Training on Forest Rights Act conducted for Forest Guards

Training on Forest Rights Act conducted for Forest Guards

Jammu  : ..... A two days training and capacity building programme for forest guards on implementation of Forest Rights Act, 2006 was inaugurated today by Dr. Mohit Gera, IFS  Pr. Chief Conservator of Forests & HoFF, J&K Forest Department at Forest Information Centre, Jammu.

While speaking on the occasion Dr. Gera gave a detailed account of different aspects of implementation of Forest Rights Act in the field and role of front line staff especially the forest guards in its smooth implementation. He gave a historical perspective on evolution of recognition of rights of forest dwellers and talked about Nature and Extent of Forest Rights and the forest dwellers who are eligible to claim such rights. The key role of Gram Sabha and duties of Forest Rights Committee was also explained in detail. He further informed that Forest Department is playing a facilitating role in smooth implementation of FRA by way of provisioning of records/ maps and providing assistance in field verification. He also spoke about the procedures and processes to be attended by the different Committees including District, Sub Divisional level and Forest Rights Committees at the level of Gram Sabha. The session also covered forest rights at individual, family and at community level which can be claimed by forest dwelling scheduled tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. A pamphlet on implementation of FRA was also released.

The programme was attended by Sh. Sandeep Kujur, APCCF (WPR&T), Dr. Balaji, IFS, I/c CCF (Projects and Planning), Sh. Irfan Ali Shah, IFS, CF (WPR&T), Principals and faculty of all the three Forestry Training Schools. About 100 Forest Guard trainees participated in this training programme. Sh. Naresh Majotra, Principal Forest Guard Training School, Doomi coordinated the programme.