Pulwama, Aug 25 (KNO): Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment and Jal Shakti Javed Ahmad Rana on Tuesday said the Jammu and Kashmir government has initiated concrete measures for the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, across the Union Territory, with dedicated mechanisms being put in place at the district level.
Speaking to reporters after attending a Tribal Convention on the Forest Rights Act at Sangernwani in Rajpora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, Rana said the implementation of the FRA would ensure that the rights of eligible forest-dwelling communities are formally recognised and protected, describing the legislation as an important step towards strengthening the socio-economic security of tribal communities.
The minister, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the Tribal Affairs Department, which is the nodal department for implementation of the Act in Jammu and Kashmir, has already issued the requisite notification and is working towards ensuring its implementation in “letter and spirit”.
“The Forest Rights Act should have been implemented much earlier. Now the Tribal Affairs Department, being the nodal department, has issued the notification and steps are being taken for its implementation in letter and spirit,” Rana said.
He said FRA cells have been constituted in all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, while 20 appointments have already been made to facilitate the implementation process and ensure that grievances and claims of eligible beneficiaries are dealt with appropriately.
Rana said the government would focus on ensuring that the benefits of the legislation reach the intended beneficiaries without unnecessary delays, while maintaining transparency throughout the process.
He also appealed to all stakeholders, particularly members of tribal communities, to cooperate with the administration and refrain from allowing vested interests to derail the implementation process.
“Some people are trying to exploit the issue. I want to tell them to give their time and support for proper implementation,” he said.
The minister said Jammu and Kashmir had witnessed important measures concerning the rights of people over land and natural resources.
He described the granting of land rights during the tenure of Sheikh Abdullah as an important step for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, while saying that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had taken another significant step by facilitating the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
Filtration plants in these areas were being strengthened to improve the quality and reliability of drinking-water supplies, he added.
Rana said various works under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) were also progressing and that the first instalments for the schemes had already been released, while the government was expecting the release of the second instalment soon.
“I thank Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his personal efforts in meeting the concerned Jal Shakti Minister. Following that intervention, some payment was released, while we are expecting the remaining amount soon,” he said.
Rana said the government remained committed to strengthening essential infrastructure in tribal and upper areas and ensuring that development schemes are implemented effectively on the ground—(KNO)