CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has declared that Zudpi jungle lands in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region must be officially recognised as forest areas. This judgment concludes decades of legal ambiguity surrounding nearly 86,000 hectares of these distinctive shrub-dominated lands. The court clarified that any repurposing of these lands will require prior consent from the central government.
About Zudpi Jungle Lands
Zudpi jungles are areas with dense shrubbery, not generally fit for farming. These lands are predominantly found in six eastern Vidarbha districts: Nagpur, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Bhandara, Wardha, and Gondia. Traditionally, locals have used them for grazing and other non-agricultural activities.
Background And Legal History
The classification of Zudpi lands has been a long-standing issue. Initially marked as Gairan (grazing lands) under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code of 1966, their status shifted over time due to various state decisions and conflicting legal interpretations. The implementation of the Forest (Conservation) Act in 1980 further complicated matters by restricting the use of forest lands for non-forest purposes.
Supreme Court’s Ruling (May 22, 2025)
The apex court ruled that these lands should be treated as forests, highlighting their ecological value. At the same time, it acknowledged the rights of individuals who had occupied these lands for non-forest activities before December 12, 1996. Such cases will still require state government approval for any land-use changes, in line with legal procedures.
Debate Between Government And Environmentalists
The Maharashtra government had previously contended that Zudpi lands were wrongly classified due to outdated administrative practices. Officials argued that maintaining their forest status would restrict much-needed regional development. Environmental advocates, however, cautioned that removing these protections could lead to habitat loss and environmental degradation.
Steps Towards Implementation
The court has directed the state’s Revenue Department to transfer the remaining Zudpi jungle lands to the Forest Department within a year. Additionally, it called for a monitoring framework to ensure these lands are not misused and that all environmental safeguards are followed.
Development vs. Conservation
While the ruling opens the door for planned infrastructure and development in Vidarbha, it comes with stringent ecological safeguards. The Chief Minister welcomed the verdict, viewing it as an opportunity for balanced regional development. Still, the judgment stresses that any progress must align with sustainable land-use practices to preserve local ecosystems.
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