Uttarakhand for diverting 5 hectare forest land for roads

The ministry,however,is not inclined to grant such exemptions,the sources said,though it has given exemption from forest clearances for building roads,drinking water facilities,schools and hospitals in several Maoist-dominated areas on the request of the home ministry.

“We are of the view that for rebuilding road infrastructure,the major concern of the Uttarakhand government,one hectare forest land is more than enough. Diversion of 5 hectare forest land for non-forest purposes and without forest clearance does not seem necessary or justifiable. While the ministry is yet to take a final decision on the state government’s request,it feels this cannot be acceded to,” a senior environment ministry official said.

Incidentally,Uttarakhand has drawn flak for permitting rampant construction without much regard for ecological concerns.