Lok Sabha passes Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023

The Indian Lok Sabha has passed the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill-2023 which would exempt land near the country’s border from conservation laws and allow for the development of zoos, safaris, and eco-tourism facilities in forest areas. The amendment to the Forest (Conservation) Act also exempts forest land along rail lines and public roads, land for strategic linear projects, and land for defence-related projects from the provisions of the Act.