The Contribution of The Forest Rights Act 2006 To Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

At present, environmental sustainability is a global issue. (Dr.Asha S., 2023) For enhancing environmental sustainability, the Government of India has periodically enacted various policies and laws. Among these, the Forest Rights Act of 2006 plays a pivotal role. Enacted in 2006, this legislation facilitates the granting of forest rights to Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers residing within forest areas. Furthermore, forests have proven instrumental in highlighting the challenges faced by communities dependent on them. The Act places significant emphasis on forest conservation, biodiversity preservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable livelihoods—milestones in achieving environmental sustainability.The proposed research study is descriptive in nature and examines the role of the Forest Rights Act in fostering environmental sustainability in India. This study is grounded in the research question: How does the recognition of individual and community forest rights—granted to Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers under this Act—contribute to environmental sustainability? To address this research problem, relevant secondary data sources from 2006 to 2025 have been used. It is based on secondary sources, and specific academic and policy-related information about the states of Maharashtra, Tripura, and Odisha has been incorporated. This study undertakes a comprehensive examination and analysis of several key provisions enshrined within the Forest Rights Act. It encompasses an extensive investigation into various facets, including individual and community forest rights, participatory governance mechanisms, the conservation and protection of biodiversity within forest areas, sustainable livelihoods, and forest-based income generation. Based on the findings derived from the analysis, the provisions of the Forest Rights Act contribute to increasing forest cover and regeneration rates, strengthening community management mechanisms, and facilitating the regularisation of rights. However, institutional barriers and disparities in implementation across the states pose limitations to the effective enforcement of the Act. The present study recommends strategies to enhance the Forest Rights Act's contribution to sustainable environmental development. The success of this legislation depends upon community participation and institutional support.