Summary:
Karlajhar, a village in Chhattisgarh, has shown how community-led forest protection can succeed using legal forest rights. After gaining Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) under the Forest Rights Act, villagers now manage over 1,600 hectares of forest. They respond quickly to fire threats, prevent illegal logging , grazing, and use traditional patrol systems for conservation. This model empowers local communities, builds sustainable livelihoods, and offers lessons for forest management across India.
What is Karlajhar’s forest rights model?
In 2023, Karlajhar village secured legal rights under Section 5 of the Forest Rights Act. These Community Forest Resource Rights gave its Gram Sabha authority over 1,623 hectares of nearby forest. This means the local council can decide how the forest is used, who accesses it, and how to protect it from threats like fires or poaching. The legal backing transformed villagers into direct guardians of their natural resource.
Why did villagers take charge of forest safety?
Karlajhar is located in fire-prone Chhattisgarh. In 2025, the state saw over 19,000 forest fires, the highest in four years. When fires broke out near the forest, villagers used WhatsApp alerts and a volunteer network to respond immediately. One night, a group of 15 people fought a fire for nearly three hours. These quick actions protected the forest when officials, lacking manpower, couldn’t respond fast enough.
What benefits came from local forest control?
With authority over their forest, villagers reduced illegal logging and hunting. The local forest committee installed fire lines and revived traditional planting methods like compost pits and seed balls. They also banned polythene at local fairs to reduce waste. Income from eco-friendly forest products, such as renting bamboo poles, now supports the community.
How does community action stop forest fires?
Karlajhar’s conservation team created a daily patrol system called ‘Thengapalli’. Small groups of villagers take turns watching the forest, checking for illegal activity and fires. This local vigilance helped stop fires before they could escalate. Because of this, forest fires in the area are now rare and damage is greatly reduced compared to nearby forests managed by official agencies.
What impact does this model have on others?
Karlajhar is now one of over 4,300 villages in Chhattisgarh to receive CFRR. Villages nearby are now forming similar forest committees and coordinating efforts. This model is being praised as a successful example of community forest governance. It shows how legal forest rights, local knowledge, and public cooperation can be a powerful approach to conservation. Other states and districts are studying this example to apply it where forest fires and illegal logging threaten natural habitats.
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sources: GK Today
