Section 16 in Kerala Forest (Vesting and Management of Ecologically Fragile Lands) Act, 2003
16. Ecologically fragile lands to be managed by Forest Department as per management Plants.
(1)All ecologically fragile lands vested in the Government shall be managed by the Forest Department in accordance with the provisions of the management plans approved by the Government from time to time.(2)the management plans shall be prepared in accordance with the guidelines issued from time to time by the State Government and the Government of India for the preparation of Working Plans and Management Plans for the reserved forest areas and protected areas with a view to,-(i)conserving natural resources;(ii)arresting depletion and degradation of flora and fauna;(iii)improving productivity and sustainability; and(iv)maintaining ecological balance in the ecologically fragile lands:Provided that the management plans prepared under his sub-section shall be such as to retaining the rights of the local Scheduled Tribe Communities regarding their means of livelihood.
