Other Authorities
Other officers / authorities having powers or functions under the Act include:
Secretary in-charge of Forest Department, or authorized officer of the state government not below the rank of an Under Secretary
He is required to fill in information in Part V of Form A or Form B in the proposal submitted by the user agency seeking clearance under the Act. This information relates to the recommendations of the state government regarding the proposal and its opinion on the adverse comments made, if any, by officers required to furnish other details within the proposal.
Form A/B – under Rule 6 of the Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2003
Click here to read more about the detailed procedure for submission and processing of proposals
District Mining Officer
In case of proposals seeking clearance under the Act related to mining, the District Mining Officer (or the competent authority) must certify the non-availability of the same mineral in surrounding or nearby non-forest areas.
Instructions for Part I of Form A/B – under Rule 6 of the Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2003
National Board for Wild Life
This authority is constituted under the Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972. While submitting proposals for diversion of forest land within a National Park or wildlife sanctuary, the state government must obtain prior permission from the National Board of Wild Life. This is done in accordance with the Supreme Court orders related to non-forestry activities in protected areas.
Handbook of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2003, Guidelines & Clarifications. Issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Environment & Forests, New Delhi, 2004 – Part C, Chapter 1, Para 1.3
Chief Wild Life Warden
The Chief Wild Life Warden is appointed under the Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972. Under the Forest (Conservation) Act, non-forestry activities are restricted within protected areas. However, certain activities that are required for the improvement of wildlife and its habitat, which do not normally fall under the purview of forestry activities, are permitted.
In National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries where felling is carried out for such purposes, the forests are managed according to a scientifically prepared management plan approved by the Chief Wild Life Warden.
The removed forest produce is used for meeting the bonafide needs of people living in and around the protected area. In cases where large scale felling is necessary, after the prior approval of the central government (and subject to the orders issued by the Supreme Court in this regard), it is disposed of through sales.
Handbook of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2003, Guidelines & Clarifications. Issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Environment & Forests, New Delhi, 2004 – Part C, Chapter 1, Para 1.8.iv