Audit Manual - Core Treasury System Uttarakhand

Government of Uttarakhand
Audit Manual
14 Forest Department
14.1 Introduction
The Constitution of India has duly recognized the importance of forests and wildlife in Article 48A which obligates the Union and the State
Governments to endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. Similarly, Article 51A
(g) lays stress on protection and improvement of the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for
living creatures as a fundamental duty of every citizen of this country.
The Forest Department of Uttarakhand is one of the oldest in India with a history of forestry reaching back by about 150 years into the middle of
the nineteenth century. This historical depth and experience is an enabling factor in competently managing the climatic, geographical and
genetic variety of forests and wildlife. Forest Department in Uttarakhand is responsible for managing some of the richest forests and biodiversity
in India.
Uttarakhand Forest Department is entrusted with the role of conservation and development of the State's forests. Forests play an important role
in the economy at local, regional and national levels, by contributing to the basic needs of the poor forest dwellers including tribals, meeting
requirements of forest-based industries and most importantly in maintaining the ecological balance.
Forest Department is primarily conservation oriented but also responds to the contemporary needs of the citizens. Keeping these issues in mind,
management priorities are spelt out below, roughly in an order of priority.
• Conservation of forests including wildlife and its habitats
• Providing ecological services to the citizens including conservation of soil and water regime
• Maintenance and enhancement of tourism values
• Production and harvest of forest produce on scientific lines
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