5. Committee to advise on proposals received by the Central Government. - (1) The Central Government shall refer every proposal received by it under sub-rule (1) of rule 4 of the Committee for its advice thereon if the area of the forestland involved is more than twenty hectares:
Provided that proposals involving clearing of naturally grown trees in forest land or portion thereof for the purpose of using it for reafforestation shall not be referred to the Committee for its advice.
(2) The Committee shall have due regard to all or any of the following matters while tendering its advice on the proposals referred to it under sub-rule (1), namely:
(a) Whether the forest land proposed to be used for non-forest purpose forms part of a nature reserve, national park, wildlife sanctuary, biosphere reserve or forms part of the habitat of any endangered or threatened species of flora and fauna or of an area lying in severely eroded catchment;
(b) Whether the use of any forest land is for agricultural purpose or for the rehabilitation of persons displaced from their residences by reason of any river valley or hydro-electric project;
(c) Whether the State Government or the other authority has certified that it has considered all other alternatives and that no other alternatives in the circumstances are feasible and that the required area is the minimum needed for the purpose; and
(d) Whether the State Government or the other authority undertakes to provide at its cost for acquisition of land or an equivalent area and afforestation thereof.
(3) While tendering the advice, the committee may also suggest any conditions or restrictions on the use of any forest land for any non-forest purpose which, in its opinion, would minimise adverse environmental impact.
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