The Government may declare any land as a reserved forest in the manner hereinafter provided.

Notification by Government 4. Whenever it is proposed to declare any land as a reserved forest, the Government shall issue a notification specifying therein, (a) that it has been decided to declare such land as a reserved forest;

1. (b) as nearly as possible, the situation and limits of such land; and
2. (c) the appointment of an officer (hereinafter referred to as the Forest Settlement Officer) to enquire into the matter and determine the existence, nature and extent of any rights relating to collection of dry sticks and grazing alleged to exist in favour of any person in or over any land comprised within such limits, or in or over any forest produce, and to deal with the same as provided in this Chapter.