Concerns raised over FRA implementation in Himachal: Experts warn against encouraging encroachments

Shimla, May 11/Updated May 12,

The Himachal Forest Regeneration Mission (HIFORM), a leading organization focused on environmental conservation, has strongly opposed the proposed implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 in the state, warning that it may lead to widespread encroachments and commercial misuse of forest land.

The statement comes in response to recent assertions made by Tribal Development, Revenue, and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi, who advocated for the application of FRA across Himachal Pradesh. According to HIFORM, Negi maybe misinterpreting the Act, particularly the provisions related to Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs).

“Provisions of the FRA do not allow for the allocation of land used for horticulture, like apple orchards, under the OTFD category,” said Vijay Singh Thakur, former Vice Chancellor of Nauni University and HIFORM member. “Such misinterpretations are misleading and could result in mass confusion among the public, especially horticulturists.”

HIFORM further stressed that implementing FRA in its current form would contradict several Supreme Court and High Court orders that mandate eviction from illegally occupied forest land. The organization highlighted that even in states with significant tribal populations—such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh—FRA’s implementation has encountered serious legal scrutiny, with over 19 lakh cases currently pending before the Supreme Court.

A HIFORM spokesperson added, “Each claim under FRA must withstand judicial scrutiny. The Act is being misused to potentially legalize illegal encroachments under the pretext of traditional forest use.”

Raj Banshtu, Professor of Geology and Environmental Sciences at NIT Hamirpur, proposed that the state consider allocating land without forest cover—such as floodplains and rugged terrain—instead of compromising forest areas. “This would align better with the spirit of the FRA while safeguarding forest ecosystems,” he suggested.

Highlighting potential dangers, HIFORM warned that large-scale land claims under FRA could pave the way for commercial exploitation and land grabbing. With over 66% of Himachal’s land under forest cover, the implications for biodiversity, water security, and climate resilience could be severe.

“FRA should empower communities to manage forest resources—like honey, herbs, chilgoza, water sources, and grazing lands—not destroy them,” said Surender Papta, an environmental activist and HIFORM member.

Calling for a cautious approach, HIFORM urged the State government to conduct an ecological impact assessment, clearly define eligible beneficiaries, and uphold local conservation traditions. “Political pressure must not override ecological priorities,” the organization stated.

HIFORM is an umbrella group comprising environmentalists, retired officials, NGOs, UN-affiliated professionals, orchardists, academicians, and journalists. The group remains committed to ensuring that development policies respect both environmental integrity and the rights of genuine forest-dependent communities.

Team Himachal Scape