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  • Q.11. “The recently passed ‘Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023’ seeks to balance the case of forest conservation with the requirement of strategic infrastructure development.” Discuss the possible impact of such interventions in the States of North-East India.

    • 04,Oct 2024
    • Posted By : SPM Academy
    • 0 Comments
    • APSC2023
    • GS2

    The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 seeks to strike a balance between forest conservation and the strategic infrastructure needs of the country, especially in sensitive regions such as the North-East. This region, known for its biodiversity hotspots, faces unique challenges as it is also vital for national security and developmental goals. The amendment introduces provisions that relax forest clearances for strategic projects such as border infrastructure, road connectivity, and renewable energy projects while attempting to safeguard forests and tribal rights. However, its impact on the North-East states will vary across environmental, social, economic, and strategic dimensions.

    Environmental Impact

    Biodiversity Concerns:

    • North-East India is part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, home to several endemic species. The Bill, by allowing for strategic projects such as roads and railways to bypass forest clearance requirements in certain areas, could lead to habitat fragmentation and loss of biodiversity.
    • Example: The construction of highways through Kaziranga National Park or Manas National Park may disrupt migration routes of species like the Indian elephant and the one-horned rhinoceros, leading to increased instances of human-animal conflict.

    Forest Cover Loss:

    • The region already faces deforestation challenges due to shifting cultivation and urbanization. Strategic projects could exacerbate the issue by reducing forest cover, especially in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland, which boast dense forests. The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021 indicates that the North-East saw a reduction in forest cover by 1,020 sq. km between 2019 and 2021, a trend that could accelerate with relaxed norms.

    Carbon Emissions and Climate Change:

    • North-East India’s forests act as significant carbon sinks, helping mitigate the effects of climate change. Large-scale infrastructure development could lead to increased carbon emissions, and the loss of forests may further reduce the region’s ability to absorb greenhouse gases.
    • Global Impact: The North-East is crucial for maintaining regional climate stability, with its forests playing a role in the monsoon patterns and water cycles. Deforestation could disrupt these cycles, leading to erratic rainfall and increased flooding, which is a persistent problem in states like Assam.

    Economic Impact

    Boost to Infrastructure Development:

    Statutory Provisions regarding forest conservation
    • The Bill aims to fast-track infrastructure projects by allowing exemptions from forest clearances for strategic border areas and eco-sensitive zones. In the North-East, where connectivity is a critical challenge, especially in states like Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, this can lead to rapid development of transportation and communication networks.
    • Example: Projects such as the Trans-Arunachal Highway and rail connectivity to states like Mizoram and Manipur will enhance trade, tourism, and accessibility, helping integrate the region with the rest of India.

    Economic Opportunities for Local Communities:

    • Enhanced infrastructure can provide economic benefits to local populations, especially in terms of employment opportunities, better market access for agricultural products, and the growth of eco-tourism. The Bill may also attract private investments in sectors like renewable energy and logistics.
    • Example: The development of green energy corridors for harnessing the region’s hydropower and solar energy potential will contribute to sustainable growth, benefiting local economies.

    Displacement and Livelihood Loss:

    • On the downside, large-scale projects could lead to displacement of local communities, particularly tribal populations, many of whom rely on forests for their livelihoods through non-timber forest produce (NTFP) collection, agriculture, and cultural practices. The Bill’s provisions may not adequately protect their rights, leading to livelihood insecurity.
    • Data: As per the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the North-East is home to a significant tribal population (over 28% in some states), and their cultural and spiritual connection to forests is paramount.

    Strategic and Security Dimensions

    Improved Border Infrastructure:

    • The North-East shares long borders with countries like China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, making it a strategically sensitive area. The Bill’s emphasis on strategic infrastructure—such as the construction of border roads and defense installations—is crucial for maintaining India’s territorial integrity, especially in the face of security threats along the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh.
    • Example: Projects like the construction of the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh will improve military mobility, providing year-round access to border areas for quick troop deployment, crucial for countering Chinese infrastructure developments in the region.

    Facilitating Connectivity for National Security:

    • Rapid infrastructure development in border areas will also enhance civilian movement, aid disaster relief, and improve trade routes to Southeast Asia under India’s Act East Policy. Better road and rail links will not only help in national security but also improve bilateral relations with neighboring countries.
    • Example: The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which links India’s eastern states to Myanmar, will benefit from faster implementation under the provisions of the Bill, facilitating both strategic defense and economic integration.

    Social and Cultural Impact

    Impact on Indigenous Rights:

    • The tribal communities in the North-East have a deep connection with forests, which are integral to their socio-cultural identity and livelihoods. The Bill’s provisions, which might ease the conversion of forest land for development purposes, could erode the rights of these communities, undermining laws like the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
    • Quote: Tribal rights activists argue that while development is necessary, it should not come at the cost of undermining traditional land rights. The government must ensure that prior informed consent of tribal communities is taken before embarking on projects that affect them.

    Promotion of Tribal Development:

    • On the other hand, improved infrastructure could lead to better educational and health services in remote tribal areas, improving human development indicators in states like Nagaland, Mizoram, and Tripura, which lag behind national averages in access to these services.
    • Example: The development of roads and connectivity in remote tribal regions could provide better access to healthcare facilities, reducing maternal and child mortality rates, which are higher in these areas.

    Ecological and Governance Considerations

    Environmental Governance Challenges:

    Sustainable Infrastructure development in Northeast
    • The region is highly prone to landslides and floods, exacerbated by deforestation and poorly planned infrastructure. Relaxing forest clearances without strong environmental impact assessments (EIAs) may lead to unsustainable development, worsening these issues.
    • Example: The extensive road-building activities in Sikkim and Meghalaya have already resulted in landslides, and without proper planning, increased infrastructure development could worsen the problem.

    Strengthening Environmental Regulation:

    • To balance development with conservation, strong regulatory frameworks and community participation will be essential. Effective implementation of compensatory afforestation and eco-restoration projects will need to be prioritized under the Bill’s framework.
    • Example: The successful model of community forestry management in states like Nagaland, where village councils manage forest resources sustainably, could serve as a model for the rest of the region to ensure that development does not compromise environmental sustainability.

    The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 offers significant opportunities for strategic infrastructure development, which is essential for the economic, security, and developmental goals of the North-East. However, balancing these objectives with the need to preserve the region’s rich biodiversity and protect the rights of indigenous communities is crucial. The success of the Bill will depend on the effective implementation of environmental safeguards, community participation, and rigorous impact assessments to ensure that development is both sustainable and inclusive in the North-East region.

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