Essay On Forest Protection

Forest Rights Act 2006

Introduction

Forest is one of the major natural resources which is necessary for human survival. India is counted among top ten most forest rich countries. This vast forest helps in the survival of many people across the country. The people who live in the forest and make their living out of it are mainly known as atavika, vanavasi or girijans. But the most popular term that is used is Adivasis. Adivasi means being original and indigenous inhabitants of a given region and was specifically coined for that purpose during 1930. They make their living out of the forest and its products such as wood, timber, fruits, flowers etc. To look upon the history, if we see at the very first forest laws in India is that of Indian Forest

Though the problems faced by tribal people and other forest dwellers were recognised since a long period of time and many laws, policies and legislations have been done, still the situations of these communities in terms of living conditions, food security etc was deteriorating during the course of time. And further poverty made these people vulnerable. In 2002, when Ministry of Environment and Forest strictly banned illegal encroachment, many forest dwellers and tribal people were seen as encroachers. After the attempted evictions in 2002, the ensuing uproar encouraged and mobilised popular movements and a new common cause was recognised between forest dependent groups across the country. This resulted in the formation of a coalition in 2003- campaign for survival and dignity (CSD). There were many organisations and conservationists who supported the act. The CSD represented a loose federation of grassroots organisations and people’s movements spread across the ten states where the issue were most widespread. Later in 2006, the forest rights act was formulated. The forest rights act 2006 is a key piece of forest legislation passed in India on 18th December 2006. It has also been called the Tribal Rights act, the Tribal bill, the tribal