Overview

As part of the natural environment and life-support system, forests play a vital role in social, cultural, economic and industrial development of India and in maintaining its ecological balance. The Constitution of India has given due recognition to forests and wildlife and the tribal communities dependent on forests. As storehouse of biodiversity, forests not only maintain and improve the moisture regime and provide clean air but also produce humus and maintain soil fertility. However, population pressure, poverty, and a weak institutional framework have caused forest depletion and degradation, raising concerns about environmental safety. Wildlife conservation efforts have so far been primarily directed to the maintenance of areas with one or more spectacular animals such as the tiger or the rhino. For long-term survival and betterment of forests and wildlife, there is need for forest services to become more specialised and professional and receive political, infrastructural and financial support. Central and State Governments must also alter their priorities and mindset. For too long, forests have been regarded as an earning sector. Time has come to recognise forests as repository of biodiversity, natural heritage, and provider of water and of ecologic and biotic goods and services. The passage of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 has set the scene for the correction of the historical injustice suffered by India's forest dwellers and tribal people. The effective implementation of the Act holds out the promise that finally the enormous bounty of natural resources that India's tribal areas are endowed with can be harnessed for the holistic development of the tribal people themselves. This book explains and examines various aspects of forest and wildlife policies, programmes and management in India.

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