Evolution of the Kerala Forest Department

Kerala Forest Department (KFD), like other state departments in India, has evolved over last one and half century in response to changes in Forest Policy, priorities in five year plans and demands on the forests. However, it has by and large inherited the basic institutional framework of the colonial forest administration, with the emphasis on protection and management of government forests with limited involvement of the public.

There was gradual expansion of manpower and administrative units during the next fifteen years. Thus, in 1972, KFD had three territorial circles (Southern, Central, and Northern) and five functional circles, i.e. (i) Working Plan and research circle (ii) Industrial plantations circle (iii) Special Circle, Kozhikode (iv) Vigilance and evaluation circle and (v) Rubber plantations circle. At that time KFD  also had two Chief Conservators of Forests. Apart from the above, two posts of Conservators were created for planning and industries in 1972.

Major Milestones