Gram Sabha plays protector of forests in J'khand, appoints guards every year

AS part of its age-old practice of conservation, the Gram Sabha holds an annual meeting to appoint a group of forest guards to protect the Buruma forests under Murhu block of Khunti in Jharkhand.

- MUKESH RANJAN @Ranchi

The Gram Sabha, held in each of the four villages falling under Hetegoa Panchayat, deputes one person from every house to prevent felling of trees.

In case a guard fails to discharge his duties efficiently, a penalty ranging from ₹150-200 is imposed on him, depending upon the decision taken by the respective Gram Sabha.

Buruma forest is spread over about 400 acres around four villages of the Murhu block.