It has been the experience over several decades that damage to the forests due to various forms of biotic interference, namely, illicit cutting, grazing, fire and encroachment has increased over the years. In spite of several measures like increase in staff, communication network and increased intensive patrolling etc., the desired results have not been achieved. Keeping this in view, the State Government desires that the people living in the villages and adjoining the forests are actively involved in conservation, planning, protection, regeneration, development and management of degraded forests.

Further, the plantations raised in C and D lands, Gomal lands, tank foreshores, road sides, canal banks and other Government lands have been disappearing due to various reasons. There have been several conflicts on the use f common property resources, output derived from them and in the choice of species in afforestation programmes. To reverse these trends, the Government wishes to involve the people actively in the conservation, planning, protection, regeneration, development and management of these common property resources.

The Government has come to the conclusion that the above objectives can be achieved through a system of Joint Forest Planning and Management (JFPM) with the co-operation and involvement of the villagers. Non Government Organisations can help in catalyzing this movement.