A study on utilisation of forest resources in Jawadhu Hills of Tiruvannamalai District

This present study focus on utilisation and benefits of forest resources in tribal communities’ people in jawadhu hills of Tiruvannamalai district. Forest plays a crucial role in the economic and social well being of people particularly in rural areas of Tamil Nadu. The State has over 12% of Reserve Forest Area as protected areas. Forests have economical, ecological, and recreational values, known collectively as environment services and benefits derived from forests include grazing, hunting, shade, forest foods in the form of tree leaves, wild fruits, nuts, tubers and herbs, tree bark form medicinal purposes, and non-wood products such as honey. The livelihood of the tribal depends in different degrees upon on access to forest resources. Collection of firewood, medicine, fruits and other forest resources is a responsibility of women. Males on the other hand are responsible for collection of poles and honey most rural poor people rely directly and indirectly on forests for their livelihoods. In Jawadhu Hills, Many of the villages of tribal households in Jawadhu Hills come under the extractive reserves are forest areas inhabited by tribal population granted long term rights to forest resources which they collectively manage (Joint Forest Council). But the extractive model based on village forest council is appreciated because of its economic viability, environment conservation and social equality. The economic benefits of forests have been subordinated to the principal aim of environmental stability. The government policies majority focus on tourism development activities in the study area.