Indore Forest Strengthens Regulations to Protect Biodiversity & Curb Illegal Practices
Indore Forest Division introduced stringent regulations to combat illegal gum collection and strengthen the trade of biodiversity resources. A key concern raised during a recent meeting was the environmental harm caused by illegal gum harvesting, which threatens both the local ecosystem and the health of trees. In response, the Forest Division issued strong directives to ensure all gum collection follows legal and sustainable methods, aiming to protect the city’s forests from further degradation.
The crackdown on illegal gum collection is part of the Forest Division's broader initiative to safeguard Indore’s natural resources. Illegal gum collection has been identified as a major environmental threat, leading to long-term damage to trees and disrupting the ecosystem. Local authorities have been directed to ensure that all gum collectors adhere to prescribed legal methods, thereby preventing further harm to the environment.
In addition to addressing gum collection, the Forest Department seized 180 kilograms of illegally transported dhawda resin and a vehicle during an operation in the Choral Range on April 9, 2025. This action was prompted by a tip-off regarding unauthorized resin transport from Gwaloo village. The operation underscores the growing concerns over illegal biodiversity trade and the Forest Division’s commitment to tackling such violations swiftly.
A key point discussed in the meeting was the need to regulate unlicensed biodiversity trade. The Forest Division emphasized that any trade of resources, including gum and resin, without proper licensing would result in penalties. This crackdown is aimed at eliminating illegal trading practices, ensuring that only legitimate businesses operate in the sector, which will also foster fair competition and benefit the local economy.
To further regulate biodiversity trade, the Forest Division introduced new requirements for traders, including timely registration for the 2025-26 financial year. Traders must submit applications, fees, and benefit-sharing contributions according to the Biodiversity Act. New registration certificates will be issued only after compliance with these procedures, ensuring that trade remains transparent and follows legal protocols.
Further, traders must obtain transport permits for the movement of biodiversity resources across different forest divisions. This new rule aims to prevent illegal transportation and improve accountability in the trade. To promote transparency, traders will also need to submit detailed records of their activities by December each year.
Forest Division has also introduced a training initiative for Village Forest Committees, which will play a key role in educating local gum collectors on sustainable and legal collection practices. This initiative will help reduce illegal harvesting, while empowering local communities with the knowledge needed for responsible resource management.
Indore Forest Division introduced stringent regulations to combat illegal gum collection and strengthen the trade of biodiversity resources. A key concern raised during a recent meeting was the environmental harm caused by illegal gum harvesting, which threatens both the local ecosystem and the health of trees. In response, the Forest Division issued strong directives to ensure all gum collection follows legal and sustainable methods, aiming to protect the city’s forests from further degradation.
The crackdown on illegal gum collection is part of the Forest Division's broader initiative to safeguard Indore’s natural resources. Illegal gum collection has been identified as a major environmental threat, leading to long-term damage to trees and disrupting the ecosystem. Local authorities have been directed to ensure that all gum collectors adhere to prescribed legal methods, thereby preventing further harm to the environment.
In addition to addressing gum collection, the Forest Department seized 180 kilograms of illegally transported dhawda resin and a vehicle during an operation in the Choral Range on April 9, 2025. This action was prompted by a tip-off regarding unauthorized resin transport from Gwaloo village. The operation underscores the growing concerns over illegal biodiversity trade and the Forest Division’s commitment to tackling such violations swiftly.
A key point discussed in the meeting was the need to regulate unlicensed biodiversity trade. The Forest Division emphasized that any trade of resources, including gum and resin, without proper licensing would result in penalties. This crackdown is aimed at eliminating illegal trading practices, ensuring that only legitimate businesses operate in the sector, which will also foster fair competition and benefit the local economy.
To further regulate biodiversity trade, the Forest Division introduced new requirements for traders, including timely registration for the 2025-26 financial year. Traders must submit applications, fees, and benefit-sharing contributions according to the Biodiversity Act. New registration certificates will be issued only after compliance with these procedures, ensuring that trade remains transparent and follows legal protocols.
Further, traders must obtain transport permits for the movement of biodiversity resources across different forest divisions. This new rule aims to prevent illegal transportation and improve accountability in the trade. To promote transparency, traders will also need to submit detailed records of their activities by December each year.
Forest Division has also introduced a training initiative for Village Forest Committees, which will play a key role in educating local gum collectors on sustainable and legal collection practices. This initiative will help reduce illegal harvesting, while empowering local communities with the knowledge needed for responsible resource management.
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