- Web portal launched for online submission and monitoring forest clearance proposals, Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar
- Setting up the installation within 100 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the border areas with China was under consideration and this does not need amending the Forest Conservation Act
- The act expressly prohibits diversion of forests for non-forest use without prior approval of the Central government
- General approval means state could approve clearances in specific areas, earlier the Center decided upon this but the conditions of clearance remain the same, general approval will simplify the clearances on all kinds of projects
- Under the Forest (Conservation) Act an MoEF is granted for deviating up to 5 hectares of land of construction of all categories of public roads by government departments in 117 districts affected by Maoist extremism
- Clearance in border was pending in the ministry for long time; general approval was taken in the interest of security for border areas with China and Pakistan it was important to have quick clearances for infrastructure building
- Similarly other states can approve the construction with Border Road Organisation and other agencies in the area falling within 100 km aerial distance from the LAC
- By creating good road network international boarders can be maintained more effectively, general approval will help setting up other support infrastructure as well within within 100 km aerial distance from the LAC was under the active consideration of the Ministry
- www.forestsclearance.nic.in is the portal to monitor and ensure that the timelines are adhered to
- Read at: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/portal-for-forest-clearance-proposals/article6214914.ece