The FCA was formulated to arrest unmindful diversion of forest land for commercial purposes. It restricted the powers of State government’s w.r.t. to de-reservation of forests and use of forest land for non-forest activities.
Specific provisions in the Act are – no state government or any other authority shall make, except with prior approval of the central government, any order directing-
That any reserved forest declared under any law for the time being in force in that state or any portion, shall cease to be reserved.
That any forest land or any portion thereof may be used for any non-forest purpose.
That any forest land or any portion may be cleared of trees which have grown naturally in that land or portion, for the purpose of using it for re-afforestation.
The term ‘Non-Forest Purposes’ here implies the breaking up or cleaning of any forest-land or portion of forest land for -
The cultivation of tea, coffee, spices, rubber, palms, oil-bearing, plants, or medicinal plants,
Any purposes other than re-afforestation,
But does not include any work related to conservation, development, and management of forests and wildlife.
Power to make rules for carrying out the provisions of this act is vested with the central government.
