Question

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

Answer 1

Arabari Forest (Midnapore):

1. Arabari forests are a good example of a conserved forest because local people were involved in conservation programs to conserve the Arabari forest.
2. Arabari forests are located in the Midnapore district of West Bengal. In the year 1972, the West Bengal forests department has the realization that they are failing in reviving the degraded Sal forests.
3. There were conflicts between forests officials and villagers.
4. A forest officer involved the villagers of the area around the forest in the conservation of 1272 hectares of badly degraded sal forest.
5. 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 product, and were allowed to collect firewood and fodder from the forest area on a nominal payment.
6. With the active and willing participation of local people living around the forest, the degraded sal forest of Arabari became thick and green for ten years.
7. Thus, the Arabari forests of West Bengal are known to be a good example of a conserved forest.