SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has introduced new guidelines to ensure that forest conservation efforts are harmonized with the statutory rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers, as mandated by the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
The Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment issued Circular No. 07-JK(FST) of 2026, instructing all relevant departments and authorities to meticulously adhere to the provisions of the Forest Rights Act, Indian Forest Act, Wildlife (Protection) Act, and other applicable environmental legislation when addressing matters concerning forest land, encroachments, and claims related to forest rights.
The Chenab Times has learned that the government emphasizes a dual approach, advocating for simultaneous pursuit of forest conservation and the recognition of legitimate rights belonging to forest-dependent communities. All claims are to be resolved through the established legal processes.
Under the revised directives, forest authorities are required to investigate the status and classification of any reported forest land occupation. This verification process includes examining forest and revenue records, assessing the extent and nature of the occupation, and evaluating evidence and claims presented by the occupants, particularly those filed under the Forest Rights Act.
Furthermore, authorities have been directed to reconcile forest and revenue records and conduct proper land demarcation where necessary. This measure aims to prevent erroneous identification, overlapping claims, and unauthorized occupation. However, any ongoing verification or demarcation activities will not impact claims currently pending under the Forest Rights Act.
The guidelines also stipulate that any unauthorized occupation not covered by a recognized forest right or otherwise legally protected must be addressed strictly in accordance with the prevailing legislation and prescribed procedures.
Concurrently, the administration has made it clear that pending the determination of claims under the Forest Rights Act, the existing ecological integrity and forest character of the affected areas must be preserved. The circular explicitly states, “No activity shall be permitted that alters the physical status of the land, causes degradation of forest resources, damages forest growth or otherwise prejudices the protection and conservation of forests.”
The Forest Department is also tasked with providing necessary support to the Gram Sabhas, Sub-Divisional Level Committees, and District Level Committees that are involved in the verification and settlement of forest rights claims.
Any proposed activities or claims concerning protected areas or ecologically sensitive zones will undergo a rigorous examination, taking into account the Forest Rights Act, wildlife and environmental laws, judicial directives, and other statutory requirements.
The government reiterated that the Indian Forest Act provides the foundational framework for the protection, preservation, and management of forests. In parallel, the Forest Rights Act establishes the mechanism for formally recognizing and granting eligible forest rights to Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
This initiative follows a similar circular, No. 01-JK TAD of 2026, issued by the Tribal Affairs Department on July 30, which also outlined the procedure for settling claims of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
Javed Rana, the Forest Minister, stated that the rights of tribal communities and the imperative of forest conservation must advance in tandem. “The basic rights of our tribal communities cannot be compromised. Forest conservation and the legitimate rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers must go hand in hand, with every action guided by law, fairness and justice,” Rana said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to both safeguarding forests and upholding the rights and dignity of forest-dependent communities.
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