Field trip to Chhattisgarh (4th December 2006 to 5th January2007)

Report submitted in partial fulfillment of the Post Graduate Diploma in Forestry

Management (2006 – 2008)

P.O. Box - 357, Nehru Nagar, Bhopal - 462003, India

604 – Anurag Dwivedi 627 – Ranesh Kumar Biswas

624 – Rahul Bharadwaj 638 – Sudeep R Kodialbail

Acknowledgement

Fieldwork – Chhattisgarh Page no

Acknowledgement

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Chhattisgarh state forest department for their assistance and support in organising this well planned field trip. We also thank the team at the Society for Social Services Madhya Bharat Chapter for exposing us to rural India. We profusely thank the following officers who shared their immense knowledge with us thus making this trip a learning experience - Mr. Jaisingh Mhaskey (CF Coordination) Mr. A K Dwivedi (ED, FDC) Mr. Mesram (SDO, Dugli) Dr. N Satish Chandra (CEO, SOSS) Mr. B Barik (Range officer, Moudi) Mr. Uday Singh Thakur (Range Officer, Deopur) Our gratitude to all the Range officers, Forest Guards and other officials who were involved in the success of this visit. We would like to extend our gratitude to all the rural masses who played a part in educating us.

Chhattisgarh Field Trip Team

Contents

Contents

Part I

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Topic Pg. No.

1.1 Chhattisgarh 1 1.2 Chhattisgarh state forest department 4 1.3 Forest Cover 7 1.4 Forest Resources 7 1.5 Living with wildlife 8

Chapter 2 - Dhamtari Objective 10 Individuals interacted with 11

2.1 Coupe & Depot Management 11 2.1.1 Marking of a coupe 11 2.1.2 Steps in Felling 13 2.1.3 Logging Plan – 2006 13 2.1.4 Stacking 16 2.1.5 Compartment No. 383: An Example 17 2.1.6 Forms & Registers used in Felling Operations 17 2.1.7 Depot Management 19 2.2 Development works in forest villages 21 2.2.1 Forest Village - Alekhuta 21 2.2.2 Forest Village – Khadadah 23 2.2.3 Forest Village – Birjhuli 24 2.2.4 Forest Village – Pendra 25 2.2.5 Forest Village – Moudi 26 2.3 Forest Village Jabarra: A Model Village 28 2.3.1 Introduction 28 2.3.2 Public Grain Storage 28 2.3.3 Education 29

Contents

Topic

Pg. No.

2.3.4 Women Self Help Groups 30 2.3.5 Solar Energy Forest Village Jabarra 30 2.3.5.1 Solar Submersible Pump 30 2.3.5.2 Solar Irrigation Pump 31 2.3.5.3 Solar House Lighting 31 2.3.5.4 Solar Street Lighting 31 2.3.6 Irrigation Resources 31 2.3.6.1 Vichitra Ganga 31 2.3.6.2 Open Well 32 2.3.7 Road Connectivity 32 2.3.8 Fish Rearing 32 2.3.9 Non Timber Forest Produce 32 2.3.10 Timber Production 34 2.4 Processing Center: Dugli 35 2.5 Medicinal Trail: Sankra 37 2.6 Mist Chamber: Koliyari 38 2.7 Jatropha Plantation: Madraud 40

Chapter 3 - Jagdalpur Objective 41 Individuals interacted with 41 3.1 Forest Development Agency 42 3.1.1 Purpose 42 3.1.2 Schemes 42 3.1.3 Visit to FDA area Kinjoli 43 3.1.4 Observations 43 3.2 Public Private Partnership 44 3.3 Eco-Tourism 45 3.3.1 Kanger Valley National Park 45 3.3.2 Significance of the park 45 3.3.3 Details of observations, interactions and work done 46

Contents

Topic

Pg. No.

3.3.3.1 About Netanar 46 3.3.3.2 SWOT of the Kanger Valley National Park 48 3.3.3.3 Problems faced by the National Park 48 3.3.4 Report on Eco-Tourism Potential & Suggestions 49

Chapter 4 - Raipur Objectives 54 Individuals interacted with 54 4.1 Forest Development Corporation 55 4.1.1 Mandate 55 4.1.2 History of Formation of FDC 55 4.1.3 Objectives of FDC 55 4.1.4 Organisational Setup 56 4.1.5 Activities 57 4.1.6 Audit of Accounts of the Corporation 58 4.1.7 Revenue details & Balance sheet 59 4.1.8 Employment generation activities 60 4.1.9 Future plans 61 4.2 Forest Management Information System 61 4.2.1 IT in forest department 62 4.2.2 FMIS Division 63 4.2.3 FMIS Goals 63 4.2.3.1 Data Collection and creation 64 4.2.3.2 Forest mapping 64 4.2.3.3 Forest management planning 64 4.2.3.4 Forest operational management 65 4.2.3.5 Development of application software 65 4.2.3.6 Networking & communication 65 4.2.3.7 Training & Capacity building 66 4.3 Medicinal Plants Board 67 4.3.1 Objectives of the board 67

Contents

Topic

Pg. No.

4.3.2 Strategies for the future 68 4.3.3 Achievements at a glance 68

Part II – Special Component

Chapter 5 – Joint Forest Management Objectives 69 Individuals interacted with 69 5.1 What is JFM 70 5.2 Origin of JFM 71 5.3 Impacts 71 5.4 Key issues 72 5.5 JFM in Chhattisgarh 77 5.5.1 JFM Committees 78 5.5.2 JFM: A statistical profile 78 5.6 Field Visits & Observations 79 5.6.1 Forest Village Amaruva 79 5.6.2 Forest Village – Chechrapali 80 5.6.3 Forest Village - Rangora 81 5.6.4 Forest Village – Tenduchunwa 82 5.6.5 Forest Village – Dhamalpura 83 5.6.6 Forest Village - Navadi 84 5.6.7 Observations 84

Chapter 6 – Protected Area Management Objectives 89 Officials interacted with 89 6.1 Literature review 89 6.1.1 Definition of protected area 89 6.1.2 IUCN protected area management categories 90 6.1.3 Issues in categorizing Protected areas 92 6.1.3.1 National protected area systems 93 6.1.3.2 Regional Variation 93

Contents

Topic

Pg. No.

6.1.3.3 Size of Protected Areas 94 6.1.3.4 Zoning within Protected Areas 94 6.1.3.5 Multiple Classifications 94 6.1.3.6 Management Responsibility 95 6.1.3.7 Ownership of Land 95 6.1.3.8 Local communities 96 6.1.3.9 Areas around Protected Areas 96 6.2 Bar-Nawapara Wildlife Sanctuary 96 6.3 Sanctuary Management 97 6.3.1 Core Zone 98 6.3.2 Buffer Zone 98 6.3.3 Tourism Zone 99 6.4 Protected Area Management - Measures 100 6.4.1 General Measures 100 6.4.2 Operation Monsoon 100 6.4.3 Fire Protection 101 6.4.4 Habitat Management 102 6.4.4.1 Waterhole Management 102 6.4.4.2 Meadow Development 103 6.4.5 Wildlife Health management 104 6.4.5.1 Disease Surveillance 105 6.4.5.2 Prophylactic immunization 105 6.5 Conflicts and Problems in the sanctuary 106 6.6 Strategies to solve problems 107 6.6.1 People living deep inside the protected area 107 6.6.2 People living on the periphery of the protected area 107 6.7 Eco-Development 107 6.7.1 Peoples’ participation in PAM 108 6.7.2 Impacts of Eco-development 109 6.8 Observations 110

Contents

Topic

Pg. No.

6.9 Suggestions 112

Part III – NGO Component

Chapter 7 – Society for Social Services Objectives 114 Individuals interacted with 114 7.1 Society for Social Services 116 7.2 Vision 116 7.3 Mission 116 7.4 Broad Objectives 116 7.5 Divisions 117 7.6 Current Assignments 118 7.6.1 Research, Monitoring & Evaluation Division 118 7.6.2 Implementation & facilitation division 119 7.7 Presence 119 7.8 Feedback Report 120 7.9 Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana 129 7.9.1 Salient Features 129 7.9.2 Funding Pattern 130 7.9.3 SGSY Special Project Eco-friendly Dona Plate 130 7.9.3.1 Project highlights 131 7.9.3.2 Field Visit and observations 131 Conclusion 136 References 137

List of figures

List of figures

Figure No.

Title Page No.

1.1 Locational Map of Chhattisgarh 2 1.2 Forest cover map of Chhattisgarh 3 1.3 Organisational structure 5 1.4 Field level structure 6 2.1 Coupe Pillar 12 2.2 Hammer Mark 12 2.3 Felled Tree 15 2.4 Girth Measurement 15 2.5 Stack of felled wood 16 2.6 Compartment No. 383 17 2.7 Stacked timber in the depot 20 2.8 Timber auction hall 20 2.9 Vermicompost Pit 27

2.10 Solar Energy Panels 34 2.11 Concrete Roads and Street Lighting 34 2.12 Storage Hall 35 2.13 Solar panel 36 2.14 Sorting 36 2.15 Storage 36 2.16 Steaming of produce 36 2.17 Rope Making 36 2.18 Map of Sankra Medicinal trail painted on a rock 38 2.19 Mist & Hardening Chamber 39 2.20 Inside the Mist Chamber 39 2.21 Jatropha Plantation: Madraud 40 2.22 Fruit of Jatropha Plant 40 3.1 With committee members 44 3.2 Eucalyptus plantation 44

List of figures

7.1 Contour Trenches 135 7.2 Percolation Tanks 135 7.3 Plantations 135 7.4 Boulder Check Dam 135 7.5 Farm Pond 135

List of Tables

List of Tables

Table no.

Title Page no.

1.1 Forest Cover 7 1.2 Forest Types 8 1.3 Area under National Parks 9 1.4 Area under Samctuaries 9 2.1 Pendra medicinal plants 26 2.2 Income details of NTFP’s 33 2.3 Income details of tendu leaves, sal seeds, mahua 33 4.1 Revenue details 59 4.2 Balance sheet 60 5.1 JFM: A statistical profile 79 5.2 Forest Village Amaruva 79 5.3 Forest Village – Chechrapali 80 5.4 Forest Village - Rangora 81 5.5 Forest Village – Tenduchunwa 82 5.6 Forest Village - Dhamalpura 83 6.1 Forest Cover Bar-Nawapara 97

Abbreviations

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Abbreviations APL Above Poverty Line BPL Below Poverty Line CGDPRP Chhattisgarh District Poverty Reduction Program DFO Divisional Forest Officer FDA Forest Development Agency FDC Forest Development Corporation FMIS Forest Management Information System FPC Forest Protection Committee FSI Forest Survey of India GIS Geographical information system IUCN International Union of Nature Conservation (IUCN) JFM Joint Forest Management MFP Minor Forest Produce NTFP Non-Timber Forest Produce PAM Protected Area Management PPA Peoples’ Protected Area PPP Public Private Partnership SDO Sub-Divisional Officer SGSY Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana SHG’s Self Help Groups VFC Village Forest Committee

Chapter 1 Introduction

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Chapter 1 - Introduction

1.1 Chhattisgarhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh With a geographical spread of 1.35 lakh sq. km., Chhattisgarh State is larger than 16 other Indian states. The state covers 4.4% of the total geographical area of the country. Over 0.59 lakh sq. km area in the State is under forest constituting about 44% of its geographical area. Chhattisgarh is very rich in terms of its mineral wealth. There are huge deposits of iron ore, coal, limestone, dolomite, bauxite, tin etc. in the State. The Bailladilla iron ore mine in Bastar is of superior quality and is being exported to Japan. Chhattisgarh is the only State in the whole country where Tin is mined. Over 66% cement production in the country comes from this state. Deposits of gold, diamond etc. have also been identified in the state. There are over 175 large and medium industrial units in the State including the Bhilai Steel Plant in Durg district. .Of the total of 74.16 lakh workers in the State, 57% are involved in agriculture and allied activities, 23.06% in manufacturing, processing and servicing activities, 1.46% in household industry, 3.75% in other than household industry, 1.12% in construction, 3.70 in trade and commerce, 1.41% in transport, storage and communication, 5.88% in other services. Over 80% of the workforce in the State thus depend on agriculture and allied activities for their livelihood. The population of the state is approximately 208 lakhs. Out of it Scheduled Tribe constitutes 32.5% and Scheduled Caste constitutes 12.2% of he total population. The literacy rate in the state is 65.18%. Forest provides several essential services to mankind. Forests are the sources of number of food item, fuel wood, fodder and timber. Other economic uses include providing raw material for forest based

Chapter 1 Introduction

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industries. Some of the minor forest produce includes gum, fruits, honey etc. Forest performs important ecological function such as maintaining delicate ecological balance, conserving soil and water, and controlling floods, drought and pollution. Forest provides habitat for innumerable plants, animals and microorganism. Forests are a source of recreation and religious inspiration. The State of Chhattisgarh although endowed with fairly large natural resources, has a long way to go for unlocking these resources for the economic, social, and cultural well being of its population. The journey towards that goal has already begun with the formation of a new State of "Chhattisgarh" on 1st November 2000. Figure 1.1 indicates the location of the state Chhattisgarh. Figure 1.2 gives the forest cover of Chhattisgarh based on the FSI Report 2005. This forest cover map has been prepared at the GIS cell of the FMIS division, Raipur.

Figure 1.1 – Locational Map

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1.2 Chhattisgarh state forest departmentaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa The state forest department maintains a well-knit organisational structure under the state Government in order to achieve sustainable development of the forests. The department performs the functions of planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of forestry and environmental programmes in the state within the framework of the current policy and legislative environment. The principal activities undertaken by the department consists of conservation of flora, fauna, forest and wildlife, afforestation of degraded forests, natural regeneration of forests and management of forest products. Along with the forestry related work, it also helps in, providing sustainable livelihood to the rural people. It has also taken steps to improve their socio-economic condition by providing employment opportunities and maintains ecological balance by conservation of biodiversity with their active participation. The organizational structure of the department covers different wings at the Headquarter, 8 field circles and 45 territorial, wild life and other functional divisions. In order to accomplish the onerous task of sustainable forest development, the forest department maintains a well-knit organizational structure under the state Government. The organization translates policy and legislation into actions. In the backdrop of vast forest resources of the state, it functions as an engine of socio-economic and cultural transformations of the state. The department works under the stewardship of forest minister. The following figure 1.3 gives the organisational structure of the forest department. In the field, there are eight conservators of forests who look after one forest circle each. Out of these eight circles, one is the Indravati National Park and the other is working plan circle. The rests are all territorial circles. Each circle, except the Indravati National Park, contains more than one division. Figure 1.4 gives the structure at the field level.

Figure 1.3 – Organisational Structure of Chhattisgarh State Forest Department

Forest Minister

Principle Secretary

PCCF

Budget

Working Plan

Administration

Joint Forest Management

Wildlife

Research &

Extension

Protection

Production

Development

Land Management

Figure 1.4 – Organisational Structure at the field level

Forest Circle & Division

Raipur Jagdalpur Kanker Bilaspur Sarguja Durg Bilaspur WP

Indrawati Project

Jagdalpur

- Raipur - East Raipur - Mahasam- -und - Dhamtari - Udanti - Raipur SF

- Bastar - Dantewada - Sukma - Bijapur - Kanger Ghati NP - Forest School - Bastar SF

- Kondanga- -on (E) - Kondanga- -on (S) - Bhanuprat- -apur (E) - Bhanuprat- -apur (W) - Kanker - Udanti - Narayanp- -ur

- Bilaspur - Marwahi - Korba - Katghora - Raigarh - Dharamjai- -garh - Jangeer / Champa - Bilaspur SF

- Sarguja (N) - Sarguja (E) - Sarguja (S) - Koriya - Jaspur - Guru Ghas- -idas NP - Manedrag- -arh

- Durg - Rajnandga- -on - Khairagarh - Kawardha

- Raipur - Bilaspur - Durg - Kanker - Sarguja - Jagdalpur - FMIS, Raipur

- Indrawati National Park, Bijapur

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1.3 Forest Cover rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr The forest cover of state is placed at 55,998 Sq. Km. according to forest survey of India assessment. Out of it, the extent of very dense forest is 1540, dense forest 37440 and open forest is 17018 Sq. Km. The recorded forest area (as per the legal definition) of the state is 56448 sq. km. This accounts for 41.8 % of geographical area of the state. Table 1.1 gives details about forest cover in the state.

Forest Cover

Very Dense Forest 1540 Sq. Km Dense Forest 37,440 Sq. Km Open Forest 17,018 Sq. Km Total 55,998 Sq. Km Of State's Geographic Area 41.8 % Of Country's Forest Cover 8.4 %

Table 1.1 – Forest Cover Details

1.4 Forest Resources ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss The state of Chhattisgarh being placed in Deccan bio-geographical area, houses an important part of that rich and unique biological diversity. What is amore conspicuous is that the state is significantly rich in endemism with respect to many plants having medicinal importance. The forests of the state fall under two major forest types, i.e., Tropical Moist Deciduous forest and the Tropical Dry Deciduous forest. The state of Chhattisgarh is endowed with about 22 varied forest sub-types existing in the state. Sal (Shorea robusta) and Teak (Tectona grandis) are the two major tree species in the state. Other notable overwood species are Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium), Saja (Terminalia tomentosa), Dhawra (Anogeissus latifolia),

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Mahua (Madhuca indica), Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon) etc. Amla (Embilica officinalis), Karra (Cleistanthus collinus) and bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) constitute a significant chunk of middle canopy of the state's forests. From the management point of view, there are four types of forests in the state of Chhattisgarh. These are Teak, Sal, Miscellaneous and Bamboo forests. Table 1.2 gives the area in sq. km. and the percentage area of each type of forest in the state.

No Type of Forest

Forest Area (in Sq. Km.)

