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Gram Sabhas Secure Community Forest Rights in Banjar
Community Forest Rights (CFR) implementation in the Banjar subdivision of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, is in focus as a replicable model for community-led forest governance. Local Gram Sabhas assert their legal mandate under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and secure formal titles over community forest resources.
Community Forest Rights in Banjar:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Gram Sabha-led forest governance actions | Gram Sabhas take charge of forest fire prevention, regulate grazing pressures, and curb illegal timber extraction. |
| Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) management | Sustainable harvesting and value addition of traditional forest produce directly augments household incomes. |
| Examples of traditional forest produce | Traditional forest produce comprises wild mushrooms like guchhi, medicinal herbs, and forest honey. |
| Ecological protection measures | Protection measures comprise sacred groves (bans) and high-altitude water catchments. |
| Ecological outcome | Protection of sacred groves and water catchments leads to rejuvenation of natural springs (baolis), securing local water and agricultural resilience. |
| Tourism-linked community initiatives | Local youth and women’s self-help groups (SHGs) initiate community-run homestays and nature trails, ensuring tourism revenue benefits the village economy rather than external operators. |
| Inter-state comparison | Himachal Pradesh lags behind Odisha and Maharashtra in recognizing Community Forest Rights. |