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Odisha Withdraws Controversial Order

Former environment minister Jairam Ramesh expressed his criticism towards the Central government's handling of the "deemed forest" matter. The Odisha government had reportedly retracted a controversial order regarding "deemed forests," leading Ramesh to suggest that the haste in eliminating 'doomed' forests has adversely impacted the environment.

The Odisha government recently withdrew an order issued on August 11 that declared 'deemed forests' as a category no longer in existence under the amended Forest Act. This decision followed the passing of amendments to the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 by Parliament. The order had sparked concerns and debates over its implications for forest conservation.

Jairam Ramesh's Critique

Jairam Ramesh, a Congress general secretary, highlighted the issues surrounding the 'deemed forest' controversy. He shared a media report on the withdrawal of the Odisha order on social media platform X. Ramesh pointed out that the Central government's push to eliminate 'doomed' forests might have inadvertently endangered forest ecosystems.

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In his statement, Ramesh expressed apprehension about the implications of hastily discarding the concept of 'deemed' forests. He emphasized that the amendments to the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, which were recently passed by Parliament, had already raised concerns among many, including himself. The Odisha government's quick response to the amendments by issuing the now-withdrawn order indicated confusion and lack of clarity.

Jairam Ramesh's criticism centered on the potential consequences of this decision on forest conservation efforts. He argued that while the Union Ministry's withdrawal of the state's order added to the confusion, the overarching result was detrimental. Ramesh warned that the Central government's rush to abolish 'deemed' forests could ultimately have adverse effects on forest preservation.

Preservation Challenges with 'Deemed Forests'

The term 'deemed forests' refers to areas that are not officially classified as forests by either the Centre or the states in their records. The designation plays a crucial role in determining how such areas are managed and protected. Critics worry that a hasty dismissal of 'deemed' forests could weaken environmental regulations and negatively impact ecosystems that depend on these areas for biodiversity and ecological balance.

In summary, Jairam Ramesh's critique of the Centre's handling of the 'deemed forest' issue highlights concerns over the environment's well-being. The Odisha government's decision to retract its order following the controversy adds to the ongoing debates about the conservation of forested areas. The haste to eliminate 'deemed' forests, as noted by Ramesh, has raised questions about the potential negative consequences for India's natural habitats and biodiversity.

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