Madhya Pradesh tops in forest rights

BHOPAL - The central government has awarded Madhya Pradesh for the best implementation of Forest Rights Act, which safeguards land ownership of tribals and other traditional forest dwellers, it was officially announced Tuesday.

Under the 2005 law, land certificates are given to forest dwellers, which legitimises their ownership and prevents harassment by officials.

So far, the state government has distributed more than 1.34 lakh forest land rights certificates, the state government said in a statement.

The government has also disposed off around 14 thousand claims made by individuals and communities on thoroughfares, public water resources, public places and other areas.