Message from the Chairman

Natural resource planning is key to sustainable development. In a country like India where population pressures are mounting it is an arduous task to strike a balance between conservation and development. Despite many odds the country has been able to successfully address pressing environmental issues and maintain a steady forest cover and conserved wildlife. However, in the present era of rising awareness and growing consumerism the forestry sector is likely to face unprecedented challenges. These challenges may also bring new opportunities if we take on them with an open mind and positive attitude.

It is with this view the National Forest Commission has been set up by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India to look into restructuring, reform and strengthening of the entire forest setup and affiliated institutions in the country.

A public notice was issued by the Commission seeking opinion / comments of the stake holders on the terms of references of the Commission. There were over 2021 responses received from different States and Union Territories in response to this public notice. In order to have wider interaction with the stake holders exhaustive questionnaires have been prepared and circulated. The responses received to these questionnaires are being analysed. We welcome your input on these questionnaires.

The Commission also contemplates visiting different regions of the country for interacting with the forestry organizations and local people so as to have a better understanding of the diverse situations prevailing in the forestry sector.

I would appreciate very much if those who are concerned with state of environment and forests in the country interact with us for helping us understand their concerns and also suggest possible measures to mitigate the situation.

This is a big opportunity. Let us work together to find the an acceptable path to secure ecological security in the country that would in turn be the basis for our economic prosperity.

( Justice B. N. Kirpal )
Chairman, NFC
Email: bnkripal@vsnl.net