Section 20A in Management and Working of the Forests
20A. [ Free grant of certain privileges to villagers adjoining the reserved and protected forests in Bihar, [Rule 79-A (as per Government Publication, here 20A) Inserted vide C.S. No. 181, dated 19.6.1942.]
(Government of Bihar Revenue Department Letter No. 8994-IIIF-23/39-R., dated the 11th December, 1939). - "(1) Any bona fide recorded tenant of any land or building who resides in a village which is actually contiguous to a reserved or a protected forest may, within the limits of such forest and without payment-(a)collect mahua fruits and flowers, and other edible flowers and fruits and roots for his own domestic use but not for any kind of transfer whatsoever, whether permanent or temporary, or absolute, or conditional. This privilege will be allowed subject to the control of the Forest Department and under the restriction that the undergrowth or dry leaves should not be burnt for purposes of clearing the ground to facilitate collection;(b)pasture and use springs for watering his own cattle or buffaloes which are his own bona fide property and are used for his own domestic and agricultural purposes:Provided that he will not be entitled to this concession for any cattle exceeding four heads for every acre of land he cultivates:Provided further that grazing will be permitted only in such areas as may be set apart for the purpose from time to time by the Forest Department.(2)If the villagers abuse the privileges allowed to them and wilfully damage the forest, the Conservator of Forests may suspend the exercise of the privileges for such time as he thinks fit. If after repeated warnings and suspensions the villagers continue to damage the forest, the matter should be referred to Government for orders.]
