Opposition Calls Forest Conservation Amendment Act a ‘Threat’ to Mizoram

Quick Summary

• Mizoram’s Assembly adopted a resolution to extend the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act (FCAA), 2023, to the state from this year following a motion by Environment Minister Lalthansanga on August 27.
• Opposition parties, including Mizo National Front (MNF) and Congress, and also organisations like ZORO and CJM, strongly opposed the resolution.
• Critics argue that FCAA grants excessive power to the Center over land and threatens indigenous rights enshrined in Article 371G of the Constitution.
• MNF has demanded rescinding the resolution, cautioning against forwarding it to Lok Sabha secretariat.
• Concerns have been raised regarding infringement on powers under Article 244 for ADCs/UTs/states safeguarded under Fifth & Sixth Schedules of the Constitution.
• ZORO highlighted risks stemming from exemptions related to strategic projects within a 100-km border area without forest clearance requirements.
• Proponents of FCAA in Mizoram argue its adoption is necessary for advancement purposes though opponents insist development can occur under existing laws without jeopardizing land rights.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The adoption of FCAA, 2023 by Mizoram’s Assembly has sparked strong opposition due to fears about potential encroachment on constitutional safeguards provided by Articles 371G and 244 for tribal communities in states like Mizoram. While proponents emphasize developmental benefits tied to such amendments-from national security infrastructure projects along international borders-critics underline risks concerning indigenous autonomy over land governance entrusted historically through ADCs or special provisions in state legislation.

This contention reflects broader concerns over balancing national interests with regional rights-a recurring theme across debates on federal governance models in India.For Mizoram specifically, where cultural identity remains deeply linked with land ownership patterns grounded in customary practices-the amendment could trigger prolonged socio-political frictions if consensus isn’t prioritized between stakeholders.

Read more at The Hindu.