Forest Clearance ia a process through which the Central and State Government grants permission to clear or use forest land for non-forest purposes. Forest land is protected by various laws such as the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980. (forest conservation act 1980) and Forest Policy, Which emphasize the need for forest conservation.
Forest Clearance is granted for construction and societal welfare projects such as Drinking Water (Wells, Lakes, Canals), Irrigation (Dams), Electricity Generation, Railway Lines, Highways, Defense-related projects, Mining, etc. However, Forest Clearance is required before any such project can be initiated on forest land.
Environmental laws apply to Forest Clearance, and project proponents must apply for environmental clearance before starting any activity on forest land. The concerned department reviews all the documents submitted by the project proponent and then decides whether to grant or reject the permission.