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Minister of Environment and Forests Thiru A. Raja said that the Government is giving final touch to the draft model legislation titled “The State/Union Territory Forest Produce (Ownership of Forest Dependent Community) Act, 2005”, which seeks to endow rights to minor forest produce to the forest dwellers, including tribals.
Addressing the second meeting of the Consultative Committee of Parliament for the Ministry of Environment and Forests here today, Thiru Raja pointed out that guidelines were issued in 1990 for settlement of disputed claims of the tribal population on forest land. He stated that “to give protection to genuine tribals from eviction, we are now considering issuing instructions to the State Governments advising them not to evict such people unless their claims of possession of forest land have been enquired into”.
The meeting’s agenda was “enhancing forest cover and tribal-forest interface”.
Thiru Raja further stated that with a view to reconciling the objectives of environmental conservation and faster economic growth of the tribal communities which are dependent on forests, the Ministry issued guidelines in 2003 providing for one time clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act to public amenities projects such as underground drinking water supply pipelines, electric cables and telephone lines.
“Accordingly, the State/UT Governments may approve such proposals at their level”, he said and added that “to further consolidate the development process in tribal areas, we are also considering grant of general clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act to the States for execution of public utility developmental works, such as construction of schools, dispensaries, water harvesting structure, laying of electric and telecommunication lines, so that fruits of development reach the remotest parts of the country including tribal areas”.
Reiterating his commitment to convert all the forest villages into revenue villages so that public utility projects can be extended to these villages, the Minister said that the action in the matter is presently on hold due to a ban imposed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court on 13.11.2000.
Stating that to facilitate cultivation of tusser, more than 20 host tree species have been permitted to be grown in forest areas by guidelines issued in June 2004, Thiru Raja said that the Government is also considering the possibility of allowing lac cultivation in forest areas. “Needless to say, promotion of tusser and lac cultivation would improve the livelihood of tribals”, he added.
Members of Parliament emphasised the need for conferring rights in respect of the non-timber forest produce for tribals and other weaker sections working in the forests and safeguarding the rights of tribal and forest dwelling communities over mineral and water resources in the forests.
This approach, the Members stressed, will help in protecting the livelihood rights of forest dwelling communities, in particular tribals, and will also develop their long term stakes in the conservation of the forest resources.
Expressing concern at the stay, granted by the Supreme Court, on guidelines giving legal recognition to the traditional rights of tribals with respect to the forests within the State jurisdiction, the Members said that an awareness campaign should be launched to ensure wider participation of people in forestry issues. A brand ambassador could also be appointed to promote afforestation and protection of wildlife.
Minister of State for Environment And Forests Shri Namo Narain Meena thanked the Members of Parliament for giving their valuable suggestions.
Members of Parliament who attended the meeting include S/Shri Ajay Maken, Churchil Alemao, Dhan Singh Rawat, Mahaveer Bhagora, Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Maharaj Manabendra Shah, Dushyant Singh, Mani Charenamai, Basudeb Barman, and R. Shunmugasundaram.
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