Percentage (%)

1 Sal 24244.878 40.56 2 Teak 5633.131 9.42 3 Mixed 6484.380 50.02 Total 59772.389 100.00

Table 1.2 – Forest Type Details

1.5 Living with Wildlife eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Biogeographically, the state falls in Deccan bio-region comprising representative fauna of central India like the tiger (Panthera tigris), leopard (Panthera pardus), gaur (Bos gaurus), sambhar (Cervus unicolor) , chital (Axis axis), nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa). The state is a proud possessor of rare wildlife like the wild buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and hill myna (Gracula religiosa) which have been declared as rare and endangered. Apart from the species diversity, the state is also endowed with rich genetic diversity. The variation in the genetic composition of individuals within or among floristic and faunal species is large. It has 10.88 %of its forests under Protected Area (PA) network. There are three National Parks and 11 sanctuaries. Indravati National Park is the only Tiger Reserve declared so far.

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The area under different National Parks and sanctuaries are as follows. Table 1.3 and 1.4 give details about the National Parks and sanctuaries respectively.

No National Park District Area

(in Sq. Km.) 1 Indravati Dantewada 1258.00 2 Kanger Ghati Bastar 200.00 3 Guru Ghasidas Sarguja / Koriya 2898.71

Table 1.3 – Area under National Parks

No Sanctuaries District Area

(in Sq. Km.) 1 Achanakmar Bilaspur 551.55 2 Badalkhol Jashpur 104.55 3 Bhairamgarh Dantewada 139.00 4 Barnawapara Raipur 244.66 5 Gomarda Raigarh 411.20 6 Pameda Dantewada 262.00 7 Semarsot Sarguja 608.52 8 Sitanadi Dhantari 553.36 9 Tamor Pingala Sarguja 608.52 10 Udanti Raipur 247.59 11 Bhoramdev Kawardha 163.80

Table 1.4 – Area under Sanctuaries

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Chapter 2 - Dhamtari Objectives ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss The objectives of the visit to Dhamtari district were as follows -

1. To acquaint ourselves with some aspects of management of natural forests

2. To acquaint ourselves with various afforestation activities 3. To acquaint ourselves with the depot management procedures for

both, timber and fuel wood. 4. To observe some village development works

The first objective was achieved through a visit to the plantations in Dugli range. The marking operations were observed in compartment no. 255 in coupe 4 and the felling operations were observed in compartment no. 318 in coupe 3. Compartment no. 383 was visited as an ideal and untouched sal forest. The IRDC project in Dugli range and Honey processing center in sankra were also visited. The second objective was achieved by way of visits to the Madraud Jatropha plantation, the Alekhuta, Birjhuli & Pendra medicinal plantations, the Sankra medicinal trail, the Birjhuli vermi-composting unit and the Koliyari mist chamber to see the modern nursery practices. The third objective was achieved through field visits to the Nagri Timber depot and the Koliyari fuel wood depot. The last objective was achieved by visiting the Model village Jabbarra, Alekhuta and Khadadah. We also interactions with various personnel attached with the above mentioned works.

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Individuals interacted with hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh During our visit to Dhamtari district we interaction with the following individuals -

1. Mr. R C Mesram SDO, Dugli 2. Mr. R K Patil Deputy Range Officer,

1. Dugli 3. Mr. B Barik Range Officer 4. Mr. Hemlal Sahu Forest Guard 5. Mr. B R Yadav Forest Guard 6. Mr. Harik Lal Naithan President, VFC, Alekhuta 7. Mr. Khan Gaffer Sheikh President, VFC, Birjhuli 8. Mr. Shivram Thakur VFC member, Birjhuli 9. Mr. Hemlal Dhruv Forest Guard, Birjhuli 10. Mr. Ranjit Shandilya Deputy Range Officer 11. Mr. Harak Lal President, FPC, Kurmajhar 12. Mr. Narad Dhruv Villager, Kurmajhar 13. Mr. Ramdev Villager, Kurmajhar 14. Mr. Mohan Singh Forest Guard, Kurmajhar 15. Mr. N K Sinha Forest Guard, Khadadah 16. Mr. S R Bhosale Forest Guard, Khadadah 17. Mr. Govardhan Singh Dhruv President, FPC, Khadadah

2.1 Coupe & Depot Management tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt The topics covered under this section are the marking and felling operations, the logging plant, various forms and registers used, compartment no. 383 and some processes of depot management. 2.1.1 Marking of a Coupe eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Marking of a coupe involves steps at the end of which the trees which must be felled have been identified. This process starts in the month of

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December of the year previous to which the felling operations are to be carried out and continues till the month of February or March. Marking involves excluding those trees which are at those places where there are more chances of soil erosion, for instance, those at a terrain with certain angle or those near or on river banks. For marking a coupe is divided into four sections. Felling operations are then carried out during the month of September and October. Figure 2.1 shows a coupe pillar which has the coupe number marked on it which is used for the identification of the coupe and figure 2.2 shows the mark made on the bark of a tree using a coupe hammer.

Figure 2.1 - Coupe Pillar

Figure 2.2 – Hammer Mark

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2.1.2 Steps in Felling gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg Once the trees to be felled are identified the felling operation commences. The entire felling operations can be, in general, divided into 10 steps. These are as follows:

1. Fixing the boundaries for the felling operations. This process must be complete on year before the felling.

2. Marking of a coupe. This process must also be complete atleast one year before the felling operations begin.

3. Preparing the felling plan. The plan must be ready before the end of the month of July and its approval obtained from the Conservator of Forest (CF).

4. Forming the transportation group. This step also must be over before the end of the month of July.

5. Felling operations. 6. Recording of the timber obtained from felling operations. 7. Preparations of stacks or ‘thappis’ and their recording. 8. Transportation of timber from. 9. Verification of the timber sent from coupe to the depot. 10. Verification of the ‘chalans’.

Some of the above processes are explained as below. 2.1.3 Logging Plan – 2006 6666666666666666666666666666666666666666 The following steps must be followed while carrying out the felling operations -

1. The felling operations of the marked trees must begin from one end of the coupe. A list of those trees which have been marked but not ‘hammered’ with ‘Marking Hammer’ must be prepared and handed to the Range Officer. These trees must not be felled at any cost.

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2. Before the felling of a tree commences the area around it must be cleansed of small plants, stones and stumps. This will help in felling operations and will ensure that there is no wastage of timber.

3. The felling operations must be done using Hand-Axe only. While cutting the tree it must be ensured that the loss of timber is minimized and the stump is not high. The cutting must be done just above the ‘Lower Hammer’ to protect the ‘Hammer Mark’ and the number.

4. The priorities of felling must be as follows: i. Bole ii. Tree of medium girth of timber and non timber wood iii. Tree of thick girth of timber and non timber wood iv. Fuel Wood

The purpose of cutting the bole first is to ensure that the laborers may not try to convert this bole to fuel wood. Before cutting the tree having timber it is advised that the branches must be cut first. The cutting of one section of a coupe must be completed before beginning the felling operation in another section.

5. Tree must be felled in the direction which will ensure minimum losses to other standing trees.

6. Tree must be felled in the direction of hilly area. This will ensure minimization of the losses.

7. A ‘felling sink’ of 1/5th to 1/3rd times the diameter of tree that is being felled will be provided in the direction where it is being felled.

8. Proper dressing of the stumps must be done so that good coppices might be obtained from them. The dressing must be done in such a way that water logging may not take place over them.

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9. Area of about 1 meter diameter must be cleaned around the stump. This will ensure that the stumps may be saved against any possible fire hazards.

10. After cutting the tree it is essential that they are ‘hammered’ with ‘Marking Hammer’.

11. After felling, the stem must be cleaned and any branches and twigs must be removed. The stem will be marked at a point which is just below the branching. If the branches are having a girth of more than 50 cm, then only will they be classified as timber. Otherwise a decision might be taken to classify them as fuel wood.

12. A bend of 5 cm per 3 meters of length is permissible. Figure 2.3 shows a felled tree and figure 2.4 shows the process of measurement.

Figure 2.4 – Girth Measurement

Fig 2.3: A felled tree

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2.1.4 Stacking ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg The following guidelines must be followed for stacking the wood or making the ‘thappies’:

1. The stack must be made along the exit path in such a place where it is easy for a truck to reach.

2. The timber must be kept parallel to the exit path so that they may be loaded easily into the truck.

3. The timber in each stack must be according to truck load limits i.e. a stack or a ‘thappi’ must ideally contain 10 cubic meters or 20 cubic meters.

4. The boles of one size must be kept together. 5. The ends of all the wood lengths must be kept in a line. 6. The stack or the ‘thappi’ must be marked on a thick stem. 7. In addition to the above step, each piece of wood in the stack

must be marked with its number. 8. In the Stack or ‘Thappi’ Record Book, the proper Carting Challan

Number and the date must be given. The figure below shows a typical stack or ‘thappi’ of felled wood.

Figure 2.5 – A stack of felled wood

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2.1.5 Compartment Number 383: An Example eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Compartment number 383 which has now been rechristened as compartment number 292 is an area which has been marked for protection of species. No felling operations are carried out here. The area of this compartment is 581.549 hectares. There are a total of 13 coupes in this compartment. The management of this compartment is carried out by Forest Protection Committees of Dab and Rajpur villages. It is to be noted that medicinal plants are also among the protected species in this area. The figure below shows the present status of the compartment.

Fig 2.6: Compartment Number 383

2.1.6 Forms and Registers Used In Felling Operations ssssssssssssssss The forms and registers that are used in the felling operations are briefly explained below.

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1. Felling Register (002/02): This is one of the main record books of the entire felling operations. In this book a complete record of the wood that has been obtained by felling operations is made. The entries that are made are marking number, girth at breast height (GBH), Jungle Number, Useful Length, R.T.L., etc.

2. Stack Register (002/03): After recording the timber in the Felling Register it is stacked. The recording of these stacks is done in this register.

3. Carting Challan for truck (002/05): This is also a very important record. This form must accompany any exit of the wood from timber. It contains complete details of the wood that is being transported.

4. Carting Challan for Bullock Cart: This form is used if the wood is transported using a bullock cart instead of a truck.

5. Exit and ‘Samadhan’ Register (002/06): When the dispatch from the coupe begins then recording is done according to Carting Challan in this register.

6. Coupe Monthly Register (002/07): In this register, a record is maintained of wood obtained from the coupe and expenditures involved on a month-wise basis.

7. Coupe Work Document (002/08): Entries are made into this document when all the works of a coupe are over. It is one for each coupe.

8. Coupe Inspection Booklet: In this booklet a brief description of the coupe is given. It is presented before the officials during the inspection of the coupe. At the end of this booklet a detail of all the jobs done in the coupe is given.

9. Other minor registers and challans are ‘Laguna Pramanak’ (002/09), ‘Collector Pramanak’ (002/010), ‘Abhilekhan Pramanak’ (002/011), ‘Nikasi Pramanak’ (002/012), ‘Tree Cutting Pramanak’ (002/013).

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2.1.7 Depot Management ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt The depots are used to store wood (both timber and fuel wood) before being auctioned to traders. This auction helps in revenue generation for the government. Thus, the entry, measurement, classification, stacking and auctioning are very important jobs which are taken care of in a depot. Brief descriptions of various processes which must be followed in a depot are given below.

1. Entry of wood: Enter the trip number of the entry of wood in the Gate Register which is kept at the gate of the depot. The trip number must also be recorded in the Carting Challan. Also the driver of the vehicle in which the wood has been brought in must be instructed about the sector in the depot where the wood is to be unloaded.

2. Measurement of wood: The measurement of all the wood that has been entered into the depot must be over by the end of the next day. The following precautions must be kept in mind while doing the measurement.

3. Drying allowance is not given while measuring the wood in a depot.

4. The measurement of length of logs must be done in decimeter. In case the cut at the end of logs is not parallel to the other end then the minimum length must be recorded.

5. The measurement of girth for the logs must be done in the middle. If necessary the bark may be removed for this purpose.

6. Classification of wood: This is one of the most important processes in a depot. Thus is must be done very carefully and the depot incharge must himself preside over this job. The wood is classified into Teak Log Class, logs of other species, mixed species.

7. Stacking: The stacking of wood must be over by the end of the next day of their measurement. Separate stacks must be made for wood of different classes.

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8. Recording: The recording work must also be over along with stacking. The stacks must be closed and ‘lots’ prepared at least 10 days before the auction commences. The ‘minimum auction price’ must be presented to the Divisional Forest Office 7 days before the auction.

9. Sector wise record of entry and exit of wood: The forest guard incharge of the sector must carefully maintain all the record of any wood that has been entered into or exited from their sector. The depot incharge must verify these details on a regular interval.

Figure 2.7 – Stacked Timber in the depot

Figure 2.8 - Timber Auction hall at the depot

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2.2 Development Works in Forest Villages ssssssssssssssssssssssssssss Under this section we shall cover the development works, in general, in the forest villages of Alekhuta & Khadadah, the medicinal plantations at Birjhuli & Pendra and the vermicompost units at Birjhuli and Moudi. 2.2.1 Forest Village - Alekhuta aaaawwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Focus: Village Development Works Introduction: This village was established during the British period. At present about 64 families live in the village and the population of the village is 267. The area of the villager is 126.98 hectares. The agriculture of this village is dependent on rains for its irrigation. As a result the village used to be draught prone earlier. In 1997, this village was brought under Joint Forest Management (JFM) and a micro plan for its development was prepared. As a result, development of the village has taken place which is still in progress. First of all, a stop dam was constructed on the ‘Kansa’ stream near the village and the flow was diverted to the village. This has resulted in the increase in the yield of ‘kharif’ crop. At present, there are 2 tube wells and 4 hand pumps for providing drinking water, a stop dam on the ‘Kansa’ stream and ‘Futhamuda’ stop dam for irrigation. There are about 25 families in the village which are Below Poverty Line (BPL) and are steadily on their way to pull themselves above it. A detail of the development works done in the village is as follows:

1. Public Grain Storage: In case of emergencies like famine, drought, marriages, death etc help is provided to the villagers through this storage. In case no such situation arises then the grain stored in it is distributed to the villagers once in a year. This system works on the cooperation among the villagers. At present about 18 quintals of rice is stored in it. Its management

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is done by the elders of the villages but distribution is done by consensus among the villagers.

2. Education: The village had a school before the year 2000. In 2002-03, a school building was constructed under Rajiv Gandhi Water Conservation Mission Plan. Children above 5 years of age attend it for primary education. For middle and higher education they go to Birjhuli (2 km) and Singpur (8 km) respectively. The literacy level of this village is 36% for males and 28% for females.

3. Self Help Groups: There are two Men Self Help Groups in the village viz. Jai Ambe SHG and Balaji SHG. Their savings at present are Rs. 5000 and Rs. 6000 respectively.

4. Forest Protection Committee: The members of FPC, Alekhuta collect MFPs like Mahua flower, Tora fruit, Amla, Charota, Harra etc. and earn profit form their sales.

5. Health Care Facilities: Nearest health centre is at Magarlod which is 20 kms away. There is adepot holder in the village who keeps medicines in a sufficient amount.

6. Drinking Water: There are 4 hand pumps, 42 wells and 2 tube wells in the village to provide clean drinking water.

7. Vermi-Compost: There is one tank to prepare vermi-compost in the village.

8. Medicinal Plants: Medicinal plants were planted by the villagers under a Forest Development Agency (FDA) scheme. The species that were planted are Aloe vera barbadensis, Curcuma angustifolia, costs speciousus, Acorus calamus, Rauwalfia serpentine, Oximum sncyum, Musk mallow, Withania somnifera, Dioscoria hispida, Andrographis paniculata, Amla etc.

9. Irrigation Facilities: Forest Department has constructed a stop dam on the ‘Kansa’ stream which helps in the irrigation of about 25% of area. In 2003-04 the ‘Futhamuda’ stop dam was constructed which has brought under irrigation another 25% of

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land. With the construction of ‘Saheb Dongri’ stream stop dam another 25% of land will be brought under irrigation.

2.2.2 Forest Village - Khadadah hhhhhhhhhhhwwwwhhhhhhhhhhhh Focus: Village Development Works Introduction: The village was established in 1890 for carrying out forestry operations. At present the population of the village is 150 and the number of families is 28. Development works since independence in this village include 2 big ponds, 1 well, 3 hand pumps and 1 stop dam. In addition there is an inspection cottage and one school building. There is also a temporary depot which is used to store fuel woods. This also provides employment to the villagers. The government has also given 2.5 hectares of land to 10 villagers on lease for cultivation. The details of the development works in the village are as follows.

1. Education: A primary school is being run in the village by Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department. It was established in 1981. The school building is a concrete building in which all children above 5 years of age are being provided education. The villagers are motivated to educate their children but are unable to provide any education above primary level. The level of literacy among women is 70% where as for men it is 75%.

2. Self Help Groups: There is one women self help group in the village by the name of Jai Sheetala Maa SHG and has about Rs. 10000 in their account.

3. Health Care Facilities: The nearest primary health centre is present in Keregaon which is 5 km away. There is a depot holder in the village who keeps medicines in sufficient amount.

4. Drinking Water: The drinking water to the villagers is provided by 3 hand pumps, 1 stop dam and 1 well.

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5. Alternative Source of Energy: A proposal was given for 2 Bio Gas Plants and Enhanced Gas Stove for 20 families but has not yet been approved due to shortage of budget.

6. Vermi Culture: A vermi-compost pit has been prepared in the village. The compost preparation is still in progress.

7. Vegetable Plantation: The B.P.L. families of the village have been encouraged to grow vegetables and have been provided with saplings and manure for the same.

8. Public Grain Storage: The grain storage is being managed by the Women SHG of the village. At present about 7 quintals of grain is stored and is released in case of marriages in villages.

2.2.3 Forest Village - Birjhuli iiiiiiwwiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Focus: Vermicompost and Medicinal Plantations Introduction: This forest village was established during the British period for the protection of forests and other forestry operations. At present about 124 families live here. In the name of development this village got small ponds in the last five decades. In addition whatever land that has been distributed to villagers on lease was put to use only for the ‘kharif’ crop that was dependent on rains for irrigation. As a result this village faced famine situations almost every year. As a result the economic condition of the villagers became even worse. In 1997, this village was brought under Joint Forest Management (JFM) and a micro plan was prepared for the development of the village. A series of development works were undertaken in this village but the main focus of our visit was the medicinal plantations and the vermicompost preparation pits.

