Question

In which Act, bamboos were omitted from the category of trees?

• A. Indian Forest Act, 1927
• B. The Indian Forest (Amendment) Act, 2017
• C. Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
• D. Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023

Hint:

This amendment applies only to bamboo grown on non-forest land. Bamboo growing naturally in wild forest zones remains classified as a forest produce and is subject to state forestry regulations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Regulatory definitions of plants dictate how they can be harvested, transported, and traded. Bamboo was historically defined as a tree, which restricted its commercial utilization.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Under Section 2(7) of the original Indian Forest Act, 1927, "tree" was defined to include palms, bamboos, stumps, brush-wood, and canes.
- This definition meant that bamboo grown on private, non-forest lands required transit and felling permits, which discouraged farmers from planting it.
- To promote the bamboo economy and support agroforestry, the Government passed the Indian Forest (Amendment) Bill, 2017, which amended Section 2(7) to exclude bamboo grown on non-forest lands from the definition of a "tree."

Step 3: Final Answer:
Bamboo was omitted from the tree category by the Indian Forest (Amendment) Act, 2017.