Chhattisgarh Takes the Lead in Empowering Forest Communities
TFP Bureau, Raipur; September 3, 2023: In a resolute commitment to securing the rights of tribal communities and forest dwellers, Chhattisgarh, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel, has achieved remarkable success in implementing the Forest Rights Act. This milestone has ushered in a new era of relief and economic empowerment for marginalized groups, including tribals, and has breathed life into the state’s forest conservation efforts. At the heart of this transformation lies the Recognition of Forest Rights Certificate, a document that not only addresses the concerns of the people but also revitalizes the rural economy.
Chhattisgarh’s government has made history by granting Forest Rights Certificates to a staggering 5,17,096 individuals, setting a national precedent in individual land rights distribution. The state’s approach extends far beyond mere documentation, encompassing comprehensive schemes like land leveling, water resource development, and cluster initiatives, all designed to ensure the holistic development and well-being of its beneficiaries.
Under the diligent stewardship of Forest Minister Mr. Mohammad Akbar, the Forest Department has thrown its weight behind these beneficiaries, offering support through state welfare schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Vriksha Sampada Yojana. This innovative program includes a crop buyback guarantee on private land, incentivizing crop diversity and the cultivation of non-paddy crops. This shift has resulted in increased agricultural yields per beneficiary and has fostered a culture of income-oriented cash crop farming in various regions, not only improving livelihoods but also instilling a sense of public responsibility towards forest conservation.
Mr. V. Srinivasa Rao, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, lauded the tangible outcomes of these initiatives, underscoring the importance of sustainable forest management and rural development in Chhattisgarh’s holistic vision.
Chhattisgarh’s remarkable journey continues, with an impressive tally of 46,000 cases recognized under the Community Forest Rights category, bestowing forest-dwelling communities with a multitude of rights related to vital forest resources, fishing, farming, grazing, housing, and village transformation. To further empower these communities, the state government has set minimum support prices for 67 minor forest produce items. This year alone, Chhattisgarh has led the nation by harvesting 73 percent of the country’s minor forest produce, a testament to the State Forest Rights Act’s effective execution.
Chhattisgarh’s success story extends beyond its borders, as it has granted Recognition of Forest Rights Certificates to 4,306 communities, setting an example for the nation in prioritizing the protection of forest dwellers’ rights. Gram Sabhas have been entrusted with the responsibility of managing recognized forest areas, and presently, the state government is actively involved in formulating management plans, engaging stakeholders from nearly 2,000 villages spread across 19 districts. The objective is to seamlessly integrate these plans with work schedules, ensuring a sustainable and efficient approach to forest management.
These management plans for Community Forest Resource Rights incorporate extensive surveys to optimize land use within the forest, identifying suitable plantation and conservation strategies. In collaboration with the Foundation for Ecological Security, a self-help group (SHG) active in 700 villages across 19 districts, Chhattisgarh is exploring income-generation opportunities and offering related training programs.
In a bid to bolster agricultural expertise and processing techniques, SHGs have conducted training sessions in 36 villages across five districts. Furthermore, a plan is in motion to introduce indigenous species by incorporating provisions for vacant sites into the forest management plan. Under the Community Forest Resources Rights Act, the state government has successfully organized 106 training programs spanning 24 districts, benefiting a total of 5,492 beneficiaries.
Chhattisgarh’s strides in securing forest rights and promoting sustainable forest management serve as a beacon for the nation, illuminating the path towards a brighter, more equitable future for its forest communities. Under Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel’s leadership, the state continues to lead the charge in championing the cause of its marginalized citizens, reinforcing its status as a pioneer in forest conservation and rural development.
