Forest policy and management

Abstract

There now exist many scientific techniques for long-term planning of development and exploitation of forests. But little use has been made of them in this country mainly for want of reliable data about our forest wealth. Forest statistics are hopelessly inadequate and their collection too sporadic and irregular to be of much help in decision-making. Decisions about the type of trees to be developed, the rotational and situational practices to be followed, etc, demand extreme caution since hardwood plants take about 50 years to mature. In fact, these decisions are very often taken on the basis of the whims of a particular Conservator of Forests. The results of lack of statistical data and a scientific attitude to forest management are aggravated by the existing administrative structure which concentrates all authority in the Conservators of Forests leaving little room for specialist advice and direction.