National Forest Policy 1894

On the basis of Dr.Voelker report, entitled “Improvement of Indian agriculture” the Government of India formulated the Forest Policy of 1894. This is the first national forest policy in India enacted under pre independence era.

Main features

1. The main object of forest management is to promote the general well being of the country.
2. The maintenance of adequate forest cover is emphasized for the preservation of climatic and physical conditions and to meet the basic requirement of the people.
3. Government owned forest have been classified as follows:
1. Preservation forest: Forest whose preservation is required on climate and physical grounds
2. Commercial forest; Forest for supplying valuable timber and other commercial products
3. Minor forest
4. Pasture lands
4. This policy emphasis on permanent cultivation rather than shifting cultivation.
5. It gives importance to the fulfillment of the basic needs of the local people.
6. Obtaining maximum revenue is the main goal instead of conserving forest reserves.

Draw backs

• It was formulated to satisfy the needs of the British government.
• It gives priority mainly to agriculture than forestry.
• This facilitates easy diversion of forestlands for non-forestiy purposes.
• No guidelines for research and training in forestry.
• Less stress is emphasized on the problems like shifting cultivation, forest fire, etc.
• No guidelines on conservation and preservation of biodiversity.
• No specific provisions for management of wildlife.
• Less emphasis is given on the management of catchments and forest on it.