Effectiveness of Forest Rights Implementation in Sukna Forest, Siliguri

07-04-2025

Subject: Empirical Research on Administrative Law.

Date: 12 November 2024

Faculty Alloted to Guide:

Ms.  Dichen Bhutia (Assistant Professor of Law)

Student Volunteers:

1. Maheru Muskan Sem V “B” (B.A. LL.B HONS.)

2. Liza Dey Sem V “B” (B.ALL.B HONS.)

3. Sushmita Kumari Sem V “B” (B.A. LL.B HONS.)

4. Jasmin Khatun Sem V “B” (B.A. LL.B HONS.)

A team of 4 students of 5yrs B.A. LLB (HONS.), Sem V from INDIAN INSTITUTE OF LEGAL STUDIES, SILIGURI under the supervision of Ms. Dichen Bhutia (Asst. Professor of Law) conducted a special empirical survey on “Effectiveness of Forest Rights Implementation in Sukna  Forest, Siliguri”.

The team has paid a special visit to the Sukna Forest Department on 12th November 2024, Tuesday to do a survey with the Assistant District Forest Officer (Sri. Santu Das), Range Officer (Sri. Kaji Chettri ) and the Beat Officer (Sri. Prakash Khati) and the locals at Sukna village.

During the visit it was found the Implementation of the FRA has been far from satisfactory.It was observed that communities have shown an increasing awareness of their rights under the FRA.The recognition of forest rights has positively impacted the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.

It can be concluded that the research is to bring light upon various factors and problems of the Forest Rights and its implementation.The research on the effectiveness of Forest Rights and its Implementation was very productive.The FRA can help to promote forest conservation by giving communities a stake in the sustainable management of forest resources. When communities have secure tenure over their land and resources, they are more likely to conserve the forest.