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Answer: Reserved forests are highly protected areas where all activities are prohibited unless permitted by the government. They are more strictly regulated than protected forests. In contrast, protected forests allow certain activities unless specifically banned. Reserved forests receive greater legal protection to conserve biodiversity, while protected forests have comparatively fewer restrictions.
Complete Answer:
Here is how we distinguish between the reserved forests and protected forests:
| Reserved Forests | Protected Forests |
| Reserved forests are officially declared by the state or central government under the Indian Forest Act, 1927. | Protected forests are also declared under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, but with relatively fewer restrictions. |
| Reserved forests receive the highest level of protection, and strict laws are applied to prevent human interference. | Protected forests receive a moderate level of protection, allowing certain human activities unless explicitly banned. |
| In reserved forests, activities such as grazing, hunting, logging, and gathering are prohibited unless permitted. | In protected forests, these activities are allowed by default unless the government issues a ban on them. |
| Reserved forests are under complete control of the government, and access is strictly regulated. | Protected forests are also managed by the government, but local communities may have certain usage rights. |
| People living nearby have no automatic rights and must obtain permission for any use of the forest. | Communities may continue using the forest for traditional purposes like collecting firewood or grazing cattle. |
| The main aim of reserved forests is to conserve biodiversity, protect wildlife, and prevent deforestation. | Protected forests are meant to conserve the environment while also allowing limited use by nearby residents. |
| Wildlife in reserved forests is given strict protection, with heavy penalties for poaching or destruction. | Wildlife is protected in protected forests, but enforcement may not be as strict as in reserved forests. |
| Any activity in a reserved forest requires prior government permission. | Some activities in protected forests can be carried out without prior approval. |
| The Jim Corbett National Park area in Uttarakhand has reserved forest zones that are strictly protected. | The Sundarbans region in West Bengal contains protected forests where local communities depend on forest resources. |
| The Forest Department plays an active and controlling role in managing reserved forests. | The Forest Department oversees protected forests but allows more flexibility for local usage. |
Common Doubts:
