In a significant move to expedite the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, Forest Rights Camps were held across six talukas in Goa—Sattari, Ponda, Dharbandora, Sanguem, Canacona, and Quepem. The camps aimed to assist forest dwellers in filing and processing their claims under the Act.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant announced that a total of 1,635 claimants participated in a single day, marking a crucial step toward delivering timely justice to traditional forest-dwelling communities.
“These camps are an important initiative to ensure rightful recognition and support to those living in and dependent on forest land,” the Chief Minister stated. He emphasized that the state government remains committed to facilitating the claim process and ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive the rights due to them under the law.
Officials and support teams at the camps helped claimants with documentation, verification, and understanding the process of claim submission and follow-up, significantly easing the procedural hurdles often faced by forest-dependent communities.
The initiative is expected to significantly speed up the disposal of pending claims and bring long-overdue relief and recognition to many in Goa’s rural and forested regions.