The FCA was formulated to arrest reckless diversion of forest land for commercial purposes.
It restricted the powers of State Governments with respect to de-reservation of forests and use of forest land for non-forest activities.
According to the Act, a State government or any other authority has no power, without the approval of the Central Government to-
De-reserve a reserved forest area
Authorise the use of a forest area for non-forest purpose
Clear a natural land of trees, for the purpose of using it for re-afforestation
In the act, 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,. But it 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.
