NEW DELHI: The Union Environment and Forests Ministry has given a blanket clearance for up-gradation of temporary (kutcha) forest roads laid prior to 1980 to proper (pucca) roads. However, environmental clearance will be required if these roads are to be tarred during up-gradation.

In a fresh set of guidelines issued by the Ministry on April 30, up-gradation in protected areas such as national parks and sanctuaries, prior permission of the National Board of Wildlife and the Supreme Court will have to be taken by the State or the Union Territory concerned. Similarly, fire for melting of coal tar and mixing shall be lit at a safe distance from the vegetation which will be decided by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) concerned and fuel wood shall be purchased by the implementing agency in advance from the depot of the State Forest Development Corporation, the Ministry guidelines have said.

Vegetative measures

No crushing or breaking of stones would be allowed inside the forest areas and readymade materials shall be used for up-gradation of such roads. Both sides of the upgraded roads shall be reinforced with brick/stone works, and vegetative measures to check soil erosion, at the project cost and in consultation with the DFO, will be taken.

The guidelines do not allow tree felling and widening of roads without prior permission of the Central Government as required under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Plantation activities, if found necessary, will be taken up along the road at the project cost immediately and it will have to be maintained at the project cost. No labour camp will be established on the forestland and no work will be allowed after sunset.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National

News: Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala | New Delhi | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous | Engagements |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary | Updates: Breaking News |