clarity on definition of ‘reafforestation’ and whether it is different from ‘reforestation’ - planting of trees on non -forest land or planting of trees on land which was previously forest. Act must define the term ‘reafforestation’ to prevent ambiguity or misuse . Definition of ‘reafforestation’ to be recommended for addition (1)(a)(2)(c) such forest land, — (i) as is situated within a distance of one hundred kilometres along international borders or Line of Control or Line of Actua l Control, as the case may be, proposed to be used for construction of strategic linear project of national importance and concerning national security; or According to the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority, between 1996 -2016, defence projects have taken up the second largest amount of forest land (1,549 sq.km.), second only to mining (4,947 sq.km.). Strategically important linear infrastructures are already given Recommend to be deleted from the amendment SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 273 (ii) up to ten hectares, proposed to be used for construction of security related infrastructure; or (iii) as is proposed to be used for construction of defence related project or a camp for paramilitary forces or public utility projects , as may be specified by the Central Government, the extent of which does not exceed five hectares in a Left Wing Extre mism affected area as may be notified by the Central Government. permissions expeditiously by the Central Government under ‘general approval’ scheme. In such circumstance, blanket exemption is unreasonable and unwant ed. Infrastructure and linear development projects in Himalayan and North -Eastern India involve activities such as blasting and excavation, creating tunnels, damming of water streams etc., which has significant and irreversible damage to the ecologically sensitive landscape of these regions. Experts have pointed out the role of such infrastructure development as a significant contributor in intensifying the impact of extreme weather events leading to landslides and severe floods. As per (1)(a)(2)(c) (iii) t he term ‘public utility’ remains ambiguous, open ended and open to interpretation - such blanket exemptions are undesirable but are also inconsistent,and ultra vires to the purpose of FCA. Accordingly, any permission for such activities must be granted on a case-on-case basis following due procedure under Section 2 of the Act. (1)(a)(2)(c) Blanket exemption of 100 km from international border is of particular concern in the North East region, due to proximity to international borders & small size of state - as a result, will subsume the entire state and open up pristine forest areas along with its biodiversity for non-forestry uses without FCA regulation. Further, the ecologically fragile lands cape along the LAC has the majority of the Protected Areas with critically threatened endemic species of flora and fauna, whose conservation will be threatened. Suggestion: prior to availing exemption for security related infrastructure, in forest areas, it is proposed that listed agencies would consult stakeholders mainly local communities residing nearby. As these forest areas form multiple use areas accessed by the local communities - no blanket exemption, but case-by-case forest clearance based on stakeholder consultation. (1)(a)(3) The exemption provided under sub - section (2) shall be subject to such terms and conditions, including the conditions of planting trees to compensate felling of trees undertaken on the lands, as the Central Government ma y, by guidelines, specify. While plantations may provide some benefits, they do not provide the same level of ecological services as natural forests. Plantations, however, can exacerbate soil erosion and degrade soil quality, as they often require intensi ve fertilization, pesticide use, and irrigation. Further, plantations do not provide habitat for the wildlife, as they do not contain the structural complexity and diversity of natural forests. Therefore, it is important to prioritize protection and restor ation of natural forests and to manage them sustainably, rather than relying on plantations as a replacement. Any afforestation operation must be undertaken with the objective of ecological restoration and augmenting native biodiversity. Recommend to be de leted from the amendment Section 2(1) (iii) Section 2(1) (iii) (iii) that any forest land or any portion thereof may be assigned by way of lease or otherwise to any private person or to any authority, corporation, agency or any other organization subjec t to such terms and conditions, as the Central Government may, by order, specify; The purpose of such leasing of forest lands by the state must be ensured for conservation of forests and wildlife only. (iii) that any forest land or any portion thereof may be assigned by way of lease or otherwise to any private person or to any authority, corporation, agency, or any other organization unless it is in the interest of in situ conservation of forest and wildlife , subject to such terms and conditions, as the Cen tral Government may with reason prescribe ; Section 2 (1) (b) Any purpose other than reafforestation, but does not include any work relating to or ancillary to conservation, development and