Here are different perspectives on what the Supreme Court hearing on the fate of “encroachers” may mean for all those who dwell in and outside forests
Photo: Getty Images Forest Rights Act: A litmus test for govt to protect forest dwellers
It is now the turn of the BJP-led central government, which won 38 out of 48 reserved seats for Scheduled Tribes across the country, to stand by its promises. Here's the full story
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Instead of rejecting forest dwellers rights over land to conserve wildlife, a sincere and responsible implementation of FRA must be sought. 
The environment ministry hasn’t quite understood and accepted the FRA nor has it shown the required urgency to formulate plans for establishing critical wildlife habitats, which are consistent with the FRA's provisions. 
While the Forest Rights Act empowered Gram Sabhas to manage and conserve forests, the Joint Forest Management mechanism could not succeed due to the involvement of forest officials. 
At least 45,000 forest dwellers’ livelihood is at risk, but the state doesn’t seem to have followed the process of appealing against rejection of claims. .png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.