Date:14/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/14/stories/2007111458600200.htm

Other States - Orissa

Row over proposed forest policy

Staff Reporter

BHUBANESWAR: Social activists and researchers have voiced concerns over proposed forest policy of Orissa saying it would create a facilitative environment for industrial development which will have detrimental impact on forest and environment.

Speaking at the two-day-long workshop organised by Vasundhara, a city-based non government organisation, activists said the draft policy lacked certain fundamental essence of the National Forest Policy of 1988.

The policy nowhere recognized vibrant community forest management efforts that emerged as models of governance, they said.

The draft policy even talked about extending judicial power to the forest department and increasing penal provisions and equipping the department with modern arms and ammunitions, participants said.

“We cannot protect forests by arms and ammunitions. It would only lead to conflict and is actually a clear road to destruction of forests,” former Chairman of ST /SC Commission and noted social activist Dr B D Sharma said.

Social activists decided to form a core committee comprising people from various organisations.