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Assessing relevance and impact of CADASTA platform vis-a-vis forest rights act implementation in India

Type of project 

Research/ Consulting

Thematic Area

Navigating Changing Landscapes

Project Area

Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat

Project Status

Completed

Image by EqualStock

About the Project

The project is a land governance and tenure security assesment focused on strengthening the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 through the use of digital mapping, geospatial technologies, and community-centred data systems. Implemented in collaboration with grassroots organisations such as PRADAN, Arch-Vahini, and Waatavaran, the initiative supports Indigenous and forest-dependent communities in securing recognition of Individual Forest Rights (IFR) and Community Forest Rights (CFR).

The project assess the impact of the Cadasta platform—an Esri-powered digital land governance system—to document, map, manage, and visualise land rights claims and community territories. By improving the quality, accessibility, and credibility of tenure-related information, the initiative helps communities navigate complex administrative processes, strengthen advocacy efforts, and improve engagement with government agencies responsible for FRA implementation.

Landstack conducted an independent assessment of the relevance and impact of the Cadasta platform across Odisha, Maharashtra, and Gujarat in 2024. The study found that the platform contributed to improved claim preparation, enhanced transparency, better coordination among stakeholders, stronger community mobilisation, and greater recognition of forest rights. In several locations, recognition of rights also enabled improved access to government schemes, livelihood opportunities, infrastructure, and local governance systems.

Objectives and goals

Image by Sajal Das
  • Strengthen implementation of the Forest Rights Act through digital land governance systems.

  • Improve documentation and mapping of Individual and Community Forest Rights claims.

  • Support Indigenous and forest-dependent communities in securing tenure recognition.

  • Enhance transparency, accuracy, and accessibility of land rights information.

  • Generate evidence on the impacts of tenure recognition on livelihoods and development outcomes.

Methodology

The initiative combines participatory mapping, GIS technologies, mobile data collection, spatial verification, and community engagement to support recognition of forest rights. Communities, civil society organisations, and local institutions use the Cadasta platform to document land claims, map customary territories, and maintain tenure-related information.

The project integrates field verification, digital records management, geospatial analysis, and stakeholder engagement with government agencies responsible for FRA implementation. Landstack's assessment utilised field visits, stakeholder interviews, community consultations, case studies, and platform analysis across multiple states to evaluate outcomes and identify lessons for scaling.

Focus area

  • Forest Rights Act implementation

  • Community Forest Rights (CFR)

  • Individual Forest Rights (IFR)

  • Digital land governance

  • Participatory mapping and geospatial systems

  • Indigenous and community land rights

Outputs / Deliverables

  • State-level impact assessment reports

  • Case studies from Odisha, Maharashtra, and Gujarat

  • Spatial datasets supporting FRA implementation

  • Recommendations for improving digital land governance systems

Team Lead

Pranab Choudhury

Pranab Choudhury

Contributors

Dr Richa Joshi

Research Fellow

Omkar Modak

Research Associate

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