Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change notified the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023. These Rules replace the Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022. The Rules have been notified under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 (i.e., the Forest Conservation Act, 1980). The Act restricts the de-reservation of forest or use of forest land for certain non-forest purposes. Such restrictions may be lifted with the prior approval of the central government. The 2023 Rules specify procedure and timeline for approval of projects by the central government, compensatory afforestation, and initiation of proceedings against offences,
