India has almost a quarter of its landmass under forests, which represent almost all types of forests found in the world. Forests are rich with biodiversity and they also shelter magnificent variety of fauna. Indian has a long tradition of forest management, right from the ancient Kautilya's times through the Mughal and British period to the present times, however, demand of forests products and forest lands has increased manifold after independence, particularly due to the run away increase in human and cattle population. Political non-support and expediency has added to the picture, making management of forests a complex issue.
Forests, by their existence, ensure environmental security, soil stability, water regime balance, as well as food security. Of late there is some realization about forests and their role in social, economic and environmental considerations. The advent of Forest Development Corporation and social forestry showed a paradigm shift in the thinking of foresters, however, still majority of people are largely unaware of forests and forestry.
Many books have been written on forest management in the past, mostly dealing with technical aspects. Much was written after 1976 on socio-economic aspects of forest management. Forest Management has become Man Centric instead of Tree centric. This book deals with all these and more in one place.
The book also brings out all aspects of forests and forestry practices, and highlights what was best in the past and what is the desired best now. It is hoped that readers, professionals as well as others, find this book useful and encourages them to make India green and vibrant. |
