Forest Rights Act a gift from NC govt to J&K’s tribal communities: Minister Javed Rana

Javed Rana attends Tribal Convention on FRA at Pulwama; announces ₹2.75 crore for revamp of 14 water filtration plants

Pulwama, Aug 25: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Tuesday described the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 as a “gift” from the National Conference government to the tribal communities of Jammu & Kashmir, saying its effective implementation was essential for safeguarding their rights and improving livelihood opportunities.

Rana was addressing a Tribal Convention on the Forest Rights Act at Sangerwani in Rajpora, Pulwama, where he also interacted with locals and took stock of their grievances and development demands.

MLA Rajpora Ghulam Mohi ud din Mir, MLA Pampore Hasnain Masoodi, former legislator Mohd Khalil Bandh and officers from the district administration were present on the occasion.

The convention focused on creating greater awareness about the provisions of the Forest Rights Act and strengthening community participation in its implementation. Discussions were held on rights and entitlements under the legislation, the process of filing and verification of claims, and the role of Gram Sabhas and other stakeholders in ensuring eligible forest-dwelling tribal communities receive the rights guaranteed under the Act.

Addressing the gathering, Rana said the FRA was an important legislation aimed at recognising and securing the legitimate rights of Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers.

He stressed the need for sustained awareness and community outreach so that no eligible beneficiary was deprived of rights provided under the law.

“Awareness is the first step towards empowerment. We must ensure that every eligible tribal family is aware of its rights and has the necessary support to exercise those rights,” Rana said.

He said the Act provides a framework for recognising individual and community forest rights while enabling tribal communities to protect their cultural heritage, traditional livelihoods and customary relationship with forest resources.

Rana called for a balanced approach that promotes community empowerment alongside sustainable forest conservation. He also stressed convergence of forest rights with government schemes aimed at improving livelihoods, infrastructure, skill development and access to basic services.

During the convention, people from various areas raised sector-specific and development-related issues, including drinking water, healthcare, education and road connectivity.

Responding to drinking water concerns, Rana directed the concerned authorities to undertake the improvement and revamping of 14 water filtration plants in Rajpora constituency. He announced ₹2.75 crore for the work, aimed at strengthening water supply infrastructure and improving access to safe and quality drinking water.

The Minister also directed the Soil Conservation Department to prepare a Detailed Project Report worth around ₹1 crore for soil conservation and related development works in the Sangerwani area.

Rana said Sangerwani would be developed as a Forest Village under the provisions of the Forest Rights Act. He also said efforts would be made to bring the area on the tourism map and develop it as a model tribal tourism village showcasing its natural beauty, tribal heritage, culture and traditional way of life.

The locals also sought strengthening of healthcare and educational infrastructure, improvement of existing facilities, better public services and upgradation of road infrastructure, including repair of damaged stretches.

The Minister assured that the Government was committed to strengthening basic infrastructure and improving public services, with particular focus on reliable drinking water, healthcare, education and road connectivity.

He said public interactions provide valuable inputs for prioritising development works and ensuring that government initiatives reach people effectively.

Participants also shared their experiences and raised issues concerning recognition of forest rights, livelihood opportunities, access to government schemes and other development concerns.

Rana assured the participants that the genuine concerns raised during the convention would be examined and addressed through appropriate mechanisms.