Parliament monsoon session: Lok Sabha passes Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill

Digital Desk: On the fifth day of Parliament's monsoon session, the Lok Sabha enacted the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill amid sloganeering and continuous disruptions.

As the House convened at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, members of the Opposition marched to the Lok Sabha well with placards demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement on the Manipur crisis. The Opposition MPs brandished signs reading 'INDIA united against hate' and 'INDIA wants a reply, not silence' and raised slogans of 'We want Justice' mixed with calls of 'Shame'. Speaker Om Birla quickly adjourned the House until 12 at noon. The House was reconvened till 2 p.m.

However, the government was eager to push through a portion of its legislative agenda during the post-lunch session. 

The government was eager to push through a portion of its legislative agenda during the post-lunch session. The contentious Forest Conservation Amendment Bill was tabled for consideration and passage after being referred to a joint committee and having certain provisions objected to by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. Despite continual sloganeering from Opposition members, four MPs spoke on the bill.

In response to the debate, environment minister Bhupendra Yadav stated, "I am pleased to inform you that India has achieved two of the three Nationally Determined Contributions nine years ahead of schedule." The measure will also assist us achieve the last goal." According to Yadav, the bill was referred to a joint committee, which toured border areas to learn what the legislation will help achieve.

"The bill will help in taking development to border communities," Yadav said, adding that "compensatory afforestation is vital for carbon sink... The bill will be remembered as a watershed moment. We wish to promote afforestation on private property. This would also aid in tackling development difficulties in places afflicted by Left-wing extremism. Tribals are waiting for roads and health care. This will assist us achieve our goal."

In response to BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab's claim that the measure contradicted the Forest Rights Act, Yadav stated that there was no inconsistency. The law was passed within half an hour of the House convening, despite the sloganeering.