Lok Vanaki - a recent innovative approach for managing private forestry in Madhya Pradesh, India

This paper highlights on Lok Vanaki (private forestry) scheme, an innovative and decentralised approach for managing private forestry of Madhya Pradesh (MP) and examines on policy provisions, implementation status and explore on issues associated with its implementation. This scheme was launched in Madhya Pradesh in April 1999 for promoting multi-tier scientific management of neglected and degrading forests on private holdings. The State Government has taken adequate measures to provide sufficient legal support to the whole initiative. Lok vanaki has not only helped on conservation and development of private forestry but also in socio-economic upliftment of people. It has also contributed in reducing the unemployment rate of the country concept through the charter foresters, who are fully authorised for preparation, implementation and monitoring of the plan. Efforts are underway to make the programme successful through political commitment.