Budgam August 22 (KNS): In a significant order the Court of Sub Judge Chadoora recently observed that grazers in Chaskani Nar meadow in Doodh Ganga forest range should not be evicted and deprived of the grazing rights. The order pronounced by Mir Wajahat Sub Judge Chadoora on 17 August 2023 has directed the parties to the suit along with Station House Officer Chadoora (SHO) not to evict the defendants under the garb of the order dated 11th July 2023 passed by the same court. The court further observed that its July 11th 2023 order was limited to the effect that applicants/defendants numbers 1 to 10 were temporarily restrained from causing any sort of interference into the use and utilization of pasture land (Chaskani Nard) in any manner.
“However the said order is not pertaining to the eviction of defendants number 1 to 10 from the subject matter of the suit’ observed the Court. The Court further clarified that the order passed on July 11th 2023 was not meant to evict the grazers but the eviction can only be done if Forest Rights Act 2006 is violated by either of the parties. The Sub Judge court has directed the SHO Chadoora to ensure compliance of the order by the both the parties (complainants / respondents)
Pertinent to mention that Chairman DDC Budgam Nazir Ahmad Khan had also submitted a representation on this issue before Lieutenant Governor JK last month after a delegation of gujjar community from Jabbad, Neengo and Brenwar villages of Budgam district had apprised him regarding denial of grazing rights to them by some influential families who were trying to evict the grazers hired by them. The aggrieved had told DDC Chairman that the provisions of Forest Rights Act 2006 were being violated openly as no eviction of grazers can be done as the pastureland comes under Community Forest Rights. Pertinent to mention that the Chaskani Nard pastureland is located at altitude of 4000 meters in Doodh Ganga forest range of Pir Panjal Forest Division Budgam bordering Poonch district.(KNS)