1. Medicinal Plantations: In the village the committee has financed the medicinal plantations. Aloe vera plantations of 35000 plants have been done in 1 hectare. In addition, Forest Development

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Agency (FDA) has undertaken plantations of 119000 plants of Aloe vera and 2370 plants of amla. Also plantations of a few more medicinal plants have been done. In the open forests of 20 hectare area of this village 100 kg seeds of ‘deenanath’ grass and 40 kg seeds of ‘Subabool’ have been sown.

2. Vermi-Compost Production: In the village 40 tanks of vermi-compost have been constructed as part of entry point activities. The vermi-compost production is about to begin. 4 additional tanks have been constructed by the committee and 1 tank has been constructed by the forest department. These tanks are managed by village forest committee of Birjhuli village. The number of tanks are 44 each of size 10 m * 1 m * 1 m. As on 25th November 2006, the production was 715 quintals all of which has been sold generating revenue of Rs. 357500.

2.2.4 Forest Village - Pendra aaaaaaaawwiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Focus: Medicinal Plantations Introduction: This forest village was established during the British period for the protection of forests and other forestry operations. At present about 29 families live here. In the name of development this village got only one small pond and hand pumps in the last five decades. In addition whatever land that has been distributed to villagers on lease was put to use only for the ‘kharif’ crop that was dependent on rains for irrigation. As a result this village faced famine situations almost every year. As a result the economic condition of the villagers became even. In 1997, this village was brought under Joint Forest Management (JFM) and a micro plan was prepared for the development of the village. A series of development works were undertaken in this village but the main focus of our visit was the medicinal plantations. The medicinal plantations that have been done by the Village Forest Committee have been done in 30 hectares. This

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work has been done under Forest Development Agency (FDA) with the help of the committee. The details of medicinal plants in the village of Pendra are as follows.

No. Medicinal Plant Quantity 1 Aloe vera 92200 Pieces 2 Corcuma angustifolia 2 Quintals 3 Costs speciousus 16 Quintals 4 Acorus calamus 2000 Pieces 5 Rauwolfia serpentine 5520 Pieces 6 Oximum snacymum 200 Grams 7 Musk mallow 5 Kgs 8 Withanla somnifera 10 Kgs 9 Dioscoria hispida 26 Kgs

10 andrographis paniculata 4.5 Kgs 11 Amla 8010 Plants 12 Sinduri 197 Plants 13 Lemon grass 20000 Sleeps

Table 2.1 – Medicinal plant details at Pendra

2.2.5 Forest Village - Moudiaaaaiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Focus: Vermicompost Introduction: Three vermi-compost sheds have been constructed at Moudi in Dhamtari district. The details of these are given below. Shed 1: This shed is managed by village forest committee of Moudi village. The number of tanks are 4 each of size 32 m * 1.5 m * 0.60 m with production capacity of 500 quintals each. As on 25th November 2006, the production was 1163.50 quintals which is of the value Rs. 5.82

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lacs. Out of this the sold amount was 1076.30 quintals of the Rs. 5.38 lacs. The committee has as yet obtained Rs. 2.00 lacs. Shed 2: This shed is managed by village forest committee of Belora village. The number of tanks are 4 each of size 32 m * 1.5 m * 0.60 m with production capacity of 500 quintals each. As on 25th November 2006, the production was 1179.0 quintals which is of the value Rs. 5.89 lacs. Out of this the sold amount was 896.0 quintals of the Rs. 4.48 lacs. The committee has as yet obtained Rs. 4.48 lacs. Shed 3: This shed is managed by village forest committee of Belora village. The number of tanks are 4 each of size 40 m * 1.75 m * 1 m with production capacity of 1000 quintals each. As on 25th November 2006, the production was 377.80 quintals which is of the value Rs. 1.89 lacs. The following figure shows the ladies of the village working at the vermicompost pits.

Figure 2.9 - Vermicompost pit

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2.3 Forest Village Jabarra: A Model Village eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 2.3.1 Introduction nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn This forest village was established during the British period for the protection of forests and other forestry operations. At present about 100 families live here. In the name of development this village got only two small ponds, one World Food Godown and two hand pumps in the last five decades. In addition whatever land that has been distributed to villagers on lease was put to use only for the ‘kharif’ crop that was dependent on rains for irrigation. As a result this village faced famine situations almost every year. As a result the economic condition of the villagers became even worse forcing them to seek employment in other villages. In the year 2000 this village was brought under Joint Forest Management (JFM) and a microplan for its development was prepared. Under this microplan a stepwise program was prepared for the complete development of this village. As a result the village is on its way to development steadily. At present there are about five taps-tanks for irrigation purpose and drinking water is being made available through a ‘Nal-Jal Yojana’. A middle school has been setup for spreading education. In addition, infrastructure for solar energy projects and water treatment plants has also been established. In their march to development, out of 82 families that were Below Poverty Line (BPL), 32 have pulled themselves above it. The rest are also in the process of getting themselves out of BPL status. 2.3.2 Public Grain Storage (Ramkothi) aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa In case of emergencies like famine, drought, marriages, death etc help is provided to the villagers through this Ramkothi. In case no such situation arises then the grain stored in it is distributed to the villagers

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once in a year. This system works on the cooperation among the villagers. At present about 65 quintals of rice is stored in it and 82 families are a party in this system. Its management is done by the elders of the villages but distribution is done by consensus among the villagers.

• Stored rice is distributed to the villagers on interest before the ripening of the new crop. The villagers use it for their daily consumption.

• In case of marriage in a family, this stored rice is again provided as a loan on interest to the concerned family.

2.3.3 Education nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn An ‘Anganbadi’ is working in the village for kids. All children of three years of age are registered in it. A concrete building for this purpose was completed in 2003.

• Anganbadi: A new hall has been constructed which has 62 children of Scheduled Tribes and ‘Kamar’ families enrolled in it.

• Primary School: The village has a primary school in it where both boys and girls are being provided with education. However, it has been found that the children of ‘Kamar’ families drop out of school quite early. They are now being encouraged to attend the school compulsorily. The current details are as follows -

Boys 23 Girls 32 Total 55

• Middle School: The number of students enrolled in it are as

follows - Boys 8

Girls 10 Total 18

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2.3.4 Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa There are 3 Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) working in the village at present. In each group each member is depositing a fixed amount in the account of the group. The current amount stands at Rs. 24,680. The gradation of these groups is yet incomplete. 2.3.5 Solar Energy Forest Village Jabarra aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Even after 57 years of independence this village has yet not been electrified. Social accord can be seen very clearly in this tribal dominated village. In the race of development this village has taken a good head start. Due to the harvest of ‘rabi’ crop in addition to the ‘kharif’ crop, cultivation of vegetables, manufacture of vermi-compost, setting up of irrigation facilities and pumps, lightification of the village and availability of drinking water, this village has surpassed all the records of development. This village has now become capable as economically independent village. As a result, traditional rules and malpractices are finding their way out. 2.3.5.1 Solar Submersible Pump pppppppppppppppppppppppppppp A 2 Horse Power (HP) submersible pump has been installed that can fill a 5000 liter tank with water for the purpose of drinking. After every five houses a tap has been provided; a total of 11 such taps have been provided. Clean drinking water is made available three times a day. The total expenditure on the scheme was Rs. 4.95 lacs, out of which Rs. 3.30 lacs is subsidized amount. Rest Rs. 1.66 lacs has been given by Forest Protection Committee (FPC) to CREDA.

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2.3.5.2 Solar Irrigation Pump pppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp At present 8 solar pumps for the purpose of irrigation are working in the village. Out of these 3 are mono block pumps and 5 are submersible pumps. About 32 families are obtaining the benefit through these pumps. The FPC has given an amount of Rs. 1.65 lacs to CREDA for the installation of these pumps. The rest of the amount has been donated by CREDA. 2.3.5.3 Solar House Lighting gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg Each house has been provided a two light connection by establishing a 4 KW solar power house. About 137 households have been provided connections. The maintenance of these is being done at the village level by contributing Rs. 10 per family per month. 2.3.5.4 Solar Street Lighting gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg Solar street lighting has been installed in the village on 14 lampposts. 2.3.6 Irrigation Resources sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss By installing three 8 HP, one 10 HP and one 5 HP pumps water is being lifted from the Kajal river for the irrigation of 65 hectares of cultivable land. The cultivation of ‘rabi’ crop has been made possible due to it. The total expenditure on it was Rs. 12.50 lacs. 2.3.6.1 Vichitra Ganga aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Water is being pulled out from the ground from a depth of just 3 meters using a kerosene oil pump of 3 HP and is being made available to two ‘Kamar’ families for irrigation of their 4 acre land. This discovery of an ample water source at such a low depth has given this project its name.

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2.3.6.2 Open Well lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll Under the Development Plan, an open well was constructed in 2004. The expenditure on it was Rs. 1.40 lacs. Two diesel run pumps of 8 HP each have also been provided. About 12 acre of land is being irrigated using it. Four stakeholders are deriving benefit out of it. Water is also being saved using sprinklers. 2.3.7 Road Connectivity yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy The village has been connected to the cities by constructing a 13 km long metalled road. This project was completed in the year 2006. The lanes of the village have also been repaired and made into a cement concrete road. As a result, the problem of water logging during the rainy season has been eradicated along with the occurrence of diseases like malaria and diarrhea. The water that accumulates in the drains has been diverted to the ponds and the coverage area of these ponds has been increased. 2.3.8 Fish Rearing gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg There are about 8 ponds of varying sizes in the village. To increase the water holding capacities of these ponds, they have been connected to each other through drains. Also fish rearing is being undertaken in them. This is being done as a group and the income that is being generated is divided among the villagers themselves. 2.3.9 Non Timber Forest Produce (NTFPs) aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa In the year 2006, villagers collected the following NTFPs and generated income. This forest produce has been collected by the FPC, Jabarra from the allocated Community Protected Area. The following table gives the

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amount, collection rate and the total income generated by the committee from the collection activity.

No. NTFP Amount Collection

Rate Income

1 Kalmegh 14 300.00 4200.00 2 Raw Buybearing Fruit 12 1200.00 14400.00 3 Mahul Leaves 95 300.00 28500.00 4 Dhanwai Flower 5 300.00 1500.00 5 Ghotgaon 360 50.00 18000.00 6 Satavar 0.25 10000.00 2500.00 7 Arjuna Twaka 8 800.00 6400.00 8 Salparni 3 500.00 1500.00 9 Gokharu 1 800.00 800.00

10 Bahera 22 800.00 17600.00 11 Amla 19 4000.00 76000.00 12 Harra 40 1600.00 64000.00 13 Ashvagandha 16 3000.00 48000.00 14 Baichaudi Kanda 32 300.00 9600.00

Total 293000.00

Table 2.2 - Income Details of Non Timber Forest Produces (NTFPs)

No. NTFP Amount Collection

Rate Income

1 Mahua Flower 90 800.00 72000.00 2 Tendu Leaves 160 450.00 72000.00 3 Sal Seeds 400 350.00 140000.00

Total 284000.00

Table 2.3 - Income Details of Tendu Leaves, Sal Seeds and Mahua

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2.3.10 Timber Production nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn Timber marking and cutting was done in two timber coupes in the area under FPC from September 2005 to April 2006 by the villagers. For the cutting of 1591 cubic meters of timber the villagers were paid Rs. 9.77 lacs. It has provided villagers with perennial employment. In addition, the FPC is protecting medicinal plants in about 1000 hectares. For this protection work the committee has been paid Rs. 3 lacs. It has encouraged villagers to protect their forests.

Figure 2.10 - Solar Energy Panels

Figure 2.11 - Concrete road and street lighting

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2.4 Processing Centre: Dugli iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii The processing center at Dugli is an initiative taken by the villagers of Dugli village in Dhamtari district. The management of this processing center is also taken care of by them. This center is primarily used for dona pattal making using ‘mahul’ leaves. In addition to this various other works that are carried out here are processing various medicinal products such as amla, preparing aloe vera juice and making ropes. Some vegetable products which are liked by the local populace in their local meals are also prepared. This processing centre has a large variety of equipments such as solar powered electricity system, boilers of small and intermediate size and distillation unit. What makes this center unique is the fact that all this has been done by the villagers themselves and presents an example not only to other villagers of the area but also of the rest of the nation. The Photographs below show various aspects of the processing centre at Dugli

Figure 2.12 – Storage hall

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Figure 2.13

Use of solar power for heating water

Figure 2.15 - Storage

Figure 2.14 - Sorting

Figure 2.15 - Storage

Figure 2.16

Steaming of produce

Figure 2.17 – Rope Making

Scenes from the

processing center at

Dugli

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2.5 Medicinal Trail: Sankra aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa This medico-botanical trail has been established in the people’s protected area (PPA) of Sankra village in P-1 area of compartment no. 138. The purpose of this medicinal trail is to ensure easy identification of medicinal plants, providing herbal extension, conserving medicinal species and to increase the knowledge of Ayurveda specialists. In this trail the density of ground flora, middle canopy, top canopy and epiphytes is shown and a model of an ideal PPA has been prepared. The total length of this trail is 1 km. The choice of area for this trail has been suggested in such a way that it clarifies the concept of ‘ecotone’ as the transition zone of sal trees to mixed species can be seen here. This ecotonal area is highly potential for biodiversity. In this trail route the usefulness of the following Flagship Spots is clearly visible.

1. Snag: A standing dead tree, whole or broken, at least 1.5 meter in height.

2. Down Log: Trunks and limbs of trees or logs in various stages of decomposition on the forest floor.

3. Wildlife Engineer: Termite mounds. 4. Pantherilen: The accumulation of broken rocks that occurs at the

base of cliff or other steep slopes. 5. Honey roosting sites

The species of medicinal plants found in this trail are Curculigo orchids, Gossipier, Madhouse indicia, Desmidian gangeticum, Ellipse alba, achyranthus aspire, Cyprus rotundas, Achorus calamus, Embelia robusta, Chlorophytum borevellinum, Diaspora hispida, Plumbago zeylanica, Pereira tuberose, Andrgraphis paniculata, Within somniferous, Hemidesmus indicus, Terminalia arjuna, Emblica officinalis, Syzygium cumuli etc. In this trail route there are three big rocks on which the map of this trail has been depicted. The further plans are for in situ interpretation,

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permanent names of medicines, their medicinal names and uses along with brief description with the help of local practitioners.

2.6 Mist Chamber: Koliyari iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii The Forest Development Agency has constructed a green house at the high-tech nursery in Koliyari. The plants that are prepared here are better in quality than those prepared at normal nurseries. Also the plants of any species can be prepared in any season. This is a fully automatic system. The green house has a capacity to prepare about 10 lacs plants per year. In addition the crop of any plant can be prepared before time in this green house. The specialty of the mist chamber or the green house is that with the help of biotechnology any vegetation can be developed in transgenic circumstances. In a green house good morphogenesis circumstances are obtained. All the systems in the green house are automatic. To obtain enough light a semicircular sheet has been put over the chamber. In the root trainer, seeds are kept with 10%

Figure 2.18 Map of the medicinal trail painted on a rock

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vermi-compost manure, 50% mud, 30% sand and 10% organic manure mixture. After putting in the seeds the required humidity and temperature is set in the controller. The humidity that is set is same as that is in the rainy season. For artificial rain micro sever has been installed on the roof. This is also an automatic system. As soon as enough rain has been made the system shuts off itself. The control on power supply is done using a green house control panel at the entrance of the green house. To maintain temperatures in the night, a timed system is used which lights on the tube lights in the night and shuts them off automatically in the morning.

Figure 2.19 - Mist chamber and hardening chamber

Figure 2.20 - Inside a mist chamber

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2.7 Jatropha Plantations: Mandraud ddddddddddddddddddddddddd Jatropha plant or Ratanjot, as it is known in local language is being used to extract a fuel known as bio-diesel. This bio-diesel is being enthusiastically seen as a replacement for petrol and diesel for motorized vehicles. Even the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh state Mr. Raman Singh’s own car runs on this fuel! This project if successful holds the potential to solve India’s energy needs once and for all. Jatropha plant is easy to grow: it hardly needs any irrigation and is very sturdy. Even the cattle do not graze upon it. Jatropha plantations have been done on a very large scale in the state of Chhattisgarh. The plantation at Madraund in Dhamtari district has been taken up in an area of 20 hectares and 50000 plants of Jatropha have been planted at spacing of 2 m * 2 m. This work was done under the scheme ‘Food for Work’ in the year 2005. The approved amount for it was Rs. 5.39 lacs.

Figure 2.21 Jatropha plantations at Mandraud

Figure 2.22

The fruit of Jatropha plant

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Chapter 3 - Jagdalpur Objectives ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss The objectives of the visit to Jagdalpur were as follows -

1. To visit an area where works have been done by the FDA and observe its impacts.

2. To visit an area where works have been done under the concept of PPP and observe its impact.

3. To examine the potential for Eco-Tourism at Netanar village on the outskirts of the Kanger Valley National Park.

Objectives one and two were achieved through visits to Kinjoli and Sonpur where works have been done by the FDA and under PPP respectively. An interaction with the committee members threw more light on the activities. Individuals interacted with hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

1. Mr. Tapesh Jha CF, Jagdalpur 2. Mr. S L Sao DFO, Bastar 3. Mr. Ram Milan Mishra Director, Kanger Valley National

i. Park 4. Mr. Sheikh Anwar Range Officer 5. Mr. V B Vajpayee Range Officer 6. Mr. Jagdish Jha Deputy Range Officer, Kanger

i. Valley National Park 7. Mr. Devraj Nisharth Forest Guard, Kanger Valley

i. National Park 8. Mongra Vllager, Netanar 9. Jitru President, Gram Vikas Samiti,

i. Kinjoli

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10. Damrudhar Member, Gram Vikas Samiti, i. Kinjoli

11. Forest Guard 12. 21 members of Sonpur PPP Samiti

3.1 Forest Development Agency yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy The FDA is an institution for the implementation of Forestry Schemes aimed at rural development. It functions at the divisional level. The activities of the FDA have a management perspective towards the implementation of the forestry schemes. 3.1.1 Purpose eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee The basic purpose of the schemes that are launched by the Forest Development Agency, in simple words, is to make degraded forest lands better. 3.1.2 Various schemes sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss Some of the schemes launched by the agency are -

1. Artificial regeneration 2. Assisted natural regeneration 3. Bamboo plantation 4. Fuel and fodder plantation 5. Medicinal plantation 6. Mixed Plantation

Out of these schemes, only 2 schemes have been implemented here. The period of the schemes is 5 years. Other activities carried out under these schemes are –

• Soil and moisture conservation

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• Training and awareness • Evaluation and monitoring • Fencing activities

3.1.3 Visit to FDA area Kinjoli iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Some details regarding the committee are -

• Committee status – Village Forest Committee • No. of members – 11 • Area under the scheme – 100 hectares • Scheme – Fuel and fodder plantation • Species planted – Sal, Tendu, Fuel wood species • The committee has received financial aid from the government

and plants from the nursery 3.1.4 Observations ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss The following observations are a result of interactions with the committee members and the forest officials -

• The area which was barren a few years ago is lush green with trees.

