Section 7(3) in The Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2003
(3)(a)All proposals involving clearing of trees in forest land or portion thereof for the purpose of using it for re-afforestation shall be finally disposed of by the Regional Office within a period of sixty days of receipt of the proposals from the State Government or the Union territory Administration, as the case may be.(b)While examining the proposal, the Regional Office shall ensure that the final decision is in conformity with the National Forest Policy, Working Plan guidelines and other relevant rules and guidelines issued by the Central Government from time to time.(c)The Regional Office shall however seek prior clearance of the Ministry of Environment and Forests whenever the proposal involves clear-felling of forest land having crown density above forty per cent irrespective of the area involved, or clear-felling of forest area of size more than twenty hectares in the plains and ten hectares in the hilly region, irrespective of density.
