Godavarman Judgment (1996): Mandated a broad, dictionary meaning of 'forest', including all areas recorded as forest in government records, and areas that appear to be forests based on their characteristics, irrespective of official notification.

Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (FCA): Requires prior approval from the Central Government for non-forest use of forest land. The definition of 'forest land' under FCA was also interpreted broadly by the SC.

Proposed Aravalli Definition: Focuses on specific criteria like tree canopy density (e.g., 10% or more) and land use, potentially excluding areas with sparse vegetation or those not officially recorded as 'forest' but ecologically vital.

Implications of Narrow Definition: Could lead to de-notification of vast tracts of ecologically sensitive land, opening them up for development and causing ecological damage, loss of biodiversity, and impact on groundwater recharge.

Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA): Recognizes rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers over forest land, adding another layer to forest governance.

Forest Survey of India (FSI): Conducts biennial India State of Forest Report (ISFR), which uses satellite imagery to assess forest cover based on canopy density, but this is for reporting, not legal definition.

Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016 (CAMPA): Manages funds for compensatory afforestation and other forest conservation activities.

Godavarman Judgment (1996): Mandated a broad, dictionary meaning of 'forest', including all areas recorded as forest in government records, and areas that appear to be forests based on their characteristics, irrespective of official notification.

Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (FCA): Requires prior approval from the Central Government for non-forest use of forest land. The definition of 'forest land' under FCA was also interpreted broadly by the SC.

Proposed Aravalli Definition: Focuses on specific criteria like tree canopy density (e.g., 10% or more) and land use, potentially excluding areas with sparse vegetation or those not officially recorded as 'forest' but ecologically vital.

Implications of Narrow Definition: Could lead to de-notification of vast tracts of ecologically sensitive land, opening them up for development and causing ecological damage, loss of biodiversity, and impact on groundwater recharge.

Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA): Recognizes rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers over forest land, adding another layer to forest governance.

Forest Survey of India (FSI): Conducts biennial India State of Forest Report (ISFR), which uses satellite imagery to assess forest cover based on canopy density, but this is for reporting, not legal definition.

Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016 (CAMPA): Manages funds for compensatory afforestation and other forest conservation activities.