This interpretation gives a new lease of life to the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and extends protection to many biodiversity-rich areas. Forest areas across India, particularly those not notified under the 1927 Act, have been under increased stress. State governments have been diverting land for non-forest usage as evident from the draft Regional Plan 2041 of the National Capital Region Planning Board that did away with key regulations meant to protect the Aravallis ecosystem.
