Report on Forest Diversion

Context: The Union Environment Ministry informed Lok Sabha that between 2014-15 and 2023-24, a total of 1,73,396.87 hectares of forest land has been diverted for non-forestry purposes, including infrastructure projects, under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980.

About Report on Forest Diversion:

• Total Diversion (2014-15 to 2023-24): 1,73,396.87 hectares of forest land diverted for non-forestry activities, including infrastructure development.

• 1,73,396.87 hectares of forest land diverted for non-forestry activities, including infrastructure development.

• Forest Land Diversion (2021-22 to 2023-24): 59,882.07 hectares diverted during the last three financial years.

• 59,882.07 hectares diverted during the last three financial years.

• State-wise Data (2021-24): Madhya Pradesh saw the largest diversion: 14,157.02 hectares.

• Madhya Pradesh saw the largest diversion: 14,157.02 hectares.

Government Mitigation Measures:

• Compensatory Afforestation (CA) and Net Present Value (NPV) payment mandatory.

• Additional measures like Soil and Moisture Conservation, Wildlife Management Plans, and Catchment Area Plans applied on a case-to-case basis.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS Paper 3 – Environment and Ecology:

• Forest conservation, deforestation impact, and sustainable development.

• GS Paper 3 – Climate Change:

• Impact of forest diversion on biodiversity loss, climate vulnerability, and water security.

• GS Paper 2 – Governance and Policies:

• Role of legal frameworks like Indian Forest Act, 1927 and Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 in balancing development with conservation.

• Essay Paper:

• Topics on environment vs. development debate, sustainable land use planning, and climate action policies.