Taking over 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 in the public interest or in order to secure the proper management of it, they may publish a notice to that effect in the Fort St. George Gazette. Such notice shall state within that any objections or suggestions which may be received by the Government within a period to be specified in the notice will be considered by them. Copies of the notice shall served on the owner or any other person in possession of the private forest. (2) After expiry of the period specified in the notice under sub-section (1) and after considering such objections and suggestions as may be received before such expiry, the Government may, by notification, declare that the management of the private forest shall be taken over by the Government from such date, and for such period not exceeding ten years, as may be specified in the notification (3) On and from the date specified in the notification under sub-section (2), the management of the private forest shall vest in the Government and the Collector or any officer authorized by him in this behalf may, after removing any obstruction that may be offered, forthwith enter upon and take possession of the private forest and all accounts, registers, maps, plans and other documents relating to the private forest which the Government may require for the management thereof. (4) Copies of the notification under sub-section (2) shall be served in such manner as may be prescribed on the owner or any other person in possession of the private forest.