SRINAGAR: A significant public consultation on forest rights, held in Kangan, Ganderbal district, has culminated in the unanimous adoption of the “Kangan Declaration.” The declaration calls for the immediate, transparent, and effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the consultation was organized by the Forest Rights Coalition Jammu and Kashmir (FRC-J&K). It brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including members of tribal communities, forest dwellers, civil society representatives, youth leaders, former Panchayat members, environmental activists, and grassroots stakeholders from various parts of Central Kashmir.
Participants engaged in extensive discussions concerning the current status of the Forest Rights Act’s implementation within Jammu and Kashmir. Key aspects of the dialogue included the challenges confronting forest-dependent communities and the critical need to fortify grassroots institutions, with a particular emphasis on Gram Sabhas.
Prominent attendees at the meeting included Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool, Founder and Chairman of FRC-J&K; Convenor Zahid Parwaz Choudhary; community leaders Ikram Bajran, Bashir Ahmad Terwah, Advocate Sajad Kasana; former BDC Chairman Kangan Yousuf Poswal; Atta Mohammad; Mohammad Younis; Shahida Parveen; and numerous other social and community leaders.
Dr. Rasool, addressing the assembly, characterized the Forest Rights Act as a pivotal piece of social justice and environmental governance legislation. He emphasized that its primary aim is to rectify historical injustices faced by communities residing in forest areas.
He noted that despite the Act’s extension to Jammu and Kashmir, its implementation has proceeded at a slow and often fragmented pace. Dr. Rasool stressed that effective conservation strategies and the recognition of community rights must advance in tandem, asserting that forests are most effectively safeguarded when local populations are empowered as their custodians.
Furthermore, Dr. Rasool highlighted the crucial role of Gram Sabhas in the effective implementation of the Act. He stated that these community institutions require substantial empowerment to accurately identify, protect, conserve, and manage traditional forest resources.
Addressing the environmental pressures prevalent in the Himalayan region, he suggested that robust community-based forest governance mechanisms could significantly contribute to biodiversity preservation, watershed protection, disaster risk reduction, carbon sequestration, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods.
Zahid Parwaz Choudhary, Convenor of FRC-J&K, conveyed his concern regarding the protracted delays in the Act’s implementation. He urged for enhanced accountability among the agencies responsible for its execution.
Choudhary underscored that the Forest Rights Act is a legally binding statute and that ongoing implementation delays continue to deprive forest-dependent families of justice as they await the formal recognition of their rights.
He also emphasized the necessity for comprehensive awareness campaigns and robust institutional preparedness. Choudhary called upon government departments to actively facilitate the implementation process, conduct outreach programs, and ensure the transparent adjudication of forest rights claims.
During the consultation, participants representing various villages shared firsthand accounts of their experiences with forest rights claims. They articulated the difficulties encountered in accessing essential information and securing institutional support. Several speakers pointed out that despite the existing legal framework, communities continue to face substantial barriers in obtaining the recognition of their rights.
Former BDC Chairman Yousuf Poswal and other community leaders reiterated the urgent need for accelerated implementation of the Act and for increased public participation in forest governance structures.
Following extensive deliberations, the consultation unanimously adopted the Kangan Declaration. This declaration is slated for submission to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministers for Tribal Affairs, Forest, Ecology and Environment, and Jal Shakti, in addition to the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Kangan and the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal.
The declaration outlines three principal demands for the government. It calls for the full autonomy and decision-making authority of Gram Sabhas, as envisioned under the Forest Rights Act. Secondly, it advocates for the establishment of accountability mechanisms to ensure adherence to FRA provisions and to expedite implementation. Thirdly, it requests the inclusion of experts and representatives from the Forest Rights Coalition and community organizations in relevant advisory and monitoring bodies.
The consultation concluded with a collective pledge to reinforce grassroots awareness initiatives, support community-led conservation efforts, and maintain consistent democratic advocacy for the implementation of forest rights throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
Participants firmly stated that forests are integral to sustaining livelihoods, cultures, biodiversity, and climate resilience. They added that conservation endeavors would yield more effective outcomes if communities were recognized as equitable partners in forest governance.
The Forest Rights Coalition J&K reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with communities, civil society groups, researchers, policymakers, and government institutions to ensure the thorough implementation of the Forest Rights Act for all eligible forest-dwelling families and communities across the Union Territory.
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