Now Reading: Jammu and Kashmir speeds up Forest Rights Act claims
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Jammu and Kashmir speeds up Forest Rights Act claims
Jammu and Kashmir’s Tribal Affairs department will serve as the nodal agency for implementing the Forest Rights Act, 2006, Minister Javed Ahmed Rana announced on August 1, 2026. The Forest Department has…
The Story in Brief
Jammu and Kashmir’s Tribal Affairs department will serve as the nodal agency for implementing the Forest Rights Act, 2006, Minister Javed Ahmed Rana announced on August 1, 2026. The Forest Department has been told to follow the prescribed process before issuing eviction notices. Forest dwellers should not be evicted before their claims are recognised and verified.
A three-member Project Monitoring Unit has been formed, and deputy commissioners have been asked to clear pending cases. The government stressed the Gram Sabha’s statutory role in receiving and forwarding claims. The move follows tensions over eviction drives in parts of Jammu, including Sunjwan, Bathindi, Raika and Sidhra, and protests by BJP legislators.
The Indian Opinion
The decision may make the claims process clearer for forest-dwelling communities. Faster action is useful, but verification must remain careful and transparent. Claims of harassment and political conflict need independent evidence rather than sweeping statements. Authorities should apply the law consistently and protect eligible residents, while ensuring the Act does not legitimise new encroachments. Details of individual cases remain limited.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
