India, March 24 -- Forest area measuring 1,73,396.87 hectares has been diverted for various non-forestry purposes including infrastructure projects under the provisions of Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, between 2014-15 to 2023-24, the Union environment ministry informed Lok Sabha on Monday.

Union environment minister, Bhupender Yadav was responding to questions by CPIML MP, Raja Ram Singh.

Singh asked three questions, first, whether it is a fact that the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 has not been scientifically prepared; second, whether the said report suggests exclusion of data relating to the diversification of large tracts of forests for developmental activities between 1996 and 2023, if so, the reaction...