Chhattisgarh Forest Department to Manage Community Forest Lands

The Chhattisgarh forest department has taken temporary control over forest land managed by tribal communities.

They say they need to follow a Supreme Court order and a new government plan for managing forests scientifically.

Until they get a detailed plan from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, they will follow existing rules.

This has upset some tribal rights activists, who say this decision goes against a law that gives local communities the right to manage their forests.

They believe the forest department wants to maintain control rather than give it to the communities.

The department says they're waiting on guidelines before making any permanent changes.