Q1. With reference to the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 and diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, consider the following statements:
- The FRA, 2006 expressly makes the consent of the Gram Sabha a statutory precondition for every forest clearance.
- Under the FRA framework, the Gram Sabha has an important role in initiating and verifying claims to forest rights.
- Completion of the process of recognition and settlement of eligible forest rights is relevant to the procedure for diversion of forest land.
- The authority responsible for implementing the FRA at the ground level is primarily the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (a) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect: The FRA itself does not expressly prescribe Gram Sabha consent as a condition for forest clearance. Such requirements arise through the forest-diversion clearance framework/guidelines.
- Statement 2 is correct: Gram Sabha is central to the initiation and verification of claims and protection of community forest rights.
- Statement 3 is correct: Forest-diversion procedures require relevant FRA processes, including recognition and settlement of rights, to be completed.
- Statement 4 is incorrect: MoTA is the nodal ministry, but implementation is primarily undertaken by State/UT governments.
