Forest Rules

The Forest Rules implement provisions of the Forest Law and contain definitions and provisions on forest classification, forest management, and timber logging. They also contain detailed administrative procedures and enforcement measures. Violations of the Forest Law and the Forest Rules can be criminal offenses but civil penalties such as cancellation of permits may also be imposed.
The Forest Rules deal with reserved forest (forest areas reserved for the state and off-limits to development), the declaration of areas as protected public forest, the management of forest land, the establishment of forest plantations, and the procedures for obtaining permission to extract forest produce. They also cover procedures for: - Harvesting forest produce; Establishing and operating timber depots; Establishment of wood-based industries; Investigation of violations; Administrative actions, such as imposing fines and confiscating the timber, to penalize violations.
The Rules strictly limit the activities of such person or company to exactly what is contained in the approval. Permit holders must comply with Rule 22 of the Forest Rules, which requires that they conserve the forest environment and remove all equipment and other property within 60 days of the expiration of the permit.
The Rules contain detailed administrative procedures. An order or decision of a township forest officer may be appealed to the relevant district or state and divisional forest officer within 30 days of the date of such order or decision. An order or decision of the district or state and divisional forest officer may be appealed to the Director General of the Forest Department within 60 days of such order.