Supreme court gives clearance to 53 Himachal projects on forest land

New Delhi, December 14

The Supreme Court has allowed the Himachal Pradesh Government to divert 23,5726 hectare forest land for construction of 53 public projects, including 47 roads. The projects entail felling of 262 trees.

262 trees to go

The projects, which will entail felling of 262 trees, are expected to benefit a population of 21,902

“The clearance of the aforementioned projects is subject to the state taking steps for identification of land for reforestation as per earlier directions of this court,” a Bench of Justices LN Rao said in its December 9 order.

Under an earlier verdict of the top court, permission of the Green Bench is needed for diversion of forest land for any other purpose. It allowed the state’s plea seeking direction for diversion of forest land under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, for the said projects.

The application for permission of diversion of forest land for public purpose had been examined by the centrally empowered committee (CEC) that made recommendations for granting clearance, it noted. — TNS