deemed forest

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The National Green Tribunal has formed a joint committee to investigate allegations of illegal sand mining on the Subarnarekha river in Odisha's Balasore district. The committee, comprising representatives from district administration, SEIAA, and OSPCB, will submit a report within four weeks. This action follows a petition by local residents concerned about environmental degradation and revenue loss.

Karnataka government faces a setback regarding Bhadra Tiger Reserve. The National Tiger Conservation Authority has clarified that the entire buffer zone must be considered an Eco-Sensitive Zone. This directive halts efforts by local legislators to reduce the buffer, which includes villages and private lands. The move aims to protect wildlife and prevent development restrictions.

The forest department is assessing the condition of deemed forests in Delhi to record the change in tree density. Officials will visit these areas with land-owning agencies and carry out tree plantation. The department filed an affidavit in the High Court, stating that deputy conservators of forests are required to assess the conditions and undertake joint visits to plan re-afforestation. Digitalisation of deemed forest land has been completed, and the department has asked for clarification on roadside plantations. There is an urgent need to protect and replant trees in deemed forests.