UPSC Prelims 2019 Q55: Environment & Ecology – Forest Rights
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Bamboo, Forest Rights and Recent Amendments
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Recent amendment allows felling of bamboo grown on forest areas | FALSE | The Indian Forest (Amendment) Act 2017 removed bamboo grown on non-forest (private/homestead) land from the definition of 'tree', allowing free cutting/transport. Bamboo on forest land remains regulated under Forest Act. |
| 2 | Under FRA 2006, bamboo is a Minor Forest Produce (MFP) | TRUE | FRA 2006 Section 2(i) defines MFP to include bamboo, brushwood, tussar, honey, wax, lac, medicinal plants etc. |
| 3 | FRA gives ownership of MFP to forest dwellers | TRUE | Section 3(1)(c) of FRA grants right of ownership, access to collect, use and dispose of MFP to forest-dwelling STs and traditional forest dwellers. |
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is wrong - the 2017 amendment liberalised bamboo felling on NON-forest land, not forest areas.
- (b) CORRECT. FRA 2006 classifies bamboo as MFP (S2) and gives ownership of MFP to forest dwellers (S3). Statement 1 is wrong.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 (bamboo = MFP) is also correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is wrong.
Key point
Indian Forest Amendment 2017: Freed bamboo on NON-forest land from felling restrictions. FRA 2006: Bamboo is MFP; forest dwellers own MFP. Bamboo on forest land is still regulated.
Remember
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Under the FRA 2006, bamboo is classified as Minor Forest Produce (MFP), and the Act grants ownership of MFP to forest dwellers. However, the 2017 amendment to the Indian Forest Act freed bamboo growing on NON-forest (private/homestead) land from tree-felling restrictions - bamboo on forest land is still regulated.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the 2017 amendment applies to forest-land bamboo - it only covers non-forest (private) land.
- Confusing 'MFP' under FRA with 'timber' under Forest Act.
- Not knowing bamboo classification: technically grass, but managed under forest laws.
Exam tip
FRA 2006 rights spectrum: (i) Individual rights: cultivation, habitation up to 4 hectares. (ii) Community rights: nistar (fodder, water), MFP ownership, protection/conservation. (iii) Development rights: schools, health, roads through forest. Framework: FRA + PESA + Fifth Schedule.
Sources
- Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006
- Indian Forest (Amendment) Act, 2017 - Full text