Himachal to Approach Court for Regularisation of 2,183 Roads
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Synopsis
The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department aims to file a petition by May 10 to regularise 2,183 roads built against the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980, highlighting public interest and the need for legal action. The Chief Minister has directed necessary steps for this process.
Key Takeaways
- Himachal Pradesh to file a petition for road regularisation.
- 2,183 roads identified, spanning multiple zones.
- Exemption granted for ropeway projects from FCA.
- Focus on public interest and environmental considerations.
- Ropeways to provide safe transport in remote areas.
Shimla, April 22 (NationPress) The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department plans to submit a review petition to a suitable court by May 10, aiming for the regularisation of 2,183 roads that were constructed in breach of the Forest (Conservation) Act (FCA) of 1980.
During a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu, the significance of pursuing legal action to regularise these roads was emphasized, considering the broader public interest.
He instructed the department to take necessary measures in this regard.
A total of 2,183 roads have been pinpointed throughout the state, comprising 613 in the Shimla zone, 821 in the Mandi zone, 254 in the Hamirpur zone, and 495 in the Kangra zone.
These roads were constructed prior to the enactment of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 in Himachal Pradesh, which took effect in the state in 2016.
This Act aims to acknowledge and secure the forest rights of forest-dwelling communities who have been reliant on forest land for at least three generations.
In a recent relief for all hilly states, including Himachal Pradesh, the Central government has exempted these areas from the necessity of obtaining forest clearance for ropeway projects.
The Advisory Committee of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change discussed the issue on November 6, 2024, at the request of the Himachal Government.
In their order dated November 29, 2024, they stated, “Considering the larger public interest and the environmentally friendly nature of ropeways, it has been determined that all such projects will be excluded from the scope of the Forest Conservation Act (FCA), 1980, along with the payment of the net present value (NPV).”
“The construction of ropeways in mountainous regions is an environmentally friendly endeavor, requiring minimal disruption to forest areas and resulting in almost negligible earth cutting or tree felling. Therefore, there is virtually no erosion, thereby supporting the ecological balance of hilly regions. Additionally, this method provides a safe and cost-effective means of transportation for residents in remote hilly areas,” the Advisory Committee noted.
