Environment Ministry officials on Thursday (January 8, 2026) clarified that the amendments made to guidelines under the Forest Conservation Law will not "open up" management of forest land by non-government entities, and will only allow them for restoration work aimed at achieving the target of 33% forest cover in India.
The move, notified by the Environment Ministry on January 2, aims to bring in additional resources and partnerships to revive open and scrub forests, which together account for more than two lakh sq.km. across the country, the officials said.
The clarification comes a day after the Congress on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) alleged that the amendments in guidelines of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, (earlier Forest Conservation Act) have opened the door for the privatisation of forest management.
"The amendment in the guidelines does not open up the management of forest land to non-government entities," a senior government official said.
Forests cannot be used for non-forestry purposes, including agriculture: Supreme Court
