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4w ago

Haryana Narrows ‘Dictionary’ Definition of Forest With 40% Canopy Rule

Critics say the criteria conflict with the Supreme Court’s directive to identify forests broadly.

The definition requires forest areas to have a minimum canopy density of 40% and cover at least five hectares if isolated, or two hectares in contiguity to government-notified forests. (File)

Overview

  • Haryana’s August 18 gazette sets a 40% minimum canopy density and area thresholds of five hectares for isolated patches and two hectares when contiguous to notified forests.
  • The notification excludes linear, compact and agro-forestry plantations and orchards outside government-notified forests from being treated as forests.
  • Officials said expert panels at state and district levels will identify qualifying land and submit a report to the Centre for placement before the Supreme Court.
  • Environmental analysts, including Chetan Agarwal, argue the high thresholds would omit much of the Aravalli’s scrub and open forests and even areas like Asola Bhatti, suggesting lower canopy and area cutoffs.
  • The move lands as the Court’s 1996 Godavarman precedent and 2024–2025 orders require broad identification and geo-referencing of forests, with the Union environment ministry due to file consolidated state reports by September 2025.