• The committee members are very happy with the work that they have done.

• The plantations are an additional source of income for the villagers.

• Delighted with the success of the plantation, they want to plant medicinal plants in the same area.

• The farming activity gives them only one crop in a year. This scheme gives them a sustained income throughout the year.

• The committee members are a motivated and aware set of people.

• The committee wants to set an example for the rest. They want to do something that will make others follow them.

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3.2 Public Private Partnership ppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp This section involved a visit to the PPP area at Sonpur. Three parties are involved in the deal and their initial contributions are as follows –

• DRDA 40% contribution • The committee 40% contribution • Mangalam Timber 20% contribution

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the three parties in which Mangalam Timber have agreed to buy timber in log form after a certain number of years in return for which the committee has to look after the plantation. Some details about the area are -

• No. of committee members - 25 • Area under the committee – 250 hectares • Species planted – Eucalyptus

Figure 3.2 Eucalyptus plantation

Figure 3.1

With the committee members

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3.3 Eco-Tourism mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm The Ecotourism Society defines the term ecotourism as ‘responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of the local people’. 3.3.1 Kanger Valley National Park kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk The Kanger Valley National Park, Jagdalpur was established in the year 1982. It has an area of 200 sq. km. and is situated around 25km. south east of Jagdalpur, in the Bastar District of Chhattisgarh. The park derives its name from the Kanger River which flows centrally from the north-west to the south-east direction. The entire valley of the Kanger River on both sides forms the National park. 3.3.2 Significance of the Park kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk The park is situated in a transition zone where the southern limit of Sal forests and the northern limits of Teak forests overlap. Both, sal and teak are seen in their best growth form here. The Kanger valley is in fact one of the last pockets of almost virgin forests still left in the peninsular region. Considering these facts the committee of Man and Biosphere had recommended declaring it as a biosphere reserve. The steep lush green panoramic wild view of the Kanger Valley is unique of its kind. Kanger valley represents the best example of moist peninsular valley sal forest and is one of the densest parks in India. The park is known for its high botanical value. It has thickets of Bamboo, climbers, ground flora and tall trees. Tree branches are dotted with epiphytes. The ground is thickly covered with medicinal plants, herbs, shrubs and tubers. The density of vegetation varies from 0.6 to 1.0.

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Apart from the above the park is famous for many long sub-terrainan geomorphologic limestone caves i.e. the Kotamsar caves, Kailash caves, Dandak caves and the Devgiri caves for their stalactites and stalagmite specimens, deep gorged Kanger River for their high botanical value and Tirthgarh waterfall. The valley is representative of old growth moist forest of Bastar. The terrain is hilly and offers spectacular landscapes. Floral diversity includes in-situ gene bank of medicinal plants, grasses, climbers, wild sugarcane, cane, fern, epiphytes, sal, teak, bamboo and their rich associates. Faunal diversity includes Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, wild dog, barking deer, wolf, chital, sambar, civets, giant squirrel, and different kinds of birds including the bastar hill Myna, butterflies, fishes, snakes, turtles, tortoises and crocodile. The park has the rare civet ‘Binturong’, Giant squirrel and the famous Bastar hill Myna. Kanger River is among the very few perennial rivers of Bastar and here lies the importance of the river and the park. The river is the lifeline of the park and the hills are its recharging reservoirs. 3.3.3 Details of observations, interactions and work done sssssssssssss We spent two days at Netanar village, adjoining the Kanger Valley National Park, and interacted with the deputy ranger, forest guard and the villagers. We also cycled through the National Park, accompanied by a guide, to crosscheck what we had been told and assess the situation first hand. The following points about the National Park and the village are based on our observations and interactions with various individuals here. 3.3.3.1 About Netanar rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

• The village is divided into 7 clusters known as Paras.

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• The people are referred to as Durbhas and the dialect they speak is known as Durbhi.

• An element to be noted about this village is the absence of electricity.

• Water is obtained through hand pumps and wells. • The various sources of income of the villagers are as follows: ü Primary source – Farming ü Secondary source - Sale of Bamboo articles (Furniture, Mats,

Tokri, Tukna) ü Tertiary Source - Daily wage labourers in other villages,

work for the forest department • They plant grains, kosra, maize, til, cane, etc. The farming work

usually begins in June / July and the harvesting is done around October / November.

• For nine out of the twelve months of the year the villagers are dependent on the forest for their survival.

• There is no discrimination about the work that the men and women do.

• The practice of animal sacrifices is prevalent here. • Drinking is also prevalent among the village folk. Even the

women are not left far behind with around 60% indulging in the consumption of intoxicating liquids.

• The villagers are firm believers in God and perform rituals before commencing and after the end of any activity. This ritual involves animal sacrifices.

• A tradition going on for generations is the yearly mela in the month of January. It is a time where people from the village and the neighbouring villages get together and indulge in Dance, music, drama, rituals and exchange of wares.

• The source of education is the local school which caters till the fifth standard only.

• Basic Medical facilities are not present in all the paras.

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3.3.3.2 SWOT Analysis of the Kanger Valley National Park kkkkkkkk Strengths

• Great ecological significance • Sal-teak ecotone forest • Geomorphologically rich limestone caves • Medicinal plants • Very dense forests

Weaknesses

• Not easy to find alternative of resource dependency of people on the park

Opportunity

• Scope for further extension • Involving people for its conservation and protection

Threats

• Encroachment • Resource of dependency of people

3.3.3.3 Problems faced by the National Park kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk The Kanger Valley National Park comes under the status of a reserved forest where all activities are prohibited. The primary problems at the Park are:

• Encroachments by the villagers in the fringe villages • Bamboo shoot, bamboo, fuel wood and NTFP collection • Hunting by tribals • Fire • Fishing in prohibited waters • General lack of conservation attitude among the locals

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3.3.4 Report on Eco-Tourism Potential and suggestions sssssssssssssss The following pages contain the report submitted to Mr. Ram Milan Mishra, Director, Kanger Valley National Park about the Eco-tourism potential and suggestion for the village of Netanar.

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Report on Ecotourism Potential and Suggestions The following report is based on an observation study conducted on the 13th and 14th of December, 2006 at Netanar Village on the outskirts of the Kanger Valley National Park in Jagdalpur.

Submitted to: Mr. Ram Milan Mishra

Director, Kanger Valley National Park, Jagdalpur

Submitted by: Rahul Bharadwaj & Sudeep R Kodialbail

(PFM 2008, IIFM, Bhopal)

Place Visited Netanar, a village on the fringe of the Kanger Valley National Park. Potential for ecotourism The major factors which make Netanar a potential ecotourism destination are:

• Proximity to the Kanger Valley National park • Inhabited by indigenous people who have a unique lifestyle and

ethnicity The Kanger Valley National Park takes care of the Wilderness and Adventure aspects and the indigenous people take care of the cultural aspect of ecotourism. Ecotourism is a form of nature tourism and has strong links to rural and cultural tourism. The prime motivation is generally the observation and appreciation of natural features and related cultural assets. Ecotourism

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has to be destination based. Chhattisgarh, or for that matter any state or country cannot be sold as a whole. A particular area has to be chosen for doing the same. In this case, Netanar should be marketed as an ecotourism destination highlighting the features of the place i.e. the Kanger Valley National park and the Indigenous people. SWOT Analysis Considering Netanar as a destination for ecotourism some of its strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats are as follows:

• Strengths – Wildlife species in the National Park and the indigenous people of the village

• Weaknesses - Lack of awareness about Netanar among the domestic tourists

• Opportunities – Presence of a large forest cover • Threats - Infrastructure facilities.

The above aspects need to be adequately addressed. Suggestions 1. Product / Package

• The product i.e. the trip should be sold as a package and should include all the relevant charges (Eg: boarding, lodging, travel, charges of the guide, etc.) rather than having separate costs for each component. This makes it hassle free for the tourist who has to make a payment at a single window only.

• Eg: The product could be packaged as a 3 days and 2 night’s trip to Netanar with a mention of the activities to be carried out during the period including the places of stay and a detailed itinerary of the trip. The activities will vary with the duration of the trip.

• Wilderness, Adventure and Ethnic experiences should be a part of the package.

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• A tour guide must necessarily be a part of the package. • All features should be properly presented with the important

ones being highlighted. 2. Activities The following activities should be a part of the package

• Nature walks • Hiking • Wildlife sightseeing • Camping

3. Accommodation • Environmental friendly thatched and adventure type roofed

structures (such as bed and breakfasts, cabins, lodges etc) could be established

• Stay in dwelling similar to that of the local people of Netanar • If possible, the tourists could also be given an option to stay

with the villagers themselves to soak in the rural ambiance • Tents

4. Promotion / Publicity

• Establish a web portal to provide the information • Online registration for tourists • Advertising in print and electronic media • Presence in national and international tourism melas. • The fact that there is no electricity in Netanar can also be a

Unique Selling Point for the product. 5. Infrastructure

• Presence of minimum basic essential facilities for tourists. • Construction of day shelters, approach road, landscaping,

water supply, construction of Dharmshala, development of garden etc.

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6. Ecotourism Certification • It is a procedure by which a third party gives written assurance

that a product, process, service or management system conforms to specified requirements.

• A certification will be an added advantage while marketing the product.

Conclusion Netanar is endowed with rich and diverse forest resources. It is a reservoir of biodiversity. Along with the indigenous population, it has the potential to become an Ecotourism destination by facilitating proper Ecotourism infrastructure and services. This will help to conserve and maintain the biological richness of the areas as well as economic upliftment of the local people by providing them an alternative means of employment.

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Chapter 4 - Raipur Objectives ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss The objectives of the visit to Raipur were to acquaint ourselves with the Forest Development Corporation, The Forest Management Information System division, the medicinal plants board and the MFP Federation. Individuals interacted with hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh We interacted with the following individuals at Raipur –

1. Mr. Dhiren Sharma APCCF, Development & Planning 2. Mr. Ramprakash APPCF, Wildlife 3. Mr. Mudit Kumar Singh CCF, JFM 4. Mr. V K Sinha CCF, Production 5. Mr. Jaisingh Mhaskey CF, Coordination 6. Mr. A K Singh Managing Director, MFP

i. Federation 7. Mrs. Anita Nandi President, Task Force, MFP

i. Federation 8. Mr. Ashok Babu Manager, Task Force, MFP

i. Federation 9. Mr. Naveen Sharma State Medicinal Plants Board 10. Mr. A K Dwivedi Executive Director, FDC 11. Mr. Bhavnarayanan Manager, Accounts, FDC 12. Mr. Dohare Administration & Marketing, FDC 13. Mr. Bebarta DFO, FMIS Division 14. Mr. Anil Kumar Jain Programmer, FMIS Division 15. Mr. Anand Chandrakar Assistant Programmer, FMIS

i. Division

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4.1 Forest Development Corporationyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy The FDC is a profit making public sector enterprise registered under the companies act 1956. 4.1.1 Mandateeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Converting existing low quality forests into high quality productive forests by adapting intensive management systems. 4.1.2 History of Formation Forest Development Corporation ssssssssss In the year 1972, National Commission on Agriculture, in its report on “Production Forestry-Man Made Forests”expressed concern over fast depletion of forests and recommended-

• To enhance productivity of the forests by adopting Intensive Forest Management Technique and plantation of species of higher economic value.

• Keeping in view the limited financial resources of the states, Forest Development Corporations should be formed to draw Institutional Finances

Accordingly, the Madhya Pradesh Forest Development Corporation Limited (MPFDC) was formed in 1975, with an authorized share capital of Rs. 20 crores. The MPFDC was divided to form the Chhattisgarh Forest Development Corporation, in the year 2001, consequent to the reorganization of the state of Madhya Pradesh. 4.1.3 Objectives of FDC iiiiiiwwwiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

• To accelerate and increase forestry production by creating plantations of – ü Fast growing species

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ü Species of higher economic value ü Species capable of diversified uses; both for industrial and

commercial purposes • To bring suitable forest areas under intensive Management

Practices in order to improve, enrich and enhance production, both in quantity and quality.

• To convert existing low quality forests into high quality productive forests by adopting intensive management system.

• To formulate financially viable projects in order to draw institutional finance to execute its forestry activities.

• To undertake maintenance, preservation, protection and development of existing fauna.

• To plant, grow cultivate, produce and raise plantations of all kinds of forest plants, trees and crops and other agricultural crops.

• To convert low valued and degraded forests into high value man made forests to obtain high quality produce for diversified uses.

• Conservation, development and sustainable management of the natural forest resources.

• Enhancement of productivity in Teak Plantation areas by scientific thinning.

• To improve the ecological status of the State by enrichment of the forest cover.

• Restoration of Ecological balance in the degraded forest areas. • To maintain the biodiversity of the area.

4.1.4 Organisational setupsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss The Corporation started its activities in the year 2001 with only 4 Divisional Offices. At present the Company has its Corporate Head Office at Raipur, Chhattisgarh headed by the Chairman. The Managing Director of the Corporation is in the rank of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests assisted by one Executive Director in rank of Chief

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Conservator of Forests. It has two Regional Offices at Raipur and Bilaspur, headed by Regional General Managers in the rank of Conservator of Forests, drawn on deputation from Chhattisgarh State Forest Department. The FDC has 8 Divisional Offices with Head Quarter at Raipur, Rajnandgaon, Bhanupratappur, Bilaspur, Kawardha, Ambikapur, Manendragarh, each headed by Divisional Managers. All policy matters are decided by the Board of Directors constituted by the state government. Following are the members of the board of the corporation –

1. Chairman - State Forest Minister 2. Director - Additional Chief Secretary, Labour 3. Director - Principal Secretary, Agriculture 4. Director - Principal Secretary, Forests 5. Director - Secretary, Finance 6. Director - Principal Chief Conservator of Forests 7. Director - Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests 8. Director - Chief Conservator of Forests 9. Director - Regional Chief Conservator of Forests, GOI 10. Director - Executive Director 11. Director - Managing Director

4.1.5 Activitiespppwwwwwwwwwpppppppppppppppppppppppppp

• The main activity of the corporation is to raise commercial plantation of Teak. In addition to this, the corporation has also undertaken the work of rehabilitation of degraded forests, compensatory afforestation, deposit work plantation and plantation schemes of the Central and state governments. The details of various activities of the FDC are given below –

• Project for raising commercial plantation of teak and bamboo – This project was started in 1975. Five phases of the project are completed and at present the sixth phase is under

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implementation. From the year 1997, the corporation has been raising high tech irrigated teak plantation. The achievements upto the year 2005 are as given below -

• Teak plantations 71945.710 hectares • Bamboo plantations 22881.634 hectares • Miscellaneous plantations 33845.477 hectares • High tech Irrigated teak plantation 33186.240 hectares • Deposit work plantation – The Corporation has undertaken

deposit work on behalf of different public sectors and other organisations. Upto the year 2005, the FDC has planted 43.24 lakh hectares under this activity.

• Thinning in teak plantation areas – The teak plantations are cleaned in the 5th year. Thinning is prescribed in the 11th, 21st, 31st and the 45th year of the plantation. The removal of trees is decided on the basis of the All India Yield Table of Teak.

• Bamboo Harvesting – The bamboo plantations are harvested in four year felling cycles. The first harvesting is carried out in the 8th year.

• Rehabilitation of degraded bamboo – Removal of congestion and soil working is done to rehabilitate degraded bamboo clumps. The degraded bamboo areas treated under this scheme, have responded very well.

• Rehabilitation of degraded Sal forests • Centrally sponsored scheme for development and conservation

of NTFP including medicinal plants • Sisal plantations under special central assistance

4.1.6 Audit of accounts of the Corporationmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

1. Internal Audit ü Internal audit of the accounts of the corporation for the

financial year 2005-06 is in progress

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ü The statutory auditors of the corporation, in their audit report have reported that the internal audit system of the corporation is commensurate with its size and nature of its business

2. Statutory Audit ü The statutory auditors of the Corporation are appointed by

the Comptroller and auditor general of India. The statutory audit till the financial year 2004-05 is complete.

3. Audit by Accountant General ü The accountant General of Chhattisgarh conducts the

detailed audit of the accounts of the FDC. The audit till the financial year 2005-06 is complete.

4. Supplementary audit by the CAG ü The Comptroller and Auditor General of India, as required

by the Companies act 1956, conducts supplementary audit of the accounts. The audit till the financial year 2003-04 is complete.

4.1.7 Revenue Details & Balance Sheet kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk The following table 4.1 gives the revenue details of the FDC from the year 2001.

(Rs. in crores)

Financial Year Target (Rs) Reciept (Rs) 2001-02 30.65 30.48 2002-03 32.44 33.21 2003-04 35.53 34.27 2004-05 42.21 42.73 2005-06 48.06 39.12

Table 4.1 – Revenue details

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The following table 4.2 gives key details from the balance sheet of the FDC from the year 2001.

(Rs. in crores)

Financial Year

Receipts Expenses Repayment

of Bank Loan

Total Expenses

2001-02 30.48 18.02 05.12 23.14 2002-03 33.21 19.26 10.01 29.27 2003-04 34.27 21.30 10.89 32.19 2004-05 42.73 26.61 - 26.61 2005-06 39.12 26.13 06.42 32.55

Table 4.2 – Balance Sheet

4.1.8 Employment Generation Activitieskkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk The FDC carried out the following employment generation activities through the various activities and projects that it undertakes -

• Creating ample opportunities for the local villagers in the activities of the corporation through activities such as planting, harvesting, forest road repair, etc

• 25 lakh man days of employment generation in forestry activities during the year 2005-06 in remote tribal areas where other agencies do not have any access.

