Himalayan Abhiyan urges swift implementation of Forest Act
Guman Singh, convener of the Himalayan Niti Abhiyan, has called for the immediate implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 in Himachal Pradesh to protect farmers from eviction. In a letter addressed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Singh urged the government to recognise and regularise the land rights of farmers who have occupied forest and revenue land for decades.
Singh acknowledged the efforts of the state government, particularly Tribal and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, in advancing the FRA implementation. He also highlighted the support of social activists and organisations working to safeguard the rights of indigenous people and traditional forest dwellers. Addressing the media, Singh emphasised that the issue of forest and revenue land occupation has persisted for years. The Himachal Pradesh High Court has repeatedly ordered the eviction of illegal land occupants, with the latest order in January 2025.
Historically, farmers were allotted land under the “Nau Tod” scheme introduced in 1968. However, the implementation of the Forest Conservation Act in 1980 halted land allocations, leaving many occupants in legal uncertainty. In 2002, the BJP government introduced rules to regularise illegal land occupations, but the process stalled, forcing many applicants into legal battles. Additionally, mass displacement due to projects like the Bhakra and Pong dams exacerbated the issue. Today, over 300,000 families in the state are officially considered illegal occupants.
Singh explained that existing laws prevent the government from regularising these occupations. However, the FRA provides a legal mechanism to grant land rights to those occupying forest or government land before December 13, 2005, for residential or livelihood needs. This provision, he stressed, is crucial for both tribal and non-tribal communities in Himachal Pradesh who have lived on forest land for generations.
To ensure fair implementation, the Himalayan Niti Abhiyan has proposed a statewide campaign under the leadership of the Tribal Affairs Minister, in collaboration with organisations advocating for the FRA. Singh called for a joint platform to facilitate dialogue between the government and civil society organisations, ensuring a transparent and just process for recognising forest rights.
He urged the state government to act promptly to uphold the rights of those residing on forest land, preventing further displacement and securing their livelihoods.
