The District Level committee approved Community & individual rights under Forest Rights Act, 2006, to Nagaroothu I, Nagaroothu II, & Chinnarpathi tribal settlements in ATR, Tamil nadu.
About Forest Rights Act, 2006
- Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition Of Forest Rights) Act, popularly known as FRA was enacted in 2006.
- Objective: To undo historical injustice occurred to forest dwelling communities; ensure their livelihood & food security etc.
Key Features
- Forest Rights Recognized Under FRA:
- Individual Rights: Rights of Self-cultivation & Habitation, In-situ rehabilitation etc.
- Community Rights: Grazing, Fishing & access to Water bodies in forests, right to intellectual property & traditional knowledge, right to protect traditional customary rights etc.
- Eligibility: Rights can be claimed by any member or community that has for at least three generations (75 years) before the 13th day of December 2005 lived in the forest.
- Critical wildlife habitats: It provides that critical wildlife habitats of National Parks & Sanctuaries must remain inviolate for wildlife conservation.
Authorities for vesting forest rights
- Gram Sabha: Authority to initiate process for determining nature & extent of individual/community forest rights.
- Sub-Divisional Level Committee: Constituted by state government examines resolution passed by Gram Sabha.
- District Level Committee: Final approval of forest rights.
Challenges (Xaxa Committee)
- Arbitrary Claim Rejections, No Deadlines for Claims, Rights of those displaced by development projects remain unaddressed etc.