Forest Clearance For Non-Foresting Activities In Wildlife Sanctuaries:
The MoEFCC told the NGT that the Assam government did not obtain necessary forest clearance for non-forestry activities in the Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary. The Ministry highlighted that such activitiesrequire approval from central govt, which was not sought.
- Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Assam, India, is known for its diverse flora and fauna, includingthe endangered one-horned rhinoceros.
- It serves as a critical habitat for various wildlife species and ispart of the larger Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape.
- The Ministry advised the NGT to pass suitable orders on encroachment issues, noting that stategovernments can address unauthorised construction or illegal settlements.
- NGT is a specialised body set up under the National Green Tribunal Act (2010) for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.
- The Ministry’s counter-affidavit, highlighted that non-forestry activities on forest land need central
approval under Section 2(1)(ii) of the Forest Conservation Act 1980. No such proposal was received. - The Forest Conservation Act of 1980 regulates the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes in India, requiring prior approval from the central government.
- It aims to preserve and protect forest land by controlling deforestation and promoting sustainable forest management.
