SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved 459 claims under the Forest Rights Act during 2025-26 and the current financial year so far, with the highest number recorded in Poonch and Kishtwar, according to a reply submitted by the Department of Tribal Affairs in the Legislative Assembly.
The figures were provided in response to a starred question by MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay regarding implementation of the Forest Rights Act and district-wise details of claims and rights recognised and benefits provided to stakeholders.
Of the total approvals, 367 were recorded during 2025-26, while 92 claims have been approved in 2026-27 so far.
Poonch accounted for the largest share in 2025-26 with 316 approved claims, followed by Kishtwar with 48. Baramulla recorded two approvals, while Shopian recorded one.
In the current financial year, Kishtwar recorded 86 approved claims, while Pulwama recorded six.
No claims were approved in Anantnag, Kulgam, Bandipora, Budgam, Ganderbal, Srinagar, Kupwara, Udhampur, Kathua, Samba, Jammu, Reasi, Rajouri, Doda or Ramban during either of the periods covered by the reply.
The department said district-wise details of approved claims and benefits provided under the Act were enclosed with the reply as an annexure.
