Assumption of management of private forests

(1) Whenever it appears to the Government that it is necessary to take over the management of any private forest to which this Act applies in the public interest or in order to secure the proper management of such private forest, they may publish a notification to that effect in the Gazette. Copies of the notification shall be served on the person in possession of the forest and on all such persons known or believed to be interested therein. (2) Any person on whom a notification is served under sub-section (1) may within 15 days of the service of the notification object to the taking over of the management of the forest. Any other person interested may object to the taking over of the management within 15 days of the publication of the notification in the Gazette. Such objections shall be in writing and presented to the Government in person or sent by registered post. (3) If after considering the objections, if any, made under sub-section (2), the Government are satisfied that it is necessary to take over the management of the private forest in the public interest or in order to secure the proper management thereof, they may, by order in writing, take over the management of the forest for such period not exceeding five years as may be specified in the order, and may make such further orders as appear to them to be necessary or expedient in connection with such taking over.