Activists and experts threw light on aspects of Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006, its historical background and its application in the present perspective at a media advocacy workshop organised by the Himalayan Jankalyan Evam Bal Vikas Samiti (HIMVKAS) in Dehradun on Monday.
Forest rights consultant Hem Gairola, while focussing on FRA in Uttarakhand's context, elaborated on the specific concerns especially for the people dependent on forests. Describing the Van Gujjar community, he said that they were first settled by the Government itself but after the formation of the State, they are facing problems. He also mentioned the plight of the Tongia community which is facing discrimination in various forms. He appreciated the FRA as it is a legal provision for acquiring forest rights.
Karan Singh, from ARPAN, Pithoragarh who works in the Bhoomi Vistaar project with the Van Raji community shared their success story of 48 land reclaims. Describing the initial phase of intervention, he said that people were unaware of Forest Rights Committee or its membership. Concerted efforts were put in to activate the FRC and then starting the process of filing land claims.
Forest activist Munnilal pointed out the positive aspects of the FRA and highlighted that this mission will be successful only if the community people are made aware of this Act. He also informed the participants that the process of formation of Forest Right Committees in villages needs to be given attention after the Panchayat Election.
Freelance journalist and educationalist Virendra Painuli, highlighted the plight of forest dependent communities stating that they would find it hard to relate to the forests with their natural water sources have dried out and access to herbs and medicinal plants being restricted. Another critical issue of increase in forest land and decrease in civil land was also raised by Painuli who also pointed out that forest land is rarely given for education or other social purposes.
Deliberating on a planned strategy for future intervention, participants suggested postcard campaign, Tehsil level meetings with the Government officials concerned and raising village level awareness on FRA and Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC). Gairola suggested that all the five tribes of the State need to unite on a platform to assert their right. He also warned of potential conflict between tribals and non-tribals due to the discriminatory official procedures. Participants also stressed on the need for sensitising politicians on the issue and strengthening of the Bhoomi Adhikar Manch to bring together all the five tribes of Uttarakhand on one platform and act as a pressure group. Social activist Gangadhar Dangwal, HIMVKAS project coordinator Yogesh Kumar and others were also present on the occasion.