In 1972, West Bengal forest department recognized its failures in the revival of the degraded Sal forest in southwestern districts of the state. This had led to alienation of people by the administration. Result was clash between forest officials and villagers. These conflicts were major factor in fuelling the militant-peasant movements led by the naxalites. Later the department changed its strategy. In the Arabari forest range of Midnapore district, far-seeing forest officer A.K. Banerjee and villager got involved in the protection of 1,272 hectares of badly degraded Sal forest. Villagers were allowed fuelwood and fodder collection on payment of nominal fee, given employment in the programme of replenishment of forests, i.e., silviculture and harvesting operations, 25 percent of the final harvest.
- Why do we face problems of locals stealing timber and forest products when city contractors are employed to procure them for industries?
- Who should be given major rights to decide about the forest resources of India and why?
In 1972, West Bengal forest department recognized its failures in the revival of the degraded Sal forest in southwestern districts of the state. This had led to alienation of people by the administration. Result was clash between forest officials and villagers. These conflicts were major factor in fuelling the militant-peasant movements led by the naxalites. Later the department changed its strategy. In the Arabari forest range of Midnapore district, far-seeing forest officer A.K. Banerjee and villager got involved in the protection of 1,272 hectares of badly degraded Sal forest. Villagers were allowed fuelwood and fodder collection on payment of nominal fee, given employment in the programme of replenishment of forests, i.e., silviculture and harvesting operations, 25 percent of the final harvest.
- Why do we face problems of locals stealing timber and forest products when city contractors are employed to procure them for industries?
- Who should be given major rights to decide about the forest resources of India and why?
The problems such as locals stealing timber and forest products were common because:
- The local people are dependent on forest products such as timber, bamboo, fruits and nuts.
- The government took control of the forest and provided locals with resources at a very high rate which led to the stealing of forest products by the locals to meet their daily needs.
The right to decide about the forest resources:
- In India, locals should be given the right as they have been working on conserving forests for a very long time and understands the importance of preserving biodiversity.
- They are concerned about wildlife and also have immense knowledge about the conservation of forest resources.
The problems such as locals stealing timber and forest products were common because:
- The local people are dependent on forest products such as timber, bamboo, fruits and nuts.
- The government took control of the forest and provided locals with resources at a very high rate which led to the stealing of forest products by the locals to meet their daily needs.
The right to decide about the forest resources:
- In India, locals should be given the right as they have been working on conserving forests for a very long time and understands the importance of preserving biodiversity.
- They are concerned about wildlife and also have immense knowledge about the conservation of forest resources.
