Skip to main content

Joint Gram Sabha of four panchayats in J&K declares 200 sq km as community forest

By NGO Representative 

A joint Gram Sabha on Community Forest Rights was held on July 29th, 2023. The Panchayat Halqa's of Brenwar, Neego, and Jabbard came together to organize this significant event – a joint Gram Sabha on Community Forest Rights (CFR) under the Forest Rights Act-2006.
It was a remarkable display of unity and collective action in the region. It was evident that the communities of Brenwar, Neego, and Jabbard, along with their counterparts from other Panchayat Halqas, were deeply committed to the cause of conserving their local forests and preserving their natural heritage. The atmosphere during the proceedings was charged with enthusiasm and determination, as the participants recognized the significance of this event in securing their rights to the land they had cherished for generations.
With the resolution designating 200 square units of forest land as a community forest, the local community members felt empowered and elated to have gained ownership and management rights over this precious resource. This sabha reflected the co-existence and belongingness to the forests was embraced with a sense of pride and a strong sense of duty to protect and nurture the forests and all the valuable resources they harbored. The community members understood that this ownership would enable them to make decisions that aligned with their livelihoods, cultural practices, and deep-rooted traditions.
The commitment to conserving the forests, rangelands and mountains, along with the sustainable use of minor forest produce and forest foods, reflected the communities' understanding of the delicate balance that needed to be maintained between human activities and the natural environment. By acknowledging their role as stewards of these lands, the local population demonstrated their genuine concern for promoting biodiversity and mitigating the adverse impacts of deforestation and environmental degradation.
The presence of dignitaries like Mr. Nazir Ahmed Chowdhary, Vice-chairman DDC council Budgam, and Ms. Kulsuma Bano, BDC Chairperson of Suresyar, as the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour, respectively, added prestige to the event and affirmed the significance of the cause being pursued. Sarpanch Jadden Mohammad Aslam Khan and FRC Chairperson Jadden, Sarpanch and FRC Chairperson Ladden, Sarpanch and FRC Chairperson Gogjipathri, Sarpanch and FRC Chairperson Bonen, Sarpanch Shumnag Muqam and FRC Chairperson Shumnag Muqam- Nazir Ahmed Chopan were also present to take the legacy forward.
The involvement of eminent experts like Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool and Dr. Zahid Parwaz Choudhary from the J&K Forest Rights Coalition further lent credibility to the proceedings, ensuring that the Gram Sabha was conducted with the utmost professionalism and expertise.
Sarpanch Shumnag Muqam, Nazir Ahmed Chopan, said alpine meadows like Ieed, Ladar mad, Zand-Kabar, Diskhal, Kundlen, belongs to the Chopan community as per community byelaws and have been using these as a grazing land for over 600 years now. He said the division of pastures is very clear between Gujjars and Chopans and hence everyone should respect it.
Mr. Mohd Ashraf Jahara's adept coordination of the Joint Gram Sabha demonstrated the essential role of committed individuals in driving positive change within the community. As a Senior RTI activist and District President of the J&K Forest Rights Coalition, his efforts played a pivotal part in making the event a resounding success.
The heartfelt congratulations extended by the Forest Rights Coalition (FRC) of Jammu and Kashmir further validated the impact of the community's collaborative efforts. The assurance of continued support for awareness-raising and capacity-building initiatives emphasized that this was not a one-time event, but rather the beginning of a sustained journey towards safeguarding community forests and preserving natural resources.
The coalition's commitment to assisting the local communities in claiming their individual and community forest rights, as well as advocating for the implementation of forest rights across Jammu and Kashmir, showcased the enduring nature of their dedication to environmental conservation. The numerous training workshops conducted on relevant topics illustrated the FRC-J&K's proactive approach in empowering communities with the knowledge and tools to actively participate in safeguarding their environment.
Overall, the joint Gram Sabha on Community Forest Rights exemplified a successful model of community-driven conservation efforts, rooted in the values of sustainability and environmental stewardship. It highlighted the potential for positive change when different stakeholders come together with a shared vision, and it served as an inspiring example for other regions and communities to follow.

Comments

TRENDING

राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी: जल जीवन मिशन के लक्ष्य को पाने समन्वित प्रयास जरूरी

- राज कुमार सिन्हा*  जल संसाधन से जुड़ी स्थायी समिति ने वर्तमान लोकसभा सत्र में पेश रिपोर्ट में बताया है कि "नल से जल" मिशन में राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी साबित हुए हैं। जबकि देश के 11 राज्यों में शत-प्रतिशत ग्रामीणों को नल से जल आपूर्ति शुरू कर दी गई है। रिपोर्ट में समिति ने केंद्र सरकार को सिफारिश की है कि मिशन पुरा करने में राज्य सरकारों की समस्याओं पर गौर किया जाए। 

'A tribal lifeline': Health rights group asks Gujarat governor to halt Vyara govt hospital privatization

By A Representative  In a strong appeal to the Governor of Gujarat, the National Health Rights Alliance (NHRA)—an initiative of the National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM)—has urged the state to halt the ongoing move to privatize the Vyara Government Hospital and Medical College in Tapi district. 

