Centre: Forest violators must show proof of afforestation
The Union environment ministry has directed states and union territories to submit proof of penal afforestation completed by projects that illegally cleared forest land, before granting final approval. The move enforces guidelines from January 21, 2026, mandating strict compliance over mere undertakings for afforestation. Compensatory afforestation is a legal requirement to offset forest loss due to non-forest activities. The ministry emphasized verification by regional offices to prevent misuse of post-facto clearances.
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Centre: Forest violators must show proof of afforestationCompensatory afforestation is a mandatory legal requirement under which entities must create new forests or restore degraded land.Updated on: Apr 29, 2026 9:10 AM ISTBy Jayashree NandiShare viaCopy link Infrastructure projects that cleared forests illegally must now prove they have completed penal afforestation before receiving final approval, the Union environment ministry has said in directions to states and union territories.States have been asked to follow the procedure and submit proof of penal afforestation for regularisation of such projects.
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