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India is one of the very few countries of the world where forest policy is in operation since 1894. In 1952 and 1988, revisions were made in the forest policy of 1894. The National Forest Policy of 1952 recommended that the country should aim at a coverage of one-third of the total land area under forest (60 per cent in hilly and mountainous areas, and 25 per cent in the plains). It has suggested the extension of tree-lands on river/canal banks, roads, railways, culturable waste and in such areas which are not suitable for cultivation.
The National Forest Policy 1952 classified the forests of the country into four categories:
(i) Protected forests essential for physical and climatic needs.
(ii) National forests to be utilised for the economic needs of the country.
(iii) Village forests to meet the fuel and domestic needs of villages and neighbouring towns.
(iv) Tree lands. The policy envisaged the annual organisation of Van-Mahotsavaimd tree plantation week in the month of July/August.
The National Forest Policy 1952 lays emphasis on :
(i) Weaning the tribal people by persuasion to desist from shifting cultivation.
(ii) Implementation of forest laws more effectively.
(iii) To provide adequate facilities for the management of forest resources.
(iv) To control grazing of cattle, sheep and goals in forest areas.
(v) Providing fuel-wood to rural areas.
(vi) To improve the availability of timber wood for industrial purposes.
(vii) To increase the area under social forestry.
(viii) To promote research in forestry.