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Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.
The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.
Q. Which of the following statements best summarizes the passage's major point, according to the text?
  • a)
    The original Forest Conservation Act of 1980 took a protective stance toward forests and was successful.
  • b)
    The proposed changes to the Forest Conservation Act are required to strike a balance between environmental preservation and the needs of the nation's development.
  • c)
    The new Bill's proposed revision to the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 is problematic and departs significantly from the law's original intent.
  • d)
    The Bill's more restrictive definition of forests and exclusion of some regions are intended to streamline administrative procedures and lower administrative barriers.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questio...
The passage covers a number of issues with the amendment and notes potential harm to environmental protection and attempts to conserve forests. The passage's key takeaway is that the new Bill's proposed change to the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 is problematic and departs greatly from the law's original intent.
Because the text concedes that the proposed changes in the new Bill depart from the original Forest Conservation Act of 1980's spirit, Option A is inaccurate. That's because the 1980 law had a protectionist position.
Option B is inappropriate because, despite acknowledging the necessity to take into account contemporary development priorities and needs, the text focuses more on the drawbacks and unfavorable effects of the proposed revisions than on how important they are for striking a balance between environmental protection and development.
Option D is erroneous because the passage makes no mention of the intention to streamline administrative procedures or lower administrative barriers with the narrowed definition of forests and exclusion of specific areas. Instead, it prompts worries about the unfavorable effects of these changes.
Hence, option C is the correct answer.
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Community Answer
Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questio...
Summary of the Passage:

The passage discusses the proposed amendments to the Forest Conservation Act of 1980, highlighting three main concerns raised by environmental experts. These concerns include the narrowed definition of forests, the exclusion of significant forest areas, and the sanctioning of additional activities that were previously regulated.

Explanation of the Answer:

- Proposed Amendments: The new Bill aims to amend the Forest Conservation Act of 1980.

- Concerns Raised: The passage points out three main concerns with the proposed amendments:

- Narrowed Definition of Forests: The Bill restricts the definition of forests to only legally notified areas, which could potentially impact a significant portion of India's forest cover.

- Exclusion of Forest Areas: Fragile ecosystems, such as biodiversity hotspots and high-altitude Himalayan forests, are excluded from the need for forest clearances.

- Granting of Additional Activities: The Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects like zoos and ecotourism facilities, which may not align with the conservation goals of the original law.

- Major Point: The passage's major point is that the proposed amendments deviate significantly from the spirit of the original Forest Conservation Act of 1980. While recognizing the need for development, the amendments raise concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.

Therefore, option B: "The proposed changes to the Forest Conservation Act are required to strike a balance between environmental preservation and the needs of the nation's development" best summarizes the passage's major point.
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Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passages major point, according to the text?a)The original Forest Conservation Act of 1980 took a protective stance toward forests and was successful.b)The proposed changes to the Forest Conservation Act are required to strike a balance between environmental preservation and the needs of the nations development.c)The new Bills proposed revision to the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 is problematic and departs significantly from the laws original intent.d)The Bills more restrictive definition of forests and exclusion of some regions are intended to streamline administrative procedures and lower administrative barriers.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passages major point, according to the text?a)The original Forest Conservation Act of 1980 took a protective stance toward forests and was successful.b)The proposed changes to the Forest Conservation Act are required to strike a balance between environmental preservation and the needs of the nations development.c)The new Bills proposed revision to the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 is problematic and departs significantly from the laws original intent.d)The Bills more restrictive definition of forests and exclusion of some regions are intended to streamline administrative procedures and lower administrative barriers.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for CLAT 2024 is part of CLAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the CLAT exam syllabus. Information about Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passages major point, according to the text?a)The original Forest Conservation Act of 1980 took a protective stance toward forests and was successful.b)The proposed changes to the Forest Conservation Act are required to strike a balance between environmental preservation and the needs of the nations development.c)The new Bills proposed revision to the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 is problematic and departs significantly from the laws original intent.d)The Bills more restrictive definition of forests and exclusion of some regions are intended to streamline administrative procedures and lower administrative barriers.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for CLAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passages major point, according to the text?a)The original Forest Conservation Act of 1980 took a protective stance toward forests and was successful.b)The proposed changes to the Forest Conservation Act are required to strike a balance between environmental preservation and the needs of the nations development.c)The new Bills proposed revision to the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 is problematic and departs significantly from the laws original intent.d)The Bills more restrictive definition of forests and exclusion of some regions are intended to streamline administrative procedures and lower administrative barriers.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passages major point, according to the text?a)The original Forest Conservation Act of 1980 took a protective stance toward forests and was successful.b)The proposed changes to the Forest Conservation Act are required to strike a balance between environmental preservation and the needs of the nations development.c)The new Bills proposed revision to the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 is problematic and departs significantly from the laws original intent.d)The Bills more restrictive definition of forests and exclusion of some regions are intended to streamline administrative procedures and lower administrative barriers.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for CLAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for CLAT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passages major point, according to the text?a)The original Forest Conservation Act of 1980 took a protective stance toward forests and was successful.b)The proposed changes to the Forest Conservation Act are required to strike a balance between environmental preservation and the needs of the nations development.c)The new Bills proposed revision to the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 is problematic and departs significantly from the laws original intent.d)The Bills more restrictive definition of forests and exclusion of some regions are intended to streamline administrative procedures and lower administrative barriers.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passages major point, according to the text?a)The original Forest Conservation Act of 1980 took a protective stance toward forests and was successful.b)The proposed changes to the Forest Conservation Act are required to strike a balance between environmental preservation and the needs of the nations development.c)The new Bills proposed revision to the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 is problematic and departs significantly from the laws original intent.d)The Bills more restrictive definition of forests and exclusion of some regions are intended to streamline administrative procedures and lower administrative barriers.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passages major point, according to the text?a)The original Forest Conservation Act of 1980 took a protective stance toward forests and was successful.b)The proposed changes to the Forest Conservation Act are required to strike a balance between environmental preservation and the needs of the nations development.c)The new Bills proposed revision to the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 is problematic and departs significantly from the laws original intent.d)The Bills more restrictive definition of forests and exclusion of some regions are intended to streamline administrative procedures and lower administrative barriers.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passages major point, according to the text?a)The original Forest Conservation Act of 1980 took a protective stance toward forests and was successful.b)The proposed changes to the Forest Conservation Act are required to strike a balance between environmental preservation and the needs of the nations development.c)The new Bills proposed revision to the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 is problematic and departs significantly from the laws original intent.d)The Bills more restrictive definition of forests and exclusion of some regions are intended to streamline administrative procedures and lower administrative barriers.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passages major point, according to the text?a)The original Forest Conservation Act of 1980 took a protective stance toward forests and was successful.b)The proposed changes to the Forest Conservation Act are required to strike a balance between environmental preservation and the needs of the nations development.c)The new Bills proposed revision to the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 is problematic and departs significantly from the laws original intent.d)The Bills more restrictive definition of forests and exclusion of some regions are intended to streamline administrative procedures and lower administrative barriers.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice CLAT tests.
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