Circular 02/2021 by Ministry of Lands
A circular was issued from the Ministry of Lands, No. 02/2021 vesting authority on the District and Divisional Secretaries to take into its custody State lands that have not been gazette by the Conservator General of Forests as forest land and as wildlife areas that have not been gazetted by the Conservator.
This appears to have been issued in furtherance of the controversial circular previously issued MWFC/1/2020, which is currently the subject of a several court cases. Conservationists, including WNPS are of the view that this is a major threat to the protection of Other State Forests that currently fall within the purview of the Forest Department. Discussions to file a court action are currently underway.