J&K speeds up FRA implementation; warns Forest Dept. against eviction notices
The Jammu and Kashmir government has designated the Tribal Affairs department as the nodal agency for implementing the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006. Minister Javed Ahmed Rana has ordered a halt to all eviction notices against forest dwellers until the verification of land claims is completed.
Why it matters
This policy shift aims to protect the land rights of over 12 lakh Scheduled Tribe members and resolve long-standing tensions between the local administration and forest-dwelling communities.
J&K Cabinet Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, who holds the Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs portfolio, on Saturday (August 1, 2026) announced that the Tribal Affairs department would be the nodal agency to implement the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006, and warned against the issuance of eviction notices to forest dwellers without following the set procedure.
“No notices will be served by the J&K Forest Department to any member of forest dwellers, whether a Schedule Tribe or any other traditional forest dwellers living for decades. These dwellers will not be disturbed or evicted from the forest under occupation till the process of recognition and verification is complete,” said Mr. Rana.
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