Thousands of Forest Rights Titles ‘Vanish’ in Chhattisgarh Records
Subject: Social Issues / Governance / Environment
Why in News?
RTI data reveals that thousands of forest rights titles under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 are missing from Chhattisgarh’s official records over a span of 17 months, raising questions over implementation and data integrity.
Key Facts (RTI Findings)
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As of May 2025:
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4.82 lakh Individual Forest Rights (IFR) titles distributed.
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4,396 Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) titles distributed.
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Missing titles reported in at least Bastar, Rajnandgaon, Bijapur districts.
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Data mismatch: Centre’s FRA data is available only at state level, but state’s internal monthly progress reports show district-level anomalies.
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Government’s explanation: Claimed reductions due to “miscommunication” & reporting errors between Gram Sabha, sub-divisional, and district officials.
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No FRA implementation in Raipur, Durg, and Bemetara (due to non-initiation of process, not due to exemption).
Constitutional Position of Forests
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7th Schedule: Forests in Concurrent List (List III).
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Shifted from State List to Concurrent List via 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.
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Implication: Union law (like FRA 2006) applies nationwide; states responsible for implementation.
Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006
Official Name: Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
Objectives
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Recognition of Rights: Historical rights of forest-dwelling STs & OTFDs.
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Protect Livelihoods: Sustainable forest use.
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Empower Communities: Legal rights over forest land & resources.
Types of Rights Recognized
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Individual Rights: Cultivation & habitation (up to 4 hectares; titles non-transferable, inheritable).
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Community Rights: Minor forest produce (bamboo, honey, lac), grazing, water bodies.
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Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR): Right to protect, regenerate & manage forests.
Key Features
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Protection from Eviction: No eviction without recognition & settlement of rights; granted titles cannot be revoked under law.
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Role of Gram Sabha: Primary authority to initiate and verify claims.
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Conservation Focus: Rights coupled with sustainable forest management.
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