Public Notice

Under the Chairmanship of Hon. the Prime Minister of India, the Indian Board for Wild Life in its meeting held on 21st January 2002 recommended that a Forest Commission should be set up to look into re-structuring, reform and strengthening the entire forest set up and affiliated institutions in the country.

Pursuant thereto by Resolution dated 7th February, 2003 the National Forest Commission has been established having Hon. Justice B. N. Kirpal, Former Chief Justice of India, as its chairman. As per the Resolution the forests have a direct role in poverty eradication and sustainable development which have a bearing on the economic and social development, protection of environment and conservation of biological resources. There is a need for sound and efficient management of forests on a long-term basis and at the same time, the demand of wood for commercial and industrial purposes through agro forestry and plantations has to be met. In addition thereto, there was an increase in demand for medicinal plants. The fringe areas of national parks and wild life sanctuaries harbor many people whose participation and involvement in the management of such areas may be indispensable and the communities/people with gender equity is vital for the sustenance and conservation of forests. There are also a very large number of people who are partly or wholly dependent on the forests. Keeping also in mind the desire of the central government that there should be an increase in the forest and tree cover to 25 per cent by 2007 and 33 per cent by 2012, the following five terms of reference have been made to the commission.

TERMS OF REFERCNCE OF THE COMMISSION

1. Review and access the existing policy and legal framework and their impact in a holistic manner from the ecological, economic, social and cultural viewpoint.
2. Examine the current status of forest administration and the forestry institutions both at all India and state level to meet the emerging needs of the civil society.
3. Make recommendations indicating specific policy options for achieving sustainable forest and wildlife management and ecological security.
4. Suggest ways and means to make forest administration more effective with a view to help to achieve the above policy options.
5. Establish meaningful partnership and interface between forestry management and local communities including tribal.

General notice is hereby given to the stake holders and others, whether they be public representatives, Governments or their functionaries, corporations, education and research institutes, non-governmental organizations, representatives of industries or of village level organizations, any expert researcher, academician, foresters, interested citizens, tribal or a forest dweller, to send a communication to the Commission indicating its interest or desire to interact with the commission. They may also offer their views or comments on all or any of the five terms of reference in writing.

The communications should be sent to the undersigned, if possible, in English or Hindi or major regional language at the address noted below so as to reach the commission by 25th July 2003.

JUSTIC B.N. KIRPAL
CHAIRMAN
NATIONAL FOREST COMMISSION
CAMP OFFICE, 64, JOR BAGH, NEW DELHI - 110 003.
Fax No. 91-11-24615050, 24615252
Email: bnkripal@vsnl.net