Stop deforestation and restore community lands

About a dozen pastoralists’ community leaders from the project area met here at the KRAPAVIS training centre Alwar, to plan for claiming their community grazing rights, during 19-21 December 2018. A senior advocate from the higher court and two experts have facilitated this three days consultation. Processes of claiming of community forest rights (CFR) under the Forest Right Act (FRA), including relocation related issues were discussed and planned. Also, came up with the mandatory responsibility on how they will manage and conserve the surrounding environment, along with livestock grazing, extraction of non timber forest produce (NTFPs), using forests and Orans (community conserved areas) for livelihoods, subsistence and other purposes (as specified in the law).

The pastoralists’ leaders developed affidavits during the consultation, in order to submit these to the Court. Mr. Gurjar, resident of Madhogarh village, Distict-Alwar, State-Rajasthan, says in his affidavit, “I am a member of pastoralist community, and I am entitled to the benefit under the Forest Rights Act, as other traditional forest dwellers. I do live with my family and our livelihood depends on the forest by way of grazing the livestock, collecting non timber forest produce and agriculture--- that I am aware of the fact my family and other families in my village are entitled to recognition and benefit under the Forest Rights Act. Unfortunately, we are being denied this right due to negligence and discrimination by the State.”