Question

Describe the role of Government agencies in Forest Conservation.

Answer 1

In $1950$ after independence, Central Forest Board was established. New forest policy was made. It four main points were- (i) Forest area should be increased to $33.3$ percent. (ii) Forestation, (iii) Protection of forests, (iv) Forestry research.
-Vanmahotsav. In $1950$, K.M. Munshi, the agriculture minister had started Vanmahotsav, "Plant more trees movement" to increase the forest area and to motivate people for plantation. Vanmahotsav is celebrated from $1$st to $7$th July every year in our country.
- Forest Conservation Act: In $9180$, Central Government has passed forest conservation act according to which forest land, can not be converted into agricultural land without the permission of the government. Government has classified, forests into four categories, (i) Protected forests, (ii) National forests, (iii) Village forests Tree groups. From the management point of view forests are categorised into following groups.
The policy was revised on $7$th December $1988$. The main aim of the forest policy of $1988$ is protection, conservation and development of forests. Policy holds the following objectives:
-Maintenance of environmental stability through preservation and restoration of ecological balance.
- Conservation of natural heritage.
-Check on soil erosion and denudation in catchment areas of river, lakes and reservoirs.
In $1990$, a $20$ year National Forestry Action programme was launched to make National Forest Policy of $1988$ functional. For the development of the forests following activities are taking place.
Establishment of Central Forest Commission. In $1965$, Central Government has established a Central Forest Commission. Its functions were to collect information and data, to broadcast technical informations, market study and to coordinate the institutions engaged in forest development programmes.
Indian Forest Survey Organisation: This organisation was established in $1971$ to know about the forest products.
Council of Forestry Research and Education: It was established at Dehrudun. Forestry Research Institutes and centres under the council are responsible for undertaking research in their respective eco-climate zone. Its four regional centres are at Bangalore, Coimbatore, Jabalpur and Burnihat.
-Establishment of Wood Craft Training Centre: State Government has established wood craft training centre in $1965$ in Dehradun to train the employees of forest department and forest officers.