Key Details of the Initiative

• The Project Appraisal Committee (PAC) has approved Community Forest Resource (CFR) plans for 100 villages in Odisha, with plans to expand this pilot phase to 400 villages.
• ₹16 crore has been allocated for the development and implementation of these plans.

Funding Distribution

• Each village will receive ₹15 lakh annually directly into the gram sabha's bank account, giving locals the power to manage their funds, ensure accountability, and make decisions on forest management.
• Technical agencies will receive ₹1 lakh to assist with planning.

Role of Gram Sabhas

• Gram sabhas will oversee tree plantation activities and create tailored plans for their communities. Previously, the Forest Department handled funds under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), but now gram sabhas will assume this responsibility, empowering local governance.

Shift from Forest Department Control

• This initiative marks a shift from the Forest Department and Vana Surakhya Samiti (VSS) control, allowing villagers to directly manage Community Forest Resource plans, encouraging self-governance and greater community involvement.

Geographical Coverage

• The initiative will initially involve districts such as Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, Koraput, Malkangiri, Dhenkanal, and Bargarh, which are rich in biodiversity and forest resources.

About the Forest Rights Act, 2006

• The Forest Rights Act, 2006, aims to recognize the rights of forest-dependent communities in India, focusing on protecting livelihoods, empowering local people, and ensuring sustainable forest management.
• It acknowledges both individual and community rights to manage and sustainably use forest resources.

Community Forest Resource Rights

• These rights allow local communities to protect, regenerate, and manage forests sustainably. Communities are also empowered to use minor forest produce and manage access to grazing lands and water bodies.

Challenges to Implementation

• Despite the promising framework, challenges like delayed implementation, difficulties in proving eligibility, and conflicts with conservation laws and industries dependent on forest resources remain significant barriers.

Current Status of CFR Titles in India

• As of late 2024, Maharashtra leads with over 8,661 villages receiving Community Forest Resource Rights titles, followed by Chhattisgarh with 4,328 titles, and Odisha with 3,659 titles.