Jaipur, Jul 26 (IANS): Climate change is an undeniable global challenge, and India has taken up the challenge to create carbon sinks to combat its impact and this bill aligns perfectly with our nation's vision by facilitating the establishment of new forests and plantations. It will significantly contribute to our commitment of creating a carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tons of CO2 equivalent by 2030, said Diya Kumari, member of Parliament from Rajsamand during the discussion on the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the House.

Diya Kumari is also a member of the joint parliamentary committee that studied all aspects of the bill and consulted all stakeholders in detail before submitting its report to the House. She thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav for their unwavering commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable growth.

She highlighted that the bill presents exemptions for strategic projects, specifically those within 100 km of India's border, essential for national security. “We understand the need to strike a delicate balance between conservation and national interest, ensuring that projects of utmost importance to our country are not hindered by stringent regulations,” Diya Kumari said in the House. “The committee was confident that as demands on forest land have intensified over the years, the proposed amendments strike a much-needed balance between safeguarding our vital forest resources and catering to the diverse needs of our society,” she said.

“The bill, indeed, ensures a comprehensive coverage of forested areas, even those that are not officially designated as forests. The bill also broadens the list of permissible forest activities. The inclusion of zoos, safaris, and eco-tourism facilities reflects our government's efforts to ensure the responsible use of forest resources, while promoting sustainable livelihoods,” she said.