Gram Sabhas can play significant role in implementing Forest Rights Act: Expert

JAMMU: Gram Sabhas can play vital role in proper implementation of Forest Rights Act-2006.
This was stated by Prof K.C Agnihotri, Vice Chancellor of Central University of Himachal Pradesh while addressing an online activity organized by Literary Circle, an online platform (Facebook) conceived and created by a team hailing from Pir Panjal Region of J&K comprising research scholars and faculty members of Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad. Invited Expert, Prof Agnihotri while dispensing information through a lecture module titled 'Understanding Forest Rights Act' gave insightful overview of the aforesaid Act and discussed various means to ensure its implementation in letter and spirit. During the course of lecture, the expert from Central University of Himachal Pradesh projected the significance which the Gujjars and Bakerwals besides other forest dwellers hold to ensure sustainability and protection of forest wealth, which in a way serve as lifeline for these communities. Making special reference to role of Gram Sabhas in better implementation of the aforesaid Act, Prof Agnihotri said that these Panchayati Raj Institutions at local level can act as torch bearer to safeguard the rights of forest dwellers especially in J&K. He also deliberated in detail the benefits of Forest Rights Act. It is pertinent to mention that the next lecture in the same series shall be delivered tomorrow at 8:00 PM. The invited expert for the lecture scheduled on January 28, 2021 is Zafar Chaudhary, senior journalist, policy analyst and a prolific writer. He will also deliver a lecture on the topic 'Understanding Forest rights act 2006'.