What's New :
Target PT - Prelims Classes 2025. Visit Here
12th July 2023 (7 Topics)

Green washing

Context:

The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 that is being deliberated upon by a Joint Committee of Parliament is a contentious piece of legislation that signals the complex challenges involved in balancing industrial development and the conservation of forests.

Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980:

  • Mantelpiece legislation- It has been the mantelpiece legislation that has empowered the state to regulate and impose costs on industrial exploitation.
  • N. Godavarman Thirumalpad case-A landmark Supreme Court judgement, it broadened the scope of this act by extending the protection to even those who were not o?cially clas­si?ed so.
  • Plantation activities- It does not incentivise private agro­forestry and tree plantation activi­ties.

Challenges in Its Application in India:

  • Shortage of manpower- Regulatory agencies is understaffed compared to how quickly industries are growing.
  • Lack of expertise- Lack of the technical expertise needed to enforce the rules.
  • Lack of community participation- Very less participation of the poor community leads to the ineffectiveness of this Act.

Way Ahead:

  • New changes-The new climate realities might necessitate changes to the way conservation laws are made and interpreted
  • Scientific Evidence- Effort should be made to make conservation laws which are backed by rigorous scienti?c evidence.
  • Awareness- Government should spread awareness and make campaigns to involve the local community in the conservation of forests.
You must be logged in to get greater insights.

Verifying, please be patient.

Enquire Now