Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 24: A workshop on “Understanding Forest Rights Act” was today organised by Environmental Policy Group (EPG), wherein former Advisor to Governor, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai was chief guest.
The ‘Forest Rights Act-2006’ recognises the rights of the forest dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers to forest resources, on which these communities are dependent for a variety of needs, including livelihood, habitation and other socio-cultural needs.
At the outset of the workshop, Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat-a social activist and senior member of Environmental Policy Group gave a detailed presentation about the challenges being faced by the forest dwellers in spite of this available legislation, while Owais Mir, DFO Sindh Forest Division Ganderbal and Mudasir Mehmood Malik Project Coordinator, WUCMA also gave detailed presentations about the subject matter and highlighted the essence of the Act.
Prof Geetanjoy Sahu from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) also participated in the workshop virtually from Mumbai.
On the occasion, Chairman Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization, Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo appreciated the role of EPG and expressed his deepest gratitude for conducting such an insightful session, whereas Wangnoo also highlighted the role of retrieving water bodies and restoring their pristine glory.
Convener EPG Faiz Bakshi moderated the event, Ajaz Rasool, Superintending Engineer (Retd), Syed Nasarullah Chairman Legal Committee EPG, Mushtaq Ahmad Lone RTI Movement senior member, Syed Adil, Adv Badrul Dujja, Shakir Mushtaq and Mudasir Yatoo also spoke on the occasion.
Khurshid Ahmad Ganai stressed on forest conservation and said that forest and tribal developments must work in tandem and genuine people must get the rights and illegitimate people should not get the benefits of this act.
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