PVT. PLAYERS MAY BE ALLOWED TO INVEST IN FOREST LANDS

The private sector may soon be able to invest in plantations that would help restore degraded forest area and in community land provided they share the benefits with stakeholders including local community and landowning agency. The Ministry of Environment and Forests plans to send a proposal to the Union Cabinet soon that would allow this mechanism. The current policy doesn't
allow private investors to set up plantations in forest land on lease. The proposal is being finalized with planning commission and the finance ministry.