Question

With reference to India's environmental governance, which one of the following statements is incorrect with respect to 'Joint Forest Management' ?

• A. Forest conservation by the State governments in coordination with the Central Government
• B. Conserving the forests through the use of local communities by the government
• C. Forest departments with the help of local communities form a committee to manage and protect forests
• D. Joint forest management concept was introduced in India during 1980s

Answer 1

The correct option is A Forest conservation by the State governments in coordination with the Central Government

Joint Forest Management (JFM) is a term for partnerships in forest management involving both the state forest departments and local communities. Hence statement in option a is incorrect and option b is correct.

Realising the significance of participation by local communities in protecting and managing forests, the Government of India in the 1980s has introduced the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM). So the statement in option d is correct.

This theme originated in Arabari Village of West Bengal. Silviculturist (the development and care of forests) Ajit Kumar Banerjee pioneered the movement for the protection of Sal forests of this region.

In return for their services to the forest, the local communities benefit from various forest products (fruits, gum, rubber, medicine, etc.), and thus the forest can be conserved in a sustainable manner.

Forest departments with the help of local communities form a committee to manage and protect forests. NGOs are also involved in capacity building. Hence option c is correct.

The features of JFM are as follows :

• Local communities are involved in the management and restoration of degraded forests.
• Protecting the forests from encroachments, grazing, theft and fire.
• Improve the forests in accordance with an approved Joint Forest Management Plan.
• The members of the local communities are entitled to intermediary benefits like non-timber forest produces.