Indian Institute of Forest Management

Tamil Nadu Government JFM Orders
ANNEXURE - VII

GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU

ABSTRACT

FORESTS - Overseas Economic Co-Operation Fund, Japan assisted "Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project" - Implementation of the project from 1997 - 1998 - Draft Guidelines - Approved - Orders - Issued.

ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (FR. VI) DEPARTMENT

G.O.Ms. No. 342 Dated : 8.8.1997

Read

From the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Lr.

No. VSI (1) / 16448/97, dt. 31.3.97, 2.5.97, 8.5.97, 30.5.97 and dt. 2.6.1997
ORDER :-

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, in his letters read above, has sent a set of guidelines for approval of the Government towards implementation of the "Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project" through Joint Forest Management concept and formation of village forest councils to involve the local people fully in the tree growing activities in degraded forests, Government lands, community and individual lands as per the norms approved by the Government of India/Overseas Economics Co-operation Fund Mission.

The Government have examined the guidelines carefully and have decided to accept them with slight modifications. The guidelines both in English as well as in Tamil, as approved by the Government are appended to this order. The Principal Chief Conservator of forests is requested to instruct the subordinate officers suitably to create awareness among the local villagers regarding the significance of the programmes, the project and modes of implementation, as per the approved guidelines.

This order issues with the concurrence of Finance department vide its U.O.No. 3776/FS/P/97, dt 31.7.1997

/By order of the Governor/

K.S.SRIPATHI
SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT

GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF JFM IN TAMIL NADU

1. OBJECTIVES:

The National Forest Policy envisages people's involvement in the development and protection of forests. The Government of Tamil Nadu stand committed to involve local people in reforestation and protection of degraded forests and to share with them the sustainable benefits from these forests. This arrangement will be known as "Joint Forest Management" and the involvement of people will be ensured through Village Forest Council. In case the land belongs to Government, the approval of the concerned District Collector shall be obtained and in case of lands within the jurisdiction of the Panchayats, the approval of the concerned panchayat shall be obtained before implementing the project.

2. SELECTION OF AREA:

The unit of management under Joint Forest Management will be a hamlet/group of hamlets/entire village, the abuttant degraded forests, community and private lands so as to make it a cohesive and manageable unit. The unit of management will also be on watershed basis. The area covered under each unit of management will be decided by the District/Divisional Forest officers concerned in consultation with local communities and the local field staff of the Forest department.

3. VILLAGE FOREST COUNCIL:

In each of the identified management unit, the people`s representative body called village forest council(V.F.C) will be formed which will be fully involved in the planning and execution of works, protection, harvesting and benefit sharing in the management unit with focus on the degraded forests. The forester concerned will initiate the process of formation of V.F.C.

The V.F.C will have as its members, one male member and one female member from each household provided that they are willing. The Forester/Ranger /District Forest Officer/Divisional, Forest officer concerned will explain the concept of Joint Forest Management to the villagers and motivate the maximum number of people to become members of V.F.C. V.F.C. membership annual non-refundable fee will be Rs.1/- for SC/ST and Rs. 2/- for other categories. Any person who opts out from the membership of V.F.C will not be entitled for any benefits.

The Forester/Ranger/District Forest officer/Divisional Forest Officer concerned will conduct participatory Rural Appraisal(P.R.A) exercises with the members of V.F.C and decide the basic thrust areas of the management unit in consultation with the members of the V.F.C.

The V.F.C will meet as and when called for but in any case, atleast once in three months.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

Each V.F.C will elect an "Executive Committee" in such a manner that one hamlet elects atleast two members one of whom is a woman. Each V.F.C will elect a minimum of 5 (five) and a maximum of 15 (fifteen ) members to the executive Committee. The village Pandchayat members of the management unit will be co-opted as ex-officio members of the executive committee (E.C) . The members of E.C. (both elected and ex-officio) will elect its president from among themselves who will also be ex-officio president of V.F.C. The Forest Ranger concerned who will be the Member Secretary of the E.C., will also facilitate the election process of the members and president of E.C.

If necessary, the District Forest Officer/Divisional Forest Officer concerned may nominate one representative of a Development Department of the Government and one N.G.O. as member of E.C.

