Samir Bhat
Curchorem
Several hurdles are delaying the finalisation of Forest Rights Claims (FRC) cases in South Goa, despite efforts by the district administration to expedite the process.
The Forest Rights Act came into force in 2006, but due to lack of awareness, there was initially little response from occupants of forest lands in filing claims. A significant rise in applications was seen only after 2017, reportedly following pressure and harassment by forest authorities over occupation and cultivation of forest lands.
Official data shows that 7,650 claims have been received across South Goa district. Canacona taluka accounts for the highest number with 2,555 claims, followed by Quepem with 1,840, Dharbandora with 1,777, Sanguem with 1,222 and Ponda with 260 claims.
All claims are required to be approved by gram sabhas before being forwarded to the Sub-Divisional Level Committee (SDLC) and thereafter to the District Level Committee (DLC) for final approval.
At present, 1,212 cases are pending before gram sabhas, including 473 cases from Sanguem, 355 from Dharbandora, 195 from Canacona and 189 from Quepem. So far, the DLC has approved 2,352 claims, including 837 from Dharbandora, 535 from Canacona, 513 from Quepem, 330 from Sanguem and 137 from Ponda. However, only 618 titles or sanads have been distributed to eligible claimants. Dharbandora accounts for 212 titles, followed by Sanguem with 176, Canacona with 141, Quepem with 86 and Ponda with three.
In addition, 1,734 claims are pending final demarcation. Dharbandora has the highest number with 625 pending cases, followed by Quepem with 427, Canacona with 394, Sanguem with 154 and Ponda with 134.
Sources said many claimants are unable to establish rights due to lack of documentary evidence and supporting records. Family disputes over inheritance and overlapping claims are also delaying
disposal of cases.
Officials are reportedly facing difficulties during field inspections due to objections, counterclaims and disputes among rival claimants. Sources further alleged that delays at the gram sabha level, political interference and missing files in some talukas have also affected the pace of processing.
The district administration has reportedly intensified scrutiny, verification and demarcation work with the aim of disposing of pending cases by December this year.
