FRA isn’t a favor—it’s the rightful claim of those who’ve lived on this land for generations

The Himalaya Niti Abhiyan has written to Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi, and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, urging the immediate implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in the state to protect farmers and tribal communities from eviction from forest/revenue lands.

Current Efforts & Appreciation

The Himalaya Niti Abhiyan acknowledges the state government’s recent efforts to implement the FRA and particularly commends Tribal and Revenue Minister Shri Jagat Singh Negi for his proactive steps. The organization pledges full support from social activists and grassroots organizations to ensure the law is enforced fairly.

Background: Why Farmers Face Eviction

For years, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has been hearing cases against “encroachments” on forest/revenue land, repeatedly ordering evictions—most recently in January 2025. However, these orders ignore historical and legal complexities:

1. 1968: The “Nai Tod” policy allotted farmers up to 20 bighas of forest land for cultivation.
2. 1980: The Forest Conservation Act halted allotments mid-process, leaving thousands without legal titles.
3. 2002: A BJP government regularization scheme backfired—1.62 lakh applicants were branded “encroachers” instead of being granted rights.
4. Dam Displacements: Families displaced by Bhakra, Pong, and other dams resettled on forest land—now deemed illegal occupants.

Today, over 3 lakh families are labeled “encroachers” in official records. If all disputed land is measured, 80% of Himachal’s farmers could lose their homes and livelihoods.

Legal Conflict

While courts order evictions under:

• HP Public Premises Act, 1971
• Land Revenue Act, 1954

The Supreme Court’s 2013 judgment (Orissa Mining Corp vs. MOEF) mandates that no evictions can occur until FRA claims are verified. The FRA, a central law, overrides state laws and grants rights to tribal and traditional forest dwellers who occupied land before December 13, 2005.

Key Demands

1. Immediate moratorium on evictions until FRA claims are processed.
2. Mass awareness campaigns to help villagers file claims.
3. Fast-track committees to resolve pending cases.
4. Joint task force of government and civil society (including Him Lok Jagriti Manch, Him Dhara, Kisan Sangathans) to ensure justice.

Guman Singh, Coordinator, Himalaya Niti Abhiyan

“The FRA isn’t a favor—it’s the rightful claim of those who’ve lived on this land for generations. We urge the government to act before more families are uprooted.”

#ForestRights #SaveHimachalFarmers #LandJustice