In a major step toward community-led conservation, the Gram Sabha of Kralpathri village in Budgam district has designated 200 square kilometers of the Pir Panjal forest as a community-managed conservation area.
The move comes under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and grants local residents the authority to manage and protect the forest while promoting sustainable resource use.
The Gram Sabha passed a resolution to take responsibility for the management of the forest, banning large-scale plantations and fencing in grasslands and alpine pastures. The aim is to preserve the biodiversity of the region, home to various species and sensitive ecosystems. “By keeping the land open and accessible, we are ensuring that the ecosystem remains balanced and biodiversity is protected,” said one member of the Sabha.
The initiative spans three panchayats—Kralpathri-Budgam, Yari-Khah, and Soznipora—with all communities working together to protect the environment while promoting eco-friendly tourism. The plan also seeks to generate economic opportunities for locals through eco-tourism and nature-based activities. “We believe this model will allow us to conserve nature while also boosting local livelihoods,” one of the community leaders noted.
The Forest Rights Coalition of Jammu & Kashmir (FRC-J&K) supported the event. Environmentalist Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool, who has long been a champion of forest communities, played a crucial role in the initiative. FRC-J&K Convenor Zahid Parwaz Chowdhary also guided the community throughout the process.
“This is a landmark decision, not just for Kralpathri, but for other communities across Jammu & Kashmir,” Dr. Rasool said. “It’s a demonstration of how local leadership can lead to sustainable development and conservation.”
The Kralpathri declaration serves as a model for other communities in Jammu & Kashmir, encouraging them to assert their rights under the FRA and pursue balanced conservation efforts.