Srinagar July 24 (KNS): A workshop titled "Understanding Forest Rights Act" was today organised by Environmental Policy Group (EPG) in Srinagar today. Former Advisor to Governor Khurshid Ahamd Ganai was Chief Guest on the occasion.
The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 recognises the rights of the forest dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers to forest resources, on which these communities are dependent for a variety of needs, including livelihood, habitation and other socio-cultural needs.
At the outset of today's workshop Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat social activist and senior member EPG gave a detailed presentation about the challenges being faced by the forest dwellers inspite of this available legislation.
Owais Mir, DFO Sindh Forest Division Ganderbal and Mudasir Mehmood Malik Project Coordinator, WUCMA also gave detailed presentations about the subject matter and highlighted the essence of FRA.
Prof Geetanjoy Sahu from Tata Institute of Social Sciences TISS also participated in the workshop virtually from Mumbai.
On the occasion, Chairman Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization Mr Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo appreciated the role of EPG and expressed his deepest gratitude for conducting such an insightful session. Mr Wangnoo also highlighted the role of retrieving water bodies and restoring their pristine glory.
Convener EPG Faiz Bakshi moderated the event
Ajaz Rasool Retired Superintending Engineer, Syed Nasarullah Chairman Legal Committee EPG, Mushtaq Ahmad Lone RTI Movement senior member , Syed Adil , Adv Badrul Dujja , Shakir Mushtaq , Mudasir Yatoo also spoke on the occasion.
Khurshid Ahmad Ganai stressed on forest conservation . He said that Forest and Tribal Departement must work on tandem and genuine people must get the rights and illegitimate people should not get benifits of this act.(KNS)