GULMARG, SEPTEMBER 14 (KNS) : An Awareness and Facilitation Programme on the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, was held at Botapathri, Gulmarg, on Monday, with the participation of tribal community members, Forest Rights Committees (FRCs), tribal representatives, forest officials and representatives of various government departments.

The programme was held under the chairmanship of Saurabh Sharma, IFS, Conservator of Forests, Kashmir Srinagar Circle.

Among those present were Feroz Ahmad Chaket, JKFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Tangmarg, Range Officer Gulmarg, Range Officer Wildlife, members of various FRCs, tribal representatives from Special Forest Division Tangmarg and officials from concerned government departments.

During the interaction, DFO Tangmarg briefed the participants about various provisions and aspects of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, including the rights and duties of Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs), the procedure for submission and verification of claims, and the role of Forest Rights Committees in implementing the Act.

The Conservator of Forests, Kashmir Srinagar Circle, heard the grievances, concerns and issues raised by tribal representatives, FRC members and other stakeholders regarding the implementation of the FRA.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The participants raised issues related to the recognition and settlement of forest rights, documentation, verification of claims and facilitation of the process at the field level.

Addressing the gathering, the Conservator of Forests assured the participants of all possible assistance and facilitation from the Forest Department to ensure the proper and transparent implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

He stressed the need for proper submission of claims along with requisite documents, records and supporting evidence so that genuine claims could be processed effectively in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

The programme also emphasised the importance of close coordination among the Forest Department, District Administration, Gram Sabhas, FRCs and other concerned departments to ensure a fair, transparent and time-bound process for the recognition and settlement of genuine forest rights.

The interaction provided an important platform for direct engagement between the tribal community and the authorities, enabling participants to seek clarification regarding the provisions of the FRA and place their concerns before the concerned officials.(KNS)