THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, May 19: The Jharkhand Forest Department is focusing on strengthening local community participation in forest conservation and protection, even as rising forest offences and delays in prosecution continue to widen the gap between forest authorities and villagers.
Officials say minor and major forest offences, along with illegal transportation of forest resources, remain key challenges in improving coordination between local communities and forest management.
Sources in the department said the common perception is that poor villagers are often booked in forest-related cases, while influential people allegedly involved in organised forest crimes escape action due to political patronage.
Forest offences remain a major challenge
Minor forest offences such as cattle grazing continue unchecked in many areas, with officials admitting that any strict action often creates resentment among local communities.
Major offences include illegal timber felling, poaching, encroachment of forest land, and cultivation of banned crops such as poppy and marijuana inside forest areas. Illegal construction and settlement on forest land are also emerging concerns.
Sources said Lok Adalat has helped settle compoundable forest offence cases, but stressed that the speedy prosecution of serious forest crimes is essential.
“Pendency of prosecution harms both ways,” sources said, pointing out that delays weaken both conservation efforts and public trust.
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HoFF calls for stronger local participation
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (HoFF) Sanjeev Kumar said connecting local communities with forest conservation cannot remain “mere rhetoric” in the face of frequent forest offences.
Despite the challenges, the HoFF is pushing for a renewed approach to strengthen Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) to improve forest conservation and protection.
Officials believe stronger community participation can also help reduce human-wildlife conflict, especially incidents involving elephants, which are common in Jharkhand.
Sources said the HoFF has directed officials to revive traditional elephant corridors and movement routes to reduce confrontations between elephants and humans.
Delay in wildlife compensation raises concerns
The forest, environment and climate change department is also reportedly working to fast-track pending wildlife compensation payments.
Under existing provisions, compensation for death caused by wildlife is Rs 4 lakh. However, sources said that in most cases, only an immediate relief amount of Rs 40,000 is paid before the victim’s last rites.
“No forest official publicly explains when the remaining Rs 3.60 lakh is paid or how long families wait for the full compensation,” sources alleged.
Review meeting focuses on forest crime and eco-tourism
Sources said the HoFF chaired a review meeting on Monday where issues related to forest crime, illegal mining, illegal saw mills, forest fire safety, and the establishment of additional zoos were discussed.
The department is also considering the creation of a land bank to resolve issues linked to forest clearances for infrastructure projects.
Officials from road and electricity departments expressed concern over delays in development projects due to forest clearance objections.
They cited the long-pending Barwadeeh-Mandal road project, which reportedly remained stalled for over four decades because of forest-related issues.
“Forests are being plundered, but the department does not allow roads or electricity poles,” officials remarked, reflecting growing frustration over clearance hurdles.
Eco-tourism plans under consideration
The forest department is also exploring eco-tourism opportunities by identifying lesser-known and unexplored natural locations across Jharkhand.
Sources said the HoFF has directed officials to conduct surveys and mapping of such sites to promote eco-tourism and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
