Forest Conservation Act, 1980: Section 2. 

Applicability and Object of Act-Held object is to check deforestation which ultimately results in ecological imbalance-Therefore, the provisions made therein for the conservation of forests and for matters connected therewith apply to all forests respective of the nature of ownership or classification thereof-Expression 'forest' covers all statutorily recognised forests, whether designated as reserved, protected or otherwise for the purpose of Section 2(i) of the Act-Expression 'forest land' includes not only 'forest' but also any area recorded as forest in the Government record irrespective of the ownership-prior approval of the Central Government is required for any non-forest activity within the area of any ''forest''-Running of saw mills of any kind including veneer or ply-wood mills, and mining of any mineral are non-forest purposes and are, therefore, not permissible without prior approval of the. Central Government.