Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 22: Noted tribal researcher, Dr Javaid Rahi today said that the Central Forest Right Act -2006 extended to Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir through ‘Reorgani-zation Act 2019’ passed by Parliament of India in August this year, will largely change the socio-economic profile of Gujjars, Bakerwals and other forest dweller including Gaddi and Sippis.
While presiding over a programme organised by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation- a frontal organisation of nomads, held here today, Dr Javaid Rahi said that Forest Rights Act extended to Jammu and Kashmir will have multiple , forereaching and positive impact on tribal economy and livelihood of Gujjars, Bakerwals and Gaddis – the major dwellers and conservators of forests.
“The Act gave back to traditional forest dwellers their rights to freely access, independently manage and govern forest lands and all other resources related to forests, which had been controlled by the Forest Department of erstwhile State of J&K , prior to October 31, 2019, the date of implementation of Reorganis-ation Act, 2019 in J&K” Dr Rahi said .
He said that through this legislation the rights extend to tribes of Jammu Kashmir by Parliament includes, ownership and title rights to land, subject to a maximum of 4 hectares, use rights/ grazing rights to tribes, use of pastoralist route to minor forest produce (also including ownership) , right to rehabilitation in case of illegal eviction or forced displacement, relief and development rights for basic amenities, subject to restrictions for forest protection, protection Rights and forest management rights to protect forests and wildlife. The eligibility for ‘Forest Rights’ is confined to those who “primarily reside in forests” or who “depend on forests and forest land for their livelihood.
Other speakers demanded rapid implementation of Forest Right Act 2006 to UT as it is already late by 12 year as it is extended to all the States since 2006. “It will empower the village committees to govern community forest resources and to democratize forest governance by securing rights of Tribes of Jammu and Kashmir”, they said
Those who spoke, included Ishtiaq Ahmad, Qasam Choudhary, Zulkar, Sadaqat Ali, Mohammad Did, Ali Choudhary and others.
Follow our WhatsApp channel