Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The North Goa District Level Committee (DLC), chaired by Collector Ankit Yadav, has approved 26 claims under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, following a review of applications submitted from Morlem village in Sattari taluka.
At a recent meeting, the committee examined 37 claims seeking recognition of rights under the legislation. After scrutiny, 26 applications were cleared, while 11 were sent back to the Sub-Divisional Level Committee (SDLC) for additional verification, including personal hearings and submission of supporting documents.
The Forest Rights Act was introduced to recognise the rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest communities that have lived in and depended on forest areas for generations. The law aims to address historical injustices while providing livelihood and tenure security to forest-dependent families.
Officials said the approved claims will provide legal recognition to eligible beneficiaries in Morlem, strengthening their rights over forest land and helping secure their traditional means of livelihood. The move is also expected to support sustainable management of forest resources in the region.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant welcomed the progress in the implementation of the Act and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the interests of forest-dwelling communities.
He said the administration is working to ensure that all genuine claimants receive benefits under the Act through a transparent and fair verification process.
According to officials, the 11 claims that require further scrutiny will be reconsidered once the necessary documents are submitted and personal hearings are completed.
The district administration has appealed to applicants to cooperate with the verification process to facilitate the timely disposal of pending cases.
