Key players in the clearance process
Under the provisions of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, if a project requires diversion of forestland for non-forest use, prior approval of the Centre is imperative. For this, one needs to apply to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) through the state forest department. A Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) at MoEF scrutinizes the proposal and based on certain criteria either grants or rejects clearance. The approval depends on the achievements of the state government concerned to guarantee land for compensatory afforestation. The compensation for the lost forest area is decided by FAC and deposited under Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority. A 2000 order by the supreme court restricted these rights in protected areas. However, if diversion is unavoidable, approval in such areas is given by the National Board for Wildlife chaired by the prime minister. Such diversions are monitored by supreme court through a Central Empowered Committee.