• Employment generation to the tune of 21 lakh man days during 2006-07 till date

• Self help groups and committees have been formed for making Sisal fibers, ropes, lifestyle and utility articles to generate additional income to the tune of Rs. 1200 -1500 per month for atleast 8 months in a year, in addition to the agricultural income.

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4.1.9 Future Plans sswwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwsssssssssss

• Additional 1800 hectares of teak plantations in the year 2006-07 • Plantation of 15.80 lakh mixed species plants in the mine areas • Formation of a high-tech nursery in Korba • Extension of production of Sisal fibers and ropes to new areas,

as employment oriented forest based small scale industry. • Aonla plantations for scheduled tribe BPL land holders for

increasing their income • Large scale plantations of Jatropha on the boundaries of old

plantations and other suitable blank areas • Keeping in line with the policy of the state government bringing

the forest protection under the realm of Joint Forest Management for sustainable forest management, by forming Forest development committees.

4.2 Forest Management Information System rrerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Forest management in today’s meaning is all about managing forest development in such a way that it is economically viable, environmentally benign and socially beneficial and at the same time, it balances present and future needs. More precisely speaking, it is the process of managing forests to achieve one or more clearly specified objectives of management with regard to the production of a continuous flow of desired forest products and services, without undue reduction of its inherent values and future productivity and without undue undesirable effects on the physical and social environment (ITTO, 1998). The objectives of management can be achieved only when we take scientific approach to decision making. This is possible only with the application of modern technologies such as Information Technologies, Geographical Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS)

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Geographical Positioning System (GPS), internet and various communication technologies. 4.2.1 IT in Forest Department kkkwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwkkkkk Over the years, the role of forest department in the society has become very complex and diversified. The bounden duty of the department is to cater to the needs of the society while managing the forest resources sustainably. This has increased the complexity of the forest management process. The intricacies involved in restoring degraded forests, harvesting of forest produce, community development, monitoring and evaluation, timely completion of working plans, preparation of micro-plan, economic plantation etc. have compounded the problem of forest management practices. Because of multiple and complex operations taking place in the course of development huge amount data is generated at every day at levels of organizational hierarchy right from range to apex level. These data are analyzed for limited purposes only. In fact, there is a lack of adequate information system to organize, manage and store these data in an organized way for future use. As a result the department is not in a position to fully use those data for decision making process. This apart, a lot of time is wasted because the same information on account of not being stored properly, are being collected repeatedly. The areas, which need immediate attention in forest information management, are:

• simplification and rationalization of data format • collection of data in pre-organized format • analysis of data • storage and processing of data in electronic format and • Transmission of data and information to different decision

making levels by using modern communication technology.

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The period from 1995-1999 constituted the beginning of information management in the department. It has been done by applying IT in forestry. Each forest division and circle of the state have been provided with computers and other accessories as a part of MP. Forestry Project Phase I. A Forest Management Information System Division (FMIS) cell, at Raipur was also established during that period. The cell was provided with some hardware and software to initiate some works in this direction. The basic aim of FMIS cell was to develop electronic data processing facilities for working plan exercises. 4.2.2 FMIS division kkkkkkwwwwwwwwwwwwwkkkkkkkkkkkkk It is one of the important departments under the government of Chhattisgarh. The department is engaged in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of forestry, and environmental programmers in the state. It is the sole custodian of rich forest resource of the state. The principal activities undertaken by the department consists of conservation of flora, fauna, forest and wildlife, afforestation of degraded forests, natural regeneration of forests, management of forest products in the framework of current policy and legislative environment. The state has its own forest policy. The organizational structure of the department covers different wings at the Headquarter, 8 field circles and 45 territorial, wild life and other functional divisions. 4.2.3 FMIS Goals ssssswwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwssssssssss

1. Data Collection & Creation (Spatial & Non-spatial) 2. Forest Mapping 3. Forest Management Planning 4. Forest Operational Management 5. Development of Application Software (for Integrated Forest

Operational Management)

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6. Networking & Communication 7. Training & Capacity Building

4.2.3.1 Data Collection and Creation (Spatial & Non-spatial)ssssssssss The forestry sector suffers from lack of organized data. Therefore, it is necessary to collect data from different sources and organize them in a proper way. 4.2.3.2 Forest Mapping wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwssssssssss Forest Mapping is a regular activity in FMIS operation. Forest cover maps have been prepared for 32 forest divisions and three National Parks by using remote sensing data. Forest Cover Maps with classification such as dense forests, open forests, scrub forest, non-forest land, water bodies, etc are being produced. Soil Resource Maps, Soil Erosion maps, Forest Stock Maps and Fire Occurrence Maps have also been produced by the cell. 4.2.3.3 Forest Management Planning wwwwwwwwwwwwssssssssss Working plan constitutes the basis of forest management in every forest division. It is revised in every ten years. Revision of working plan requires an array of inputs and services. Forest Resource (Inventory) Management System: An application software had been used extensively for processing inventory data of Dhamtari, Bastar, Bhanupratapur, Narayanpur Bilaspur, East Raipur, Jashpur and Korea/Manindragarh. Inventory reports have been generated for these Working Plan divisions. Compartment Information System: Application software for compartment data processing has been developed. The data regarding

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forest compartments of different forest divisions are fed into this software for processing and storage. Flora & Fauna Information System has been developed and data regarding the diversity of flora and fauna have been entered into the system. 4.2.3.4 Application Software Development wwwwwwwwwssssssssss Application softwares are required for data processing, storage, analysis and integrated forest operational management. Therefore, FMIS division has embarked on developing a couple of application softwares on a priority basis. These application softwares such as Information Systems / Decision Support Systems (DSS) have been developed for various fields of forestry operations such as Production, Personnel Management, Working Plans, Plantations, Forest Accounts, Joint Forest Management, PPA Management, Land Management, etc. 4.2.3.5 Forest Operational Managementwwwwwwwwwwwssssssssss Daily Fire Monitoring System: With the use of internet and GIS technology, information regarding active fire points are retrieved from the site on a daily basis and plotted on forest areas of Chhattisgarh. This exercise provides location of active fire points falling on forest compartments, ranges and divisions of the state in the last 48 hours. This information is sent to respective forest circles and divisions on a daily basis. FMIS Division has initiated this Daily Fire Monitoring exercise from 25th of February 2006. 4.2.3.6 Networking & Communication wwwwwwwwwwwssssssssss Access to efficient, effective and timely information is a sin-qua-non for all decision makers in any organization. Therefore, FMIS should be

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developed as a tool for networking and communication among various decision-making levels. The development of an effective integrated network with, email, and file transfer capabilities, using internet and intranet technologies, is being aimed at. This will allow all forest offices located in distant places to share data and information and even see any other information. This apart, knowledge and information from external sources shall also be easily disseminated using such technologies. Presently, FMIS division has executed and operationalized the following tasks:

• LAN project in the FDHQ Raipur. It connects 35 computers located in different wings of the FDHQ into the LAN.

• Radio frequency (R.F.) link has been established in FDHQ, Raipur is association with National Informatics Center (NIC) to provide free accessibility to internet.

• LAN in FMIS division connecting 36 computers. • Official Website such as www.cgfd.com and www.cgfd.nic.in

have been developed and lunched to disseminate information. 4.2.3.7 Training & Capacity Buildingwwwwwwwwwwwwwssssssssss Training and capacity building of people working in any system holds he key to success. FMIS division has embarked on an onerous task of imparting the necessary skill to its officers, staff and other users. The training focuses on two phases. The first phase provides technology exposure to all the officers of the department. This training covers the area of GIS, Remote Sensing, GPS and basics of database management. The second phase is a product and process based training. This second phase of training is aimed at imparting necessary skill to operationalise a product or process. This training is imparted to target specific officers and staffs.

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4.3 Medicinal Plants Board wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwssssssssss In view of its extremely rich and unique Bio-cultural diversity, the State Government has resolved to develop Chhattisgarh as a ‘Herbal State’. Through the state led initiatives on in-situ conservation, ex-situ conservation and propagation, capacity building of local communities, development of processing technologies and emphasis on value addition on herbal produce Chhattisgarh has become a large store house of varieties of medicinal aromatic plants and to sustain the lives of large population of forest development rural communities through addressing their food, health and livelihood issues. As a part of this endeavour, the Chhattisgarh State Vanoushadhi Board has been constituted on 28th July 2004, under the Chairpersonship of the Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh with Forest Minister as the Deputy Chairperson of the Board. 4.3.1 Objectives of the board wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwssssssssss

• Facilitate research and development for the medicinal plant sector

• Monitor and co-ordinate medicinal plant development schemes and projects funded by central and state government, their organisations and institutions

• Formulate policies and projects for conservation, development and non-destructive harvesting of medicinal plants

• Facilitate development of primary processing (cottage and small scale industries), drug manufacturing, marketing and export of medicinal plants and herbal products

• Avail national and international assistance for development of this sector

• Document and ensure patenting of traditional knowledge • Co-ordinate bio-processing, bio-partnership and IPR issues • Address any other work relating to medicinal plant sector

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4.3.2 Strategy for the future wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwssssssssss

• Formulation of State Medicinal Plant Development Policy and Action Plan

• Establishment of Medicinal Plant Export Processing Zone • Intensive cultivation of medicinal plants in Mission Mode • Setting up an Ayurveda University under way

4.3.3 Achievements at a glancewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwssssssssss

• Extensive conservation initiative by establishing a network of People’s Protected Areas (PPA) – a model of conservation – 32 PPA extending over 14 lakh acres established which include core area of 4 lakh acres

• ‘Sushrut Van’ project in 9 forest divisions are in progress with an out lay of 225 lakhs, to create rich repository of herbal resources

• Seven projects for production of high quality planting materials financed by the National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) New Delhi are in progress

• An integrated medicinal plant conservation, processing, MIS and marketing project financed by the NMPB, New Delhi in Dhamtari district is in progress. The purpose of this project is to strengthen the herbal infrastructure and support base.

• Medicinal Plant Database for 1525 plants has been prepared • Establishment of 23 ‘Herbal Gardens’ in schools all over the

state are in progress • A fully equipped Forest research institute at Raipur is in

progress • India’s first ‘Herbal/Medicinal Park’ is being established at

Kurud in Dhamtari district with the collaboration of Chhattisgarh Infrastructure Development Corporation (CIDC), Raipur

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Chapter 5 – Joint Forest Management Objectives wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww The objectives of the visit to Deopur range were as follows:

1. To study the impact of JFM activities on the life of the villagers and the forest cover

2. To observe the works done 3. To understand how the objectives of the forest department are

met 4. To study the scenario before and after the committee formation

The above objectives were achieved through visits to the villages and interaction with the committee members and the forest officials. Individuals interacted with wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

1. Mr. Sunil Mishra DFO, Raipur 2. Mr. Uday Thakur Range Officer, Deopur 3. Mr. T P Das Forest Guard 4. Mr. Badal Pradhan President, FPC, Rangora 5. Mr. Mohan Lal Yadav FPC member, Rangora 6. Mr. Jagganath Yadav FPC member, Rangora 7. Mr. Angad Ram Bariha FPC member, Rangora 8. Mr. Birendra Kumar FPC member, Rangora 9. Mr. Sama Yadav FPC member, Rangora 10. Mr. Damurjay President, FPC, Navadi 11. Mr. Ranjit FPC member, Navadi 12. Mr. Bhanu Kumar Bariha President, FPC, Tenduchunwa 13. Mr. Anadi Ram Bariha President, FPC, Dhamalpura 14. Mr. Shoklal Panda President, FPC, Checharapali

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15. Mr. Firtulal President, FPC, Amaruva 16. Mr. Dhamrujay President, FPC, Navadi 17. Other villagers

5.1 What is Joint Forest Management? wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww India is one of the pioneering countries in the world where forest management regimes stressing on partnerships between the state forest departments and the local communities, generically known as Joint Forest Management (JFM) have been introduced. The driving force behind this path-breaking initiative is the National Forest Policy of 1988, which is one of the most progressive forest policies in the world. Conservation and meeting local community needs have been made the main objectives of forest management, and have been accorded much higher priority than revenue generation through commercial exploitation. Joint Forest Management (JFM) is a forest management strategy under which the Forest Department and the village community enter into an agreement to jointly protect and manage forest land adjoining villages and to share responsibilities and benefits. The village community is represented through an institution specifically formed for the purpose. This institution is known by different names in different states (e.g. Vana Samaraksha Samitis in Andhra Pradesh and Hill Resource Management Societies in Haryana) but most commonly referred to as Forest Protection Committee or FPC. In some states, panchayats can also enter into JFM agreement with the Forest Department. Under JFM, the village community gets a greater access to a number of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and a share in timber revenue in return for increased responsibility for its protection from fire, grazing and illicit harvesting. The details vary from state to state as each state has issued its own JFM resolution/rules.

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The essential difference between "social forestry" and JFM is that while the former sought to keep people out of forests, the latter seeks to involve them in the management of forest lands. JFM also emphasises joint management by the Forest Department and the local community. 5.2 Origin of JFM wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww JFM is an outcome of the realisation that active and willing participation of the forest fringe communities is necessary for any forest regeneration programme to succeed. Further, village communities would have little incentive to participate unless they benefit directly and have sufficient authority to be effective. The early experiments with JFM approach were started in West Bengal and Haryana in the 1970s by the local officials who saw the futility of trying to keep people out of forests by using coercive measures such as fines and arrests. 5.3 Impacts wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww The JFM programme has led to several positive impacts. The major ones, as discerned from available literature and field travel, are briefly discussed in this section.

1. Change in attitude and relationship - One of the most significant impacts of the JFM programme has been the change in attitudes of local communities and forest officials towards each other and forests.

2. Improvement in the condition of forest - There is evidence

from several location specific scientific studies and other more general studies on JFM that the programme has resulted in the improvement in the condition of the forests.

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3. Reduction in encroachment - In several areas, introduction of JFM has resulted in reduction in area under encroachment and fall in the rate of fresh encroachment.

4. Increase in income - Implementation of JFM programme has

resulted in increase in the income of participating communities at several places. Several externally assisted projects laid emphasis on employment generation and creation of productive community assets as part of the entry point or development activities.

5. Involvement of NGOs - The JFM programme has led to

considerably greater involvement of NGOs in the forestry sector although there is significant variation from state to state.

5.4 Key Issues wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww While the above account focuses on the positive impacts, there are a number of issues that need attention before the JFM programme can be institutionalised in the country. Some of the major ones are discussed in the section.

1. Conflicts - At several places, JFM has resulted in increased inter and intra-community conflicts, which often result in physical violence. Intra-community conflicts mainly emanate from inequitable distribution of costs and benefits of JFM among different subgroups (class, caste, gender etc.) within the community.

Inter-community conflicts over boundaries and access rights have increased as traditional (and even formal) access rights of different groups have not been taken into account while initiating JFM. There is often a conflict between nomadic graziers and settled community wherever forest patches that

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fall within the traditional migration routes have been "closed" under JFM by the settled community.

Other common conflict is over boundary demarcation and access rights between neighbouring villages.

2. Transparency - There is an urgent need to increase

transparency at the field level, especially in areas where large amounts of funds are being provided for JFM through special projects.

3. Traditional/existing institutions - It is now a well known fact

that there are thousands of community groups in the country that are protecting/managing forests in the vicinity of there villages on their own without any outside support. The issue of recognising these groups (without destroying them by making them conform to a rigid framework) hasn't been resolved as yet. The new JFM guidelines issued by the MoEF do emphasise on the need for "identifying, recognising and registering" these groups but do not offer any practical tips as to how to go about it.

4. JFM in dense forests and protected areas - In most states JFM

is restricted to degraded forests. Although the new guidelines issued by the MoEF mention that JFM should be extended to good forest areas, these also put a limit of 100 hectares on area and 20 % on share in revenue from final harvest. Although many people have argued that one need not wait for forests to be degraded before starting JFM, there isn't much progress on this front.

JFM is not applicable to protected areas. An ecodevelopment scheme launched, with World Bank assistance, is applicable

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there. Under ecodevelopment, the aim is to provide improved subsistence strategies to the local people through improving productivity and utilisation of their lands and other resources and enhancing their income. Unlike JFM, the objective of ecodevelopment is not the involvement of the fringe communities in the management of protected areas but is limited to enlisting their cooperation for conservation of protected areas through provision of certain economic incentives.

5. Project related issues - In most states, JFM activities are being

financed through externally assisted projects. While this has facilitated the extension of JFM programme in the country, it has also created some problems. The JFM is either mainly restricted to the project areas or if it is extended to other areas, there is often considerable disparity in the resources available for the FPCs in project and non project areas.

The other major issue is sustainability of the programme after the close of the project and stoppage of funding. This is a major issue in all states where JFM has been supported through specific time bound projects. The strategy that productive assets created during the project period would be able to sustain JFM after the project is over does not seem to have worked very well.

6. NTFP related policies - There is enough evidence to show that

regular flow of NTFPs is more valuable to the communities than share in timber, which is usually available after a long wait (often more than ten years). It is often NTFP flows (along with additional employment opportunities) that retain the interest of the community in the JFM programme. Most of the commercially valuable NTFPs are not shared with the

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communities even under JFM e.g. The nationalized NTFPs. There are also a number of restrictions on value addition and marketing.

7. Adaptive silviculture - JFM reflects a fundamental change in

the objectives of forest management. Under JFM, diverse needs of the community members for different products and services have to be managed from a relatively small area. There is increased emphasis on NTFPs. There is currently very limited understanding of management options for managing a forest patch for multiple (and often competing) needs. Very little is known about species that have limited commercial value but provide important subsistence products for the communities. There is a need for concerted research to develop viable management models for JFM. So far, very little work has been done.

8. Marketing - Marketing is emerging as one of the most critical

areas in JFM. There is an urgent need to re-examine the assumption that there is large unsatisfied demand to all forest produce and thus all the produce can be sold. While deciding the product mix from the JFM forests, marketing angle needs to be kept in mind.

