SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has issued new directives aimed at expediting the resolution of pending forest rights claims and enforcing stringent measures against illegal occupation of forest land, in accordance with prevailing laws.
These directives were communicated through Circular No. 07-JK(FST) of 2026, dated August 11, from the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, signed by Commissioner/Secretary Sheetal Nanda, IAS.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Deputy Commissioners, serving as chairpersons of District Level Committees under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), have been instructed to ensure the prompt processing and decision-making of all pending claims by the designated authorities, adhering strictly to the established legal procedures.
The government emphasized that the conservation of forest resources and the acknowledgment of genuine rights belonging to forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers must be undertaken within the existing statutory framework. This includes adherence to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, as it applies to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
The circular also mandates that the Forest Department conduct thorough verifications of reported encroachments on forest land. This process involves scrutinizing forest and revenue records, assessing land classification, determining the nature and extent of occupation, the duration of such occupation, the identity and eligibility of claimants, corroborating evidence, and assessing the actual ground situation.
Authorities have been directed to reconcile forest and revenue records and undertake demarcation of land where necessary to prevent misidentification, overlapping claims, and unauthorised occupation. Crucially, any such reconciliation or demarcation activities must not negatively impact claims currently pending under the Forest Rights Act.
The administration has clarified that if an occupation is determined to be unauthorised and does not fall under a forest right recognised by the FRA or otherwise protected by law, relevant Forest authorities are required to initiate appropriate legal action for prevention or removal of the encroachment.
Such actions are to be carried out in compliance with the Indian Forest Act, 1927, other relevant statutes, and prescribed procedures, while giving due consideration to Section 4(5) of the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
Furthermore, the circular stipulates that the existing character and ecological integrity of forest areas must be preserved during the pendency of FRA claims. No activities that alter the physical status of forest land, degrade forest resources, damage forest growth, or otherwise compromise forest protection and conservation efforts are to be permitted.
The Forest Department has also been tasked with providing essential support to Gram Sabhas, Sub-Divisional Level Committees, District Level Committees, and other authorities involved in the verification and settlement process of forest rights claims.
Any claims or proposed activities concerning protected areas or ecologically sensitive zones will undergo detailed examination under the Forest Rights Act, the Indian Forest Act, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, applicable environmental laws, judicial directives, and other pertinent statutory requirements.
District Level Committees have been instructed to meticulously maintain and update records pertaining to forest rights claims. Simultaneously, Territorial Forest Divisions are directed to keep comprehensive records of all unauthorised occupations, claims received, accepted, and rejected, pending cases, areas where rights have been vested, and actions taken against encroachments.
The government has also mandated the reconciliation of these records, where required, with those maintained by the Revenue Department and other relevant government departments.
The circular reiterates that all operations concerning forest land, encroachments, and forest rights must strictly conform to applicable laws, judicial pronouncements, and directives issued by competent authorities.
All concerned officials have been directed to ensure rigorous adherence to these guidelines, with the dual objectives of safeguarding forest resources and ensuring that the legitimate claims of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers are addressed within the established legal framework.
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