Good News for Families Living on Forest Land in Himachal Pradesh
People living on forest land in Himachal Pradesh have a reason to rejoice. The state government is set to regularize the possession of forest land held by families for three generations before December 13, 2005. This means that claimants can now officially own up to 50 bighas of forest land. According to the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006, members of Scheduled Tribes and other categories who have been primarily residing on forest land for at least three generations before December 13, 2005, and depend on the forest for their livelihood, will be granted land rights.
Revenue, Horticulture, Tribal Development, and Public Grievances Redressal Minister Jagat Singh Negi shared that the FRA was approved by the President in 2006 during the UPA government’s tenure, and the Forest Rights Rules were implemented from January 1, 2008. The FRA calendar for 2025-26 provides detailed information about activities throughout the year. Workshops and guidelines will be conducted for officials in April and May.
How to Submit Your Claim
In June, Gram Sabhas will invite claims, and Forest Rights Committees will be authorized to receive them. Claims will be inspected at the field level by committee members and officials, and approved claims will be presented to the Sub-Divisional Level Committee. In July, the Sub-Divisional Level Committee will review claims and maps, and incomplete claims will be returned to the Gram Sabha. Eligible claims will be presented to the District Level Committee in August for final approval. Approved claims will receive forest rights leases, which will be recorded in the revenue records.
Second Phase of Claims
In September, new or pending claims will be re-examined and verified claims will be sent to the State Level Monitoring Committee for further action. In October, the second phase of claims will be reviewed and approved, and valid claims will be presented to the District Level Committee. In November, the District Level Committee will review and approve remaining claims. The Gram Sabha can invite claims at any time during the year. An FRA app and helpline number will be launched soon to expedite verification and claim processing.
Application Process
People living on forest land must apply using the prescribed form, approved by the Gram Sabha and with two witnesses. No additional costs will be incurred. The claimant must have held possession of the land for three generations before December 13, 2005. The application form must include the wife’s name, as she will be an equal partner. Scheduled Caste and Tribe members must provide certificates, while general category members must provide identification proof like voter ID or Aadhaar card. Two elderly witnesses will confirm the claimant’s possession of the land for three generations. If there is no revenue record, a self-made map can be submitted.
