Login With Google
Coming, a law to empower forest staff
Why in news?
- A proposed legislation accords significant powers to India’s forest officers.
- Such as the power issue search warrants, enter and investigate lands within their jurisdictions, and to provide indemnity to forest officers using arms to prevent forest-related offences.
More in news
- Indian forest act 2019:(1) It is an amendment to the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and is an attempt to address contemporary challenges to India’s forests.(2) The draft law has been sent to key forest officers in the States for soliciting comments and objections until June 7.
- Amendments proposed:(1) Provide indemnity to Forest-officer using arms etc, to prevent the forest offence.(2) Forest-officer not below the rank of a Ranger shall have power to hold an inquiry into forest offences.(3) Forest-officer shall have the powers to search or issue a search warrant under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.(4) Any Forest-officer not below the rank of a Forester may, at any time enter and inspect any land within his area of jurisdiction.
- Experts view:(1) Experts said that the proposed law would lead to conflicts during implementation, particularly when seen in the context of the Forest Rights Act, 2006.(2) The aim is to strengthen the forest bureaucracy in terms of deciding on how to decide on over forest land, what parts to declare for conservation, checking encroachments, etc.
Source
The hindu