Indian Forest Amendment Act, 2017

The Indian Forest (Amendment) Act, 2017 amended the Indian Forest Act, 1927.

• Changes Made: Under the original Act, the definition of tree includes palms, bamboos, stumps, brush-wood, and canes. The amendment removes the word bamboos from the definition of trees.

Benefits: The felling or transportation of bamboos growing in non-forest areas will not require any permits. It will tap the immense potential of Bamboo industry by increase the productivity of bamboo resources and utilise it for increased value addition to generate employment and economic activities in rural areas.