Implementation of Joint Forest Management Programme
In realizing the need for community participation in forest protection, the Govt. of Odisha was the pioneer to adopt a policy of JFM in August 1988, even before implementation of National Forest Policy, 1988 (w.e.f. 2.10.1988) in the country and initiated a step to involve the people in protection of forests adjoining their villages with assigning specific roles and in return granting certain concessions (under section 24 of the Odisha Forest Act 1972) for meting their bonafide requirement of firewood and small timbers through Resolution No. 10F (Pron)-47/88/7240 FFAH dated 1st August 1988 and sought community participation for protection, regeneration and management of the forest wealth widening the scope of employment generation and social empowerment of the forest-fringed dwellers.
With the changing scenario of Forest Management, increasing awareness among people and experiences gained from the past management practices, such resolution on JFM, was revised and amended periodically latest on 2011, 2015 and 2019 respectively in adding several points, like inclusion of villages located within the National Park/Sanctuaries as well as adjacent to the same for protection and management of the wildlife and habitat and covering the Reserved Forests and Protected forests, Village forests and Revenue forests having crown density of less than 40% under JFM, role of Palli Sabha and composition of members of Executive Body of Vana Surakshya Samiti, constitution of a “Range level VSS and EDC Forum” for having better interaction between the Range Officers and VSS Members etc.
Progress on Constitution of VSS/EDC in the state
Governance, the 3rd Party Evaluation of Functioning of Vana Surakhya Samities (VSS) for understanding of effectiveness of the Joint Forest Management (JFM) activities has been done by the organization named as AFC India Ltd. New Delhi. The report has also been submitted by them.
As on 30.09.2025, a total of 13,97,631 hectare of Forests have been brought under Joint Forest Management through 16,219 Vana Surakshya Samities (VSSs) for protection under usufruct sharing mechanism. Besides, 569 Eco Development Committees (EDC) have been formed within and outside protected areas for protection of the Sanctuaries and National Parks
Awareness Meeting at Nuamalpada VSS, Khariar Forest Division
Awareness Meeting at Musurangi village in Nuapada Range, Khariar Forest Division
| JFMCs-For med (inNo.) | Families Involved (No.inlakh) | Forest area assigned to VSS (Sq.Km.) | |
| VSS/EDC | 16219/569 | 20.12 | 13976.31 |
Implementation of JFM under different schemes/projects
Different projects and schemes named as National Afforestation Programme (NAP), Green India Mission (GIM), Odisha Forest Sector Development Project-I & Project II (OFSDP) and Ama Jungal Yojana (AJY) are also being implemented in the state under Joint Forest Management mode.
Patrolling by women Members of Kanteipali VSS Ganjam, Berhampur Forest Division
JFM Resolution 2011 Gazette