The term of E.C. will be five years or till the completion of the project period. It will meet atleast once in a month.

The E.C. will be responsible for day to day activities of the V.F.C.

Constant efforts will be taken by E.C. to bring about unanimity in its decisions. However, in case of difference of opinion, the decisions of the E.C. will be taken by majority vote of the members present (elected members and ex-officio members).

The member Secretary (M.S.) will prepare the Micro Watershed Plan for the management unit, after consultation with the members of village Forest Council. After preparation, the micro plan will require formal approval of the E.C.. and then the technical approval of Distirct forest Officer/Divisional Forest Officer concerned.

4.7 As per the micro plan so approved, the member secretary will prepare the detailed estimates, for various items of works to be executed, based on forest schedule of Rates / Public works Department standard schedule of Rates/Agricultural Engineering standard schedule of rates and get them sanctioned by distirct forest Officer/Divisional Forest Officer Or Conservator Of Forests, depending on the financial powers vested with District Forest Officer/Divisional Forest Officer and Conservator of Forests.

4.8. For executing the works as per the sanctioned estimates, the Forest Ranger (Member Secretary) will submit fund application to District Forest Officer/Divisional Forest Officer. In the fund application, the Signature Of The President of the V.F.C will be obtained by the member - secretary in order to keep him informed about the details of the works to be undertaken. District/Divisional Forest Officer will release the funds to the forest ranger for taking up the works. Subsequent funds will be released only after the receipt of the accounts for the previous funds released and such accounts should be signed by both the president and M.S. the expenditure incurred for works should be only for those items for which the funds were relesed by the Distirct Forest Officer/Divisional Forest Officer unless prior written permission of the District Forest Officer/Divisional Forest Officer is taken for the deviation and the amount of money released for each item should not be exceeded without prior written permission of the District Forest Officer/Divisional Forest Officer.

The execution of works will be done by M.S. with the assistance of the foresters working under him by engaging local people on muster roll. In case, adequate local labour is not available for engaging muster roll any other system as prescribed in Tamil Nadu Forest Code/Tamil Nadu Financial Code (petty contract or scheduled contract, etc.) as decided by E.C/V.F.C. may be followed. In execution of works and in rendering accounts, the M.S. will follow the Tamil Nadu Forest Code, Tamil Nadu Financial Code, Tamil Nadu Accounts Code and the existing rules and regulations in force, in respect of items which are not specifically mentioned in these guidelines.

The E.C. can also impose fines against erring individuals/hamlets for illicit removal of firewood or illicit grazing of cattle. The fine amount collected will be credited to the village forest development fund to be created for the village forest council. If persuasive efforts fail, it may request District/Divisional Forest Officer concerned to invoke the provisions of Forest Act for protecting the management unit.

The E.C. will have the right to expel any of its member or member of V.F.C. after providing an opportunity of defence.

4.12. The E.C. if need be, may constitute sub-committees from among its members, for any specific purpose.
5.BENEFIT SHARING:

Sharing the sustainable benefits from the degraded forests, Government lands and community lands lying within the management unit, with the members of V.F.C. and among them is the most important component of J.F.M scheme. The guiding principle of this benefit sharing will be equitable distribution and the individual beneficiaries will be decided by the E.C. bearing in mind the parameters outlined in paras 5.2.1. to 5.2.4.

Distirct / Divisional Forest Officer will conduct sample survey of the unit of management and decide about the quantity of firewood available for supply to landless and poor households. Firewood for their own use to the extent possi;ble will be supplied free of cost of poor and landless households, subject to the availability on sustained basis.

Fodder and greenleaf manure will be given free of cost to members of V.F.C. except big farmers, subject to availability,Sustainable quantities of fodder and greenleaf manure, etc. available will be decided by the District/Divisional Officer from time to time and will be given free of cost.

Grazing will be allowed free of cost depending on the carrying capacity except in regeneration areas which will be closed for grazing for 3 years. The carrying capacity will be decided by the District Forest Officer.

