Terms Forest Rights Act “Inclusive and Empowering”; Expresses Hope For Meaningful On-Ground Rollout
JK News Today
Srinagar, Oct 09: J&K Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone on Thursday met with a delegation led by Dilip Ghode, a renowned champion of forest and tribal rights from Maharashtra, at his residence. The discussion focused on the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in Jammu and Kashmir.
Describing the Forest Rights Act as “inclusive and empowering legislation,” Lone said the law seeks to recognise and protect the rights of forest-dependent communities, whose lives and livelihoods are closely tied to the forests they inhabit.
Voicing optimism about the road ahead, he said he hoped all stakeholders could work together to ensure the Act’s “meaningful and effective implementation on the ground,” so that its provisions translate into real benefits for the communities it is meant to serve.
Also part of the delegation was renowned environmentalist Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, who joined Ghode in the meeting.
