- (1.) The Government of Himachal Pradesh has come up with these applications praying for various reliefs including the relief of diversion of small extents of forest land for the purpose of carrying out certain public welfare projects. Some of these projects are already cleared under FCA and FRA, but some are not. The application numbers and the reliefs sought are presented in a tabular column for easy reference: JUDGEMENT_47_LAWS(SC)2_2021_1.jpg JUDGEMENT_47_LAWS(SC)2_2021_2.jpg
(2.) We have heard Shri Tushar Mehta, learned Solicitor General and Shri Ashok Sharma, learned Advocate General for the State of Himachal Pradesh, appearing for the applicant and Shri A.D.N. Rao, learned Amicus Curiae appointed by this Court. From the submissions made by Shri A.D.N. Rao, learned Amicus Curiae, it can be deciphered that some of the reliefs sought by the State of Himachal Pradesh can be straight away granted and some other reliefs can be granted subject to certain clearances. The projects for which permission may be granted and projects which can be permitted subject to certain conditions are also given in a tabular column as follows: JUDGEMENT_47_LAWS(SC)2_2021_3.jpg JUDGEMENT_47_LAWS(SC)2_2021_4.jpg JUDGEMENT_47_LAWS(SC)2_2021_5.jpg JUDGEMENT_47_LAWS(SC)2_2021_6.jpg
(3.) IA No. 130847 of 2020 In this application, mention is made about two projects, at page No. 6 of the application. JUDGEMENT_47_LAWS(SC)2_2021_7.jpg The First project of Green Corridor National Highway is in two parts, for each of which separate final approval has been granted under Section 2 of the Forest Conservation Act, by Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India. One final approval dated 30.09.2020 is for diversion of 28.449 ha of forest land and second final approval of the even date is for diversion of 22.419 ha of forest land. Both these final approvals are attached with the affidavit filed on 06.02.2021. The said final approvals are taken on record. So far as Second Project viz. Construction of Two lane NH 20A (new NH 503) is concerned, the final approval for the same for diversion of 7.0713 ha of forest land has also been granted u/s 2 of the Forest Conservation Act by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India vide letter dated 20.06.2020. This final approval dated 26.06.2020 is also attached with the affidavit filed on 06.02.2021. The final approvals are taken on record and the Government may act accordingly.;