The Government have granted general approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and permitted the State and UT Governments to proceed with strictly need based diversion of forest land below one hectare in each case in favour of Government Departments for construction of schools, dispensary/hospital, electric and telecommunication lines, drinking water projects, water/rainwater harvesting structures, minor power sub-stations, communication posts and police establsihments like police stations/outposts/border outposts/watch towers in sensitive areas (identified by Ministry of Home affairs).
This dispensation is aimed at providing basic developmental facilities for tribals and other dwellers of forest fringe villages. The general approval is subject to fulfilment of certain stipulated conditions to meet the environmental requirements and is valid till 31st Decmber 2006.
While examining the issue of settlement of disputed claims of tribals and forest dwellers on forest lands and eviction of in-eligible encroachers from forest lands in pursuance of the Supreme Court order, it was observed by the Central Government that the State and UT Governments were not able to distinguish between the encroachers and the original tribals and other forest dwellers on forest lands. Therefore, to protect the rights of the genuine tribals and forest dwellers on forest lands the Central Government vide letter dated 21.12.2004 has requested the State and UT Governments that they should not resort to eviction of tribals and forest dwellers other than in-eligible encroachers till the complete verification is done for the recognition of such people and their rights after setting up of Distric level Committees involving a Deputy Collector, a sub-Divisional Forest Officer and a representative of Tribal Welfare Department by the State and UT Governments as reiterated in guidelines dated 18.9.1990 and 30.10.2002 of the Central Government.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests Shri Namo Narain Meena in a written reply to a question from Shri Datta Meghe, Member of Parliament, in the Rajya Sabha today.
AKS/rs
(Release ID :7538)