ANANTNAG: One day sensitization cum capacity building programme on Forest Rights Act 2006 was held at Dakbanglow Anantnag today, here. Arvind Kumar Jha, former Commissioner, Tribal Research Training Institute, Pune Maharashtra presided over the session. He appraised the gathering about his valuable experience and expertise on the subject.
During the session, the main provisions of the act like eligibility, responsibility, sustainability, etc were discussed threadbare. Detailed deliberations on formation of Forest Rights Committees and processing of FRA claims were held with officers of concerned departments including revenue, forest and rural development.
The former commissioner discussed case studies from other parts of the country and enlightened the gathering about the usual hurdles faced during implementation of the Act besides their timely and apt solutions.
Jha impressed on the gathering that balanced development ensures conservation of forests while at the same time recognizing and safeguarding rights guaranteed to scheduled tribes and other forest dwelling tribes are the way forward. He laid emphasis on sustainable development and the need to prevent misuse of provisions contained in the act.
On the occasion, the commissioner interacted with PRI members besides the field functionaries of various departments. He gave a patient hearing to their issues and clarified their doubts regarding implementation and coverage of the act.
The programme was also attended by ADC Gulzar Ahmad, DFO Lidder Division Bijbehara, DFO Anantnag, ACR, SDMs, BDOs and other officials.

KR Desk