Centre and States Cannot Reduce Forest Area, Supreme Court Rules

The Supreme Court has ruled that neither the Central Government nor any State can take steps that would lead to a reduction in forest area. The court emphasized that forest conservation must remain a priority and directed the authorities to strictly follow environmental protection laws.

Court’s Stand on Forest Conservation
A bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Vinay Chandra ruled on Monday that until further hearings, no action should be taken that reduces India’s forest cover. The order comes in response to petitions challenging amendments to the Forest Conservation Act.
The next hearing is scheduled for March, during which the court will review a comprehensive report on the current state of forests.

Key Highlights from the Supreme Court’s Directive
•    No state or the central government can approve projects that result in forest depletion.
•    A 2023 amendment to the Forest Conservation Act had excluded 1.99 lakh square kilometers of land from the definition of "forest," leading to legal challenges.
•    The Supreme Court has instructed environmental agencies and state governments to maintain strict oversight on land classified as forest.

Supreme Court Seeks Response from Bihar Government on BPMSC Appointment
In a separate ruling, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Bihar government, asking for clarification regarding the appointment of the BPMSC (Bihar Public Service Commission) chairman. The challenge was based on allegations of misconduct and favoritism in the selection process.
Government Directed to Publish Forest Land Records by May 31, 2024
The Supreme Court has instructed the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to ensure that:
•    All state governments publish an updated record of forest land by May 31, 2024.
•    This data should be made available online for public access.
The court’s ruling is seen as a major victory for environmental conservation, ensuring that India’s green cover remains protected despite policy changes.