management of forests and wildlife, The purpose for all such establishments must be to protect and conserve the forests and wildlife, and not for any leisure or commercial purposes. Thus, it is essential that sufficient reasoning is provided for such developments as a necessity for forests and wildlife conservation. Under the provision on exemption of works ‘ancillary to conservation’, the Act must also specify the Certified Authority which would decide whether the work falls under the category of ancillary or related work. It is suggested that the Certified Any purpose other than reafforestation, but does not include any work relating to or ancill ary to conservation, development and management of forests and wildlife, which shall be certified by the concerned Chief Wildlife Warden or Principal Chief Conservator with reasons in writing.  Need for Act to define ‘reafforestation’. SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 275 Authority with respect to conservation of wildlife should be the Chief Wildlife Warden or Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (“PCCF”) with respect to forest conservation. Section 2(1) (b) i. silvicultural operations including regeneration operations; Silvicultural operations must be undertaken with the objective of ecological restoration and augmenting native biodiversity. i. silvicultural operations including regeneration operations whic h are purported to restore the original flora of the area and do not include plantation of species exotic to the area in question or causing disturbance to the wildlife; ii. establishment of check -posts and infrastructure for the front -line forest staff; Specify to prevent misuse (such as illegal collection of money allowing extraction of forest materials) Establishment of check - posts and infrastructure for the front -line forest staff, that do not affect or disturb the movement of wild animals iii. establishment and maintenance of fire lines; No change iv. wireless communications; Specify to prevent misuse iv. wireless communications which are required for the front -line forest staff; v. construction of fencing, boundary marks or pillars, brid ges and culverts, check dams, waterholes, trenches and pipelines; Specify to prevent misuse v. construction of fencing, boundary marks or pillars, bridges and culverts, check dams, waterholes, trenches and pipelines, solely required for the purpose of for est and wildlife conservation and certified as such by the concerned Chief Wildlife Warden or Principal Chief Conservator of Forest. vi. establishment of zoo and safaris referred to in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, owned by the Government or any authority, in forest areas other than protected areas; Allowing zoos and safaris within the scope of non -forest activities in the FCA will disproportionately commercialise forests and wildlife. Such establishments not only come at the cost of Recommend to be deleted from the amendment fragmentatio n and destruction of existing forest and wildlife habitats, but have a huge cumulative impact from associated infrastructure, access routes, public amenities and other disturbances which cannot be termed as beneficial to the forests and wildlife. vii. eco -tourism facilities included in the Forest Working Plan or Wildlife Management Plan or Tiger Conservation Plan or Working Scheme of that area; and In recent years mushrooming of tourism facilities has led to overuse, disturbance and serious management problems in several PAs. The National Wildlife Action Plan defines eco -tourism as eco -friendly and regulated wildlife -based tourism and also states that in case of any conflict between tourism and conservationinte rests of a PA, the paradigm for the decision must be that tourism exists for the Protected Areas and not vice versa, and that demands of tourism must be subservient to and in consonance with the conservation interests of Protected Areas. The exemption of e stablishment of eco -tourism facilities be deleted, instead they may be regulated as per the existing procedure of forest clearance under Section 2 of the FCA and decided on a case -to-case basis keeping in view the local circumstances and species affected. Recommend to be deleted from the amendment viii. any other like purposes, which the Central Government may, by order, specify."] Specify to prevent misuse viii. any other like purposes necessary for conservation of forest and wildlife, which the Cent ral Government shall by reason prescribe. Section 2 (2) The Central Government may, by order, specify the terms and conditions subject to which any survey, such as, reconnaissance, prospecting, investigation or exploration including seismic survey, shal l not be treated as non-forest purpose. Exemption of permission for conducting such surveys will open the floodgates for conducting surveys for purely commercial activities like mining. Some of these surveys or investigations might require drilling/diggin g of surface, clearing of vegetation, levelling of ground, creating access roads and producing high decibel Recommend to be deleted from the amendment SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 277 noise or use of light at night or any other activity which might be detrimental to the wildlife and the