Fiber grass from forest land

Abstract

For more than a century in India, rural communities and government forest departments have struggled over the control of forest resources. State bureaucracies have prevailed in circles of law and political power in their attempt to dominate nearly one‐quarter of India's land area, but forest villages, because of their traditional rights, number, and proximity, have maintained their position as the principle resource user. This case study provides an example of the new types of co‐management systems beginning to evolve in India. Reviewing the experiences of the Haryana Forest Department and rope‐making communities, the authors identify points of conflict and compromise emerging as new management agreements are formulated. Points of tension are identified as communities attempt to compete with paper mills and local contractors for grass cutting leases. The authors suggest that the grass leases be part of an integrated watershed management agreement that provides incentives to local communities to enhance the productive and sustainable use of the larger forest ecosystem.

Keywords:

• Keywords bhabbar rope
• fiber grass
• joint forest management
• North India