India, June 18 -- More than 2.8 million trees on forest land were approved for felling or recorded as felled between July 2023 and May 2026, a Down To Earth analysis found.

The analysis examined minutes of meetings of the Advisory Committee under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980.

Of 288 unique forest diversion proposals considered, more than 242 were accepted, an approval rate of over 80%.

More than 22,000 hectares of forest land were diverted for non-forestry projects across 27 sectors.

Mining, hydropower and rehabilitation projects accounted for close to 90% of the total trees approved for felling or recorded as felled.

More than 2.8 million trees on forest land were approved for felling or recorded as felled be...