ecosystem. Recently, the Gauhati High Court stayed Environmental Clearance to Oil India Limited with respect to exploration and drilling through extended reach drilling for hydrocarbons at seven locations in Dibru Saikhowa National Park due to the absence of a Biodiversity Impact Assessment. Therefo re, a blanket exemption to such surveys is not recommended. It is suggested that the exemption to survey, such as, reconnaissance, prospecting, investigation, or exploration be deleted, and the existing procedure for permission under Section 2 of the Act b e continued for such activities. Email Joint Committee on Forest Conservation From: Pradyut Bordoloi [email protected] Fri, Jul 14, 2023 01:36 PM Subject: Re: Sir/Madam, You have Rece ived an Email from Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 (JCFCAB), Lok Sabha Secretariat To: Joint Committee on Forest Conservation <jcfcab - [email protected]> Dear Chairman, I as member of the JPC could not attend the last mee ting held on the adoption of the report hereby confirm that I have read the report and already sent my letter of dissent to be recorded as per the Direction clause 87 by the Speaker. Best regards, Pradyut Bordoloi MP Lok Sabha -----Original Message ------ -- From: jcfcab [email protected] To: pradyut bordoloi <[email protected]> Sent: Fri, 14 Jul 2023 13:14:34 +0530 (IST) Subject: Sir/Madam, You have Received an Email from Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 (JCF CAB), Lok Sabha Secretariat Madam/Sir, Kindly see the attached documents on the above mentioned subject. Regards JCFCAB Cell SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 279 PHULODEVI NETAM Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha -Chhattisgarh 34, Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Road, New Delhi -110001 E-mail : [email protected] Mob.: +91 -9425597472 MPRS/CG/2023 -10 SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 281 R. GIRIRAJAN MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (RAJYA SABHA) 11th July, 202 3 Dissent Note To, The Chairman, Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023. Sir, I hereby give my dissent on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 due to the following: 1. The Title of the bill should be understood by all throughout the country as well as the all over the world. English language is known to all the stakeholders. Therefore the word 'Forest Conservation Act' should be retained as it is understood well throughout the country... Sanskritic Terminology is untenable. Let it be called the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 2. Forests and conservation of forest is under Concurrent List. State Governments have administrative control over forests. Therefore assigning all powers to Central Government in fringes on Federal rights of the State Governments. Any decision should be arrive at only after proper discussion with the State Governments. 3. The Proposed amendments are inconsistent and ultra vires to the principal Act, severely compromises the consti tutional mandate of the State (Article 48A) to safeguard forests, and jeopardizes the access to information, public participation and access to justice, which are essential component of Rio Declaration 1992 and fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 2 1 of the Indian Constitution. Hence I oppose and dissent the Bill. R. GIRIRAJAN MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (RAJYA SABHA) TAMIL NADU #1, Chelliamman Colony Second Street, Peravallur, Chennai - 600 082. Tel: 044 -26710558 SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 283 Point 1 The Title of the bill should be understood by all throughout the country as well as the all over the world. English language is known to all the stakeholders. Therefore the word 'Forest Conservation Act' should be retained as it is understood well throughout the countr y... Sanskritic Terminology is untenable. Let the it be called Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 Point 2 Forests and conservation of forest is under Concurrent List. State Governments have administrative control over forests. Therefore assigning al l powers to Central Government infringes on Federal rights of the State Governments... Any decision should be arrive at only after proper discussion with the State Governments. Point 3 The Proposed amendments are inconsistent and ultra vires to the princip al Act, severely compromises the constitutional mandate of the State (Article 48A) to safeguard forests, and jeopardizes the access to information, public participation and access t o justice, which are essential component of Rio Declaration 1992 and fundam ental rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Hence I oppose and dissent the Bill. R. GIRIRAJAN MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (RAJYA SABHA) TAMIL NADU NOTE OF DISSENT SUBMITTED BY SHRI JAWHAR SIRCAR, MP (RAJYA SABHA) AND SMT. SAJDA AHMAD, MP (LOK SABHA) TO THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE FOREST (CONSERVATION) ACT. Suggestion 1. Please retain original title of the Forest (Conservation) Act and DO NOT include the new words, namely “Evam Samvardhan)“ Suggestion 2. Under section 1A (1 ), please SUBSTITUTE amendment provision, namely, “The following land shall be