Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has approved 6,097 claims under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 across the Union Territory, the Legislative Assembly was informed on Tuesday.
According to a written reply from the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, the approvals include 350 individual forest rights and 5,747 community forest rights. Rajouri and Poonch districts recorded the highest number of approvals with 2,852 and 2,054 claims respectively, followed by Kishtwar (273), Anantnag (246) and Shopian (223).
The department outlined that claims are processed through a three-tier mechanism—beginning at the Gram Sabha level, then examined by sub-divisional committees, and finally approved by district-level committees headed by deputy commissioners. It added that an inbuilt appeal mechanism is in place and maintained that there is no undue delay in settling eligible claims.
On a related issue, the government said the matter of regularising Rehbar-e-Janglat employees is under examination in coordination with other departments, without specifying a timeline. It also stated that staffing levels are adequate and that support is taken from allied departments such as the Forest Protection Force, wildlife authorities, revenue and police when required.
Regarding pay anomaly grievances raised by frontline forest staff, the department said these claims were examined and rejected under a government order, in line with directions of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.
