Forest Department

Head of Department

The Forest Department is headed by the Chief Forest Officer.

Jurisdiction

1. The department under GHADC manages forest areas covering approximately 6,000 sq. km and above, which include:
• Community forests.
• Private forests

Aims and Objectives

1. To protect and preserve the existing original forests.
2. To reclaim degraded or necessary areas for regeneration.
3. To enhance the livelihood of local people through sustainable forest management.
4. To provide alternatives to jhum cultivation (shifting cultivation) in order to promote environmental conservation and sustainable land use.

Management Activities

1. The department is actively involved in protecting and preserving existing forests and in creating new forested areas through reforestation of jhum fallows and barren lands.
2. It safeguards community forests by coordinating with local villagers and by declaring and registering village reserve forests.
3. As per official records, there are over 200 village reserve forests under GHADC.