In Brief
The State of Himachal Pradesh sought various reliefs to divert forest land for public welfare projects including roads, schools, hospitals, and hydroelectric projects. The Supreme Court granted a bifurcated order: immediate permission for projects with central government final approval under the Forest Conservation Act, and conditional permission for others requiring prior examination and approval by District Forest Officers. Silviculture felling of Khair trees was adjourned for 12 weeks pending a Committee report. The Court balanced developmental needs against forest conservation obligations.",
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