covered under the provisions of this Act, namely: — (a) the land that has been declared or notified as a forest in accordance with the provisions of the Indi an Forest Act, 1927 or under any other law for the time being in force. (b) the land that is not covered under clause (a), but has been recorded in Government record as forest, as on or after the 25th October 1980” WITH THE WORDS: “The following land s hall be covered under this Act, namely: — (a) the land that has been declared or notified or is under the process of being notified as a forest following the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or under any other law for the time being in force. (b) the land that is not covered under clause (a) but has been recorded in Government records as forest irrespective of their ownership. (c) the land that is not covered under clauses (a) or (b) but is recognisable as forests by local communities or in terms of its ecological and cultural significance. (d) the land that is not covered in clauses (a), (b), (c) but identified or used for compensatory afforestation in lieu of forest diverted under Section 2 of the Act.” Suggestion 3. Again, in 1A (1), please DE LETE this part of proposed amendment, ie, “Provided that the provisions of this clause shall not apply to such land, which has been changed from forest use to use for non- forest purpose on or before the 12th December, 1996 in pursuance of an order, issue d by any authority authorised by a State Government or an Union territory Administration in that behalf”. Suggestion 4 In1A. ((2) where roadside amenities are mentioned, please SUBSTITUTE THE WORDS “which provides access to a habitation, or to a rail, a nd roadside amenity up to a maximum size of 0.10 hectare in each case;” WITH THE WORDS: “which provides access to a habitation, or to a rail, and roadside amenity up to a maximum size of 1000 square feet in each case;” AND ADD PROVISO “provided there are not more than three such amenities in each cluster and every cluster shall be not less than 50 kilometres apart” — in order to minimise the disturbance to forests. Suggestion 5. Again, in 1A (2) b) AFTER the words “such tree, tree plantation or reaffor estation raised on lands that are not specified in clause (a) or clause (b) of sub -section (1);” ADD PROVISO “but shall not include compensatory afforestation” SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 285 Suggestion 6. Further, in 1A (2), AFTER THE WORDS “such forest land, — (i) as is situated with in a distance of one hundred kilometres along international”, insert “ Himalayan ” BEFORE CONTINUING as “borders or Line of Control or Line of Actual Control, as the case may be, proposed to be used for construction of strateg ic linear project of national im portance and concerning national security; or”. Suggestion 7. And, furthermore, in 1A (2), AFTER THE WORDS “(3) The exemption provided under sub -section (2) shall be subject to such terms and conditions, including the conditions of planting trees to comp ensate felling of trees undertaken on the lands, as the Central Government” INSERT “in consultation with concerned State Government” THEN CONTINUE “may, by guidelines, specify.” Suggestion 8. Again, to continue with 1A (2) the Act must limit the ter m “public utility projects” in the following phrase ”iii) as is proposed to be used for construction of defence related project or a camp for paramilitary forces or public utili ty projects, as may be specified by the Central Government, the extent of whic h does not exceed five hectares in a Left Wing Extremism affected area as may be notified by the Central Government.”, BY CLEARLY STATING THAT such projects shall be directly under Government and it agencies and SHALL NOT BE “privatised, leased or the op erational control of which shall be handed over to any private company or entity”. Suggestion 9. In ALL PLACES ADD the words “ in consultation with concerned State Governments” after the words “Central Government” wherever issuing of orders and guidelin es appears. Suggestion 10. After Section 2(1) (iii) “that any forest land or any portion thereof may be assigned by way of lease or otherwise to any private person or to any authority, corporation, agency or any other organisation subject to such terms and conditions, as the Central Government may, by order, specify;” PLEASE INSERT PROVISO “Provided there are wide public consultations before such assignment with environmentalists, wild life exports and the local community and it is in the interest o f in situ conservation of forest and wildlife”’ Suggestion 1 In Section 2 (1) (b) , after the words “any purpose other than reafforestation,but does not include any work relating to or ancillary to conservation, development an d management of forests and w ildlife,” INSERT THIS PROVISO “Provided concerned Chief Wildlife Warden or Principal Chief Conservator of Forests shall certify the same with reasons in writing.” Suggestion 11. In Section 2(1) (b) after the phrase “i. silvicultural operations inc luding regeneration operations;” INSERT THIS PROVISO “Provided that the species shall retain and restore the original ones and shall not be exotic or invasive or disturb the wild life therein” SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 287 Email