Rajasthan Forest Department
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rajasthan Forest Department is one of the Administrative divisions of Government of Rajasthan. It is responsible for the conservation, management and regulation of forests and wildlife in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It administers afforestation programmes, protected areas, and community-based forest initiatives over approximately 9.6 % of the state’s territory.[1][2]
- Sanjay Sharma, Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1956 |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Rajasthan |
| Headquarters | Jaipur, Rajasthan |
Minister responsible |
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Agency executive |
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Parent agency | Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of Rajasthan |
| Website | https://forest.rajasthan.gov.in/ |
History
Prior to 1956, forest administration was conducted by individual Rajputana princely states under various enactments (e.g., Tonk State Shikar Act, Jaipur Shooting Rules). After state reorganization, these were unified into the modern department to pursue scientific forestry and wildlife protection.
Organisation
The department reports to the Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of Rajasthan. Technical leadership rests with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF). Under the PCCF are Additional PCCFs (overseeing wildlife, protection, training, etc.), followed by Chief Conservators, Conservators, Deputy Conservators and Assistant Conservators who manage territorial and functional divisions.[3][4]
Functions
- Afforestation & Restoration: Implements state-level plantation and compensatory afforestation under CAMPA.
- Protected Areas: Manages two national parks, five tiger reserves (including Dholpur–Karauli from 2023), 25 wildlife sanctuaries and various conservation reserves.[5][6]
- Wildlife Protection: Deploys anti-poaching units and conducts population monitoring of key species.[7][8]
- Community Engagement: Supports Joint Forest Management with village committees to share non-timber forest produce and foster local stewardship.[9][10]
- Research & Training: Collaborates with the Arid Forest Research Institute (AFRI), Jodhpur (ICFRE) and conducts in-service training at the Forest Training Academy.[11]