Ministry vs ministry on forest tribes claim

TRIBAL AFFAIRS MINISTRY ASKED THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT FOR SCIENTIFIC BASIS AFTER IT STATED THAT RESTORING FOREST RIGHTS HITS GREEN COVER

- Jayashree Nandi and Vrinda Tulsian

The ministry of tribal affairs has asked for scientific evidence from the environment ministry to substantiate claims that granting forest rights to tribal communities causes forest degradation, escalating a tussle over a landmark 2006 legislation that recognises traditional forest rights of tribal communities in protected areas.

In an office memorandum issued on July 2, the tribal affairs ministry questioned the environment ministry's assertion in the India State of Forest Report 2023 that “titles given to beneficiaries under the Forest Rights Act (2006) (FRA)” contribute to negative changes in forest cover.

The State of Forest Report noted that “forest cover changes observed during the two-year interval reflect actual changes on the ground,” encompassing conversions between forest and nonforest areas and shifts among different canopy density classes. However, it lists FRA titles alongside factors such as harvesting of short rotation plantations, logging, shifting cultivation practices, human encroachment, and natural calamities like storms and floods. The intervention comes amid mounting criticism from forest rights activists who accuse the environment ministry of systematically undermining the 2006 law designed to recognise the rights of forest-dwelling tribal communities.