An awareness and facilitation programme on the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 was held at Botapathri area in Gulmarg bringing together tribal community members, Forest Rights Committees (FRCs), forest officials and representatives of various government departments.
The programme, chaired by Saurabh Sharma, IFS, Conservator of Forests, Kashmir Srinagar Circle, focused on creating awareness among forest-dependent communities about their rights under the FRA and ensuring transparent, effective and time-bound processing of eligible claims.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Tangmarg Feroz Ahmad Chaket, JKFS, Range Officer Gulmarg, Range Officer Wildlife, members of various FRCs, tribal representatives from the Special Forest Division Tangmarg and officials from concerned departments attended the programme.
During the interaction, the DFO briefed participants about key provisions of the FRA, including the rights and duties of Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs). He also explained the procedure for submission, scrutiny and verification of claims.
Participants were informed about the role of FRCs in facilitating the implementation of the Act at the grassroots level. Officials stressed the importance of proper documentation, supporting evidence and adherence to the prescribed procedure to ensure that genuine claims are considered.
Tribal representatives and FRC members raised several concerns before the Conservator, including issues related to recognition and settlement of forest rights, availability of supporting documents, verification of claims and the need for greater facilitation at the field level.
Sharma assured the participants that the Forest Department would extend all possible assistance to ensure proper and transparent implementation of the FRA.
He urged stakeholders to submit claims along with the required documents, records and supporting evidence so that eligible cases could be examined and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
The Conservator also stressed the need for close coordination among the Forest Department, district administration, Gram Sabhas, FRCs and other concerned departments to ensure a fair and time-bound process for recognition and settlement of genuine forest rights.
The programme provided a platform for direct interaction between forest-dwelling communities and authorities, allowing participants to seek clarifications on the FRA and highlight issues faced at the field level.
The programme concluded with a call for continued awareness, facilitation and coordination among stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the Act and protection of the legitimate rights of eligible forest-dwelling communities.
