Forests (Conservation) Act, 1980, Rules and guidelines made there under embody a framework regulating indiscriminate diversion/ use of forests for developmental need of the States/people and the nation at large, so that development is not constrained but accommodated conservation parameters. Forests/forests eco-systems represent a unique endowment which must be preserved/ protected and wisdom lies in their wise-use. Hence the need to regulate their indiscriminate diversion for other purposes . Forests whether Govt. village or private , sub serve the entire community and represent a community resource that meet the need of the millions of rural people especially the tribals. Life, life style, wellbeing of forests fringe dwellers, villages and others are dependent on forests wholly or in part. Deforestation and forest degradation have adverse consequences on people living near forests.

Forests (Conservation) Act, 1980 is a unique piece of legislation, and a regulatory mechanism that reflects the collective will if the nation of protect its rich biodiversity and natural heritage and that permits only unavoidable use of forests land for various development purposes. I embodies the firm commitment of the Government of India to balance the conservation of forest with the sustainable development need of the country contributing to better environment, health and economy. The remarkable feature of this Act is that it is regulatory and not prohibitory.