About

• The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 was enacted to ensure the conservation of forests and the protection of wildlife. 
• The basic objective of the Act is to regulate the indiscriminate diversion of forest lands for non forestry uses and to maintain a logical balance between the developmental needs of the country and the conservation of natural heritage. 
• Under the act, non-forest purpose means the breaking up or clearing of any forest land or its portion for-
  • The cultivation of tea, coffee, spices, rubber, palms, oil-bearing plants, horticultural crops or medicinal plants.
  • Any purpose other than reforestation.
• The Act restricts the de-reservation of forests or use of forestland for non-forest purposes without the prior approval of the Central Government. 
• The Act also lays down provisions for the constitution of advisory committees to advise on matters related to the management of forests and the promotion of afforestation. 
• It also empowers the State Governments to constitute a State Forest Development Corporation to undertake measures for the development of forestry and utilization of forest produce. 
• Any person aggrieved by the provisions of the act may file an appeal to the National Green Tribunal.