Experts flag disastrous move by apex green body

Standing committee of NBWL has recommended proposals for diversion of forest land. 

State advocate general and solicitor general - SG- of India, has expressed that extraction of natural gas and oil - including exploration and development -  is not a mining activity, citing Supreme Court's order dated August 2006. 

Experts have noted that the move would be disastrous, for environment and wildlife around national parks and sanctuaries. 

Environmental lawyer Dutta termed NBWL's recommendations as regressive. 

And cited the incident of massive environmental damage to Dibru- Saikhowa National Park and Maguri-Motapung Wetland, last year due to Baghjan gas leak.

- Times Of India,      October 12, 2021

Ministry facilitating diversion of forest land - Ritwik Dutta

Environment Ministry proposes to exempt landholding agencies from seeking permission for linear infrastructure projects. Presently, a landholding agency has to take approval under the Act, for use of forest land, acquired for non-forest purposes. 

Ritwik Dutta of LIFE said, "Allowing one time exemption for private residence in private forests will lead to fragmentation of forest areas, besides deforestation. This will open the Aravalli mountains to private real estate development." 

- Govt. proposes to tweak Forest Act and green laws

Times of India,   October 6, 2021