Panchayat Forest Rules, (Second Amendment), 1988.

The Rules regulate the creation of Panchayat Forests, upon application to be submitted by the Village panchayat to the appropriate District Forest Office, and according to the procedure established therein. Panchayat forests may be handed over to the local panchayat in one lot or in different lots. After the allotment of Panchayat forests the District Forest Office shall issue a certificate and keep records thereof. Article 11 establishes the powers that the village panchayat may exercise (under the supervision of the District Forest Office) with a view to protect, manage and develop said forests. Seeds and saplings required for planting a Panchayat forest shall be supplied by the District Forest Office free of cost. The Rules make further provisions and establishes limits for the sale and distribution of forest products, at prices to be fixed by the village panchayat. The income from panchayat forest shall be allocated for forest protection, as well as for reforestation. The village panchayat shall submit an annual report, in respect of which the District Forest Office shall conduct necessary inquiries, and make a report of his own to the Government. The management of Forests may be decentralized to User's Committees within the framework of the Panchayat Forest Project and according to the work plan.