Conservation of Forests and the Role of Indian Tribals

Abstract

The conceptual explosion in Indian context pertaining to conservation of forest and the role of tribals has been discussed in this article Today the symbiotic relationship between forests and tribal is breaking down. The constructive dependence which ensured a balance between people and forests is being replaced by destructive dependence where by peoples survival necessitates no more the preservation but the destruction of the forest. Change is noticed also in shifting cultivations. All these new practices cause deforestation. As a result not enough branches of trees are available for fertilizers. Soil erosion and loss of soil fertility are two of the often consequences of a shorten cycle and deforestation. The tribals continue to worship these trees and do not cut them. On the other hand, where the resources have been depicted or where the link with the-forest has been severed due to displacement resulted from development projects. They have to survive by selling firewood, they cut any trees that it is available. Younger persons consider these myths and practices as superstitions and present alienation from forests as modernization.