Amendment status not verified — confirm the current text below against the official source.
(i) All proposals involving diversion/ dereservation of forest land up to 20 hectares, and proposals for clearing of naturally grown trees in forest area or portion thereof shall be sent by the concerned State/UT Government to the concerned Regional Office of MOEF. (ii) Chief Conservator of Forests of the concerned Regional Office shall be competent to finally dispose of all proposals (including decision regarding violation of Act) involving diversion/dereservation of forest land up to 5 hectares, except in respect of proposals for regularisation of encroachments and mining (including renewal of mining leases). Similarly, proposals involving clearing of naturally grown trees in forest area or portion thereof for reforestation shall also be finally disposed of by the Chief Conservator of Forests of the concerned Regional Office, subject to guidelines/instructions issued in this regard (refer to para 1.8) and any other instructions issued from time to time. (iii) In the absence of Chief Conservator of Forests, these powers shall be exercised by the concerned Conservator of Forests of the Regional Office in case the post of Chief Conservator of Forests is vacant due to transfer, long leave, etc. (In respect of Regional Office at Chandigarh, these powers shall be exercised by Conservator of Forests of the Regional Office of Chandigarh). (iv) A list of all cases finally disposed of and a list of cases rejected along with reasons thereof for rejection would be required to be sent every month to the MOEF by the Regional Office. (v) In respect of proposals involving diversion of forest area above 5 hectares and up to 20 hectares and all proposals for regularisation of encroachments and mining up to 20 ha., the proposals shall be examined by the Regional Chief Conservator of Forests/Conservator of Forests in consultation with an Advisory Group consisting of representatives of the State Government from Revenue Department, Forest Department, Planning and/or Finance Department and concerned Department whose proposal is being examined. The views of the Advisory Group shall be recorded by the Regional Chief Conservator of Forests and along with the same, the proposal shall be sent to Secretary, MOEF for considering and final decision. It is to be clarified that views of this Advisory Group in no way shall be binding while deciding the proposal. The meeting of the Advisory Group may be held at the State Capital. The proposal will not be deferred for want of quorum.