Expert Committee on Forest Rights Act visits Bandipora, reviews Community Forest Rights & Tribal Empowerment

BANDIPORA: Forest Division Bandipora on Tuesday hosted the visit of an Expert Committee on the Forest Rights Act (FRA) to assess the implementation of Community Forest Rights (CFR) and engage with Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) and tribal representatives. The program served as a platform for constructive dialogue on forest governance, cultural preservation, and tribal empowerment.

A comprehensive presentation was given by the DFO Bandipora, outlining the Division’s key initiatives and achievements under FRA. Expert Committee, included Dilip Gode, Amit S. Kalaskar (IFS, Retd), Dr. Kishor Moghe, Sawan Banekar, Gunvant Vaidhya, and Irfan Ali Shah, Conservator of Forests, North Circle Kashmir, alongside Range Officers, BMC representatives, and tribal FRA committees.

Reflecting the cultural vibrancy of the region, J&K Forest Band presented traditional songs in Sheena, Gojri, and Pahari, celebrating Kashmir’s diversity and harmony. This was followed by an interactive session where BMC and tribal committee members shared their experiences and highlighted the positive impact of FRA in empowering local communities.

On the occasion, an Award of Appreciation was conferred upon Shahida Khanam in recognition of her exceptional efforts in reviving and promoting tribal cultural heritage under the framework of FRA.

Addressing the gathering, Irfan Ali Shah, lauded the Forest Division Bandipora for its initiatives and praised the tribal communities as “true guardians of nature,” emphasizing the need to balance rights with responsibilities in protecting forests and ensuring sustainability.

The visit reaffirmed the growing partnership between the Forest department and tribal communities in Bandipora, reinforcing a shared commitment to forest conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable livelihoods.