Types of forest under forest act 1927
The Indian Forest Act, 1927 is a key piece of legislation passed during British rule to regulate the use,
protection, and management of forests in India. One of the most important features of the Act is the
classification of forests into different categories based on the level of protection and control exercised
by the government.
The Act recognizes that forests play a vital role in the environment, economy, and lives of local
communities. To ensure proper administration and conservation, the Act divides forests into three main
types:
1. Reserved Forests
2. Protected Forests
3. Village Forests
In addition to these, some states or legal contexts also recognize a fourth category, known as Private
or Unclassed Forests, which are not officially classified under the Act but are still part of the forest
landscape.
Each type of forest has a different level of protection, and the rights of local people to use the forest
vary depending on the category. This classification helps the government in regulating activities,
preventing illegal exploitation, and promoting sustainable use of forest resources.
1. Reserved Forests (Most Protected)
Definition:
These are forests notified under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act. They are highly protected, and
almost all activities are banned unless permitted by the government.
Controlled by :
• Managed entirely by the State Government.
• Government decides who can do what, and everything needs official permission.
Permitted acts:
• Activities like cutting trees, grazing animals, hunting, or collecting firewood are prohibited
unless the state gives special permission.
• Even locals cannot use the forest without permission.
Restricted or Banned acts:
• No free grazing
• No cutting or collecting wood
• No hunting or fishing
• No cultivation
Purpose:
To conserve biodiversity, protect natural resources, and prevent deforestation.
Examples:
Many National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are located in reserved forests.
2. Protected Forests (Moderately Protected)
Definition:
Declared under Section 29 of the Act. These are forest lands under government control, but with fewer
restrictions than Reserved Forests.
Controlled by:
• The government owns and manages these forests.
• Some activities may be allowed by default, and others may be restricted.
Permitted acts:
• Certain community rights like grazing, collecting dry wood, or leaves may be allowed.
• Locals may use the forest, but rules vary by region.
Restricted acts:
• Cutting green trees without permission
• Clearing land for farming
• Fire-setting
Purpose:
To regulate forest use while still preserving the environment.
3. Village Forests (Community-Managed)
Definition:
Under Section 28 of the Act, the government may assign forest land to a village community to manage
and use.
Controlled by:
• Managed by the village panchayat or community, but under state supervision.
• Government hands over forest land for local needs.
Permitted acts:
• Grazing animals
• Collecting firewood, fruits, leaves
• Using bamboo or small timber for village needs
Restricted acts:
• Selling timber or large-scale exploitation without permission
Purpose:
To involve local communities in protecting forests and using them sustainably.
Benefit:
Empowers tribal and forest-dwelling communities to manage their local forests.
4. Private Forests / Unclassed Forests (Least Protected / Misc.)
Definition:
These are forest lands that are not classified as Reserved, Protected, or Village forests. They may be:
• Privately owned forests
• Forests under local rulers (in princely states)
• Community forests not officially recognized
Controlled by:
• May be under private ownership or community use.
• Not strictly regulated under the Indian Forest Act unless state laws apply.
Permitted acts:
• Activities depend on the owner or community.
• Government may have limited control.
These forests often lack protection, making them vulnerable to:
o Illegal logging
o Encroachment
o Forest fires
Purpose:
Mostly for agriculture, local use, or timber production. These forests may not be recognized as “legal
forests” but still form part of the natural ecosystem.
Summary Table:
Protection Public Rights Legal
Type of Forest Ownership & Control
Level Allowed? Section
No (except with
Reserved Forest Government Very High Section 20
permission)
Yes (limited and
Protected Forest Government Medium Section 29
regulated)
Protection Public Rights Legal
Type of Forest Ownership & Control
Level Allowed? Section
Village Community Low to Yes (local community
Village Forest Section 28
(under govt) Medium use)
Private/Unclassed
Private or Unregulated Very Low Depends on ownership Varies
Forest
