Baddi to form forest rights panels in all panchayats

Tasked with recognising and vesting forest rights of forest-dwelling communities, officials in the Baddi subdivision are expediting the formation of Forest Rights Committees in all panchayats under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

These committees are instrumental in verifying and processing claims for individual and community rights over forest land, including rights to reside, cultivate, graze, collect minor forest produce and conserve forest resources. The committees are elected by the gram sabha and consist of 10 to 15 members, with at least two-thirds from Scheduled Tribes and one-third women.

“Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers residing in forests for at least three generations before December 13, 2005, are eligible to claim these rights. No claim can be accepted without the Gram Sabha’s No Objection Certificate,” said Baddi SDM Vivek Mahajan.

Of the 244 required committees in the Baddi subdivision, 199 have already been formed. The SDM, who recently reviewed the progress in a meeting, has directed officials to complete the remaining within 90 days.

The committees conduct field verification, collect supporting evidence and facilitate gram sabha meetings for approval of claims. Field functionaries, including patwaris, assist in verifying land records and demarcating claimed areas to support the process.

Communities like the Gujjars, who have historically dwelled in forests, stand to benefit significantly from the recognition of their rights in regions like Baddi and Sirmaur. The aim is to empower forest dwellers to sustainably use and manage resources without granting ownership of the land.