J&K government issues fresh forest rights directives, orders encroachment removal

The Story in Brief

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has issued fresh directives to streamline forest rights claims while cracking down on unauthorised occupation of forest land. The circular from the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department insists on strict compliance with the Indian Forest Act, 1927, and the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

Deputy Commissioners must expedite pending claims and reconcile forest and revenue records to avoid overlapping claims. Where occupation is unauthorised and not covered by a recognised right, forest authorities must initiate removal. Pending claim determination, the ecological integrity of the area shall be protected. The directive follows a July 30 communication from the Tribal Affairs Department on settling pending claims.