Kulgam: In a landmark assertion of people’s rights, ecological responsibility, and grassroots democracy, the 33rd Gram Sabha on Community Forest Rights (CFR) under the Forest Rights Act 2006 was successfully convened at Panchayat Halqa Hallan–Manzgam in District Kulgam. With an unprecedented participation of more than 700 members, the Gram Sabha emerged as a powerful platform of collective will, reclaiming both rights and responsibilities over forest landscapes.
In a historic resolution, the Gram Sabha declared approximately 60 square kilometres of forest land as Community Forest under CFR provisions and announced a complete ban on plastic and packaged food within this jurisdiction, with special emphasis on protecting the fragile alpine ecosystems of Chiranbal Meadow.
The Gram Sabha was facilitated by the Forest Rights Coalition J&K (FRC J&K), led by Dr Shaikh Ghulam Rasool (Founder), Zahid Parwaz Choudhary (Convenor), and Adv Naveed Bukhtiyar (Legal Advisor), in collaboration with RDD block Manzgam and FRC Hallan. The gathering witnessed participation from a diverse cross-section including local residents, school children, teachers, Forest Department officials, Rural Development staff, and Panchayat representatives.
The proceedings commenced with Tilawat-e-Quran, followed by a welcome address by Chowdary Isaq. The former Sarpanch highlighted pressing issues including closure of pastoral routes, denial of access to traditional grazing pastures, lack of adequate school infrastructure, and the continued disconnect and high-handed approach of certain sections of the Forest Department.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool emphasized that the Forest Rights Act represents a historic corrective justice framework recognizing forest dwellers as rightful custodians of forests. He asserted that its implementation in Jammu & Kashmir is an irreversible reality and called upon the Forest Department to align with the spirit of the law.
He stated, “We need to understand that FRA is for the people dependent on forests and mountains—climate-resilient indigenous communities whose way of life and traditional wisdom offer the only sustainable path to protect forests in the larger interest of climate stability and water security.” He further underlined that CFR not only grants rights but also binds communities to conservation, restoration, and sustainable stewardship.
Advocate Naveed Bukhtiyar elaborated on the legal safeguards under FRA, stating that any intervention in forest areas without prior informed consent of the Gram Sabha is illegal and constitutes a violation of the law. He cautioned that obstruction of rights may attract legal consequences under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Zahid Parwaz Choudhary, Convenor FRC J&K, reiterated the coalition’s commitment stating, “FRC J&K is committed to assist, educate, advocate, agitate, and monitor the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006 for indigenous pastoral and other forest-dwelling communities across Jammu & Kashmir and the Western Himalayas.” He further emphasized that, “The Forest Department must transform its approach, internalize the spirit of FRA, and work in partnership with communities for the greater welfare of people and conservation of forests.”
He also presented the Gram Sabha Resolution, extending full institutional support to communities in securing their CFR claims.
Key Highlights of the Gram Sabha Resolution:
Declaration of nearly 60 sq km of forest land as Community Forest under CFR.
Immediate reopening of all traditional routes leading to highland pastures.
Reopening of all the closed 30 dokes (traditional seasonal shelters).
Allocation of land for construction of High School and Middle School.
Community-led commitment to conservation, restoration, and sustainable forest management.
Complete ban on plastic and packaged food in forest areas, especially in Chiranbal Meadow and other trekking routes.
The people of Hallan–Manzgam expressed deep appreciation for FRC J&K’s continued support in strengthening Gram Sabhas through legal awareness, mobilization, and advocacy. This Gram Sabha stands as a defining moment in advancing community-led forest governance and ecological stewardship in Jammu & Kashmir.
FRC J&K reiterated its commitment to expanding support across the region, ensuring effective implementation of Community Forest Rights, and promoting a balanced framework of rights with responsibilities rooted in conservation, restoration, and sustainability.
In his concluding remarks, Mohd Altaf Poswal, District Coordinator Kulgam (FRC J&K), thanked all participants and emphasized the urgent need for a coexistence-based model where forest conservation and community rights move forward together.Forest Rights Coalition J&K (FRC J&K)
