Does FOREST CONSERVATION ACT (1980) need's to be Amended but why?
As we know that environment and forests are interrelated but MOEF is bent upon amending Forest Conservation Act (1980) and as such diluting the existing provisions for the benefit of those who are not comfortable with present laws in the pretext of ease of operation.
Amendements will
1) Provide Blanket Clearence to Infra Projects on land owned by Govt. dept. like NHAI , Railways, etc. Normaly thease are camafledged in their name but have ulterior motives benefiting some powerful individuals
2) Various Explorers will not require any permission to enter forests including Reserve Forests even in core areas in the pretext of exploration defeating the purpose of their creation.
3) Many so called Development projects will get entry in eco sensitive zones in Frigile mountain ranges like Himalayas and Western Ghats etc. Which will be disastrous in long range. Examples had been in Utterakhand and in Kerala as Tree cutting and Road widening had caused many lives at stake specialy in landslide prone zone.
4) Praposed use of Deep Drilling Technology creates tremendous noise above permissible limits this will not be harmful to humans but also to wild Animals and will not only scare them but will also disorient them .

Praposed Amendments and it's effects:

* In These Amendments suggestion is to make inapplicable the present rules on Private Forests, Deemed Forests, All existing Forest lands including Reserved forests. * Even applicability of Supreme Court Order dt12-12-1996 T N Godavaverman V/S Union of India where definition of forest is exemplified is suggested to be set aside.
* They are to felicitate constructing structures for tourism, establishing Zoos and Safaris, providing right of the way to Railways and Road and transport ministry through NHAI by blanket permission for deforestation on acquisitions before 1980 (most of the area beside existing roads and tracks is acquired by them then, but as unutilized, has rich forest cover).
* It is also suggested that 0.05 hectare roads can be created without permission i.e. about 1 Km X 10 ft. by those who have properties or other activities inside the forests. * To permit exploration inside the forests without permission and to move there equipment and machinery including vehicles reqd. for it.
* From the periphery, Oil and natural gas can be explored beneath the forest floor using Deep Drilling Technology. ( If allowed the ground water aquafers beneath the forest floor will get disturbed resulting into trees cover loss for not getting reqd water. Ultimately ground water table will deplete. ) They claim about some technology but had not given details of its feasibility and reliability.
* Existing plantations will be out of the preview of this act giving a freehand for their destruction. For renewal of leased land even where the compensatory plantation done previously will be out of the ambit, no fees will be charged for renewal of lease. (No mention about maintenance or even liability for nonsurvival of compensatory plantation has been mentioned.)
* Defense establishments along international borders also are to be exempted from any type of permission (this may result in promoting antinational elements activities hiding under this amendment. Yes, they should be permitted but for this it is suggested that a time frame of 24 to72 hrs. be fixed on authorities granting permission instead of blanket clearance which can be easily misused.)

All the above mentioned amendments indicate that this is a conspiracy to Dilute the existing Act for the benefit of chosen few. By these AMENDMENTS IN FCA it is obvious that Government is trying to create a FREEWAY for infra projects by DESTROYING FORESTS
This will turn 'Forest Conservation Act' into 'Forest Conversion Act'
Hence it is requested that to avoid loss of Green cover and to protect the environment for future generation, please enter your protest by signing this pitition.