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After backlash, forest dept withdraws controversial letter on Forest Rights Act

The letter addressed at least seven points, including the broad application of Other Traditional Forest Dweller (OTFD), which is risky in the Himachal context, the quasi-judicial nature of the FRA, etc.

Revenue and Tribal Minister Jagat Singh Negi told The Indian Express that the forest department has withdrawn the letter. (Source: ANI)

The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has withdrawn its controversial letter with the subject “some critical issues and existing provisions” about the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, issued on April 11 to the Deputy Commissioners and Forest officers up to the ranks of Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs), after a backlash from environmentalists and activists and put it in abeyance on Friday.

The letter addressed at least seven points, including the broad application of Other Traditional Forest Dweller (OTFD), which is risky in the Himachal context, the quasi-judicial nature of the FRA, etc.

The development came after the intervention of Revenue and Tribal Minister Jagat Singh Negi, who called Himachal Pradesh Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Sameer Rastogi and Additional PCCF Pushpinder Rana to his office on Friday.

Negi told The Indian Express, “I took up with them concerns raised by the environmentalists, activists related to the OTFD. I expressed my dissatisfaction with the letter issued by PCCF office. The forest department has withdrawn the letter.”

On Thursday, Rastogi told The Indian Express that the latter would be reviewed in the view of objections and concerns raised by the activists.

Besides two dozen organisations working for environment and tribal affairs, senior CPI(M) leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Brinda Karat too demanded the revocation of the letter.

She wrote a letter to CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on April 15. “There must be a clear distinction between traditional forest dependence and post-encroachment commercial activities…,” the withdrawn letter reads.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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