01-June-2024
ahaul & Spiti Mapping Exercise: Advancing Data-Driven CFR Recognition
The complex land tenure system in Lahaul & Spiti presents a challenge in securing Community Forest Rights (CFRs) for local communities. The absence of digitized land records, vast uninhabited areas, and overlapping jurisdictional claims has made it difficult to establish clear boundaries for CFR claims. To address this, a systematic mapping exercise was undertaken in collaboration with the Revenue Department, Forest Department, and local governance institutions.
The exercise aimed to consolidate analog cadastral maps, forest boundaries, and historical land records into a structured digital format. This would ensure that Gram Sabhas have accurate spatial data to support their CFR claims while also streamlining the verification process for government agencies.
Phase I: Data Collection and Record Consolidation
The first phase of the exercise focused on compiling existing land records and identifying gaps in available datasets. Initial assessments showed that out of 521 villages listed in the Local Governance Directory (LGD), 262 were uninhabited. This meant that approximately 200-220 Gram Sabhas needed to be mapped for CFR recognition.
Naksha Haq Bartan (NHB) – documenting customary resource use rights.
Wazib Ul Arz – detailing historical community forest usage.
Cadastral maps for Dhars (pasturelands), Reserved Forests (RF), and Demarcated Protected Forests (DPF) – essential for boundary delineation.
Since digital cadastral records were incomplete, analog maps had to be manually sourced from local revenue offices. The team engaged Patwaris and Naib Tehsildars to verify village boundaries, segregate Khasra (land parcel) numbers, and cross-check changes in land use against Jamabandi records.
Parallel to these efforts, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Kaza provided a dedicated workspace at the Kaza Library to facilitate data processing. A progress tracker was also developed to monitor the digitization of Dhar, RF, and DPF boundaries.
With a consolidated data framework in place, the mapping exercise moved into Phase II, focusing on field validation and structured CFR claim preparation.
With historical records organized, Phase II concentrated on translating this data into spatially accurate CFR claims. A standardized mapping approach was developed using three primary layers:
Village Boundaries – obtained from Survey of India (SOI) datasets.
Forest Boundaries – derived from toposheets and ground validation.
Cadastral Plots – linked to Khasra records for tenure authentication.
Due to the unavailability of Bhunaksha cadastral data for Spiti, an alternative verification method was employed. Patwaris manually segregated land parcels Panchayat-wise, ensuring that the mapped plots aligned with official records.
Identifying Khasra numbers for revenue villages and Dhars.
Field visits to validate existing records.
Adjusting boundaries where land use had changed over time.
Following the success of Pangmo’s mapping, the process was expanded to Pin Valley, excluding Mud village, where Spiti Civil Society (SCS) and Himdhara were already working.
Community engagement was central to this phase. Gram Sabha meetings were organized to raise awareness on CFR claims, train local functionaries, and ensure that community knowledge was integrated into mapping decisions. Collaborations with Panchayat Secretaries and FRC representatives helped refine the mapping methodology.
Phase II: Field Mapping and Ground-Truthing
The Lahaul & Spiti Mapping Exercise has laid the groundwork for accurate and evidence-based CFR recognition. By consolidating historical land records, cadastral maps, and geospatial data, the exercise has provided a replicable model for future CFR claims.
Finalizing village-wise Khasra mapping.
Expanding CFR claims across additional Gram Sabhas.
Integrating mapping outputs into tenure recognition processes.
As the mapping process progresses, continued collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and civil society organizations will be essential in ensuring the successful recognition of community forest rights in Lahaul & Spiti.