The Odisha Forest Act, 1972, serves as the primary legislation for the protection, management, and administration of forests within the State of Odisha. It consolidates previous colonial-era laws into a unified framework. The Act empowers the State Government to classify forests into categories like "Reserved," "Protected," and "Village" forests, each with specific regulatory regimes. It governs the transit of forest produce, defines forest offences, and establishes strict penalties for illegal activities such as unauthorized clearing, timber theft, or poaching. For citizens, it regulates access to forest resources, grazing rights, and land use, ensuring sustainable management while providing legal mechanisms for enforcement and dispute resolution.
Official Legislative Text
Educational Study Layer
Chronological legislative evolution of The Odisha Forest Act, 1972 across statutory gazettes and amending Acts.