Photo Source: Himachal Tourism's X account
Forest Rights Act could trigger encroachments, undermine forest conservation efforts in Himachal, warns HIFORM
Babushahi Bureau
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), May 12, 2025:The Himachal Forest Regeneration Mission (HIFORM), a leading environmental watchdog in the state, has strongly criticized the proposed implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA), warning that it could lead to widespread encroachments and seriously undermine forest conservation efforts.
In a statement released on Tuesday, HIFORM convenor Raj Machhan said, “Minister Jagat Singh Negi appears to have misunderstood the true spirit of the Act. Provisions related to Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFD) are being misinterpreted and misapplied, creating confusion and inadvertently encouraging illegal occupation of forest land, especially among horticulturists.”
HIFORM argues that FRA does not permit the cultivation of commercial apple orchards on forest land, a growing misconception that, according to former Nauni University VC Dr. Vijay Singh Thakur, is being exploited to make illegitimate land claims under the guise of traditional use.
The organization further pointed to the legal complexities surrounding the FRA, noting that over 19 lakh cases are currently pending in the Supreme Court, now referred to a Constitutional bench for further review.
“Any land to be allocated under FRA must withstand judicial scrutiny before ownership can be transferred,” a HIFORM spokesperson said.
The group raised concerns that the Act, as currently proposed for implementation, could offer a backdoor for legitimizing encroachments—defying existing Supreme Court and High Court orders mandating eviction from illegally occupied forest lands.
Professor Raj Banshtu of NIT Hamirpur suggested a more cautious approach, saying, “If land has to be allocated, let it be degraded non-forested areas like floodplains or rocky terrains—not vital forest zones.”
HIFORM emphasized that in a state where over 66% of the land is under forest cover, any reckless move could damage biodiversity, water security, and climate resilience.
“The intent of the FRA is empowerment through responsible stewardship of natural resources, not land acquisition for commercial gain,” said environmental activist Surender Papta.
Calling for an ecological impact assessment, clear guidelines for beneficiary eligibility, and an inclusive policy dialogue, HIFORM urged the Himachal Pradesh government to uphold conservation values and not buckle under political pressure.
“The government must focus on strengthening local conservation traditions and allow FRA to function as a tool for environmental justice—not land redistribution,” the statement concluded.
HIFORM is a collective of respected environmentalists, former bureaucrats, scientists, academics, and concerned citizens united in their mission to preserve Himachal’s fragile ecosystem.