Centre Authorizes Disaster Prevention Work

In October, 2024, the Union Environment Ministry issued guidelines permitting non-forest departments to carry out disaster prevention activities in forest areas when state forest departments lack the technical expertise.

Key Points

New Guidelines Released: The guidelines detail steps for managing natural disasters in forest regions, initiated following requests from Uttarakhand's chief secretary to address frequent forest fires.
Emergency Measures Allowed: In emergency situations, other government departments can undertake forestry activities, such as maintaining fire lines and constructing soil and water conservation structures.
Conditions for Implementation: Non-forest departments can only engage in activities that align with the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, and must obtain permission from the state forest department under the Indian Forest Act of 1927.
Supervision and Cost Responsibilities: The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) will oversee the implementation of activities, and the government department conducting the work will bear all associated costs.
Preservation of Ecosystem: The guidelines stipulate that no harm should come to plants or animals, and tree cutting is prohibited except for necessary pruning or clearing of bushes.