The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has allowed for surveys involving drilling and the felling of up to 100 trees for hydro and other developmental projects in forest areas without prior forest clearance.
About Forest Advisory Committee (FAC):
- The FAC is a statutory body established under the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980.
- It operates under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
- The committee’s main role is to evaluate and approve the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
- It assesses the validity of land requests, evaluates plans to minimize impact, and considers the potential damage to local ecology and wildlife habitats.
- While the FAC’s role is recommendatory regarding the diversion of forest land for non-forestry uses, it holds significant sway in these decisions.
- It evaluates industrial projects that require forest land, where it may approve, deny, or impose conditions for project advancement.
Ref: Source
| UPSC IAS Preparation Resources | |
| Current Affairs Analysis | Topperspedia |
| GS Shots | Simply Explained |
| Daily Flash Cards | Daily Quiz |
Frequently Asked Question:
What is the role of the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) in hydro projects?
The FAC evaluates and potentially approves hydro and other developmental projects requiring forest land, assessing their environmental impact.
How does the FAC contribute to forest conservation efforts?
The FAC helps conserve forests by assessing and regulating land requests for non-forestry uses, ensuring minimal ecological damage.
Under which law is the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) constituted?
The FAC is established under the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980, functioning under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.