Date:23/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/12/23/stories/2004122304721200.htm

National

Draft law on rights to forest produce ready, says Minister

By Our Staff Correspondent

NEW DELHI, DEC. 22. The Ministry of Environment and Forests is giving final touches to the draft model legislation on "The State/Union Territory Forest Produce (Ownership of Forest Dependent Community) Act, 2005," which seeks to endow rights to minor forest produce to forest dwellers, including tribals.

Addressing the second meeting of the Consultative Committee of Parliament attached to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the Union Minister for Environment and Forests, A. Raja, said the guidelines had been issued in 1990 for settlement of disputed claims of the tribal population on forest land. "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," Mr. Raja said.

Ministry guidelines

Mr. Raja said with a view to reconcile the objectives of environmental conservation and faster economic growth of the tribal communities dependent on forests, the Ministry had issued guidelines in 2003 that provided for one time clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act to undertake projects such as underground drinking water supply pipelines, electric cables and telephone lines.

"Accordingly, the State/Union Territory Governments may approve such proposals at their level," he said.

"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 development reaches the remotest parts of the country, including tribal areas," he added.

Reiterating his commitment to convert all forest villages into revenue villages so that public utility projects can be extended there, Mr. Raja said the action in the matter is presently on hold due to a ban imposed by the Supreme Court on 13.11.2000.

Safeguarding rights

Members of Parliament emphasised the need for conferring rights, regarding non-timber forest produce, for tribals and other weaker sections working in the forests and safeguarding mineral and water resources for them.

This approach, the Members stressed, would help in protecting the livelihood of forest dwelling communities, in particular tribals, and would help in the conservation of forest resources.

Expressing concern at the Supreme Court stay on guidelines giving legal recognition to the traditional rights of tribals over forests within the State jurisdiction, the Members said that an awareness campaign should be launched to ensure wider participation of people in these issues. A brand ambassador could also be appointed to promote afforestation and protection of wildlife, they said.