Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, has directed the review of cases rejected under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and called for a more transparent, participatory and legally compliant mechanism to safeguard the rights of forest-dwelling communities across Jammu & Kashmir.
Rana issued the directions during an interaction with social activists and representatives of forest-dwelling communities from various parts of the Valley at the Banquet Hall, M.A. Road. Senior officers from the Tribal Affairs, Forest, Jal Shakti and Irrigation & Flood Control Departments attended the meeting.
The interaction was attended by Shaikh Ghulam Rasool, Chairman, J&K Forest Rights Coalition; Zahid Parwaz Choudhary, Convener, JKFRC and President, J&K Gujjar Bakerwal Youth Welfare Conference; several former DDCs, activists and representatives of various organisations.
Taking note of concerns raised over the implementation of the FRA, the Minister directed the Director, Tribal Affairs, to initiate the constitution of requisite committees and organise a UT-level workshop on the Forest Rights Act, followed by similar programmes at the divisional, district and grassroots levels.
He further ordered that rejected FRA claims be reviewed strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Act and applicable rules, ensuring that no eligible forest dweller is denied legitimate rights.
The participants highlighted challenges related to forest rights, environmental degradation, conservation and inadequate infrastructure in forest-fringe areas, including limited access to education, healthcare and other essential services. They also sought stronger institutional mechanisms, greater awareness among stakeholders, capacity building of field officials and designated nodal arrangements at the district level.
Emphasising the need to reconcile community rights with ecological conservation, Rana said traditional forest dwellers have a legitimate stake in forest resources, while their rights must be accompanied by a shared responsibility to protect and preserve the ecosystem.
“Forest dwellers have a legitimate stake in the forests and their rights must be protected. At the same time, forests are our lifeline and their protection and preservation is a shared responsibility,” he said, stressing that conservation policies must also take into account the livelihood concerns of communities dependent on forest resources.
The Minister directed forest officials to develop a thorough understanding of the FRA and adopt a sensitive, transparent and lawful approach while processing claims. He also called for sustained measures to address environmental degradation and strengthen long-term forest conservation.
Director Tribal Affairs and the Conservator of Forests, Srinagar, briefed participants on the statutory procedures governing FRA implementation and apprised them of measures being undertaken to facilitate claims and address grievances.
The participating activists welcomed the initiative of the Omar Abdullah-led Government to strengthen implementation of the FRA in Jammu & Kashmir. They called for a coordinated, time-bound and uniform mechanism across the Union Territory and appreciated the circulars issued by the Tribal Affairs and Forest Departments aimed at protecting the rights of forest-dwelling communities.
