COMMUNITY FOREST RIGHTS (CFR), TELANGANA.

(August 2023 to January 2025)

Project Goal

Strengthening the implementation of community Forest Rights (CFR) as per the Forest Rights Act (2006) to recognise and vest forest rights and occupation in forest land to eligible forest-dwelling communities.

About the Project

As part of its mandate, BRLF has been focusing on the effective implementation of Community Forest Rights (CFR) and subsequent CFR management to enhance the forest-based livelihoods in the Scheduled Areas of Central India.

Regarding this, the Commissionerate – Tribal Welfare Department (CTWD-TS) of the Government of Telangana and Bharat Rural Livelihoods Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a pilot project on August 28, 2021. The project aimed to empower the local community to take ownership of their forest resources and promote sustainable forest management practices. One of the major outcomes of the pilot project was that 78 CFR claims were submitted to the Sub-Divisional Level Committee, and CFR rights recognition is eagerly awaited.

Looking at the positive outcomes, BRLF, at the request of the Tribal Welfare Department, has expanded its reach to replicate this impactful project in three Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs): Utnoor, Mannunar, and Bhadrachalam, of Telangana covering over 400 potential habitations. In August 2023, BRLF signed an MoU with the Commissioner of the Tribal Welfare Department, Telangana, to continue the process. The primary goal of this collaboration is to facilitate the transfer of Community Forest Rights to tribal communities.

Key Objectives

Enhance the capacity of PESA Community Mobilizers, members of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Gram Sabhas, Forest Rights Committees (FRCs), SERP (Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty) CRPs, CSOs and other stakeholders to support the claim process effectively.
Facilitate the submission of the Community Forest Rights (CFR) claims and ensure legitimate recognition of indigenous and local community rights to manage and utilise forest resources sustainably in more than 400 PVTG habitations.
Promote sustainable forest management practices by involving local communities in the conservation and protection of forests.
Safeguard the livelihoods and cultural practices of forest-dwelling communities.
Enhance the collaboration between BRLF, local CSOs, and the Tribal Welfare Department.

In Collaboration with

Tribal Welfare Department