Complying with top court orders centre makes deemed forest reports public.

Context: Ministry of Environment released reports identifying forest areas in compliance with SC order.

Synopsis:

• Forest Conservation Act (FCA): 2023 amendment questioned for excluding “deemed” forests from clearance requirement.
• Expert Committees: Established to identify “deemed” forests based on dictionary definition, irrespective of notification or ownership.
• Reports from 22 states lack detailed boundaries and specific locations, raising concerns about accuracy and completeness.
• Government’s statements to parliamentary committee contradict report details, leading to scrutiny.
• Inadequate information on deemed forests undermines conservation efforts and raises doubts about government’s commitment.