When was the National Forest Policy introduced? What was its main aim?

The National Forest Policy was formulated in 1988, which promotes community involvement in the protection and regeneration of forests. It grants the highest priority to sustainable management of the forest resource.

The objectives are :

a. Maintaining of environmental stability through preservation and restoration of the ecological balance that has been adversely disturbed by serious depletion of forests of the country.

b. Conserving the natural heritage of the country by preserving the remaining natural forests with the vast variety of flora and fauna.

c. Increasing the sustainability of the forest/tree covers in the country through massive afforestation and social forestry programmes.

d. Encouraging efficient use of forest produce and maximizing replacement of wood.

Creating a massive people’s movement with the involvement of women to achieve the aims.