# Forest Amendment Bill 2023: Swift Approval Raises Concerns

City: All · Author: Cityscope · Published: 4 Aug · Updated: 23 May · 1 min read

> On July 26, 2023, the Lok Sabha approved the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023, in just 20 minutes, sparking criticism over potential environmental risks.

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![](https://cityscope-dev.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/2023/8/4/1_%281%29.png)

On July 26, 2023, the Lok Sabha approved the contentious Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023, causing uproar and dismay among environmentalists, activists, and opposition parties. 

![](https://cityscope-dev.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/2023/8/4/2.png)

The bill, introduced and passed within a mere 20 minutes, has been widely criticized for its alleged disregard for ecological preservation and the hasty manner in which it was pushed through.

![](https://cityscope-dev.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/2023/8/4/3.png)

Environmentalists fear that the amendments could potentially lead to the dilution of forest protection laws, opening up ecologically sensitive areas for industrial exploitation and deforestation.

![](https://cityscope-dev.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/2023/8/4/4.png)

The swift approval has further fueled suspicions of a lack of adequate scrutiny and public consultation, leaving many concerned about the long-term impact on India's rich biodiversity and fragile ecosystems.

![](https://cityscope-dev.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/2023/8/4/5.png)

![](https://cityscope-dev.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/2023/8/4/6.png)

The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023, expands the scope of 'non-forest purpose' exemptions, encompassing activities like silvicultural operations, zoos, safaris, eco-tourism, and more as specified by the Central Government.

![](https://cityscope-dev.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/2023/8/4/7.png)

Additionally, the bill grants significant authority to the Central Government, enabling it to issue directives for the effective implementation of the act to various authorities, organizations, states, and entities.

![](https://cityscope-dev.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/2023/8/4/8.png)

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