Question

Why are the Arabari forests of Bengal known to be a good example of conserved forest ?

Answer 1

A forest officer involved the villagers of the area around the forest in the conservation of 1272 hectares of badly degraded sal forest. In return for help in protecting the forest, the villagers were given employment in both silviculture and harvesting operations of the forest, 25 percent of the final produce, and were allowed to collect firewood and fodder from the forest area on a norminal payment. With the active and willing participation of local people living around the forest, the degraded sal forest of Arabari became thick and green with ten years. Thus the Arabari forests of West Bengal are known to be a good example of conserved forest.

Answer 2

Arabari forests

Explanation:

In 1972, the West Bengal Forest Department found that they were failing in their effort to revive the degraded Sal forests. There was no proper communication between the forests officials and villagers. So they decide to put a consorted effort and involved the village people in the revival activities. This changed the outcome and the department succeeding in protecting forest area of 1.272 hectare.

It was a win-win for the villagers too as the villagers were employed in the Forest Department activities and harvesting. The villagers were able to earn a living, protect their surrounding habitat, also they were able to collect fodder and wood for fuel for nominal fee. By 1983, due to the joint efforts of the villagers and forest officials, Arabari forest was successfully recovered. The forest was valued at Rs. 12.5 crores at that time.