The Draft acknowledges that the 1988 Policy had ensured an increase in forest cover. That policy had a whole section (4.4) on "Diversion of Forest Land for Non-Forest Purposes." The Central Government has announced "ease
of business" policies which include the dilution of environmental parameters before permission is granted for industrial projects. Liberalization of the Mines and Minerals Regulation Act through a series of amendments has opened up mineral rich forest areas including thickly forested hilly areas for mining. The 2018 policy Draft has just one sentence on this crucial question which says "safeguard forest land by exercising strict restraint on diversion for non- forestry purposes.." Restraint on whom? The Central Government which is responsible for the diversion of thousands of hectares of forest land in just three years? And is not changing natural forests to tree plantations also a major change in the character of forests, somewhat akin to diversion? 
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