Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 28: The Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 recently extended to J&K will not only boost the cultural practices of tribes and traditional forest dwellers but will transform lives of lakhs of people of nomadic tribes who live in forests of J&K since centuries.
This was stated by tribal researcher, Dr. Javaid Rahi while interacting with tribal groups during awareness programmes organized for Gujjar-Bakerwal community.
During these programmes, demonstrations were given to Gujjar-Bakerwal community members to file claims (both individual and community claims) on forest land which they inherit since centuries.
Rahi stated that rights conferred under FRA to tribal and other traditional forest dwellers shall be heritable but not alienable or transferable.
“A tribal will have no right to sell or sublet any such land to anyone within or outside the tribe, after getting rights under FRA,” Rahi maintained.
He also said that FRA implementation will not only end harassments of tribal people but will provide them a sense of confidence and responsibility.
Rahi impressed upon the tribal elders that they should be ready with at least two proofs of their possession on forest land dating back 2005, when FRA was implemented in other States of India.
He further said that the other eligibility is that livelihood must be dependent on forest only.
“Migratory tribes/groups should apply under both individual rights/community rights on pastures, dhoks etc,” Rahi said adding, now tribal are not only entitled for ownership right on forests but they are also eligible to cultivate, use minor forest produce except timber, access to water resources besides they will now have grazing rights on forest lands as well.
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