Rajya Sabha passes the Waqf Amendment Bill: What's next now?

 In a significant development with wide-ranging implications for religious endowments and property administration in India, the Parliament has passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill passed with 128 members in favour & 95 votes against it, after a 14 hour debate in the Rajya Sabha. This bill next went to the President Draupadi Murmu and once her signature was done the bill became a Law, on 5th April, 2025. The legislation, which amends the original Waqf Act of 1995, has stirred debate across political, legal, and social spheres, reflecting the complex nature of waqf (Islamic charitable endowment) properties in the country.

Image Source- LiveLaw

What Is the Waqf Act?

The Waqf Act, 1995, governs waqf properties in India—basically land or assets donated for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law. These are managed by state Waqf Boards under the supervision of the Central Waqf Council. The original Act was designed to regulate the administration of these properties, protect them from encroachment, and ensure they are used for their intended religious or social purposes. For example, did you know, that the Taj Mahal is also a Waqf Property!

What does the 2025 Amendment say?

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 introduces several key changes, such as:

1. Enhanced Transparency and Accountability:

The amendment mandates digital records of all waqf properties and introduces mechanisms for public access and auditing.

2. Stricter Encroachment Measures:

The bill proposes stronger penalties for unauthorized occupation of waqf land, giving Waqf Boards more legal tools to reclaim such properties.

Image Source- Pune Mirror

3. Reconstitution of Waqf Boards:

The structure of the boards has been modified, with increased representation from civil society and reduced discretionary power for state governments. Among the big changes, the revised Waqf laws mandate the nomination of two non-Muslim members to state Waqf boards and the central Waqf council.

4. Judicial Review and Oversight:

A new tribunal system will handle waqf-related disputes, replacing the earlier quasi-judicial setup.

Basically, The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to address these challenges by introducing measures to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency in the Waqf Management.

The Supporters and The Opposition

Supporters of the bill, primarily from the ruling party, argue that it brings long-overdue reforms to an opaque system. They point to widespread mismanagement, encroachment, and lack of transparency in waqf property dealings across many states.

On the other hand, opponents—including several opposition parties, civil rights groups, and Muslim organizations—have raised concerns. They allege that the bill gives disproportionate power to the government in controlling religious endowments(gifts) and may violate the autonomy of minority institutions.

Image Source- Zee Business

Since, the Muslims only comprise 14.2% of the country's population, the critics argue that this could severely limit the community's ability to create new endowments for religious or charitable purposes.

Also, people numbered in thousands, have been showing up for protests in Kolkatta, Ahmedabad and Chennai after the passing of the Waqf Amendment Bill, this week.

The Road Ahead

With the bill now passed, implementation will be closely watched. Its success will largely depend on how transparently the reforms are rolled out and whether they genuinely help safeguard waqf properties or end up centralizing control at the cost of community rights.

As India continues to navigate the fine balance between reform, religious freedom, and governance, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill stands as a significant—and contentious—milestone.

The 400-Acre Tree Uprooting in Telangana: A Striking Disaster for Ecology and Communities!

 Amidst the pure black of the night, the state of Telangana, witnessed an environmental catastrophe with the large-scale uprooting of trees over a 400-acre expanse that served as a home to 734 Plant Species, 220 Bird Species and various mammals & reptiles. This mass deforestation event has sparked outrage among environmentalists, activists, and local communities, as it threatens biodiversity, exacerbates the ongoing climate concerns, and disrupts livelihoods.

Image Source- The Indian Express

What exactly happened?

Reports indicate that thousands of trees were uprooted as part of an infrastructure development project. The authorities claim that the land clearance was necessary for urban expansion and industrial development. However, critics argue that the ecological cost of such large-scale deforestation far outweighs the benefits.

 In view of this, the State government was asked to provide a factual report on this issue immediately, and take legal action under the provisions of the Indian Forest Act (or local Forest Act), Wildlife Protection Act and the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, as applicable and also ensure that there was no violation of any other Acts or orders of courts and tribunals. But as per the reports the Land of Kancha Gachibowli is not included under the Forest in Revenue or Forest records, but rather is a Green Area with significant biodiversity and ecological importance.

Taking this into account,  The Supreme Court ordered the Telangana Chief Secretary on Thursday (April 3, 2025) to ensure that not a single tree is felled until further orders in Kancha Gachibowli while observing that “a forest is a home” for all fauna and flora.

The Environmental Impact

The destruction of forests over such a vast area has severe consequences:

1. Loss of Biodiversity: The uprooted area was home to diverse flora and fauna, many of which face displacement or extinction due to habitat loss. Peacocks and deer are seen running around as Telangana government bulldozers clear the green cover at Kancha Gachibowli in Hyderabad.

Image Source- Reddit

2. Climate Change Acceleration: Trees play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Their removal will increase carbon emissions and contribute to rising temperatures.

