Forest Rights Act, 2006
Section 4(2) on Relocation from Critical Wildlife Habitats
The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA) is a landmark legislation that recognises the historical injustice done to forest-dwelling communities. Section 4(2) specifically governs the conditions under which forest rights holders can be relocated from Critical Wildlife Habitats (CWHs) within National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
- Section 4(2) stipulates that no forest rights holders shall be resettled or have their rights affected for creating inviolate areas for wildlife conservation unless ALL of the following conditions are met:
- (a) The process of recognising and vesting of all forest rights is complete
- (b) Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) of the Gram Sabha has been obtained in writing
- (c) No resettlement shall take place until facilities and land allocation at the resettlement location are complete as per the promised rehabilitation package
- (d) The State Government has concluded that coexistence of rights holders and wildlife is not feasible
- Section 4(5): CWHs from which rights holders are relocated shall not be subsequently diverted by any government or entity for other uses
- FRA recognises two categories of rights: Individual Forest Rights (IFRs) — right to hold and live on forest land; and Community Forest Rights (CFRs) — right to manage and protect community forest resources
- The Gram Sabha (village assembly) is the authority to initiate, determine, and verify forest rights claims under Section 6
● Tracked since February 11, 2026 · last seen August 04, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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