Centre to review Indian Forests Act

The environment ministry has announced a committee under T S R Subramanian, former cabinet secretary, to review various 'green' laws

The Centre is set to add the Indian Forests Act, 1927, to the list of environmental laws to be reviewed by a panel of experts.

On August 26, the environment ministry had announced a committee under T S R Subramanian, former cabinet secretary, to review various ‘green’ laws — Environment Protection Act, 1986; Forest Conservation Act, 1980; Wildlife Protection Act, 1972; Water Act, 1974, and Air Act, 1981.

The Indian Forests Act deals with forests, transit and levying of duty on forest produce. It had been added to the terms of reference of the committee, said one of its members.

The committee has been asked to suggest amendments to these Acts “in line with current requirements” by October 26.