All Non-wood Forest Produce (Minor Forest Produce) for domestic consumption will be given free of cost to the members of V.F.C. subject to availability. Any surplus quantity will be sold by E.C. Sustainable N.W.F.P. available will be decided by District/Divisional Forest Officer. Any other sustainable yield from the management unit as decided by District/Divisional Forest Officer will be sold by E.C. The sale proceeds so received will be distributed equitably among the members of V.F.C. by the E.C. after remitting 25% (Twenty Five Percent) to village forest Development Fund.

Surplus benefits likely to be available from the management unit can be extended to others by the District/Divisional Forest Officer in consultation with V.F.C.

HOW ARE FINANCES MANAGED?

A Joint Account in the name of the V.F.C will be opened in a local or nearest bank or post office with the President and Member Secretary as signatories. All the V.F.C funds will be kept in this account. The president and member secretary will together be responsible and accountable to the V.F.C. for all financial transactions.

The Member- Secretary will be specifically responsible for the proper maintenance of accounts and shall have in his/her possession all records relating to finance. These records include the Cash Book, Accounts Register, Pass Book, Cheque Book and Record Of Harvest, Sale and Share of JFM produce with a list of beneficiaries.

The village forest development fund shall be maintained as a separate account head, into which will be credited:

25% (Twenty five percent ) of sale proceeds realised in accordance with para 5.2.4.

Membership money.

Initial expenditure provided from the Forest Department.

Grants and loans obtained for JFM activities form authorised sources as per the MOU.

Money levied as fines and penalties.

The Village Forest Development Fund created for the V.F.C. will be utilised for any contingent or ancillary expenditure by the E.C. Accounts of the Village Forest Development Fund will be maintained by M.S. which will be audited by the District/Divisional Forest Officer annually.

7. DECISIONS OF E.C. TO BE PLACED BEFORE V.F.C.

The president of E.C. will inform the V.F.C., once in three months, the decision taken/activities undertaken by E.C. and a general consensus obtained.

8. MONITORING:

8.1. The District/Divisional Forest Officer concerned will monitor the functioning of the E.C. of the V.F.C in his jurisdiction and send monthly report to the conservator of forests. He will also have the authority to disband the committees and order for reconstitution if in his view, the committees are not discharging their duties properly. He will do so only after giving adequate opportunities to the committee members, except the Member Secretary, who may be dealt with under disciplinary rules. He will also be the Appellate Authority against the orders of E.C. expelling a member of E.C./V.F.C.

8.2. The Conservator of Forests is the Appellate authority whose decision on the appeals against the District/Divisional Forest Officer`s order will be final. The Conservator of Forests will also send monthly report on the working of these committees, benefit sharing system and Village Forest Development Fund to the Chief Conservator of Forests.

8.3. The Chief Conservator Of Forests (TAP) or any other Chief Conservator of Forests incharge of TAP will take up review, once in three months on the reports of the Conservator Of Forests. The Chief Conservator Of Forests will have supervisory control and will be empowered to modify any of these guidelines, include or exclude specific items of Non-Wood Forest Produce and other forest produce to suit specific local conditions subject to a report to the Government through the Principal Chief Conservators Of Forests.

ANNEXURE - VIII

GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU

ABSTRACT

FORESTS - Overseas Economic Co-Operation Fund (OECF), Japan assisted "Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project (TAP)" - Implementation of the project from 1997 - 1998 - Draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) to be entered into between the forest Department and Village Forest Council- Approved - Orders - Issued.

ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (FR. VI) DEPARTMENT

G.O.Ms. No. 343 Dated :8.8.1997

Read :-

From the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chennai.

Lr.No. VSI (1) / 22442/97, dt. 8.5.97 and 30.5.97.

ORDER

The Principal Chief Conservator Of Forests, in his letters read above, has sent a draft Memorandum of Understanding for approval of the Government to be entered into between the Forest Department And Village Forest Council for implementation of the "Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project" through Joint Forest Management concept and formation of village forest council to involve the local people fully in the tree growing activities in degraded forests, Government lands, community and individual lands as per the norms approved by the government of India/Overseas Economic Co-operation Fund Mission.

