Context: The state govt. of Maharashtra is planning to declare 600 acres of Aarey land near Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) as reserve forest.

Key points

• As per state government, it as the first instance of an extensive forest blossoming within the limits of metropolis anywhere in the world.
• Section 4 of Indian Forest Act (IFA) will be applied to almost 600 acres of the land, to declare it a reserve forest after a hearing for suggestion and objections.

The open land will be declared as forest, ensuring all rights of tribal communities which reside within it.

• Under Phase 1: Rehabilitation of slums within the area would be expedited.
• Under Phase 2: Survey for additional open/forest land in Aarey will begin to help in protecting the flora and fauna existent in SGNP and Aarey. 

Reserved Forest

• Reserved Forest is an area mass of land duly notified under the provisions of the Indian Forest Act or the State Forest Acts having a full degree of protection.
• In Reserved Forests, all activities are prohibited unless permitted.
• Reserved Forest is notified under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or under the reservation provisions of the forest acts of the State Governments.
• Land rights to forests declared to be Reserved forests are typically acquired (if not already owned) and owned by the Government of India.

Unlike National parks or wildlife sanctuaries, reserved forests are declared by the respective state governments.

• They are often upgraded to status of Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks.
• National Parks and Wildlife sanctuaries are reserved forest areas in India.
• Rights to all activities like hunting, grazing, etc. are banned unless specific orders are issued.
• No public entry is allowed for collection of timber or grazing of cattle.

Section 4 of Indian Forest Act (IFA)

• It is within the power of a State Government to issue a preliminary notification under Section 4 of the Act declaring that it has been decided to constitute such land, as specified in a Schedule with details of its location, area and boundary description, into a Reserved Forest.
• Such a notification also appoints an officer of the State Government as Forest Settlement Officer.