9. Involvement of corporate sector - The involvement of

corporate sector in JFM is a contentious issue. While some companies are assisting in the JFM programme, their involvement has so far been marginal and mainly in the nature of charity or public relations exercise.

10. Legal issues - One of the biggest issues facing the JFM

programme is lack of firm legal basis for it. The JFM programme is based on administrative orders than can be

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withdrawn or changed at any time. The FPC is also merely registered (as against registration as a Society, Trust etc.) with the Forest Department in most states, which has no legal standing.

11. Links with panchayats - One of the key challenges facing

JFM today is its link with the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The PRIs have got a constitutional mandate. While there are around 85,000 FPCs in the country, there are 2.34 lakh PRIs that are run by 2.92 million elected representatives. As the objectives of the two institutions (FPCs and PRIs) overlap, there is a need to develop linkages between the two. The Constitution endows of powers and authority to panchayats to enable them to function as institutions of self-government with specific responsibilities for planning and implementation of economic development and social justice programmes. It has also listed subjects with respect to whom panchayats are to prepare and implement plans for economic development and social justice for the area under their jurisdiction. In addition, the Panchayats Act, 1996 makes it mandatory for the state governments to ensure that the PRIs at the appropriate level and the Gram Sabha are inter alia endowed with the ownership of minor forest produce. Hence, PRIs are to function not as mere implementers of centrally determined development schemes but to be actively involved in the local level planning process.

Apart from the legal aspects, there are other pressing reasons for the development of these linkages. JFM is rarely successful if the overall development of the community is not kept in mind. PRIs are best placed for this as they have a broader perspective as well as access to rural development funds. This kind of linkage can provide a long-term solution to funding problems for JFM.

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While there are certain apprehensions regarding development of such linkages (such as politicisation of FPCs and mismatch in PRI and FPC areas), there is an urgent need to explore ways to overcome these as it is not possible for JFM to succeed in the long run unless position of FPCs vis-à-vis PRIs is clear.

5.5 JFM in Chhattisgarh wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww The involvement of communities in forest management is now a significant feature of national as well as state forest policy. The state has begun community-based initiatives in executing forest schemas/programs. A new JFM Resolution, specifying clear guidelines regarding formation of JFM committees, allocation of rights and duties among the communities and sharing of benefits to communities has already been issued in Nov-2001.Through this new JFM Resolution, the state has begun a process of transition from user-centered approach to multi-stockholder, community based approach. The objective behind this new approach is to make local communities stockholders of the forests, not simply user of its products. This approach will address a range forest management goals, including forest protection, and poverty alleviation or economic benefits to community living in/near forests. The state has initiated the following measures:

• A new State Forest Policy has been enunciated underscoring community driven forest management practice as the principal objective of the policy.

• A new JFM Resolution has been issued by the state in October-2001

• Looking at the changes in the social, economic and cultural landscape of the state, micro-plans in the JFM areas are being

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formulated. The formats and methodologies for preparing Micro-Plan have already been finalized. The process of micro planning has already begun.

• A new Resolution regarding sharing mechanism of benefits is being issued to put JFM on a fast track.

• The state Govt. has taken a decision to institute annual awards to those JFM committees who have performed excellently. In the year 2001-2002, 6 JFM committees were rewarded for their outstanding performance in Joint Forest Management practices.

5.5.1 JFM Committees wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww There are two types of JFM committees in the state. One is Forest Protection Committee (FPC) and the other is Village Forest Committee (VFC). FPCs are formed in those villages which are adjoining to dense forests. The VFCs are formed in those villages, which are adjoining to degraded forests. There are 6687 FPC/VFC committees in the state. 5.5.2 Joint Forest Management - A Statistical Profile wwwwwwwww JFM committees have been formed in all the six territorial circles of the state. There are 7787 FPC and VFC covering about 7495 villages in the state. They cover about 48% of the total forest area of the state. The following table gives details about the forest protection committees and the village forest committees in the state, forest circle wise. It also gives the number of villages involved and the number of members.

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Details of Forest Protection Committees (FPCs) & Village Forest Committees (VFCs)

Forest circle wise information Bilaspur Durg Jagdalpur Kanker Raipur Surguja

Total FPC & VFCs

1136 644 747 772 1322 2066

Number of villages involved in JFM

Revenue 1190 582 678 1222 1101 2256

Forest 129 23 96 46 155 17

Total 1319 605 774 1268 1256 2273

Number of FPC/VFC members in the State (Gender wise) Men 103203 23464 37056 42327 104014 134039

Women 76496 6319 15616 6224 88446 99133

Table 5.1 – JFM: A statistical profile 5.6 Field Visit and Observations wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww This section contains detail about the villages visited and our observations on the basis of the field visit and the interaction with the villagers. 5.6.1 Forest Village – AMARUVA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Details about JFM activities and forest village Amaruva are as follows -

Table 5.2 – Forest Village – Amaruva

Committee Status Forest Protection Committee Year of Committee formation 1995

Commencement of work 2002

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Members in the committee

Committee President Shri Firtulal Geographical area of village

Village Population 600 No. of families 329

Works completed in the village include – • Installation of solar and hand pumps • Deepening of the lake • Fish rearing activity

An amount of 13 lakhs rupees have been spent on the works that have been carried out. Works proposed include –

• Paved roads in streets • Community Hall • Two hand pumps • Temple construction • Increasing the depth of pond

5.6.2 Forest Village – CHECHRAPALI wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Details about JFM activities and forest village Chechrapali are as follows -

Table 5.3 – Forest Village – Chechrapali

Committee Status Forest Protection Committee Year of Committee formation 1995

Commencement of work 2002

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Members in the committee 18

Committee President Shoklal Panda Geographical area of village 717.26 hectares

Village Population 807 No. of families 184

Works completed in the village include –

• Construction of roads • Construction of stop dam • Installation of gates for irrigation purpose • Deepening of the lake

An amount of 15 lakhs rupees have been spent on the works that have been carried out. 5.6.3 Forest Village – RANGORA wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Details about JFM activities and forest village Rangora are as follows -

Committee Status Forest Protection Committee Year of Committee formation 1995

Commencement of work 2002 Members in the committee 14

Committee President Badal Pradhan Geographical area of village 864.71 hectares

Village Population 1186 No. of families 231

Table 5.4 – Forest Village – Rangora

Works completed in the village include –

• Construction of roads and repair work

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• Construction of mud dam • Installation of gates for irrigation purpose • Installation of solar and diesel pumps • Deepening of the lake • Construction of a landing leading to the lake for the purpose of

bathing and washing clothes • Construction of bridges

Work in progress include–

• Temple construction An amount of 25 lakhs rupees have been spent on the works that have been carried out. Works proposed include –

• Construction of 30 tube wells for the year 2007-08 • Construction of a concrete road of length 2.5 km. • Deepening of a reservoir near a check dam

5.6.4 Forest Village – TENDUCHUNWA wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Details about JFM activities and forest village tenduchunwa are as follows -

Table 5.5 – Forest Village – Tenduchunwa

Committee Status Forest Protection Committee

Year of Committee formation 1995 Commencement of work 2005

Members in the committee 12 Committee President Bhanu Kumar Bariha

Geographical area of village 90 hectares

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Village Population 332

No. of families 69 Works completed in the village include –

• Construction of roads and repair work • Construction of stop dam • Deepening of the lake • Tube wells

An amount of 10 lakhs rupees have been spent on the works that have been carried out. 5.6.5 Forest Village – DHAMALPURA wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Details about JFM activities and forest village Dhamalpura are as follows -

Committee Status Forest Protection Committee Year of Committee formation 1995

Commencement of work 2004 Members in the committee 11

Committee President Anadi Ram Bariha Geographical area of village 287.78 hectares

Village Population 513

No. of families 88

Table 5.6 – Forest Village – Dhamalpura

Works completed in the village include –

• Road repair work • Installation of gates for irrigation purpose • Deepening of the lake

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• Drainage channel through the village • Water tank • Tube wells

An amount of 10 lakhs rupees have been spent on the works that have been carried out. 5.6.6 Forest Village – NAVADI wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Details about JFM activities and forest village Navadi are as follows - The Forest Protection Committee was formed in 1995 but work commenced only in 2005. We interacted with the committee President Shri. Damrujay Works completed in the village include –

• Deepening of lake • Stop dam • Construction of road of length 2 km.

Other information about the village were unavailable. 5.6.7 Observations wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

• The Forest Protection Committees (FPC’s) have been formed in most of the villages way back in 1994, but the work has recently begun. Most of the works done in the villages have been done in the past 3 to 4 years. The villagers say that this delay is due to the lack of funds. On interacting with the forest officials we learned the reason for the lack of funds. Initially the World Bank used to fund these projects and they used to be implemented in specific villages. This led to a delay in funds and a subsequent delay in the beginning of work. Since the formation of the state

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of Chhattisgarh there has been a more uniform distribution of work.

• The forest department has been successful in conserving the forests in and around the villages.

• The department has been able to bring about a change in the villages in the aspect of stealing from the forest. Where at one point of time atleast 50% of the village population used to steal from the forest; right now this number has reduced to a very small number. The department has been able to convince the villagers to a certain extent about the importance of the forest.

• Another opinion that we got about the working of the FPC is the involvement of money. It is a major motivating factor for the villagers. If tomorrow the flow of money stops, will the committees continue to function is an important question that needs to be answered.

• The villagers seem happy with the formation of the committees as it gives them an assured source of livelihood. The money that they receive due to the felling of a coupe in their range seems to be their major source of income. The money that is received is then diverted for development works of the village. They are also employed as daily wage labourers in other works of the forest department that are directed towards the protection of the forests.

• The work done through the committees in the various villages are done with the consensus of the villagers. The needs of the villagers are taken into consideration before deciding on the work to be done.

• Works done through the FPC for the villages include - ü Construction and repair of roads in the village ü Construction of temporary (mud) and permanent stop dams

(concrete structures) ü Installation of solar submersible pumps ü Installation of diesel pumps

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ü Deepening of the village lakes ü Construction of temples ü Construction of bridges ü Construction of water tanks ü Tube wells

• Some of the above works have also been proposed for the future.

• Works done by the villagers towards the protection of the forest include – ü Digging of cattle proof trenches ü Fire protection work for which they are paid fixed wages ü Patrolling of the forest to prevent stealing ü Marking of the boundary to prevent encroachment ü Deployment of a watchman on a permanent basis who is

paid a monthly wage ü They also work in the nursery of the department

• Being those who themselves used to steal from the forest, they know when, how and where these illegal activities (illicit felling and fire) can take place and they take suitable measures to prevent them. Every villager is vigilant about the movement of people from other villages into their forest. Even people from the same village are questioned if they are found to be venturing about the forest and it is reported to the committee who call a meeting to take a decision.

• The villagers, to a certain extent, have become aware of the benefit that they can derive from the forest and are taking steps to ensure that they derive the most out of it.

• The twin objective of protection of the forest and development of the villages seem to have been achieved on a small scale at present. This needs to be sustained.

• Before and after the formation of the committees BEFORE

ü Illicit felling in the forest leading to degradation

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ü Forest fires ü After the rains getting daily food and water was not easy ü It was only possible to get one crop every year ü There was no work to be done after the harvesting season

and they had to go around looking for work. At times, they also had to go out.

AFTER ü Better forests due to the protection ü No forest fires since the past 2 years ü They have been able to go to the extent of saving food for the

future ü Some areas harvest two crops and also plant other species ü They no longer had to go out looking for work. Work

undertaken by the FPC and the protection work for the forest is a source of livelihood.

• Other Observations ü The villages consist of people of various tribes and uniting

them is a major task ü The Selfish motive of some people also come to light in some

areas • The following problems have been addressed to a certain extent

through these works ü Grazing in forest lands ü MFP collection ü Pressure on forests due to increasing population ü Illicit felling ü Increase in basic requirements from the forest ü Absence of alternative form of fuel ü Less scientific forest management ü Poverty ü Ignorance (Lack of awareness) ü Lack of social awareness on forest abuse ü Excess workload of activities not related to forests

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ü Lack of proper monitoring and evaluation ü Preconceived notions ü Unemployment, Unavailability of continuous employment,

lack of training for self employment

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Chapter 6 – Protected Area Management

Objective eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee The Bar-Nawapara wildlife sanctuary has been given the status of a protected area. Various measures have been undertaken to conserve, protect and sustainably manage this protected this area. The objective of our visit to this sanctuary was to study these measures and their impacts, through observation and interaction with the concerned officials. In academic parlance the practices carried out at the sanctuary are identified under the concept known as ‘Protected Area Management’ (PAM). Officials interacted with hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh During our course of stay at the sanctuary, we had fruitful interactions with the following officials – 1. Mr. Sunil Mishra DFO, Raipur 2. Mr. Arun Tiwari SDO, Superintendent, Bar-Nawapara

Sanctuary 3. Mr. Mukherjee Range Officer, Bar-Nawapara Sanctuary 4. Mr. Ramesh Thakur Forest Guard, Bar-Nawapara Sanctuary

6.1 Literature Review wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww 6.1.1 Definition of a Protected Area aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa The definition of a protected area adopted by IUCN is: ‘An area of land and/or sea especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, and of natural and associated

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cultural resources, and managed through legal or other effective means.’ Although all protected areas meet the general purposes contained in this definition, in practice the precise purposes for which protected areas are managed differ greatly. The following are the main purposes of management:

• Scientific research • Wilderness protection • Preservation of species and genetic diversity • Maintenance of environmental services • Protection of specific natural and cultural features • Tourism and recreation • Education • Sustainable use of resources from natural ecosystems • Maintenance of cultural and traditional attributes

6.1.2 IUCN Protected Areas Management Categories ssssssssssssssssss IUCN has defined a series of protected area management categories based on management objective. Definitions of these categories, and examples of each, are provided in Guidelines for Protected Area Management Categories (IUCN, 1994). The six categories are: CATEGORY Ia - Strict Nature Reserve It is a protected area managed mainly for science Definition: Area of land and/or sea possessing some outstanding or representative ecosystems, geological or physiological features and/or species, available primarily for scientific research and/or environmental monitoring. CATEGORY Ib - Wilderness Area

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It is a protected area managed mainly for wilderness protection. Definition: Large area of unmodified or slightly modified land, and/or sea, retaining its natural character and influence, without permanent or significant habitation, which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural condition. CATEGORY II - National Park It is a protected area managed mainly for ecosystem protection and recreation Definition: Natural area of land and/or sea, designated to (a) protect the ecological integrity of one or more ecosystems for present and future generations, (b) exclude exploitation or occupation inimical to the purposes of designation of the area and (c) provide a foundation for spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational and visitor opportunities, all of which must be environmentally and culturally compatible. CATEGORY III - Natural Monument It is a protected area managed mainly for conservation of specific natural features. Definition: Area containing one, or more, specific natural or natural/cultural feature which is of outstanding or unique value because of its inherent rarity, representative or aesthetic qualities or cultural significance. CATEGORY IV - Habitat/Species Management Area It is a protected area managed mainly for conservation through management intervention.

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Definition: Area of land and/or sea subject to active intervention for management purposes so as to ensure the maintenance of habitats and/or to meet the requirements of specific species. CATEGORY V - Protected Landscape/Seascape It is a protected area managed mainly for landscape/seascape conservation and recreation. Definition: Area of land, with coast and sea as appropriate, where the interaction of people and nature over time has produced an area of distinct character with significant aesthetic, ecological and/or cultural value, and often with high biological diversity. Safeguarding the integrity of this traditional interaction is vital to the protection, maintenance and evolution of such an area. CATEGORY VI - Managed Resource Protected Area It is a protected area managed mainly for the sustainable use of natural ecosystems. Definition: Area containing predominantly unmodified natural systems, managed to ensure long term protection and maintenance of biological diversity, while providing at the same time a sustainable flow of natural products and services to meet community needs. Where the site does not meet the internationally recognised definition of a protected area, application of a management category is not appropriate. This is indicated as category unassigned (UA) in WCMC protected area lists. 6.1.3 Issues in Categorizing Protected Areas ssssssssssssssssssssssssss Various issues need to be taken into consideration before categorising an area as a protected area. Some of them are -

1. National protected area systems

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2. Regional Variation 3. Size of Protected Areas 4. Zoning within Protected Areas 5. Multiple Classifications 6. Management Responsibility 7. Ownership of Land 8. Local communities 9. Areas around Protected Areas

6.1.3.1 National protected area systems sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss At the national level, a variety of designations is used, and will continue to be used. Because of this, it is inevitable that the same designation may mean different things in different countries; and different designations in different countries may be used to describe the same category of protected area. This is one of the key reasons for defining and using at the international level a system of categories identified by management objectives in a system which does not depend on titles. This category system is intended to operate in the same way in all countries so as to facilitate the collection and handling of comparable data, and to improve communication between countries. 6.1.3.2 Regional Variation nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn The conditions for the establishment and management of protected areas vary greatly from region to region, and from country to country. For example, regions like Europe with long-settled, long-managed landscapes in multiple ownership are not, on the whole, as suited to the establishment of Category II areas - but on the other hand, their circumstances are more conducive to the establishment of Category IV and V areas. IUCN does not favour different standards being used in the application of these categories in different parts of the world, as this would counter the value of having a defined standard. However, the

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flexibility which is inherent in these guidelines should help in their application to the conditions in different regions and countries. 6.1.3.3 Size of Protected Areas ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss The size of an area should reflect the extent of land or water needed to accomplish the purposes of management. For example, for a Category I area, the size should be that needed to ensure the integrity of the area to accomplish the management objective of strict protection, either as a baseline area or research site, or for wilderness protection. For a Category II area, the boundaries should be drawn sufficiently widely that they contain one, or more, entire ecosystems which are not subject to material modification by human exploitation or occupation. 6.1.3.4 Zoning within Protected Areas sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss Though the primary purposes of management will determine the category to which an area is assigned, management plans will often contain management zones for a variety of purposes which take account of local conditions. However, in order to establish the appropriate category, at least three-quarters and preferably more of the area must be managed for the primary purpose; and the management of the remaining area must not be in conflict with that primary purpose. Cases where parts of a single management unit are classified by law as having different management objectives are discussed under the heading of multiple classifications. 6.1.3.5 Multiple Classifications sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss Protected areas of different categories are often contiguous; sometimes one category 'nests' within another. Thus many Category V areas contain within them Category I and IV areas; some will adjoin Category II areas. Again, some Category II areas contain Category Ia and Ib areas.

