Communities Stand United: Himachal’s Grassroots Groups Demand Protection of Forest Rights
In a powerful show of unity, over 20 community organisations, Gram Sabhas, and civil society groups from across Himachal Pradesh have come together to urge the state government to defend the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, in the wake of recent High Court-directed eviction orders.
In a memorandum submitted to top state officials, including the Chief Secretary, the coalition emphasized that the FRA is a central law that takes precedence over older legislations like the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. They warned that ignoring this legal framework could lead to the unlawful eviction of thousands of forest-dependent families.
While the Tribal Development Department (TDD) had earlier acknowledged that central law prevails, it also stated that eviction orders must be followed unless stayed by higher courts. Activists have called this stance contradictory and deeply concerning, accusing the department of failing in its duty to protect vulnerable communities.
Citing Section 4(5) of the FRA, which clearly prohibits evictions until all claims are settled, the groups said fear and uncertainty are spreading among forest dwellers—even those still waiting for their land titles. “The responsibility lies squarely with the state government,” said Jiya Lal Negi of the Zila Van Adhikar Sangarsh Samiti, Kinnaur.
Calling the moment a “test of accountability,” the coalition laid out three urgent demands:
- Defend the FRA in court.
- Ensure no evictions take place until due process is completed.
- Speed up the implementation of FRA across all districts.
“The law is clear,” said Guman Singh of Himalaya Niti Abhiyan. “The government must stand by it and ensure no community is stripped of its constitutional protections.”
The memorandum has been endorsed by groups from Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Chamba, Sirmaur, and others, including Himdhara Collective, Lahaul Van Adhikar Manch, Spiti Civil Society, and Himalaya Bachao Samiti.
As civil society leaders put it, the credibility of the government now rests on its response. “Promises of full-scale FRA implementation mean little if people continue to live under the threat of eviction,” said Jagdish Katoch of Lahaul Van Adhikar Manch.
