Shimla DC grants forest rights to villages under Dodra Kwar

Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap today chaired a special meeting under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, and granted recognition of forest rights under the Act for villages in the Dodra Kwar area. The villages include Jakha, Kitwada, Jiskun, Dhandwari, Pandar, Ashanda, Dodra Doyam, Dodra Abbal, and Chanaun. Additionally, the DC also granted FRA approval for the construction of ambulance roads in Kuftadhar in Ruldu Bhata Ward in Shimla, from PWD road to Verma Apartment and for the office of the Department of Industries.

The DC said this law recognises the rights of communities living in forests. It is also known as the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. “The law aims to address the historical injustice faced by these communities, who have been dependent on the forests for various needs, including livelihood, habitation, and other socio-cultural requirements,” he said.