Social forestry was initiated by the Indian government in 1981 to manage forests sustainably and promote balanced development of the environment and society through activities like revenue collection and profit generation. The program aimed to improve the environment, rehabilitate land, protect agriculture from climate, ensure fuel and fodder supply, and create jobs. However, it faced criticism for lack of government funds, poor management by local councils, insufficient training, and outdated methods. The program remains important for civil service examinations.

1. Social Forestry
Definition
Initiated by the Government of India in 1981, the
term social forestry stands for the management &
protection of the forest and the sustainable
development of environment and the society
along with a balanced approach towards revenue
collection and profit generation through forest.
The Project was launched in 1981 in 101
districts of India, under which following steps were adopted:
i) A tree for every child programme, which was given financial & technical assistance
from Sweden & Canada.
ii) Fuel wood plantation programme
The main objectives of this programme:
a) Improvement of the environment & land rehabilitation.
b) Protection of agriculture form harmful climatic conditions
c) To ensure the supply of fuel wood, fodder etc.
d) Create job opportunity for unorganised / unskilled workers.
e) Sustainable social development along with providing good standard of living.
Criticism
Though this scheme requires active participation of common men, village, council &
local communities. But the area of criticism related to the project has been lack of funds
by the government, lack of management of local area by the Gram Panchayat, absence of
proper training to execute the programme effectively and adoption of unscientific and
older methods.
Importance form examination point of view:
i) Short Note - Social Forestry
ii) Discuss the main objectives of Social Forestry. Discuss the need for such a project &
analyse the are of concern existing in effective implementation of the project.
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