SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued fresh guidelines aimed at balancing forest conservation with the protection of the statutory rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
The Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, through Circular No. 07-JK(FST) of 2026, has directed all concerned departments and authorities to strictly follow the provisions of the Forest Rights Act, Indian Forest Act, Wildlife (Protection) Act and applicable environmental laws while dealing with forest land, encroachments and claims over forest rights.
The government has stressed that forest conservation and the recognition of legitimate rights of forest-dependent communities must be pursued simultaneously, with all claims settled through the prescribed legal mechanism.
Under the new guidelines, whenever occupation of forest land is reported, Forest authorities have been directed to verify the status and classification of the land, examine forest and revenue records, determine the nature and extent of occupation and assess the evidence and claims submitted by the occupants, including claims under the Forest Rights Act.
The authorities have also been asked to reconcile forest and revenue records and properly demarcate land wherever required to avoid erroneous identification, overlapping claims and unauthorised occupation. However, such verification and demarcation will not affect any claim pending under the Forest Rights Act.
The government has further directed that unauthorised occupation not covered by a recognised forest right or otherwise protected under law should be dealt with in accordance with the applicable legislation and prescribed procedure.
At the same time, the government has made it clear that pending determination of claims under the Forest Rights Act, the existing forest character and ecological integrity of the concerned area must be protected.
“No activity shall be permitted that alters the physical status of the land, causes degradation of forest resources, damages forest growth or otherwise prejudices the protection and conservation of forests,” the circular states.
The Forest Department has also been directed to extend necessary assistance to Gram Sabhas, Sub-Divisional Level Committees and District Level Committees involved in the verification and settlement of forest rights claims.
Claims and proposed activities involving protected areas or ecologically sensitive zones will have to be examined in accordance with the Forest Rights Act, wildlife and environmental laws, judicial directions and other statutory requirements.
The government said the Indian Forest Act provides the framework for protection, preservation and management of forests, while the Forest Rights Act establishes the mechanism for recognising and vesting eligible forest rights in Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
The Tribal Affairs Department had also issued Circular No. 01-JK TAD of 2026 on July 30, reiterating the procedure for settlement of claims of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
Forest Minister Javed Rana said the rights of tribal communities and forest conservation should go hand in hand.
“The basic rights of our tribal communities cannot be compromised. Forest conservation and the legitimate rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers must go hand in hand, with every action guided by law, fairness and justice,” Rana said.
He added that the government was committed to protecting forests while safeguarding the rights and dignity of forest-dependent communities.
