Bokaro: Six villages in Bokaro district received community forest rights titles over 4,300 acres of recorded forest land at the Bokaro Adivasi Mahotsav 2026, held to mark World Tribal Day.The villages are in Gomia and Peterwar blocks. Chorgaon received rights over 2,800 acres and Gangpur over 900 acres, while the remaining 600 acres were distributed among four other villages.Bokaro deputy commissioner Ajay Nath Jha said the titles would give gram sabhas a greater legal role in protecting, managing and sustainably using forest resources.Officials said the initiative would strengthen communities’ traditional rights over jal, jungle and zameen (water, forest and land) and provide a legal framework for their participation in forest conservation.Five patrol vehicles were also handed over to forest guards of the Bokaro forest division. Officials said the vehicles would improve surveillance and patrolling and help personnel act against illegal tree felling, wildlife crimes and other unlawful activities.Drinking water and sanitation, excise and prohibition minister Yogendra Prasad, Chandankiyari MLA Uma Kant Rajak and Bokaro MLA Shwettaa Singh attended the event, which showcased tribal culture, traditions and heritage.