Joint Committee on Forest Conservation From: Jawhar Sircar < [email protected] > Thu, Jul 13, 2023 12:40 PM Subject: Forest Conservation Act —Note of Dissent to Report of Joint Committee on Amendments to the Forest Conservation Act. 1 attachment To: Joint Committee on Forest Conservation <jcfcab [email protected]> Cc: [email protected] Sir/Madam, I could not attend the last meeting held on 11 July, 2 023 but I certify (as per Direction 87 of the 'Directions by the Speaker') that I have read the said report before I file this 'Note of Dissent'. Jawhar Sircar, MP RS Sent from my iPad Jawhar Sircar Sent from my iPad Forest Conservation Act .docx 11 KB Email Joint Committee on Forest Conservation Certificate for JCFB Report From: Sajda Ahmed <[email protected]> Fri, Jul 14, 2023 12:31 PM Subject: Certificate for JCFB Report To: Joint Committee on Forest Conservati on <jcfcab [email protected]> Reply To: Sajda Ahmed <[email protected]> To The Chairperson Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill Dear Sir, I am writing to inform you that I was unable to attend the JCFB meeting that t ook place on July 11, 2023. I would like to state that, in accordance with Clause 87 of the "Directions by the Speaker," I have read the report. With regards Uluberia PC, Howrah, West Bengal Memb er Department Related Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change Member Consultative Committee Ministry of External Affairs Govt of India C-II/5 Tilak Lane NEW DELHI -110001 Tel-011-23782786, FAX -011-23782779 Mob -9836390227, 9871436166(PS) SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 289 ANNEXURE - I AS INTRODUCED IN LOK SABHA Bill No. 80 of 2023 THE FOREST (CONSERVATION) AMENDMENT BILL, 2023 A BILL further to amend the Forest (Conservation ) Act, 1980 . BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seve nty-fourth Year of the Republic of India as follows: — 1. (1) This Act may be called the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023. Short title and commencement. (2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification i n the Official Gazette, appoint. 69 of 1980. 2. In the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (hereinafter referred to as the principal Act), after the long title and before the enacting formula, the following preamble shall be inserted, namely: –– Insertion of Preamble. “WHEREAS, the importance of forests is to be realised to enable achievement of national targets of Net Zero Emission by 2070 and maintain or enhance the forest carbon stocks through ecologically balanced sustainable development; AND WHEREAS, Nat ionality Determined Contribution targets of the country envisage creating carbon sink of additional 2.5 to 3.0 billion tons of CO2 equivalent by 2030; AND WHEREAS, the country envisages an increase in the forest and tree cover to one -third of its land area , which is to be given impetus with an enhanced growth trajectory; AND WHEREAS, India has a rich tradition of preserving forests and their bio-diversity, and, therefore, enhancing forest based economic, social and environmental benefits, including improvem ent of livelihoods for forest dependent communities is envisaged; ANDWHEREAS, it is necessary to provide for provisions relating to conservation management and restoration of forests, maintaining ecological security, sustaining cultural and traditional val ues of forests and facilitating economic needs and carbon neutrality.”. Amendment of section 1. 3. In section 1 of the principal Act, in sub -section ( 1), for the words and brackets “Forest (Conservation) Act”, the words and brackets “ Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam ” shall be substituted. Insertion of new section 1A. 4. After section1 of the principal Act, the following section shall be inserted, namely: — Act to cover certain land ‘1A. ( 1) The following land shall be covered under the provis ions of this Act, namely: – – (a) the land that has been declared or notified as a forest in accordance with the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or under any other law for the time being in force; (b) the land that is not covered under clause (a), but has been recorded in Government record as forest, as on or after the 25th October, 1980: Provided that the provisions of this clause shall not apply to such land, which has been changed from forest use to use for non -forest purpose on or before the 12th December, 1996 in pursuance of an order, issued by any authority authorised by a State Government or an Union territory Administration in that behalf: Explanation .