With reference to the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023, consider the following statements:

Question

The new amendments to the Forest Act incentivize private agro-forestry and tree plantation activities.

The amendments broaden the scope of protection provided by the 1996 Supreme Court judgment.

Forest land near India's borders can be appropriated for "strategic and security" purposes without central approval under the amendments.

The parliamentary committee reviewing the bill has expressed its opinion on the way forward.

How many statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one statement

(b) Only two statements

(c) Only three statements

(d) All four statements

Answer 1

Answer: (c) Only three statements

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. The new amendments to the Forest Act incentivize private agro-forestry and tree plantation activities.

Statement 2 is correct. The amendments broaden the scope of protection provided by the 1996 Supreme Court judgment.

Statement 3 is correct. Forest land near India's borders can be appropriated for "strategic and security" purposes without central approval under the amendments.

Statement 4 is incorrect. The parliamentary committee reviewing the bill has not expressed its opinion on the way forward.