Srinagar: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Wednesday directed the Tribal Affairs Department to initiate a review of cases rejected under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and organise a Union Territory-level workshop on its implementation.
Rana issued the directions during an interaction with social activists and representatives of forest-dwelling communities from different parts of the Valley at the Banquet Hall on M.A. Road.
The minister directed the Director, Tribal Affairs, to initiate the process for constitution of requisite committees and organise the UT-level workshop, followed by similar programmes at the divisional, district and grassroots levels.
He also ordered that rejected FRA cases be reviewed strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Act and rules framed under it, saying eligible forest dwellers should not be deprived of their rights.
Participants raised issues relating to forest rights, conservation, environmental degradation and development in forest-fringe areas. They sought stronger implementation mechanisms, including stakeholder awareness programmes, capacity building of field officials and designation of nodal departments at the district level.
Representatives of forest-dwelling communities also raised concerns about infrastructure and access to education and healthcare in their areas.
Rana directed forest officials to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the FRA and ensure that claims of eligible forest dwellers were dealt with in accordance with law.
“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,” Rana said.
He called for a transparent and legally compliant approach while dealing with claims and stressed the need for long-term measures to address environmental degradation while taking into account the livelihood needs of communities dependent on forest resources.
Director Tribal Affairs and Conservator of Forests, Srinagar, briefed the participants on the procedures for implementation of the FRA and the steps being taken by the departments to facilitate the process.
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; former District Development Council members, activists and representatives of various organisations.