–– For the purposes of this sub -section, the expression “Government record” means record hel d by Revenue Department or Forest Department of the State Government or Union territory Administration, or any authority, local body, community or council recognised by the State Government or Union territory Administration. (2) The following categories of land shall not be covered under the provisions of this Act, namely: –– (a) such forest land situated alongside a rail line or a public road maintained by the Government, which provides access to a habitation, or to a rail, and roadside amenity up to a maxi mum size of 0.10 hectare in each case; (b) such tree, tree plantation or reafforestation raised on lands that are not specified in clause ( a) or clause ( b) of sub -section ( 1); and (c) such forest land, –– (i) as is situated within a distance of one hundred kilometres along international borders or Line of Control or Line of Actual Control, as the case may be, proposed to be used for construction of strategic linear project of national importance and concernin g national security; or (ii) up to ten hectares, proposed to be used for construction of security related infrastructure; or (iii) as is proposed to be used for construction of defence related project or a camp for paramilitary forces or public ut ility projects, as may be specified by the Central Government, the extent of which does not exceed five hectares in a Left Wing Extremism affected area as may be notified by the Central Government. (3) The exemption provided under sub -section ( 2) shall be subject to such terms and conditions, including the conditions of planting trees to compensate felling of tress undertaken on the lands, as the Central Government may, by guidelines, specify.’. . Amendment of section 2. 5. In the principal Act, section 2 shall be renumbered as sub -section ( 1) thereof and –– (a) in sub -section ( 1) as so renumbered, –– SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 291 (I) in clause ( iii), for the words “not owned, managed or controlled by Government”, the words “, subject to such terms and conditions, as the Central Government may, by order, specify” shall be substituted; (II) in the Explanation , for the long line occurring after clause (b), the following shall be substituted, namely: –– 53 of 1972. “but does not include any work relating to or a ncillary to conservation, development and management of forests and wildlife, such as –– (i) silvicultural operations including regeneration operations; (ii) establishment of check -posts and infrastructure for the front line forest staff; (iii) establishment and maintenan ce of fire lines; (iv) wireless communications; (v) construction of fencing, boundary marks or pillars, bridges and culverts, check dams, waterholes, trenches and pipelines; (vi) establishment of zoo and safaris referred to in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, owne d by the Government or anyauthority, in forest areas other than protected areas; (vii) eco-tourism facilities included in the Forest Working Plan or Wildlife Management Plan or Tiger Conservation Plan or Working Scheme of that area; and (viii) any o ther like purposes, which the Central Government may, by order, specify.”; (b) after sub -section ( 1) as so renumbered, the following sub -section shall be inserted, namely: –– “(2) The Central Government may, by order, specify the terms and conditions subject to which any survey, such as, reconnaissance, prospecting, investigation or exploration including seismic survey, shall not be treated as non -forest purpose.”. 6. In the principal Act, after section 3B, the following section shall be inserted, namely: –– Insertio n of new section 3C. “3C. The Central Government may, from time to time, issue such directions, to any authority under the Central Government, State Government or Union territory Administration, or to any organisation, entity or body recognised by the Ce ntral Government, State Government or Union territory Administration, as may be necessary for the implementation of this Act.”. Power of Central Government to issue directions. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (the Act) was enacted to provide for the conservation of forests and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto. It provides that prior permission of the Central Government is required for de - reservation of forest land, use of forest lan d for non -forest purposes, assigning of forest land by way of lease to private entities and for clearing of naturally grown trees for the purpose of reafforestation. 2. After its enactment, new challenges relating to ecological, social and environmental de velopments, such as, mitigating the impact of climate change, achieving the national targets of Net Zero Emission by 2070 and maintaining or enhancing the forest carbon stock have emerged at national and international levels. Further, keeping in view the a ims and objective of the country to increase the forest or tree cover for creation of carbon sink of additional 2.5 to 3.0 billion tons of CO2 equivalent by 2030, and to carry forward the rich tradition of preserving forests and their bio -diversity symbiot ically by enhancing forest based economic, social and environmental benefits, including improvement of livelihoods for forest dependent communities, it is necessary to broaden the horizons of the Act. 3. Further, prior to the Judgment of the Hon'ble Suprem e Court, dated the 12th December, 1996 (in the matter of T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs. Union of India and others) , the provisions of the said Act were applied to notified forest lands and not to revenue forest areas, and non -forestry use in the revenue forest areas was allowed through permissions granted by the Government and various authorities. Subsequent to the said Judgment, the provisions of the Act were applied in the recorded forest areas including such recorded forests which had already been put to various type of non -forestry use, thereby restraining the authorities from undertaking any change in the land use and allowing any development or utility related work. Besides this, apprehensions prevailed regarding applicability of the Act in the plan tations raised in private and Government non -forest lands. This situation resulted in misinterpretation of the provisions of the Act with respect to their applicability especially in recorded forest lands, private forest lands, plantations, etc. Therefore, it is considered necessary to prescribe the extent of applicability and non -applicability of the Act in various types of lands. 