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This is entirely consistent with the application of the system, providing such areas are identified separately for accounting and reporting purposes. Although there are obvious benefits in having the entire area within the responsibility of one management authority, this may not always be appropriate; in such cases, close cooperation between authorities will be essential. 6.1.3.6 Management Responsibility yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Governments have a fundamental responsibility for the existence and well being of national systems of protected areas. They should regard such areas as important components of national strategies for conservation and sustainable development. However, the actual responsibility for management of individual protected areas may rest with central, regional or local government, non governmental organisations, the private sector or the local community. The test is whether the designated authority is capable of achieving the management objectives. In practice, protected area Categories I-III will usually be the responsibility of some form of governmental body, while responsibility for categories IV and V may rest with local administrations, albeit usually working within the framework of national legislation. 6.1.3.7 Ownership of Land dddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd As with the question of the managing authority, the key test is whether the type of ownership is compatible with the achievement of the management objectives. In many countries ownership by some form of public body (whether nationally or locally based), or an appropriately constituted non-governmental body with conservation objectives, facilitates management and is therefore to be favoured in Categories I-III in particular. However, this is not universally true, and - in the

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remaining categories - private ownership will be much more common, often being the predominant form of land ownership. 6.1.3.8 Local communities sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss Irrespective of the ownership, experience shows that the success of management depends greatly on the good will and support of local communities. In such cases, the managing authority will need to have good consultative and communications systems, and effective mechanisms which may include incentives, to secure compliance with management objectives. 6.1.3.9 Areas around Protected Areas ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss Protected areas are not isolated units. Ecologically, economically, politically and culturally, they are linked to the areas around them. For that reason, the planning and management of protected areas must be incorporated within regional planning, and supported by the policies adopted for wider areas. For the purposes of the application of the categories system, however, where one area is used to 'buffer' or surround another, both their categories should be separately identified and recorded. 6.2 Bar-Nawapara wildlife Sanctuary yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy The Bar-Nawapara wildlife sanctuary, situated in Raipur district, is named after the ‘Bar’ and ‘Nawapara’ forest villages, which are the heart of the sanctuary. The wilderness encompasses land mass of undulating terrain, dotted with numerous low and high forested hillocks. The tributaries of the river Mahanadi i.e. river Balamdehi forms the western boundary and river Jonk forms the north-eastern boundary of the sanctuary. The sanctuary, which was established in 1976, is spread over an area of 244.66 sq. km.

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The well stocked forests of the sanctuary can be classified as teak, sal and mixed forests. The extents of various types of trees in the sanctuary are as follows –

Species Forest cover (%) Teak 21.50 Sal 16.00

Mixed 54.00 Bamboo Overlapping 18.50

Table no. 6.1 – Forest Cover Bar-Nawapara

The other species found in the sanctuary are Saja, Bija, Ledia, Haldu, Dhaora, Salai, Aonbla, Amaltas, etc. The ground is rich with grasses, herbs, shrubs, bushes and saplings. The bamboo forms rich and dense under-storey in the forest. The dazzling white Kulu tree is scattered throughout the forest which stands conspicuously among the green forests. The old plantation patches of teak and bamboo adds on to the wilderness. Cheetal, Sambar, Nilgai, wild boar are commonly seen. Gaur with natural white socks is present in large numbers and can be easily sighted in the sanctuary. Tiger, Panther, Sloth bears, wild dogs, Porcupine, Jungle cat, Fox, Stripped hyena, Barking deer are also sighted. The Bar-Nawapara sanctuary also boasts of over 150 species of birds including several migratory ones. 6.3 Sanctuary Management tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt The sanctuary is based on the principle of Zonation. The area of the sanctuary is divided into core, buffer and tourism zone to meet the requirement of tourism.

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6.3.1 Core Zone eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee The core area is the heart of the sanctuary. It is rich in wildlife & biodiversity. The area comprises of second and third quality miscellaneous forests, Sal with bamboo intermix. The main objects of management in the core zone are as follows -

• To develop it as a natural wilderness • To provide ample life support essentials like food, water and

shelter • To eliminate biotic interference • To initiate and expand the research aspects of various fields • To make the area sanctum sanctorum

The Core area is maintained as minimum activity zone. Mostly protection and habitat improvement works are done in that area. Other works which are done are -

• Fire protection work • Water resource management • Protection against grazing, illicit cutting of timber/bamboo and

poaching • MFP collection is prohibited in the area • Soil moisture conservation works are undertaken • Survey, research and other experiments are allowed • Habitat improvement works like management of grasslands and

protection of unique habitats like caves, cliffs, etc are done • Weed control is done

6.3.2 Buffer Zone eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee The Buffer zone is the one which surrounds the core zone. It is a multipurpose area where cattle grazing, Nistar and other requirements of the villagers residing in the forest village are presently met.

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The area outside the core zone within a radius of 5km. has been taken up as the buffer zone area. This forest area comprises of forest villages. The inhabitants of these villages are totally dependent on the forest. This area is a high impact area, which is less developed and people are mostly dependent on forest resources. Eco-development works are undertaken in this area. The objectives of the buffer zone are -

• To reduce pressure on the core area • To maintain the biological diversity in this area • To preserve the catchment and watershed area of rivers and

streams • To cater to the needs of villagers who are dependent on forest

based resources • Tourism is allowed in this area

Some operations of the core zone are also being taken up in the buffer area. In addition to these, collection of firewood is allowed for villagers to meet their daily requirement. Grasses obtained from meadow management are given to the villagers for their cattle. 6.3.3 Tourism Zone eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee This is an overlapping zone within the Buffer zone. It is utilized for wildlife tourism & education purpose. The objective of setting up a separate tourism zone is mainly to promote tourism and to seek public support. Since declaration of this area as a sanctuary, no special attempts have been done to develop tourism. Prior to declaration of the sanctuary, this area was a shooting block. The sanctuary has a vast tourism potential. The tourism zone helps in creating consciousness among visitors about the significance of this area, its nature, its unique features and its ecological importance. This

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can be achieved by educating the tourists and visitors. Besides this, it also provides entertainment & recreation to the visitors, employment to villagers and revenue to the Government. 6.4 Protected Area Management – Measures eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 6.4.1 General Measures eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Activities that are regularly carried out for proper management of the sanctuary are as follows -

• Patrolling on foot • Occasional special checking of vehicles plying on state highways

during night hours • Patrolling near the boundaries of the sanctuary • Special patrolling on foot on different animal tracks specially for

carnivores • Patrolling along rivers forming boundaries of the sanctuary • Regular checking of waterholes, vehicles and barriers • Operation of wireless network for information gathering • Develop an effective informer system to gather valuable and

confidential information • Establishing linkages with villagers settled inside and on the

periphery of the sanctuary • Vehicular patrolling on internal forest roads • Special patrolling to reduce/stop fuel wood collection from the

floor of the sanctuary 6.4.2 Operation Monsoon eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee For two main reasons the monsoon is the time that needs special protection measures. Number one, the tourists’ activities subside and the sanctuary is no longer as frequently thronged as during the tourist season. And two, poacher activity has been observed to increase during

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these months. The reason might be a threat to surrounding villagers’ crops to herbivores and follow up by carnivores for hunting. Also some criminal minded communities/people consider these months as a good time for poaching. Hence these months require the forester to be much more vigilant. The ‘Operation Monsoon’ integrates the conventional protection methods with certain innovations to bring out a sound and effective overall strategy to enforce it in a practical manner. 6.4.3 Fire Protection eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee A special fire protection plan with a system of prompt detection of fire, speedy communication, quick march to the fire site, immediate operation to extinguish the fire on war-footing scale, control the wrath of fire in the protected area. Local people are also involved in such fire protection measures. A series of meetings with these local people about the harmful effects of fire on habitat is also regularly arranged to tackle the situation, similarly, informative signboards are erected at important places. Eliciting appeal to adopt preventive measures also works to some extent. The following measures are part of a fire protection exercise:

• Identification and categorization of fire prone areas • Preventive measures for protection from fire include - ü Fire line clearing – This class of activities involves the

cleaning and burning of fire lines. Such exercises are finished before the commencement of the fire season.

ü Burning of inflammable material – The cut and dried inflatable material, obtained from different fire lines are burnt by the end of mid January.

ü Early burning – Controlled early burning practice before the commencement of the fire season can prevent forest fires. The cut and dried grasses and other inflammable material are burnt, thus making the forest less prone to fire.

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• Detection of occurrence of fire is done by - ü Use of watch towers ü Establishment of fire control rooms ü Deployment of firewatchers

• Suppression of fire – Prompt suppression of fire is the first and foremost duty of the ‘fire extinguishing team’ attached to every fire control room. On getting information of occurrence of fire in an area allotted to the team, the control room in-charge sends the team immediately to the fire spot to control it. Such teams generally consist of a group of five labourers. Usually the fire extinguishing exercise consists of the following - ü Creation of an inflammable material free line ü Counter burning ü Beating the fire

6.4.4 Habitat Management eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee The major measures carried out here under habitat management are the maintenance of waterholes and the creation of meadows. 6.4.4.1 Waterhole management eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Water is the fluid of life. Every organism requires the fluid of life for every metabolic activity. It has been scientifically established that if hundred percent of fat and fifty percent of protein available in the body is removed, the animal won’t die. But if only ten percent of water present in the body is extracted, the animal would die immediately due to dehydration. Although most of the landscape of the Protected Area traversed by nalas is dotted by natural waterholes, some degree of effort is required to ensure the availability of water to all the wild animals to avoid the animal from lapsing into a condition of water stress, especially during

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the pinch period. In addition to this uniform distribution of sources of water is always preferable. Such artificial congregation of animals around a few waterholes always poses a threat of poaching. Poachers also try to contaminate these restricted waterholes by adding poison to kill the animals. Such deliberate poisoning of waterholes is sometimes also aimed at taking revenge from a particular forest staff to deframe him under whose jurisdiction that water hole comes. The Protected Area management draws out scientifically designed plans to ensure water availability in every nook and corner of the protected area throughout the year. Dams, culverts, tanks, stream flow regulation, other water harvesting structures are planned and executed to ensure the same. 6.4.4.2 Meadow development eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Grassland is one of the most vital habitats for a number of wild animals ranging from a small insect to the largest carnivore. In a forest ecosystem, the various species of grass harvest, the solar energy to form food materials, which are transferred from the insects (primary consumers) to a class of predators through ‘food chains’ and ‘food webs’. The following activities are undertaken to improve the existing meadow to ensure optimal growth of palatable grass -

• Weed eradication – Excessive grazing has caused the growth and spread of obnoxious weeds in most grasslands. The dominant weeds are Lantana camara (lantana), Xanthium stromerium (adkapari), Cassia tora (pawar), Parthenium (gajar grass) and Vantulsi. Weed eradication activities are repeated for atleast two years continuously to eliminate the chances of their re-growth either by left out roots or through seeds.

• Impact monitoring – Monitoring of impact of every habitat improvement unit is carried out according to the established guidelines to assess the impact of such intervention on habitat

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quality. As an inseparable part of habitat improvement, operations like weed eradication are closely monitored for their impacts. A field observation format has been developed for monitoring purposes.

• Encroachment of meadows by woodlands – Complete protection in the abandoned agricultural sites might encourage the encroachment of meadows by root sucker species resulting in the shrinkage of grassland area. Palash and tendu are the species pioneering to invade. Wherever such problems exist, uprooting has to be carried out.

6.4.5 Wildlife Health Management eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Lack of availability of water during the pinch period on a few peripheral parts of the sanctuary attracts the wild animals to visit the nearby water sources in and around the adjoining villages. Similarly green blades of grass like wheat and gram also attract the wild animals to raid crop fields. The domestic animals also intrude inside the protected area to graze. The wild animals come in contact indirectly with their wild counterparts. Such frequent sharing of habitat between wild animals and domestic cattle poses a severe threat of dissemination of infectious diseases to the wild population. The spread of infectious diseases becomes possible due to any of the following media -

• Contaminated food and water • Air borne infection • Nasal discharge • Fecal material

Such infections remain unnoticed for a long time and cause silent mortality of a number of herbivores. Regular ‘Disease Surveillance’ and ‘Prophylactic immunization’ of the cattle of villages located within a radius of 5km.

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6.4.5.1 Disease Surveillance eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee A quick disease detection, reporting and treatment system only can achieve proper disease surveillance. In the case of wild animals, detection of disease is only based on observation of their behaviour. To protect and maintain wildlife health in the protected area, it is necessary to achieve disease surveillance of -

• Native wild population • Domestic population of adjoining villages • Feral cattle

In addition to the above, regular liaison with the following institutions is maintained to ensure help in case of emergency and other exigencies -

• Local veterinary doctors from Pithora and Kasdol • Veterinary doctors from Veterinary hospital, Raipur • Wildlife health monitoring disease diagnosis and research cell,

Jabhalpur 6.4.5.2 Prophylactic immunization eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Some diseases that are common to the area and epidemic in nature are spread by both wild and domestic animals. Preventive treatment against these diseases by means of Prophylactic immunization to the domestic animals is necessary. Domestic cattle, which may transmit the diseases among the wild fauna are vaccinated to prevent diseases such as FMD, Reindeer, BQ and HS. This immunization is carried out in all villages located within a radius of 5km. of the protected area. It is believed that an animal can cover a maximum distance of 5km. in order to graze and browse.

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6.5 Conflict & Problems in the Sanctuary eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee The conflict between wildlife and human settlement has been age old and the claims for exclusive existence have resulted in conflict. However a rational approach may strike a balance and a healthy trend may set in for better survival of both. The conflicts that the sanctuary officials have to deal with arise due to clashes between the interests of the villagers and the sanctuary. The villagers, to a certain extent, create problems for the sanctuary and the sanctuary, in turn, is also a cause of concern to the local villagers. The problems that the sanctuary has to deal with are as follows -

• Destruction of habitat due to illicit cutting of trees, grazing of cattle, collection of firewood and MFP.

• Transmission of diseases from livestock to wild animals • Competition for resource i.e. food, water. • Fire hazards due to collection of MFP or due to negligence • Encroachment over forest land for cultivation • Other legal problems

The problems that the villagers have to deal with are as follows -

• Crop damage by wild ungulates • Cattle lifting or human killing/injury • Lack of employment opportunities due to reduction in forestry

activities • Lack of development and infrastructure like roads, schools,

medical facilities, etc.

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6.6 Strategies to solve problems eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 6.6.1 People living deep inside the protected area eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee They need to be relocated outside/away from the protected area. This is a near difficult task. But it is a permanent and long term solution to the problem. This involves human, administrative and legal approaches. 6.6.2 People living on the periphery or close to protected area aaaaaaa Eco-development approach is envisaged. It has two roots; ecology and development i.e. ecologically sound development. It envisages achieving harmony between man and nature. Development refers to economic growth which may be a tool for people’s development. Thus eco-development is an approach to development aimed at harmonising social and economic needs in tune with ecological objectives. It is based on principles of self reliance, satisfaction of basic needs, and new symbiosis between man and nature on sustained basis without polluting, exhausting or adversely affecting the nature and natural resources. Eco-development aims to minimise dependence of local people on the forest particularly the protected area. It also aims to provide alternatives to fulfil the real requirements of local people and augment employment opportunities through training, etc. 6.7 Eco-development eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee The term eco-development has been defined from a number of perspectives. Some of them are - ‘Site specific package of measures, developed through people’s participation, with the objective of promoting sustainable use of land and other resources, as well as on farm and off farm income generation activities which are not deleterious to the protected area values’ (Panwar 1992).

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‘Limited rural development designed with the participation of local people, for the purpose of reconciling genuine human needs with the specific aim of protected area management’ (Rodgers, 1992). ‘Strategy for protecting ecologically valuable areas from unsustainable or otherwise unacceptable pressures resulting from the needs and activities of the people living in and around such areas’ (Shekhar, 1994). ‘To achieve protected area conservation by promoting socio-economic development and providing local people with alternative income sources which do not threaten to deplete the plants and animals within the protected area’ (Brandon and wells, 1992). ‘Eco-development aims to conserve biodiversity by addressing both the impact of local people on the protected areas and the protected area on the local people’. (World bank, 1996) ‘The basic objective of the eco-development programme is to reduce the biotic pressure on the core areas of the protected areas’. (Project tiger, 1992) 6.7.1 People’s participation in protected area management tttttttttttttttt People’s participation is an important factor in the process of eco-development and they can be accommodated in several ways -

• Employment in protected area management • Protection of protected area • Developmental works of protected area • Park interpretation center • Income generation programmes • Wildlife tourism • Relations with neighbouring community • Eco-development works

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• Extension and development of small irrigation facilities • Sense of belonging to the protected area

6.7.2 Impacts of eco-development eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeyt Based on proper planning and implementation, eco-development can have positive and negative impacts. They are as follows - Positive impacts -

• If well conceived and implemented through people’s real participation, it will reduce dependence of people on protected areas.

• Reduce people’s problems and ensure better living • Elicit people’s cooperation in protection of the protected area • Ensure continuance of natural processes and conservation of

biodiversity Negative impacts -

• May attract surrounding people to concentrate near the protected area

• Increased ambitions, aspirations and activities of local people may adversely affect the protected area

• Improperly conceived eco-development programmes (such as high yielding crop varieties, etc.) May be ecologically unsustainable and therefore desirable.

• Input of huge amount of money for various eco-development activities may increase prices in the area

Therefore, the eco-development activities have to be well conceived as per the requirement of the area and should be meticulously taken up with full confidence and support of local people.

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6.8 Observations eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeg The following observations are based on interactions with concerned officials of the Bar-Nawapara sanctuary and visit to various parts of the sanctuary to observe the measures that have been undertaken.

1. Being a wildlife sanctuary, the officials are of the opinion that, top priority should be accorded to activities directed towards conservation of the wildlife population rather than the various tree species present there.

