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Forest Laws

Forest Laws (Conservation Laws & Bodies).

Syllabus: UPSC Pre GS1: Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity & Climate Change; Mains GS3

In the news

GS2 · Social justice (tribal rights)

Forest Rights Act: second regional review conference for eight eastern and central States

On 9 October 2026 the Tribal Affairs Ministry held the second regional review of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 in Kolkata with eight States. Nationally, over 54 lakh claims have been filed, about 25 lakh titles given, about 11 lakh are pending and over 18 lakh rejected. The focus is quick disposal, record updating, CFR rights and PVTG habitat rights.

UPSC angle: Prelims: FRA provisions, PVTG habitat rights. · Mains GS-II: welfare of STs; GS-III: forest governance.

10 Oct 2026
GS3 · Environment (forestry, trade)

First PRAMAAN certificates issued under India’s own forest and wood certification scheme

On 29 September 2026 the Environment Minister handed over the first PRAMAAN certificates under the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme. Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation got one for 33,000 hectares of plantations, and an Odisha bamboo farmer got another. IIFM Bhopal runs the scheme, launched in December 2023.

UPSC angle: Prelims: operating agency of IFWCS.

29 Sep 2026
GS3 · Environment (forests)

At FAO COFO-28, India cites 25.17% forest and tree cover and 3rd rank in net forest gain

At the 28th session of the FAO Committee on Forestry in Rome (28 September to 2 October 2026), India said its forest and tree cover is 82.74 million hectares, or 25.17 per cent of its area. FAO's Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 ranks India 9th in forest area and 3rd in net annual forest gain.

UPSC angle: Prelims: forest cover %, FRA ranks. · Mains: Quality vs quantity of forest cover.

28 Sep 2026
GS2 · Tribal rights

First regional review of Forest Rights Act held in Bengaluru

On 10 September 2026 the Ministry of Tribal Affairs held its first regional FRA review at Bengaluru with Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. By 30 June 2026, over 54 lakh individual claims had been received nationally, about 25.42 lakh titles given, over 10 lakh claims were pending and 19,845 Community Forest Rights recognised.

UPSC angle: Prelims: FRA nodal ministry; habitat rights for PVTGs.

10 Sep 2026