4. There is also a need to fast track the strategic and security related projects of national importance so as to ensure devel opment of vital security infrastructures, especially along the international border areas such as Line of Actual Control, Line of Control and Left Wing Extremism affected areas. Similarly, small establishments, habitations on the side of public roads and r ailways also need to be facilitated by providing them access and connectivity to main arterial roads and other public utilities. 5. Since, there is change in the ecological, social and environmental regimes and policies relating to conservation and develo pment of forests during the last four decades since the enactment of the Act, to keep its provisions in tandem with the dynamic changes in the ecological, strategic and economic aspirations of country, it is proposed to introduce the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 in Parliament. The salient features of the said Bill, inter alia, are to — (i) insert a preamble to the Act to encompass the country's rich tradition of preserving forests, their bio -diversity and tackling climate change challenges within its ambit; (ii) amend the short title of the Act to be called the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan ) Adhiniyam, 1980, so as to ensure that the potential of its provisions is reflected in its short title; (iii) clarify the scope of applicability of the Act upon various lands so as to remove ambiguities and bring clarity; (iv) exempt certain categories of lands from the purview of the Act — SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 293 (a) to fast track strategic and security related projects of national importance; (b) to provide access to small establi shments, habitations on the side of public roads and railways; and (c) to encourage plantation on non -forest land; (v) provide for terms and conditions including the condition of planting trees to compensate felling of trees undertaken on the lands while considering the proposed relaxations under the Act; (vi) include more activities, which are taken up for the cause of conservation of forest and wild life in to the array of forestry activities; (vii) bring uniformity in the applicability of the provisions of the Act in respect of both Government and private entities; (viii) empower the Central Government to specify, by order, the terms and conditions subject to which any survey, such as, reconnaissance, prospecting, investigation or exploration including s eismic survey, shall not be treated as non- forest purpose; (ix) empower of the Central Government to issue directions. 6. The Bill seeks to achieve the above objectives. NEW DELHI; BHUPENDER YADAV. The 27th March , 2023. ANNEXURE EXTRACTS FROM THE FOREST (CONSERVATION ) ACT, 1980 (69 OF 1980) * * * * * Short title, extent and commencement. 1. (1) This Act may be called the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. * * * * * Restriction on the dereservation of forests or use of forest land for non-forest purpose. 2. Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force in a State, no State Government or other authority shall make, except with the prior approval of the Central Government, any order dir ecting — * * * * * (iii) that any forest land or any portion thereof may be assigned by way of lease or otherwise to any private person or to any authority, corporation, agency or any other organisation not owned, managed or controlled by Government; * * * * * Explanation. —For the purposes of this section "non -forest purpose" means the breaking up or clearing of any forest land or portion thereof for — (a) the cultivation of tea, coffee, spices, rubber, palms, oil -bearing plants, horticultural crops or medici nal plants; (b) any purpose other than reafforestation, but does not include any work relating or ancillary to conservation, development and management of forests and wildlife, namely, the establishment of check -posts, fire lines, wireless communications and construction of fencing, bridges and culverts, dams waterholes, trench marks, boundary marks, pipelines or other like purposes. * * * * * SEC. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 295 LOK SABHA ———— A BILL further to amend the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. ———— (Shri Bhupender Yadav, Min ister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Labour and Employment ) UPLOADED BY THE MANA GER, GOVERNMENT OF I NDIA PRESS, MINTO RO AD, NEW DELHI –110002 AND PUBLISHED BY THE CONTROLLER OF PUBLI CATIONS, DELHI –110054. MGIPMRND —179GI—23-08-2023

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