Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2023 raises concerns of diluting norms to safeguard forests
DEBADITYO SINHA
FORESTS have played an integral role in human history, deeply intertwined with our traditions, cultures and the health of our ecosystems. The very concept of a forest has undergone a profound transformation, shaped by human needs and evolving perceptions. The term “forest” traces its origins to the Latin word foris that means “outside the settlement.” Initially, it was referred to unclaimed lands without specific tree-related criteria. Over time, the plantations came to mean to meet other societal and market needs. Today we predominantly define a forest as a vast area characterised by dense tree growth, an understanding that has gained significance in the last few centuries. As our society demands for timber and energy grow, forests have become vital resources. Unfortunately, this has led to the loss of the actual forested and wildlife, prompting a realisation of the urgent need to protect the repositories of biodiversity…………..
This article was published by DownToEarth’s Annual State of India’s Environment 2024. You can download this article as PDF here.