Srinagar, Aug 7: The Forest Rights Coalition–Jammu & Kashmir (FRC-J&K) organised a Gram Sabha and awareness programme at Waniyaram in Kangan area of Ganderbal district to strengthen the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, and promote community participation in forest conservation.
The programme was attended by local villagers, members of pastoral communities, women, youth and community leaders, who discussed the rights of traditional forest dwellers and the role of local communities in protecting forests, biodiversity and natural resources.
Addressing the gathering, FRC-J&K Chairperson and Founder Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool said the Forest Rights Act is not only a law recognising the rights of forest-dependent communities but also an important conservation legislation that empowers local people to safeguard biodiversity and ensure sustainable management of forests.
Highlighting the growing impact of climate change in the Himalayan region, Dr. Rasool urged residents to eliminate the use of plastic and polythene in the Naranag forest landscape and work collectively to protect water resources, including the Brengi River, Gangbal Lakes and surrounding glaciers. He also stressed the need to promote environmentally responsible tourism that balances ecological conservation with local livelihoods.
Dr. Zahid Parwaz Chowdhury explained the procedure for filing Individual Forest Rights (IFR) and Community Forest Rights (CFR) claims. He also elaborated on the role of Forest Rights Committees (FRCs), Sub-Divisional Level Committees (SDLCs) and District Level Committees (DLCs), urging eligible forest dwellers to actively participate in the implementation of the Act.
A major outcome of the Gram Sabha was the constitution of a Village Forest Rights Committee. Members of the committee received practical training on claim documentation, record maintenance and community participation to facilitate effective implementation of the Act at the grassroots level.
The Gram Sabha resolved to strengthen community participation in conserving forests, wildlife, wetlands, rivers and Himalayan glaciers while preserving Jammu and Kashmir’s pastoral traditions.
It also appreciated the support of the Jammu and Kashmir government, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Forest Minister and local representatives, for accelerating the implementation of the Forest Rights Act and supporting the rights of forest-dependent communities.
