Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Rahul Yadav today chaired a meeting to discuss modalities for spreading effective implementation of provisions of Forest Rights Act, preparation of master trainers for training of field functionaries here at DC Office Conference Hall Poonch.
The meeting was attended by Divisional Forest Officer Poonch, Mohan Lal; ACR Zaheer Ahmed Kaifi; SDMs, revenue officers and Range officers. During the meeting, salient features of Act and rules including various guidelines were discussed in detail. The DC asked the concerned officers to have a better understanding of the provisions so that the objective of the Act can be fulfilled. It was informed in the meeting that FRA recognizes rights of forest dwellers (ST/OTFD) on ancestral lands and their habitat, which were not adequately recognized. It also includes responsibility and authority for sustainable use, conservation of biodiversity and maintenance of ecological balance.