Forest Conservation Act

The Forest Conservation Act, enacted in India in 1980, aims to protect and conserve forests across the country. It regulates the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, such as agriculture, mining, or urban development. Before any such land is used, government approval is required to ensure environmental impact assessments are conducted. This law seeks to balance developmental needs with the preservation of forest ecosystems, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of local communities that depend on forests. Overall, it serves as a crucial legal framework for sustainable forest management in India.