BuzzBytes SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 23:* Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo has emphasized the closure of all pending claims under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, in a meeting with district administrations. The Chief Secretary urged authorities to resolve these claims on merit within a month, emphasizing the act’s objective of empowering tribal forest-dwelling communities.
The meeting, attended by Principal Secretary, Forests, and other officials, focused on reviewing the progress made in the verification and granting of rights to forest dwellers. Dulloo instructed Deputy Commissioners to certify the verification and settlement of claims within the specified timeframe, making this task a time-bound initiative.
Underlining the significance of the Forest Rights Act, Principal Secretary, Forests, Dheeraj Gupta, highlighted its provisions, recognizing and vesting the rights of occupation on forest lands by Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs). The act provides for Individual Forest Rights (IFRs) and Community Forest Rights (CFRs).
As per the latest updates, 5701 titles have been issued, and 45282 cases have been processed across the districts of the UT. The remaining 471 cases are expected to be settled shortly, making J&K among the foremost states/UTs in the country to implement the act effectively
