Ensure implementation of provisions of Forest Rights Act in letter & spirit: DC Pulwama

Pulwama: In order to ensure effective implementation of provisions of Forest Rights Act in the district, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom on Tuesday convened a meeting of concerned officers at DC office, here.
The DC was briefed in detail about the action taken regarding implementation of Forest Rights Act in the district and procedures adopted in the Forest Rights Act vis-a-vis formation of Gram Sabha, Sub Divisional level and District level Committees to recognize and vest the forest rights to the forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers.
During the meeting, DC was apprised that in Tral Forest Division all the 26 cases under FRA Act stands disposed-off and there are zero pending claims either at Gram Sabha or DLC. Similarly, in the Romshi Forest Division out of 36 cases received under FRA Act, 9 have been rejected and 26 cases have been sent back to DLC for completion of formalities.
The DC impressed upon the members to ensure thorough verification of the claims as per guidelines. He directed for submitting the claims received so far to DLCs after verification. He also stressed fixing a particular day for the District Level Committee to decide the claims.
Dr Basharat stressed that the major role for expediting the disposal of pending cases lies with Forest, Revenue and Rural development departments. Coordination between these departments and proper awareness is a prerequisite in conducting Special Gram Sabhas to settle pending issues, he emphasized.
The officers were further directed to ensure welfare measures for the tribal/nomadic population are taken up to improve their education, health, livelihood and overall wellbeing.
The meeting was attended by Addl. Dy. Commissioner Tral/Pulwama, DFO Shopian/Pulwama, DPO, ACP and Block Development Officers Ichgooze, Aripal, Tral and Dadsara.