So far, only the revenue earned by sale of firewood used to be shared with the dwellers, represented by forest protection committees (FPCs) and eco development committees (EDCs) in the north Bengal forests.

“These committees here used to get 25 per cent of the revenue earned from firewood sale. But in south Bengal, villagers, or the committees, also receive 25 per cent of the timber sale proceeds,” said S.B. Patel, the chief conservator of forests (north Bengal), today.

At a meeting held in Cooch Behar yesterday, the proposal to extend the same benefit to the forest dwellers of north Bengal was discussed. The move would enhance the income of each family associated with the committees and could discourage illegal felling and smuggling of timber, Patel said. “The proposal has been forwarded to the state finance department. We are awaiting approval now.”