The Government have examined the Memorandum of Understanding carefully and have decided to accept them with slight modifications. The Memorandum of Understanding both in English as well as in Tamil, as approved by the Government are appended to this order. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests is requested to take action to constitute Village Forest Council in every Programme village and to create awareness among the local villagers regarding the significance of the programmes, objectives of the project and modes of implementation, as per the approved Memorandum of Understanding.

This order issues with the concurrence of Finance Department vide its U.O.No. 3262/FS/P/97, Dated 14.7.1997

/By order of the Governor/

K.S.SRIPATHI
SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT

To

The Principal Chief Conservator Of Forests, Chennai - 15 (W.E.)

The Chief Conservator Of Forests (Planning & Development),. Chennai -15

The Chief Conservator Of Forests (Social Foresty), Chennai - 15.

The Chief Conservator Of Forests (Territory), Chennai -15.

The Chief Conservator Of Forests (Research), Chennai - 15.

The Chief Conservator Of Forests (TAP), Chennai - 15

The Accountant - General , Tamil Nadu,Chennai - 18 / 35 (B.N.C)

The pay and Accounts officer, Chennai -9 / 35 (B.N.C).

The commissioner, Government Data Centre, Chennai - 25.
Copy to

All Members of the Empowered Committee.

The Secretary to Government of India , Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Paryavaran Bhavan, C.G.O Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi -110001.

The Secretary to Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Economic Affairs,

Paryavaran Bhavan, C.G.O. Complex ,Lodi Road, New Delhi - 110001.

The Overseas Economic Co-operation Fund (OECF),

2^nd Floor,D.L.F. Centre.

Sansad Marg., New Delhi.

The Special Commissioner and commissioner for Revenue Administration / Land Administration,

Chepauk, Chennai - 5.

The Special Secretary to Hon`ble Chief Minister, Chennai - 9.

The Senior P.A. to Hon`ble Minister for Forests & Printing , Chennai -9.

The Revenue Department , Chennai - 9.

The Rural Development Department, Chennai - 9.

The Finance (AH&F) / (EAP) Department, Chennai - 9.

The Information & Tourism Department, Chennai - 9.

/ Forwarded - By Order /

SECTION OFFICER

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE FOREST DEPARTMENT AND THE VILLAGE FOREST COUNCIL (VFC) ..................................VILLAGE FOR TAMIL NADU AFFORESTATION PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION.

PARTIES

The following MOU is entered between the two parties viz. Forest Department and the Village Forest Council (VFC) ............................................ Village.

FIRST PARTY

Tamil Nadu Forest Department represented by the District/Divisional Forest Officer ................... Division of ................................. Circle and his successor in office having the office at .....................
b) SECOND PARTY

Represented by the President of the Village Forest Council (VFC) ...................... Village and his successor in office having the address ............................
2. OBJECTIVES

The MOU is signed on .......................... ...with the following objectives:

To evolve an effective Joint Forest Management (JFM) system with local communities by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department through Village Forest Council (VFC).

To conserve and develop natural forests with the vast variety of flora and fauna in and around the ............................. village (Management Unit ) through Village Forest Council (VFC).

To involve local people through Village Forest Councill (VFC) in planning, planting, protection, harvesting, managing and benefit sharing in management unit with focus on degraded forests.

Creating public awareness in the management unit for better rapport and motivation towards JFM through village forest council (VFC).

Providing incentives for tree cultivation in private lands in the management unit.

Promoting home stead, farm stead and community planting through Village Forest Council (VFC) to increase the green cover of the State besides improving people`s life support and environment.

To ensure flow of employment generation and benefits to local people living in the management unit.

THE AREA OF OPERATION/STATUS:

(The map of the management unit comprising programme village/village including Reserved Forest, Reserve Land, Patta and community lands, clearly demarcating each , should be furnished at this para).

Extent of the management unit

Reserve Forest .........................ha.

Reserve Lands ......................... ha.

Community Lands .................... ha.

Patta Lands .............................. ha.

Boundaries of the management unit to be specified

North Boudary ........................

South Boundary .....................

