Syllabus: GS3/Environment
Context
- In a recent development, the Chhattisgarh forest department issued—and later withdrew—a letter claiming itself as the nodal agency for implementing Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 highlights a critical and ongoing struggle in India’s forest governance.
About Forest & Its Governance in India
- India’s forests are more than just ecological assets — they are cultural landscapes, livelihood sources, and climate buffers.
- Forests are central to India’s climate goals, including carbon sequestration and biodiversity protection.
- India’s 25.17% geographical area under forest cover, with increasing tree and mangrove cover. (India State of Forest Report 2023)
- The governance of these forests has evolved through colonial legacies and post-independence reforms.
Historical Foundations and Legal Frameworks
- Colonial Legacy: Forest governance began under British rule with the Indian Forest Act of 1865, which prioritized timber extraction and centralized control (Scientific Forestry).
- Post-Independence Reforms: The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 marked significant shifts toward conservation and justice for forest dwellers.
- Recent Amendments: The Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2023 has sparked debate for diluting protections and enabling commercial exploitation of forest lands.
| Key Provisions of Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 – Title Rights: Ownership of forest land cultivated before December 13, 2005 (up to 4 hectares). – Use Rights: Access to minor forest produce, grazing areas, water bodies, and traditional routes. – Relief & Development Rights: Protection from eviction and access to basic amenities. – Forest Management Rights: Communities can protect and conserve forests they’ve traditionally cared for. |
Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) and Decentralized Governance
- CFRR was introduced by FRA, 2006 empowering gram sabhas (village assemblies) to manage forests based on traditional knowledge and local needs.
- The FRA, 2006 recognizes the rights of Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers to access, manage, and conserve forest resources.
- It corrects colonial-era injustices that stripped local communities of control and replaced their traditional institutions with centralized state apparatus.
- Over 10,000 gram sabhas have received CFRR titles, but fewer than 1,000 have developed management plans due to institutional resistance.
Governance Challenges: Institutional Roadblocks and Policy Conflicts
- Conflicting Policies: The push for infrastructure and mining often clashes with conservation and community rights.
- Institutional Resistance: Forest departments have been slow to relinquish control, undermining FRA implementation.
- Legal Battles: The Supreme Court continues to hear cases that could impact millions of forest dwellers’ rights.
Way Forward
- Strengthen community-based management through legal and financial support.
- Reject colonial-era planning models in favor of adaptive, ecosystem-based approaches.
- Ensure transparency and accountability in forest diversion and conservation decisions.
- Integrate climate resilience into forest governance frameworks.
| Daily Mains Practice Question [Q] How does the Forest Rights Act challenge the conventional paradigms of forest governance in India, and what are the implications of community-led stewardship for climate resilience and ecological sustainability? |
