Question

An article published in 'Times of India' dated 03-sep-2012, said—Bamboo trade is not open to tribals as it is classified as 'tree' under Indian Forest Act-1927. Therefore, the forest officials did not allow the tribals to harvest or trade it. But because of intervention of The Environment Minister now it has been declared as 'Grass' and tribals are now permitted for harvesting it.

(i) Why did forest officials did not allow the tribals to cut bamboos?

(ii) Which value is shown by the environment minister towards the tribals?

Answer 1

Indian Forest Act-1927:

1. The forest act was implemented to allow states to control forest resources exclusively.
2. The local tribals were banned from intervening in forest life.
3. Fines and punishments were imposed on intervening or using forest resources.

(i) Bamboo cut ban:

1. According to the Forest Act passed in 1927, bamboo was considered a tree.
2. For this reason, cutting and trading bamboo were not permitted by the local tribes.

(ii) The environment minister's intervention:

1. The environment minister declared bamboo to be a type of grass.
2. The tribals were permitted to harvest bamboo.
3. The minister showed consideration and empathy towards the rights and survival of tribal people.