POONCH: Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal chaired a meeting here today to discuss the issues related to the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in the district.

The meeting was attended by ACP Rakesh Kumar, Sub Divisional Magistrate and officials from the Forest Department.

The meeting explored key strategies to streamline the approval process for forest rights, ensuring that the community can effectively benefit from the provisions of the Act.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the importance of smooth and timely processing of FRA cases, directing all concerned officers to prioritize these efforts.

Moreover, the Deputy Commissioner instructed concerned officials to raise awareness about the Forest Rights Act among the people, enabling them to claim their rights. This move aims to empower forest-dwelling communities to exercise their rights under the Act ¹.

The Forest Rights Act, enacted in 2006, recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling communities.