East Boundary ......................
4. ORGANISATION AND ACTIVITIES:

Each management unit will have a village forest council and both the parties agree to abide by the guidelines for implementation of J.F.M. in Tamil Nadu as approved by the Government of Tamil Nadu in G.O.Ms. No 342 E & F dept. dt 8.8.97. These guidelines are appended in this MOU as Annexure which will form part and parcel of this MOU (both president of VFC and DFO should affix their signature in the Annexure as a token of their agreement).
5. RESPONSIBILITY AND ROLE OF THE FOREST DEPARTMENT:

to utilise the co-operation of Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) and the local community to the best advantage in evolving an effective Joint Forest Management (JFM) technique in the management unit (programme village/villages).

To conduct PRA exercise in the programme village and create awareness among people regarding forests, ecology and environment.

To provide technical guidance and advise the local community in the implementation of Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project.

The Forest Ranger (Member Secretary of VFC) will prepare the Micro Plan with the advice of the VFC and get the approval from District/Divisional Forest Officer concerned. The required funds will be released for the various works prescribed in the Micro Plan.

To Exercise Disciplinary Control Over Member Secretary Of Executive Committee:- Any misconduct, financial or otherwise, on the part of member secretary will be dealt with under Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) ................ Rules. Appropriate action will be taken immediately against the Member-Secretary, by the Distirct/Divisional Forest Officer, if any irregularity in execution of work. Both in quality and quantity, is brought to his notice.

The concerned District / Divisional Forest Officer will frequently inspect the works executed by the Member Secretary and ensure correctness of the quantity and quality of works. The concerned District/Divisional Forest Officer will also check measure the works of member secretary as per the norms of the Forest Department. Super checking of works executed by Member Secretary will be done by Conservator of Forests as per norms of Forest Department.

The District / Divisional Forest Officer will closely monitor the involvement and the co-operation of the VFC in executing the TAP works and orient them in the proper way. He will also send a monthly report in this regard to the Conservator Of Forests

.

The District / Divisional Forest Officer shall have the authority to disband the committees which are not discharging their duties properly. He will do so only after giving adequate opportunities to the committee members.

The District / Divisional Forest Officer will also lend his advice in the use of the Reserve Fund.

The District / Divisional Forest Officer will also be appellate authority against the order of the E.C. expelling a member of EC/VFC.

6. RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE OF THE VILLAGE FOREST COUNCIL:

To extend co-operation to the Forest Department in evolving an effective Joint Forest Management (JFM) for the management unit with active participation of the local community.

To actively participate in the afforestation activities by arranging required labourers and protecting the afforested area from cattle grazing,illicit cuttings, forest fire etc.,

To abide by the guidelines for implementation of JFM in Tamil Nadu as approved by Government Of Tamil Nadu in G.O.Ms. No. 342 E & F dept. dated 8.8.97.

To agree to transfer unspent amount at the close of the financial year to the forest department account.

To agree to produce accounts, vouchers for audit to an officer not below the rank of District Forest Officer or a representative of Overseas Economic Co-Operation Fund (O.E.C.F) Japan.

Members of VFC/E.C are free to bring to the notice of its president or the District Forest Officer, any irregularity in the execution of works, who will take immediate remedial measures.

The VFC shall have the power to expel the members of VFC/EC if the member is found to be erring from his responsibilities.

The VFC will decide about the sharing of benefits.

The VFC will arrive at a consensus in the utilisation of Reserve Fund for the benefits of the village. It will send the accounts to the District Forest Officer.

The VFC will convene the general body meeting once in three months and the members will be informed about the performances of the VFC.

7. PERIOD OF AGREEMENT:

This agreement will be in force for a period of five years or till the end of project period.
8. IMMUNITY OF BOTH CIVIL AND CRIMINAL ACTS:

If one party commits any criminal misconduct or tort, that party alone will be liable for such acts and other party will be totally immune from the liability.
9. About the sue or to be sued:

In the event of any litigation arising from third parties, the Member Secretary is empowered to sue on behalf of both parties and can be sued by third parties and the legal expenses will be borne from the Reserve Found.

ANNEXURE - IX

GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU

ABSTRACT

FORESTS - Constitution of Committees on Joint Forest Management at State and District levels for effective co-ordination - Orders - Issued.

ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (FR. VI) DEPARTMENT

G.O.Ms. No. 166 Dated :11.6.1998

Read :-

From the Government of India, Ministry of Environment and Forests D.O.Lr. No. 151-13-2/93-B-IV, dated 20.1.1994.

