Amendment status not verified — confirm the current text below against the official source.
(i) The cases in which specific orders for dereservation or diversion of forest areas in connection with any project were issued by the State Government prior to 25-10-1980, need not be referred to the Central Government. However, in cases where only administrative approval for the project was issued without specific orders regarding dereservation and/or diversion of forest lands, a prior approval of the Central Government would be necessary. (ii) Harvesting of fodder grasses, legumes etc. which grow naturally in forest areas, without removal of the tree growth, will not require prior approval of the Central Government. However, lease of such areas to any organisation or individual would necessarily require approval under the Act.