Old bias, new excuses: How western media misrepresents India’s anti-terror strikes

By Gajanan Khergamker  The recent Indian military strikes on Pakistan, dubbed Operation Sindoor, have sparked a storm of international media coverage. Several prominent outlets have portrayed India as the aggressor in the escalating conflict, raising concerns over biased reporting. This commentary critiques coverage by foreign media outlets such as The New York Times , Reuters, BBC, and CNN, which have often been accused of framing India’s actions as escalatory while downplaying or omitting critical context regarding Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism. By examining historical patterns and current geopolitical dynamics, this analysis highlights the recurring selective framing, omission of evidence, and a tendency to favor narratives aligned with Western geopolitical interests over factual nuance.

Censor Board's bullying delays 'Phule': A blow to India's democratic spirit

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  A film based on the life and legacy of Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule was expected to release today. Instead, its release has been pushed to the last week of April. The reason? Protests by self-proclaimed guardians of caste pride—certain Brahmin groups—and forced edits demanded by a thoroughly discredited Censor Board.

CASR urges immediate halt to Operation Kagaar, calls for peace talks with Maoists

By A Representative   The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR), a collective of over 40 civil society organizations, has issued a press statement demanding an immediate end to "Operation Kagaar" and alleged state-led killings of Maoist rebels and indigenous people in central India. The group also called on the central government to create a conducive environment for initiating peace talks with the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist).

जैविक जीवित संसाधनों व प्रकृति पर निर्भर मजदूरों की व्यापक आर्थिक सुरक्षा कैसे हो?

- राज कुमार सिन्हा*  भारत में  60 करोड़ से अधिक लोग भूमि, जल, जंगल और समुद्र जैसे प्राकृतिक स्रोतों पर निर्भर हैं । देश में 14.6 करोड़ छोटे और सीमांत किसान, 14.4 करोड़ खेतिहर मजदूर ( बड़ी संख्या में दलित हैं), 27.5 करोड़ वन निवासी, 2.8 करोड़ मछुआरे, 1.3 करोड़ पशुपालक और 1.7 करोड़ कारीगर हैं जो सीधे तौर पर  प्रकृति के साथ और प्रकृति के भरोसे काम कर रहे हैं । लगभग 6 करोड़ मौसमी मजदूर हैं जो काम के सिलसिले में लगातार अपने गांव से बाहर जाते हैं और लौटते हैं। प्रकृति निर्भर समुदायों की आर्थिक गतिविधियां जो बड़े पैमाने पर जीवन निर्वाह और छोटी आय के लिए है। वर्तमान आर्थिक नीतियों के कारण, जो कॉर्पोरेट्स और बड़े व्यवसायों का समर्थन करती है, प्रकृति निर्भर समुदाय के लिए अव्यवहारिक होती जा रही है। 

Naveen Gautam creates history, becomes first Dalit youth to moderate session at UN

By A Representative  In a historic moment for Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent, Mr. Naveen Gautam of the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) became the first Dalit youth to moderate a session at any United Nations forum.

Kashmiriyat lives: Beyond the prime-time lies

By Rimmi Vaghela  I am Rimmi from Ahmedabad. I contemplated this blog on April 27, 2025 in Jammu, when my plans of revisiting the paradise called Kashmir were shattered—not by fear, but by circumstances and sorrow. I decided to share my story with a heavy heart, hoping it reaches those who still believe in the warmth of humanity over the divisive noise of prime-time media.

In the fury of war, humanity succumbs to the illusion of nationalism

By Dr. Mansee Bal Bhargava*    On May 7, Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti—also known as Rabindra Jayanti or Poncheeshe Boishakh in Kolkata—we celebrated the birth anniversary of the renowned poet, writer, philosopher, reformer, and Nobel laureate. On this occasion, I draw attention to Tagore’s timeless quotes, which resonate profoundly today, perhaps more than ever, as we live in a time when the ruling government has pushed the nation toward war.  

Choice of the word 'Sindoor' in India's anti-terror operation: Symbolic feminism or patriarchal strategy?

By Dr. Mansee Bal Bhargava*  In the aftermath of a war and subsequent ceasefire in 2025, Operation Sindoor has emerged as a focal point of national discourse, not only for its military objectives but also for its symbolic framing. The operation, named after a traditional marker of Hindu marital identity, and the prominent roles of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force in its media briefings, have been widely celebrated as a step toward gender inclusivity.