From the Inspector General of Forests , Government of India, Ministry of Environment and Forests D.O.Lr.No. 13/1/90-JP, dated 20.2.95 addressed to the state Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chennai.

From the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Ref. J2/23163/95, dated 31.10.97

From the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Ref. TAP/23163/95, dated 2.1.98.

*******

ORDER :-

The Government of India, in their letters first and second read above, have observed that, consequent on the introduction of the Joint Forest Management concept, the field officers are taking steps to develop the degraded forest areas with the consultation and co-operation of the adjoining village communities. Joint Forest Management enjoins on them to move closely, interact with the village communities to appreciate their concerns and perception and incorporate them in the regeneration and afforestation programmes. In the years to come, issues concerning protection, usufruct sharing, equity including gender equity, silvicultural treatments, harvesting of woody biomass, marketing etc. would also require to be given very useful consideration. The Government of India have suggested to devise a mechanism at various levels to facilitate consultation with other departments of Government, research institutions, Village Communities, Non-Government, research institutions ,Village Communities, Non-Governmental Organisations etc, to elicit their views and refine the steps to make Joint Forest Management successful. The Government of India have, therefore, advised to set up working groups on Joint Forest Management in the State.

The Principal Chief Of Conservator Of Forests in his letters third and fourth read above, has brought to the notice of Government that effective protection and development of degraded forest areas can be achieved through Joint Forest Management system and has therefore proposed to constitute committees at state, District and Block levels to guide, monitor and review the implementation of Joint Forest Management in Tamil Nadu Forest Department.

The Government, after careful consideration, accept the proposal of the Principal Chief Conservator Of Forests to constitute committees in the Forests Department. The Joint Forest Management concept has been very successful in the on-going Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project, Interface Forestry under the SIDA aided social forestry Project has been carried out in small scale in some districts with limited success. The Joint Forest Management concept has been introduced in 200 Tamil Nadu Afforestation Village since 1997-98 and in all, 1000 villages over a period of five years and the villages adjoining Kalakadu Mundanthurai Project area would be covered. The Government have, therefore, decided to constitute a state level committee at District Level with the District Collector as Chairman comprising of other officials as members. The Government , accordingly constitute two committees with the following composition for discharging the functions, as indicated under each committees:-

STATE LEVEL COMMITTEE

It shall meet Once in a year under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary to Government and its composition will be as follows:-

Chief Secretary to Government -Chairman

Secretary to Government,Environment and Forests Department-Member

Secretary to Government,Finance Department - Member

Secretary to Government,Social Welfare Department - Member

Secretary to Government,Adi- dravidar & Tribal Welfare Department -Member

Secretary to Government,Agriculture Department - Member

Director, Animal Husbandry department -Member

Two Representative from Non-Governmental Organisations, -Member ( Subject to change once in two years to be appointed by Govt.)

A Representative from the Govt. of India, MOEF, -Member

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chennai-Member

Chief Wildlife Warden,Chennai -Member

Chief Conservator of Forests(TAP) ,Chennai -Member Secretary

FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMITTEE:

It shall review and give direction on the following:-

.

Guiding, monitoring and reviewing of the effective functioning of the Joint Forest Management in the State.

Monitoring and reviewing of the functioning of the Village Forest Councils constituted.

Integration of various sectors and departments in all the programme villages in districts.

The half-yearly report prepared and sent by the District Collectors to the Member- Secretary, Chief Conservator of Forests (TAP) shall be placed before the Committee, for deliberations.

3.(II). DISTRICT LEVEL COMMITTEE:

It shall meet once in two months and its composition will be as follows:-

District Collector -Chairman

Project Officer ,District Rural Development Agency -Member

Joint Director, Agriculture Department-Member

Joint Director, Animal Husbandry Department-Member

Deputy Director , Social Welfare Department-Member

District / Divisional Forest Officer(s) Concerned-Member

Two representatives from Non-Governmental Organisation , subject to change once in two years (to be appointed by Collector)-Member

Five representatives from the Village Forest Council (to be selected by District Collector-Member

Headquarter`s District / Divisional Forest Officer -Member-Secretary

The afforesaid committee shall discharge the functions as follows:-

It shall review the function of Joint Forest Management in the villages, seek co-operation and integration of other Department effectively as given below:-

To identify the areas affecting integration

To review the integration of various activities by departments involved and to suggest improvements.

