GOVERNMENT OF ANDHRA PRADESH
ABSTRACT

FORESTS - Joint Forest Management - Involvement of Industries in Supporting VSS in rejuvenation of Degraded Forest Areas-Orders - Isssued

ENVIRONMENT FOREST SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (FOR.III) DEPARTMENT

G.O.MS.NO. 112

Dated: 22.09.2000
Read the following:-

         1. G.O.Ms.No.218, E.F.S&T (For. VI.1) Dept., dt. 28-08-1992.
         2. G.O.Ms.No.224, E.F.S&T (For. II) Dept., dt. 11-11-1993.
         3. G.O.Ms.No.173, E.F.S&T (For.II) Dept., dt.07-12-1996.

-oOo-
ORDER

1. In the Gos 1st to 3rd read above, orders were issued regarding constitution of Vana Samrakshana Samithies(VSS) for implementation of Joint Forest Management Programmes from time to time. The implementation of Joint Forest Management Programme has given encouraging results and it has resulted not only in improvement of status of forests but also helped the VSS members in improving their economic status. Prestently 6616 VSS are protecting 16.65 lakhs ha. of forest areas. The sustainability of this programme is a major issue attracting the attention of all the stackeholders. In the state level workshop held on 12.12.99 at hyderabad,which was attended by the representatives from all sections including the VSS,NGO's and others.It was decided that in each VSS some area should be planted with clonal planting material which can provide better returns to the VSS members in short duration.

2. In the 24th meeting of the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) held on 31.12.99, it was decided that the industries intersested in the forest based raw material should be identified and a tie up should be worked out with the VSS so that both are benefitted. In accordance with the decision taken some industries like ITC Bhadrachalam, Reliance Industries and Murugappa Industries have shown interest supporting VSS in regenerating the degraded forest area and providing marketing through buyback arrangement. .

3. After careful examination of the matter ,Government hereby agree in principle for involvement of the Industries in supporting the VSS in regenerating the degraded forest areas subject to the fulfilment of the following conditions:

   (a). The involvement of industries must benefit the VSS members more than what they are getting today and forests must get regenerated.

   (b). The basic structure of VSS as defined in G.O.Ms.No.173,EFS&T Dept. dt.07.12.96 shall not be distributed.

   (c). A tripartite agreement should be finalised among the VSS members, the participating the industries and the State Government to safeguard the interest of all the stakeholders.

   (d). The terms and conditions of the tripartite agreement shall be strictly in accordance with the Forest Conservation Act,1980 and the Provisions of the G.O.Ms.No.173,EFS&T Dept.,dt.07.12.96.

   (e). Industry will provide necessary financial and technical inputs to VSS in accordance with tripartite agreement.

   (f). No leasing/transfer of forest lands shall be permitted and no rights would accure to the Industries either on forest land or on standing forest produce.

   (g). Adaquate precaution shall be taken to maintain the bio-diversity in the forests by regenerating mixture of species and avoiding monoculture.

   (h). Regeneration of forests shall be in accordance with the approved micro plan and provide gainful employment to the VSS members.

   (i). The industries will take up the marketing of forest produce in accordance with tripartite agreement.

4. The Prl.Chief Conservator of Forests,Andhra Pradesh,Hyderabad is requested to take action accordingly.

( BY ORDER AND IN THE NAME OF THE GOVERNOR OF ANDHRA PRADESH)

Dr.V.P.JAUHARI
PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO GOVT.