Amended forest act likely to benefit project developers

The Forest Conservation Amendment Act in India is likely to benefit private and public project developers by making more land available for development. Some states have already started seeking the use of deemed forest land for development projects. The amendment exempts unrecorded “deemed forests” from its ambit, allowing for development on these areas. Private forest owners in Mussoorie and Goa have also been allowed to construct residential buildings in private and deemed forests. However, environmental implications are expected to be significant. The government of Delhi has written to the union environment ministry seeking clarification on whether “deemed forest” areas in the Capital can be used for development projects.