To review the functioning of Joint Forest Management and Village Forest Councils in the District.

To review the progress in the implementation of the scheme physical and finacial.

The committee shall prepare a half-yearly repr6t and sent it to the Member-Secretary, Chief Conservator Of Forests (TAP).

4. This order issues with the concurrence of Finance Deparment - vide its U.O.No. 33901 / Finance (AH&F)/98-1, dated 22.5.98.

/By order of the Governor/

R.S.SRIPATHI

SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT

To

The Chief Secretary To Government , Chennai -9.

The Secretary to Government,

Finance / Environment & Forests / Revenue / Rural Development / Agriculture / Social Welfare / Adi-Dravidar & Tribal Welfare / Animal Husbandry & Fisheries Department, Chennai - 9

All District Collectors.

The Director, Animal Husbandry Department, Chennai -7.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chennai - 15.

The Chief Wild life Warden, Chennai -15.

The Chief Conservator of Forests(TAP) , Chennai - 15.

The Accountant General, Chennai -18/35.

The Pay and Accounts Officer, Chennai -9/35

The Government of India , Ministry of Environment & Forests,New Delhi

The Special Secretary to Chief Minister, Chennai - 9.

The Senior Personal Assistant to Minister (Forests & Printing ), Chennai - 9.

Information & Tourism Department, Chennai - 9.

Finance (AH&F) Department, chennai - 9.

All Officers and Sections in Environment & Forests Department, Chennai - 9.

Sd. Xxxx

Section Officer

Environment and Forests Department,

Secretariat, Chennai - 9

Ref.No.TAP1/1126/98

Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests,

8^th Floor, Panagal Buildings,

1, Jeenis Road, Saidapet,

Chennai - 15.

Dated : 29.6.98

Thiru . V.R. CHITRAPU , I.F.S

PRINCIPAL CHIEF CONSERVATOR OF FORESTS

SUB :- FOREST - TAMILNADU AFFORESTATION PROJECT -

Integration of other Government Departments in the activities of the programme villages -regarding.

REF :- Director of Agriculture , Chennai. Ref.No. 100651/98. Dated : 2.6.98.

A copy of the above reference is enclosed herewith. All the officers implementing Tamilnadu Afforestation project are instructed to contact the respective District Joint Director of Agricultrue with identified activities of works in programme villages by Agriculture department and ensure that their activities are integrated with the Tamilnadu Afforestation Project Works.

Action taken by them in this regard should be reported by each Conservator of Forests after a detailed review in each month in their circles.

Sd.C.K.SREEDHARAN

For PRINCIPAL CHIEF CONSERVATOR OF FORESTS ,

CHENNAI.

Encl : As above

Copy of the Lr. No. AG.100651/98 Dated : 2.6.98 Received

From To

Dr. K.Arulmozhi, I.A.S All Joint Director of Agriculture.

Director of Agriculture,

Chepauk, Chennai - 5.

SUB :- Forest Department - Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project- Integration of other Government Department in the activities of the programme villages - certain instructions - regarding.

REF :- D.O.Lr. No. TAP /1126/98. Dated :3.4.98 received from CCF ,Saidapet, Chennai - 15.

The Forest Department is implementing the Tamil nadu Afforestation Project(TAP) all over the state. The most important objective of the scheme is to wean the villagers away from the forest and at the same time providing them various avenues and opportunities for improving their living conditions and life style.

The scheme is proposed to be implemented on integration of activities of various departments so that the impact of the programme on the villages are felt.

You are requested to involve yourself deeply in formulating various developmental projects in those villages in such a way that there is holistic approach towards the development of villages.

The District Forest Officer will be contacting you in this regard.

Sd.G.Sachidhanandan

For Director of Agriculture

Copy to

Chief Conservator of Forests

Pangal Building, Saidapet, Chennai - 15.
Copy of Ref. No. TAP1/50958/98 dated 24.11.98 received from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chennai - 15.

