Forest Rights Act Benefiting Residents Across Himachal Pradesh: Minister Jagat Singh Negi

By A Staff Reporter

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Revenue and Forest Minister Jagat Singh Negi has reiterated the state’s commitment to implementing the Forest Rights Act (FRA), which grants land rights to forest dwellers and communities dependent on forest resources. Speaking on the subject, Negi emphasized that the Act, introduced in 2006 under the UPA government, was designed to recognize the rights of people who have lived in forests for generations.

"The Forest Rights Act was enacted to benefit people residing in forests and those whose livelihoods depend on forest resources. Many individuals and families have lived on forest land for decades without formal ownership. This Act ensures that if a person was residing on forest land before 2005, and if their family has been dependent on it for three generations, they are eligible to receive ownership rights—provided their claim is approved by the Gram Panchayat," said Negi.

The minister affirmed that the Act has been successfully implemented across Himachal Pradesh, benefiting many families who were previously without legal land ownership. He stressed the importance of local governance in verifying and approving claims, ensuring that rightful beneficiaries receive their due recognition.