Introduction:
Forest plays an important role in ecological preservation, ecological development and ecological balance of the region.

Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a land of Nature situated in western region of the country in between States of Gujarat and Maharastra. Lush green forests, meandering rivers, large waterfronts, cascading waterfalls, the gentle gurgle of streams, the distant hills, uplands, Wildlife etc. are it’s best in this Territory.

The Forest of the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli constitute about 40% of the total geographical area of the Union Territory and has to fulfill the unique role of satisfying the demands of the tribal population which comprises 62% of the total population and balancing the eco-system concerns that are being threatened by the fast developing industrialized area.

Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli population includes tribals and non-tribals who depend heavily on Forests for timber fodder and fuel wood and also as a source of livelihood. The forests were in a depleted state and since 1960, the department has focused on restoration and restocking of the forests especially the wildlife sanctuary area. Chain link fencing of sensitive parts of the wildlife sanctuary has been taken up for protection and the plantation activities augmented by the natural vigor of the natural forests has developed into forests, further the wildlife species are being reintroduced in a phased manner starting with ungulate species in selected wildlife sanctuary areas.

The Department of Forest had initiated promoting Farm Forestry in small and marginal lands to improve the social and economic standards of the local tribals.

Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Forest Department had designated Forest area which covers Reserve Forests, Protected Forests and Wildlife Sanctuary. Total area under Reserve Forest is about 10400 hectors, further 9200 hectors of area declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary. All roadsides, canelbanks and riversides are covered as protected forest areas irrespective of the status of land.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES of Forest Department

(a) Protection and Conservation of flora, fauna, forests and wildlife;
(b) Afforestation and regeneration of degraded areas; and
(c) Protection of environment in order to promote sustainable development.

We fulfill the objectives through

• Afforestation
• Eco-regeneration & rehabilitation of degraded areas
• Assistance to organizations implementing forestry programmes,
• Wildlife Habitat Management for In-situ and Ex-situ Conservation of wildlife
• Creation of environmental awareness among all sectors of people.

1. Protection & Conservation of existing forests,
2. Encouraging afforestation, including social forestry and other forest developmental activities,
3. Checking further degradation of forests by judicious use of resources,
4. Taking up soil & moisture conservation measures to improve water table.
5. Rehabilitate degraded forests and adjoining lands to increase their sustained productivity,
6. Actively promote people’s participation, especially women, through Joint Forest Management,
7. A concept of Forest Development Agency (FDA) is being implemented to take up rural development works in the forest-fringe villages as pilot project in the selected villages of territorial/wildlife divisions in the U.T of Dadra & Nagar Haveli, which have adopted Joint Forest Management Resolution.
8. Operation & Management of Lion Safari with an ultimate aim of conducting captive breeding of Asiatic Lions, and
9. Operation & Management of Eco Tourism, Satmaliya for ex-situ conservation of various species of ungulates.

• To interact with the Department and its field offices to improve their efficiencies,
• To imbibe the spirit of conservation of natural resources and respect for the laws of nature,
• To honour and abide by the Rules and Regulations framed by the administration/government towards protection of environment and flora and fauna,
• To share information with other citizens in order to encourage sustainable development and improve our habitat,
• To offer suggestions to streamline the functioning of the existing institutions, promote accountability and responsibility, and
• To adopt the precepts of “Environmental Ethics”.

The bulk of the Forest area in Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli comprises of hills having gentle slope to steep slope are suitable for a afforestation. However, areas requires treatment inputs, soil and moisture conservation measures and protection measures like trench cum mound fencing, rubber wall, live hedges, barbed wire and chain link fencing according to specific areas.

Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli faces the first onslaught of monsoon in the month of June and receives heavy rainfall at different places up to 2500 mm to 3000 mm annually. Moreover, the intensity of rainfall is quite heavy and entire rainfall is quite heavy and entire rainfall being received over a period of four months i.e. from June to September every year. This heavy rainfall over a short period can makes the problem of ecological preservation very difficult in the absence of adequate Forest cover.

Physiographically, the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli consists of two narrow strips, viz. the uplands and the plateau (plain land), out of this uplands consists maximum extent of Forest, which mainly falls in southern, Eastern Ghats of the region.

The most thickly populated towns of Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli are Silvassa, Amli, have practically negligible Forest area where as villages like Dudhani, Mandoni, Khanvel, Randha, Kherdi, Morkhal are tops the list in the extent of Forest.

Forest Protection
Protection of Forest is responsibility of every individual. The damage to forest cover of this Union Territory is caused due to biotic interference, can be attributed to:-

1. In compatible practices of local tribal, non-tribal population.
2. Due to rapid industrialization, Increase of population due to influx from outside.
3. Non availability of small timber and firewood in the bordering districts of neighboring state of Gujarat and Maharashtra.
4. Forest land encroachment.
5. Poor socio-economic condition of border area people of neighboring states.
6. Illegal feeling of Forest species by Forest mafias.

To overcome these problems and to ensure effective protection, the approach of the Forest department includes:-

1. Educating the local populations, tribals about environment friendly practices and also Introducing of Joint Forest Management.
2. Provide fencing for protection and regeneration of Forests.
3. Continuous monitoring with modern communication facilities with introduction of a separate mobile squad for Forest protection.

As a result of the Farm Forestry programme the overall tree cover as per the status of Forest in the year 2001 has increased up to 53%. During year 2004-05, 6.00 lacs of seedlings were distributed. During year 2005-06, 11.14 lacs of seedlings were distributed. In the current year till date approximately 12 lacs of seedlings have been distributed.