Question

Why are the Arabari forests of Bengal known to be a good example of conserved forest?

• A. Villagers are allowed to collect wood and fodder on payment of nominal fee.
• B. The forest department developed a strategy in which the villagers were involved in the protection of the forest.
• C. In return for the labour, the villagers were paid and also had some benefit in harvesting operations.
• D. All of the above.

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above.

The forest department developed a strategy in which the villagers were involved in the protection of the forest. In return for the labour, the villagers were paid and also had some benefit in harvesting operations. They were allowed to collect wood and fodder on payment of nominal fee. In this way, by the active and willing participation of the local people, the sal forests of Arabari were conserved.

A forest officer involved the villagers of the area around the forest in the conservation of 1272 hectares of badly degraded sal forest. In return for help in protecting the forest, the villagers were given employment in both silvicultural and harvesting operations of the forest, 25 percent of the final produce, and were allowed to collect firewood and fodder from the forest area on a nominal payment. With the active and willing participation of local people living around the forest, the degraded sal forest of Arabari became thick and green with ten years. Thus, the Arabari forests of West Bengal are known to be a good example of conserved forest.

Therefore, the correct answer is option D.