Sub : - Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project- Implementation of the Project - Guidelines - Approved by the Government - Inclusion of the subordinates in the Village Forest Council - instruction issued.

Ref :- G.O.Ms. No. 342 Environment & Forests ( FRVI ) Department dt. 8.8.97.

Attention of the Implementing Officers of the Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project is invited to the Government Order cited wherein the guidelines for implementation have been approved by the Government. In par4a 4.1 and 4.2 the election and co-option of the members of the Executive committee of the VFC is dealt with. As per the guidelines, the Forest Department is represented in the Executive Committee only by the Forest Ranger concerned who is the Members - Secretary of the Executive Committee.

The SAPI Mission which reviewed the implementation of the Project has observed that the territorial protective staff viz. Forester and Forest Guards should also be associated since basic protection work is their duty within their jurisdiction. Proposals have been sent to Government for issue of amendment to the guidelines in para 4.2 authorising the District Forest Officer / Divisional Forest Officer to nominate in the Executive Committee(I) concerned territorial Forester (II) concerned territorial Forest Guard and (III) concerned Forester of the Social Forestry, if the programme is executed by the Social Forestry wing and orders are awaited.

In anticipation of Government Orders, and in view of the urgency of the matter, All implementing officers are hereby authorised to nominate the concerned Territorial Forester. Forest Guards and the Forester of Social Forestry, if the programme is executed by the Social Forestry Division also to the "Executive Committee" . The implementing officers should give effect to these instructions immediately, nominate Foresters and Forest Guards in 1997 - 98 and 1998 -99 village Forest Councile Executive Committees and report the compliance to their respective Conservator of Forests who should get the repors all implementing officers and send a report to this office within a fortnight. The same procedure should be adopted for 1999 - 2000 village Forest Councils and in subsequent years.

Sd/ J.C.Kala

Chairman ARC and Principal Chief Conservator

of Forests (Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project).

/ t.c /

Special / Most Urgent

Endt. No.P/4439/38 - Office of the Divisional Forest Officer,

Social Forestry Division, Coimbatore - 43.

dt. 24.12.98.

Copy to all Rangers.

They are requested to nominate the Foresters in the Executive Committee and submit the report within two days without fail.

Sd/M.Ramamoorthy,

Divisional Forest Officer.

(Addl. Charge)

K.A. NAMBIAR ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS DEPARTMENT

CHIEF SECRETARY SECRETARIAT

CHENNAI - 600 009.

D.O.LR.NO. 125/FR.V1/98-2 dt.4.3.98

My dear Apurva Varma,

Sub : Forests - External assistance from the Overseas Economic Co-operation Fund, Japan - Implementation of "Tamil nadu Afforestation Project" by the Forest Department Buffer Zone activities in villages by integrating other Gvoernment Departments Co-ordination of the District Administration - Sought for.

Ref : From the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chennai . Lr.No. TAP 1/1126/98 dated 9.1.98.

The Forest Department is implementing the Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project all over the State. I am quite sure that by now you would have familiarised yourself with the basic objectives of the project and have started implementing the same in identified villages in your District.

The most important objective of this scheme is to wean the villagers away from the Forests and at the same time providing them various avenues and opportunities for improving their living condition and life style. To achieve this, it is essential that various developmental activities taken up by the Government through various Departments like Rural Development / Public works/ Highways etc, have dovetailed with the Schemes under Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project and a comprehensive development plan worked out. The success of this project depends entirely on such co-ordination and co-operation of all the Departments involved.

I therefore request you to involve yourself deeply in formulating various developmental projects in these villages in such a way that there is holistic approach towards the development of the villages.

The District Forest Officers have been instructed to keep in constant touch with you and seek your assistance and guidance on a continuous basis.

I request you to keep me and the Secretary, Environment and Forests informed of the developments in this Scheme.

Thiru Apurva Varma, I.A.S.,

Collector,ERODE.

Yours Sincerel,

K.A.NAMBIAR

Information on this page is part of the Forest Information System Project of IIFM.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Chinmaya S. Rathore
Project Team : Dr. S.K.S. Rathore, Seema Jain