Development Strategy for Forests, Tribals and Environment

Forests and wasteland cover about one third of the geographical area of the country. About 15% of country's population comprising tribals and other poor depend on the use of these resources for their livelihood. India now faces a dual crisis of environmental degradation and rural poverty. Forests have to play a dominant role in rural development, upgradation of environment and uplifting of the poor families above the poverty line by meeting basic needs of the rural population for fuel, fodder, food fibre and building materials. Production of forest produce should be increased by growing of trees in collaboration with masses by infusion of science and technology and adequate financial, institutional, and organisational support.