Environment News

Tamil Nadu Forest Rights - R. Gavai committee

November 11 , 2026 22 hrs 0 min 10 0

The Supreme Court appointed former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan R. Gavai to head a committee reviewing forest rights claims in Tamil Nadu, particularly in the Agasthyamalai region.
The committee includes a Central Empowered Committee officer and Tamil Nadu’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
The State must constitute the remaining Gram Sabhas within 30 days and complete the claims process within five months.
Under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, Gram Sabhas begin the process of identifying and recommending eligible forest rights claims.
Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) must prove 75 years of forest residence and dependence on forests for livelihood.