Lok Sabha Debates
Need To Relax The Existing Provisions Of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 For ... on 3 August, 2011
> Title: Need to relax the existing provisions of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for providing land to police establishments proposed to be set up in forest land in Orissa.
SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB (CUTTACK): Because of historical reasons large tracts of land in Orissa particularly in the Naxal affected districts, have been recorded as forest land. In view of the existing provisions of the Forest (conservation) Act, 1980, it is extremely difficult to get any land for construction of police establishment, like Police stations, Outposts, Training Centres, Watch Towers and Armed Police Camps etc. While it was initially agreed that such approvals would now be available under the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, police establishments do not find place in the list of projects for which relaxation is available under this Act too.
I would urge upon the Government that relaxation be extended to police establishments proposed to be set up in forest land upto one hectare each for Police Stations and Outposts, Watch Towers so that CPMF and State Forces can be deployed at strategic locations in Left Wing Extremist affected areas for deep penetration.