What is the significance of the Supreme Court's directive to not reduce forest land for linear projects
The Supreme Court has instructed the Centre and States to refrain from reducing forest land for linear projects and instead allocate the same area for afforestation, emphasizing environmental conservation.
- Protecting Biodiversity: Preserving forest land for linear projects helps protect the rich biodiversity found in these areas.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Forests play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.
- Water Conservation: Forests help maintain water cycles and prevent soil erosion, ensuring a sustainable water supply for ecosystems and human communities.
- Promoting Sustainable Development: Allocating forest land for afforestation instead of linear projects encourages sustainable development practices that balance environmental and developmental needs.
- Legal Compliance: The Supreme Court directive ensures compliance with environmental laws and regulations for safeguarding the ecological integrity of forest areas.
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3 months ago