3. Water Crisis: Forests help in groundwater recharge. With massive deforestation, Telangana could witness worsened water shortages.

Image Source- NewsMeter

4. Soil Erosion and Desertification: The absence of trees will lead to soil erosion, making the land barren and unfit for future use.

At the cost of Humans?!

Many tribal communities and farmers depended on these forests for their livelihood. The loss of tree cover affects their traditional way of life, including foraging, farming, and animal husbandry. Additionally, with the rising heat and decreasing water table, local populations are likely to suffer more extreme weather conditions in the coming years.

Image Source- Deccan Herald

Environmental activists and citizens have strongly opposed the deforestation, demanding immediate intervention from the government. Legal battles such as urgent hearing of two PILs on 2nd April,2025 by petitioners, retired scientist Kalpala Babu Rao and the environmental body, VATA Foundation were  initiated to halt further destruction and push for afforestation measures. Also, several protests have been carried out.

Image Source- The Indian Express

What Can Be Done?

Afforestation Programs: Large-scale tree planting initiatives should be implemented to restore lost green cover.

Sustainable Development Policies: The government must prioritize eco-friendly alternatives that do not harm the environment.

Strict Environmental Laws: Stronger regulations should be enforced to ensure accountability in land-use decisions.

Public Participation: Citizens must actively engage in tree-planting campaigns and hold authorities accountable for environmental conservation.

The uprooting of trees spanning over 400 acres in Telangana just for an auction is a wake-up call for India’s environmental policies. As urbanization and industrialization continue to expand, don't you think it is crucial to balance growth with sustainability? Only through collective efforts can we prevent further ecological damage and protect the environment for future generations.

Because once its gone, its gone!

The Dying Rainforest: A Global Crisis, as Amazon faces Deforestation!

 We've all known, admired and studied about the Amazon Rainforest, since our very childhood, right? From studying about the dense green forests in our Environmental Science (EVS) textbooks to analyzing how today's climate all around the world, affects the rainforest, we've all come a long way. But are we aware of the crisis it is going through? 

 Well, the Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," plays a crucial role in maintaining global climate stability and biodiversity. However, accelerated deforestation has turned this once-thriving ecosystem into a battleground between economic interests and environmental conservation. The alarming rate at which trees are dying threatens not just the Amazon but the entire planet, itself.

Image Source- SciTech Daily

What are causes of the Deforestation in Amazon?

There are several factors that contribute to the destruction of the Amazon rainforest, with human activities being the primary culprit:

1. Agricultural Expansion: Large-scale farming, particularly for cattle ranching and soybean cultivation, has led to extensive deforestation.

2. Logging: Illegal and unsustainable logging practices remove valuable timber and open up the forest to further degradation.

Image Source- LEAF Centre

3. Infrastructure Development: Road construction and urban expansion contribute to forest loss, fragmenting ecosystems and displacing wildlife.

Image Source- WWF International (Youtube)

4. Mining: Gold and mineral mining operations strip away vast areas of forest, polluting water sources with toxic chemicals.

5. Fires and Climate Change: Human-induced fires, often set to clear land for agriculture, combined with changing climate patterns, accelerate deforestation.

Where does this lead us to?

The impacts of deforestation are not just limited to the rainforest but extend far beyond the Amazon itself:

1. Biodiversity Loss: The Amazon is home to millions of plant and animal species, many of which face extinction due to habitat destruction.

2. Climate Change Acceleration: Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO₂ from the atmosphere. Their removal contributes to rising global temperatures and extreme weather events.

Image Source- Britannica

3. Displacement of Indigenous Communities: Indigenous peoples who rely on the forest for their livelihoods are being forced out, threatening their cultures and traditions.

4. Disrupted Water Cycle: The Amazon generates much of its own rainfall. Deforestation reduces moisture levels, leading to droughts in the region and beyond.

Image Source- NC State College of Natural Resources

What stands as our responsibility?

As a global citizen, we need consider a multi-faceted approach towards this issue.

1. Stronger Laws and Enforcement: Governments must implement stricter policies to curb illegal logging, mining, and land encroachment.

2. Sustainable Agriculture and Land Use: Encouraging eco-friendly farming techniques and responsible land management can reduce forest destruction.

3. Reforestation Efforts: Large-scale tree-planting projects can help restore lost forest areas and improve biodiversity.

4. Consumer Awareness: Individuals can make a difference by supporting sustainable products and reducing their carbon footprint.

5. International Cooperation: The Amazon’s fate is a global concern, necessitating collective action from governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide.

It is an undeniable truth that, the Amazon Rainforest is an irreplaceable treasure that must be preserved for the health of our planet. While economic development is necessary, it should not come at the cost of environmental destruction. What does the comfort of economic development mean, if our environment is at the "tipping point". By taking decisive action now, we can protect this vital ecosystem and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. 

The time to act is now—before it's too late.