private sector participation in forestry projects will only be allowed in degraded and denuded forest lands. The recently approved Approach Paper to the Ninth Five Year Plan (1997-2002) says that the concept of privatisation of forest areas was not conducive in the Indian context and would therefore, not be encouraged in forest resource management. Within the proposed scheme, local communities would have the right to avail the full benefit of forest produces in their respective areas.
The Centre's social audit panel, recently suggested designing commercial forestry programmes to meet the needs of small and largescale industries. The panel recommended developing a sustainable district forestry programme, its major components being conservation forestry, community forestry, commercial forestry and cross linkages.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.