Forests for the indigenous communities: Why Himachal Must Urgently Implement Forest Rights Act

For generations, Himachal’s indigenous communities – the Gaddis, Gujjars, and countless forest-dwelling families – have been the true guardians of our Himalayan forests. Yet today, thousands remain landless, unrecognized, and vulnerable. The Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 promised justice, but 17 years later, its implementation remains incomplete.

The Unfinished Revolution: Who’s Being Left Behind?

• Dam Displacement Victims: Families uprooted by Bhakra, Pong dams still await land rights after 60+ years
• Nautor Land Holders: Thousands live in legal limbo without proper settlement records
• Nomadic Pastoralists: Gaddi-Gujjar grazing rights remain unrecognized, threatening ancient livelihoods
• Landless Forest Dwellers: Over 3 lakh families lack legal status, excluded from welfare schemes

“My grandfather tended these forest lands. Now they call me encroacher.” – A Gaddi shepherd in Chamba

Why Current Efforts Are Falling Short

While the government’s campaign-mode implementation is commendable, critical gaps remain:

🚨 Training Failure: One-time workshops see <25% attendance, leaving Gram Sabhas unprepared
🚨 Departmental Silos: Forest, Revenue & Tribal departments work in isolation
🚨 Missing Expertise: No independent oversight in claim verification processes
🚨 Community Rights Ignored: Focus only on individual claims, neglecting CFR/CFRR

A 6-Point Roadmap for True Forest Justice

1. Expert Task Force: Include civil society groups like Himdhara, PHD in monitoring committees
2. Continuous Capacity Building: Replace one-time trainings with ongoing field support
3. Digital Tracking System: Transparent portal for pending claims (1.67 lakh since 2002!)
4. Pastoralist Rights Unit: Special cell for nomadic community claims
5. Community Forest Governance: Revive sacred groves (Devta Vans) with legal backing
6. Inter-Departmental War Room: Weekly coordination between Forest, Revenue, Tribal depts

Success Stories Waiting to Happen

The Act could:
✅ Regularize 60+ years of displacement
✅ Secure grazing routes before they’re lost to tourism projects
✅ Empower villages to protect forests better than any department
✅ Make HP a national model in participatory conservation

Himalaya Niti Abhiyan Urgent Appeal‘s

To the Himachal Government:
“Don’t let bureaucratic delays betray forest communities again. Set clear 6-month targets for:

• Displaced family settlements
• Pastoral rights documentation
• CFR recognition in 50% villages

The mountains remember who cared for them. It’s time the law did too.”

#ForestRightsNow #HimachalJustice #PeopleOverPapers