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of the area in 1955, the NWFP Hazara Forest Act, 1936 was
extended and since then these forests are being managed under
the Guzara Rules 1950.
In April 1957 Hazara Tribal Forest Division was created with
head quarter at Batagram and management for of these forests
was also mandated to it. Commercial harvesting was banned
until 1965 when the Government of West Pakistan sanctioned
a policy for commercial harvesting of these forests. The salient
features of the policy were: -
i) The contractors after private negotiation with the owners
will settle the rates and apply to the Deputy Commissioner
for convening the Jirga comprising owners, perspective purchasers
and the representative of the Forest Department to decide
terms and conditions of the contract.
ii) After finalization of the Jirga, Forest Department will
prepare the harvesting scheme for that forest for the approval
of the Provincial government.
iii) On approval of the scheme by the Provincial Government
the purchaser shall enter into contract with the Forest Department
and a private agreement with owners.
iv) The Forest Department shall carry out marking strictly
in accordance with the provisions of the approved working
scheme. The contractors have to pay 20% departmental charges,
and 80% directly to the owners of the sale proceeds.
The contract system was abolished in 1974, after this, no
fresh sale was allowed under these schemes, except dry and
wind fallen trees, until 1980, when these forests were brought
under scientific management.
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