Karlajhar’s Forest Management
The village of Karlajhar in Chhattisgarh has emerged as a model for community-led forest management in 2025. With rising forest fire incidents in the state, local residents have effectively controlled fires and conserved the forest through the Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) granted under the Forest Rights Act (FRA). Karlajhar’s success marks the power of Gram Sabhas in protecting forest resources and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Rising Forest Fires and Community Response
Chhattisgarh recorded 19,003 forest fire incidents in 2025, the highest in four years. Karlajhar faced multiple fires this year. Villagers, alerted through WhatsApp groups, responded rapidly to extinguish flames. In one instance, 15 people fought a fire for nearly three hours at night. Such swift action minimised damage. This contrasts with slower responses in forests managed solely by the forest department due to resource constraints.
Community Forest Resource Rights under FRA
Karlajhar received CFRR under Section 5 of the Forest Rights Act, empowering its Gram Sabha to manage 1,623 hectares of forest. This legal recognition came after years of struggle starting around 2015, culminating in rights being granted in 2023. CFRR allows communities to regulate forest use, prevent illegal activities, and protect wildlife habitats. Over 4,300 villages in Chhattisgarh now hold CFRR over nearly two million hectares, strengthening local governance.
Forest Conservation through Local Systems
Karlajhar’s Community Forest Resource Rights Management Committee (CFRMC) uses the ‘Thengapalli’ system for forest patrols. Teams of five villagers rotate daily to monitor illegal felling, grazing, and poaching. Volunteer efforts maintain fire lines and prepare compost and seed balls for forest regeneration. Soil erosion is controlled by constructing boulder check dams and gully plugs. These measures improve forest health and biodiversity.
Stopping Illegal Activities and Promoting Alternatives
CFRMC’s strict monitoring has eliminated illegal wood felling and hunting in Karlajhar. Previously, villagers cut wood for ceremonies, but the committee provided tents to reduce this need. Four hunters were caught and prosecuted in 2023, deterring further poaching. The forest department has commended these efforts. Such community vigilance safeguards both forest and wildlife.
Collaborative Forest Management with Neighbouring Villages
Karlajhar’s forest borders Achala village in Odisha, which depends on it for forest produce. Recently, both villages agreed to joint forest management. Achala’s Gram Sabha gained rights to collect produce but must guard the forest and prevent fires or illegal cutting. This cooperative approach encourages shared responsibility and reduces conflict over resources.
Innovations in Sustainable Livelihoods and Conservation
A federation of nine Gram Sabhas near Karlajhar rents bamboo poles to traders during local fairs, reducing tree felling and generating income. Polythene use will be banned at the 2025 Dev Dussehra fair to protect the environment. These initiatives demonstrate how community rights can align forest conservation with economic benefits.
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