Kerala Proposed Amendments to the Forest Act

Syllabus: GS3/Environment and Biodiversity

Context

• The Kerala government has brought in a Bill to amend the Kerala Forest Act, 1961.

About

• The Kerala Forest (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seeks to address environmental and forest management issues in Kerala, with a primary focus on preventing the dumping of waste into rivers and other water bodies connected to forest areas.
  • However, some provisions of the Bill have raised concerns among farmer organizations and local residents. 

Key Amendments

• Arrest and Detention Powers: The Bill empowers forest officers to arrest or detain individuals suspected of forest-related offenses without a warrant. This power extends to areas outside forest boundaries, raising concerns about potential misuse, especially with the expanded definition of “forest officer” to include temporary staff.
• Expanded Definition of Forest Officer: The inclusion of beat forest officers, tribal watchers, and forest watchers—many of whom are appointed temporarily and may be influenced by political recommendations—has raised alarm about the misuse of power and potential for unjust actions.
• Impact on Local Rivers: By categorizing the dumping of waste into rivers that flow into forest areas as an offense, the Bill extends the scope of the Act beyond forest boundaries.
  • Many rivers in Kerala pass through populated areas before entering forests, raising fears of increased control by forest officials over non-forest regions, potentially penalizing local residents.
• Penalty increased: The existing fine of Rs 1,000 has been increased to Rs 25,000 for petty forest crimes.
  • Certain other fines to the tune of Rs 25,000 have been increased to Rs 50,000.

Source: TH