Question raised in Lok Sabha on impact of mining, 04/08/2015. The Government of India grants prior approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 to use forest land for the purpose for various development projects. During last three years including current year, the Central Government has accorded approvals over 1,24,133 ha of forest land for such development activities including mining. Forest areas for such activities are approved by the Central Government under Section 2 (ii) of the Forest (conservation) Act, 1980 with adequate environmental safeguards and afforestation measures in lieu of forest land proposed to be utilized for developmental activities. During the last two years and current year an area of about 78,301 ha has been prescribed for compensatory afforestation as part of environmental safeguards.