Chhattisgarh is the second state in India to recognize Community Forest Resource (CFR) rights of a village within the Kanger Ghati National Park. The first state to achieve this was Odisha in 2016, for the Community Forest Resources (CFRs) inside the Simlipal National Park. CFR rights are significant for empowering communities, yet reaching a consensus about traditional boundaries among various villages often faces challenges.
Kanger Ghati National Park Overview
Situated in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, close to Jagdalpur, the Kanger Valley National Park, also known as Kanger Ghati National Park, was designated as a national park in 1982. Spanning around 200 km2, the park lies in the valley of the Kanger River, corroborating the origin of its name. A typical mixed humid deciduous forest, the park is home to an abundance of Sal, Saugaun, teak, and bamboo trees. The region’s most renowned species is the Bastar Maina, which captivates visitors with its human-like voice.
Understanding Community Forest Resource (CFR)
Community Forest Resource signifies common forest land traditionally conserved and utilized sustainably by specific communities. Communities use it to access resources within their traditional boundaries. Each CFR area has recognizable landmarks marking its boundaries, accepted by the community and neighboring villages. These areas can include different types of forests like reserved, protected, sanctuary, and national parks, etc.
Details about Community Forest Resource Rights
Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, referred to as the Forest Rights Act or FRA, community forest resource rights allow the community to form rules for forest use. It enables them to “protect, regenerate or conserve or manage” their resources. These rights provide sustainable livelihoods to the community by allowing them to plan forest conservation and management within the CFR boundary.
Benefits of CFR Rights Recognition
CFR Rights Recognition aims at rectifying the “historical injustice” done to forest-dependent communities by restoring their rights over forests. The recognition underlines the crucial role that these communities play in forest sustainability and preserving biodiversity. It is especially significant in protected forests as it allows traditional dwellers to be part of forest management using their traditional wisdom.
Understanding Forest Rights Act (FRA)
Enacted in 2006, the FRA acknowledges the rights of forest-dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers over forest resources on which they depend for various needs, including livelihood, habitation, and sociocultural purposes. It ensures the livelihood and food security of these communities while fortifying the forest conservation regime. The Gram Sabha is the authority responsible for determining the nature of Individual Forest Rights (IFR) or Community Forest Rights (CFR).
UPSC Civil Services Examination
In 2018, a question was raised in the UPSC Civil Services Examination regarding the definition of “Critical Wildlife Habitat”, habitat rights given to the Baigas, and Habitat Rights declaration for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in India. The correct answer was that the “Critical Wildlife Habitat” is defined in the Forest Rights Act, 2006 and the Baigas were the first in India to receive Habitat Rights. While the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change does not officially declare such rights.