Law Updates

The Central Government revised the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023, introduces the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Amendment Rules, 2025, in effect from the date of its official publication. Key updates consist of outlining “in-principle or Stage-I approval” and “final or Stage-II approval” for forest land use, simplifying the procedure for linear projects through “working permission,” and permitting non-official members to resign at any time. The laws also expand offline application submissions for defense and emergency projects and extend the expiration of in-principle approvals to two to five years, which includes further extension clauses. The changes increase the need for compensating forests, particularly for the mining of critical minerals, and elucidating land transfers and information. The statutory procedure now enables designated forestry officers to initiate proceedings against offenders under Van Adhenim, enhancing enforcement. Modifications to timelines and inspection protocols aim to increase efficiency. Overall, these amendments reinforce forest conservation while balancing development requirements and procedural clarity.