2. For a sanctuary that had a tiger population of around 25 at one point of time, the present population of approximately 8 portrays the mismanagement of the park. The reasons for this population decline can be attributed to -

i. Change in Habitat due to human intervention ii. Reduction in breeding and preying ground as a result of

encroachment by the villagers iii. The above two reasons led to a decrease in the tiger

population and also caused the problem of population skewness

3. The fact that, at present, none of the forest department officials incharge of the day-to-day working of the sanctuary are trained in wildlife management also shows mismanagement on the part of the forest department.

4. Due to the efforts of the officials, there have been no reports of poaching in the sanctuary.

5. Considering that the sanctuary was constituted in the year 1976, this area has been neglected under the erstwhile state of Madhya Pradesh. Tourism related activities for lodging, boarding and transport for animal sighting in the tourist were not available till the last few years. The sanctuary officials are seriously pursuing these activities to attract more tourists. Limited facilities for stay, dining and transport are available at

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present. Construction of modern styled cottages, restaurant and an interpretation center is in progress.

6. There are 22 designated forest villages inside the sanctuary and encroachment by the villagers is a major problem. Meadows, which are essential for both the deer and the tiger are absent in the sanctuary.

7. The villagers are more harmful than helpful towards the cause of the sanctuary. They do inform the forest officials in case of fires but they generally, themselves happen to be the cause of the fires. The domestic stocks of the villagers are also a cause of concern as there are chances of spread of diseases to the wild animals.

8. Since conservation of the wildlife population is a priority, relocating the villagers is the only option and a proposal for shifting 3 villages out of the sanctuary has been forwarded to the higher authorities.

9. Orders passed at the higher level by various authorities are also a cause for concern for the sanctuary.

10. Example 1: The order of no construction inside the sanctuary that has been passed by the Supreme Court. If the villagers demand for a school building the sanctuary officials cannot help them out, even though it is a forest village. This sometimes leads to a conflict and the villagers set fires to vent their anger. This is harmful to the sanctuary.

11. Example 2: The order of no felling inside the sanctuary that has also been passed by the Supreme Court. The southern part of the sanctuary is a teak plantation which is of no aid to the wildlife population. Since teak does not allow anything else to grow on the ground, wildlife is very sparse in that area.

12. We visited the Teak forest in the southern part of the sanctuary. Unlike the other parts of the sanctuary, this area stood out with more of dry leaf litter on the ground compared to the green

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herbs, shrubs and saplings noticed in the other areas of the sanctuary. Also, no wildlife was sighted in this area.

13. The sighting of herds of Cheetal at less than 1km from the village, consecutively for 3 days.

14. We visited the area where Pollarding of Kharra trees was carried out on a trial basis. Wild bison in particular feed on them. By pollarding them, fresh shoots appear which are within the reach of the wild bison. The fuel-wood that was generated in the process was given to the villagers free of cost. Thus, the need of the bison and the villagers were satisfied. Bison’s were sighted in large numbers in that area and the villagers did not have to illegally collect fuel-wood from the forest.

6.9 Suggestions eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

1. Human intervention should be deceased as much as possible in order for the wild animals to survive.

2. Encroachments by the villagers have to be checked. This could be done by making them a part of the development initiatives undertaken by the department, thus providing them a source of livelihood.

3. Wildlife management is a specialized field and personnel who are trained in this area should be incharge of the day-to-day functioning of the sanctuary.

4. Infrastructure is essential to encourage tourism. The requirements of the tourists should be taken care of.

5. Since conservation of the wildlife population is a priority, relocating the villagers is the only option and a proposal for shifting 3 villages out of the sanctuary has been forwarded to the higher authorities.

6. The Teak forest in the southern part of the sanctuary can be selectively felled and meadows can be created which will be more useful to the sanctuary.

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7. The Pollarding of Kharra trees should be carried out on a larger scale to restrict the wild bison’s from wandering into the villages for search of food.

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Chapter 7 – NGO attachment (Society for Social Services)

Objectives ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss The objectives of the NGO attachment were as follows:

1. To know something about the organisation and the work that they have done.

2. To understand the concept of watershed, its implementation and study the impacts of a watershed project.

3. To observe the impact of the SGSY (special) & CGDPRP on the rural masses.

4. To file a feedback report on the basis of these observations. The above objectives were achieved through a theory session, field visits and interaction with individuals involved in the implementation of the projects, which include the field officers of the organisation and the rural people. During the field visit we observed the different kinds of interventions and learned about their impacts through interactions with the field officers of the NGO and the local villagers. We were also acquainted with the impact of the SGSY and the CGDPRP through interactions with the SHG’s who are functioning under these schemes. Individuals interacted with hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

1. Dr. N Satish Chandra CEO 2. Mr. Ashok Masih President 3. Mr. Umashankar Sahu Gram Panchayat Coordinator

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4. Mr. Roshan Gaydhane Project Coordinator, watershed 5. Mr. Lakhan Bavanthade Block Coordinator 6. Ms. Sindhu Mehsram Block Coordinator 7. Soman Lal Markam President, Limhudi Committee 8. Devsingh Andhare Secretary, Limhudi Committee 9. Suryakant Markam President, Surdongar Committee 10. Inder Singh Gadwar Secretary, Surdongar Committee 11. Seshram Salame President, Kushithikur Committee 12. Ramdayal Sahu Secretary, Kushithikur Committee 13. Ramprasad President, Mardel Committee 14. Kriparam Secretary, Mardel Committee 15. Charan Singh President, Tumdisar Committee 16. Sawant Kombare Secretary, Tumdisar Committee 17. Punavram Markam President, Magardha Committee 18. Kriparam Kumethi Secretary, Magardha Committee 19. Shivprasad Barla President, Themebujurg

i. Committee 20. Nandkumar Nayak Secretary, Themebujurg

i. Committee 21. Dhaniram Villager, Themebujurg 22. Jowan Singh President, Ganguldih Committee 23. Kamal Singh Secretary, Ganguldih Committee 24. Rajendra Kumar Ma Sheetala SHG 25. Janak Kumar Thakur Ma Sheetala SHG 26. Meena Shah Ma Danteshwari SHG 27. Phoolbai Mehsra Ma Danteshwari SHG 28. Gandhibhai Dhruv Ma Danteshwari SHG 29. Jhadu Ram Sahu Jai Karma Ma SHG 30. Villagers from Majiyapar 31. Members of the Jai Ganga Mayya SHG

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7.1 Society for Social Services sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss The Society for Social Services Madhya Bharat Chapter is a registered NGO under the societies registration act of Chhattisgarh. It was established in April 2000 and within a period of 5 years it has proved its mettle in Chhattisgarh through the various projects that they have successfully undertaken. They have received accolades and won laurels from the Japanese Bank, USAID-HUDCO, World Vision India, World Food Program, National Trust and the Ministry of Rural Development, just to name a few. The organisation is well known in India and abroad due to its credibility, capability, capacity building, critical evaluation techniques, comprehensive infrastructure, an extremely centered, concentrated, and focuses core team and conscientious associates. Capacity building and Empowerment is the backbone and strategy of the organisation. 7.2 Vision nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn Empowering the poor for livelihood 7.3 Mission nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn To organize, steer and facilitate the rural poor to establish themselves as empowered entrepreneurs to create a hub of Rural Enterprises. 7.4 Broad objectives nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn The objectives of the organisation are -

1. To advocate participatory appraisal and learning-cum-action techniques

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2. To implement various development projects using participatory techniques

3. To undertake research on issues of rural and urban development;

4. To conduct research on resource management and resource-depletion at the level of tribal, primitive tribal and peasant societies

5. To study the impact and role of socio-economic and political programmes of development - such as Panchayati Raj - in village India

6. To carry out research and implementation projects pertaining to environment and health management

7. To further the idea of gender studies in academic and non-academic realms, and sensitize the public at large to the problems of women

8. To conduct research on socio-economic issues pertaining to women and take up the implementation of the programmes for their development

9. To communicate to the public the indigenous models of progress through newsletter, posters and other models

7.5 Divisions nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn The organisation has two distinct divisions, namely -

1. Research, monitoring & evaluation division 2. Project implementation & facilitation division

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7.6 Current assignments nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn 7.6.1 Research, monitoring, evaluation division nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

1. Study on Surveying, Processing, Value addition & Marketing of

Minor Forest Produce in Raigarh, Jashpur & Sarguja District of Chhattisgarh. CGTDS, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh

2. Mid Term Evaluation for Rehabilitation of Flood affected farmers CAPART Bhubaneshwar.

3. Mid Term Evaluation for Harvesting Surface and rain water CAPART Bhubaneshwar.

4. Random sample Survey of Habitations- Chhattisgarh, MoRD, 2006-07

5. District Level Monitoring (DLM) of all programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development including ARWSP, Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC), Swajaldhara (except NREGA & PMGSY), 12 Districts in M.P.

6. Mid Term Evaluation (MTE) of Grants-in-Aid for Greening India Scheme-NAEB (MoE&F).

7. Evaluation of Nirmal Gram Puraskar (Village Sanitation Award) in 6 districts of Andhra Pradesh (MoRD).

8. Relocation and Rehabilitation Project for the National Highways Project (Kota to Baran stretch in Rajasthan) for OASES, New Delhi (Project funded by Asian Development Bank).

9. Evaluation of the Relocation and Rehabilitation interventions under the Rural Roads project in Chhattisgarh for Chhattisgarh Rural Roads Development Authority (CGRRDA) (funded by Asian Development Board).

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7.6.2 Implementation and facilitation division nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn 1. SGSY (Special) a Self Help Group based project for developing

a 100% eco-friendly product in Durg & Rajnandgaon District. 2. Drug De-addiction Center, Bhilai (MoSJ&E, GoI). 3. Watershed Implementation in Dondi (Durg District) – 2 Projects

and Mohala (Rajnandgaon District) – 1 Project. 4. Project Facilitation for Poverty Eradication (a World Bank

Project) DPRP -Chowki. 5. SGSY Arang (Raipur) & SGSY Dondi (Durg) 6. Awareness, Mobilization, Strengthening and economic

promotion activities of SHG’s under Chhattisgarh Sericulture Project, Bilaspur.

7. Reducing the Risk of HIV among Drug Users: A Peer led Intervention. MoSJ&E GoI.

8. Project Facilitation for Revival & Revitalization of Folk Art, in five Districts of Orissa, EZCC. Kolkata

9. Implementation of scheme under National Horticulture Mission through training of farmers in Dondi Block of Durg District. Department of Horticulture, Chhattisgarh (CG).

7.7 Presence nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn The organisation has a presence in Chhattisgarh, Orissa and the North east with offices in Bhubneshwar, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Delhi. The organisation has a presence in the following districts of Chhattisgarh -

1. Durg 2. Rajnandagaon 3. Raipur 4. Jaspur

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The oranisation has a presence in the following districts of Orissa – 1. Sambalpur 2. Gunjam 3. Puri 4. Mayurganj 5. Raigada

In the north-eastern states the organisations has been involved in the following projects –

1. Integrated Forest Protection Scheme 2. Greening India 3. Pulp availability for paper mills

These projects have been implemented in the following states –

1. Sikkim 2. Arunachal Pradesh 3. Assam 4. Nagaland 5. Meghalaya 6. Mizoram 7. Manipur 8. Tripura

7.8 Feedback Report ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt The following pages contain the feedback report submitted to Dr. N Satish Chandra CEO, Society for Social Services Madhya Bharat Chapter. This feedback was based on the observations made by us during the field visit.

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Feedback Report to Society for Social Services Madhya Bharat Chapter, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh

(Based on observational and interaction study done from

2nd January 2007 to 4th January 2007)

By Rahul Bharadwaj

Sudeep R Kodialbail Ranesh Kumar Biswas

Post Graduate Diploma in Forestry Management - First Year

(Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal) CONTENTS Component 1: Watershed Projects Schedule Observed Watershed Interventions Problems of the villagers Benefits of the watershed project Feedback and Suggestions

General Specific Conclusion Component 2: Swarnajayanti Gramin Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY) – Special Project Schedule Problems Feedback and Suggestions

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Component 3: Nava Anjor or Chhattisgarh State District Rural Poverty Removal Programme (DPRP) Schedule Feedback

Component 1: Watershed Projects Day 1 – We visited all the 6 villages where work under Tumdisar Nala Watershed Programme has been implemented. These villages were Limbodih, Surdongar, Kushithikur, Mardel, Tumdisur & Magardha. We were acquainted with the problems of the area, watershed interventions that have been carried out and how it has benefited the farmers and the local populace. Day 2 – We visited, Themabujurg and Ganguldih, two out of the eight villages where work under Hitad Nala Watershed Programme has been carried out and tried to see most of the interventions carried out in more detail. The focus was more on interaction with the concerned villagers and to understand the implementation process. Day 3 – We visited Majiyapar, one of the villages where works under the Tikadora Nala Watershed Programme have been implemented and spent the morning visiting the interventions that have been carried out. Observed Watershed Interventions The following watershed interventions were observed during the three day field visit -

• Percolation Tanks • Boulder check dams • Check dam (rapta) with gates – concrete structure • Lakes – New ones as well as broadening & deepening activities

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• Farm ponds (dabri) • Contour trenches • Planting of fruit bearing species

Problems of the villagers On interacting with the villagers they brought to our notice the following problems that they faced before the implementation of the watershed project -

1. Lack of water towards the end of the first harvest 2. Rapid flow of water during the monsoon season 3. Soil erosion 4. Decrease in soil fertility 5. Reduction in the quality and quantity of harvest

The above problems, to a certain extent, are interrelated. Presently the major problem that is being faced is the lack of funds. Benefits of the watershed project The following benefits were derived by the villagers from the implementation of the watershed projects -

1. The percolation tanks and farm ponds (dabri) ensured that there was sufficient water available till the time of harvesting of the crops. This guaranteed one good crop in a year unlike the earlier years. This is a common opinion across all the villages that we visited.

2. The farmers are able to take a second crop (rabi) in areas where water is retained for a longer period of time.

3. Increased moisture content in the soil which used to become very dry.

4. Generation of Employment opportunities due to the works carried out in the village.

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5. There has been a noticeable increase in the ground water level in some areas.

6. With the help of the gates that have been installed the villagers have been able to control the water flow and use it to their advantage.

7. Fish rearing can become a supplementary source of income. Feedback and Suggestions General and village specific feedback, with certain suggestions are mentioned below. General

1. Financial arrangements should be made for those interventions that have been successful and where modification or slight changes to the already implemented intervention could be more beneficial to the village. Provision could be made for such finances in the action plan itself.

2. The activity of growing grasses or other soil binding activities along the banks of the Percolation tanks and lakes should be specifically mentioned in the action plan. This will prevent the soil from being washed back into the tanks and the lakes. An absence of grasses or other soil binding activities in the periphery of some percolation tanks.

3. Deepening of existing Percolation tanks in those areas where appreciable quantity of water collects during the monsoons so that the excess water, which normally goes waste, can be put to use.

4. For deciding the locations where the percolation tank should be dug – Considering that the watershed projects are spread over a period of 5 years, an initial opinion of the villagers could be taken about the location of the percolation tanks. In those areas, pits of suitable depth should be dug. The availability and level of water

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in those pits should be observed over one monsoon season. Based on this result the location of the percolation tank should be decided. This could prove to be better than a trial-and-error option.

5. Tube wells could also be constructed to supplement the water needs of the villagers.

6. The example of villages with successful implementation could be quoted while approaching new villages.

Specific

1. Village Limbodih a. This village has three percolation tanks. We were informed

by the villagers that the tanks had been dug in the decreasing order of its water retention capacity. Out of these 3, tank 1 & 2 are dry while tank 3 has water upto a level of 5 feet. Maybe, this could be avoided if the opinions of the villagers were backed with a scientific opinion.

b. Water collects into neighbouring Percolation tank no.1 and Pond (dabri) no. 9 & 10 from the rains and water flowing in from the nearing higher area. On enquiring we were informed about the absence of a water check upstream. The absence of a boulder check dam may cause free flow of silt into the tank and the pond. If so, this flow of water needs to be checked.

2. Village Surdongar a. The increase in the ground water level from 22 feet to

approx 25 feet from 2005 to 2006 is an indicator that the interventions that have been implemented are improving the existing conditions.

3. Village Mardel a. The action plan has a provision for two Percolation tanks.

Tank no.1 that has been dug is a failure, according to the villagers. They are also of the opinion that there is no place

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available for tank no. 2. If this is correct, why has provision been made for 2 tanks in the action plan?

4. Village Themabujurg a. The, villagers opine that, construction of the already

planned stop dam across the Hitad Nala will supplement the benefits being derived from the implemented interventions and will be beneficial to the agricultural lands of the entire village. A second harvest will also be possible.

b. The villagers are of the opinion that the pond should be made deeper. Being situated on a higher level, this will ensure water supply to more farmers and not just the owners of the private pond.

c. The villagers suggested the implementation of a Lift irrigation system as a permanent solution to the water problems for agriculture.

5. Village Ganguldih a. The fields close to the percolation tank have benefited from

the tank. This comprises of only a small number of the farmers of the village.

b. Water has eaten into the banks of the tank near the gate. This soil erosion needs to be checked before more soil is washed back into the tank.

c. The percolation tank is situated besides a canal that carries excess water. Seepage from the tank into the canal is another cause of water loss from the tank. This needs to be checked.

d. Percolation tank no. 2 has been the most beneficial to the farmers. An expansion of this tank will provide greater benefits. Also, water was observed in the fields adjoining the tank. This is due to seepage, which at this time of the year does not provide any benefit and hence must be checked.

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e. The construction of a check dam on Hitad Nala at village Themabujurg has been planned. This, according to the villagers, will benefit only a single village. Instead, if this dam is constructed near Ganguldih it could prove beneficial to more than one village. We were informed that this issue was discussed in the meeting of the village panchayat, but was done away with due to the non-availability of funds.

Conclusion The area based approach of the watershed project has been successful in reducing the water problems of the villages in that area. Appreciable conservation of water and soil, which are the focus of the watershed projects have been observed in the areas visited. With the resumption in the flow of funds, this project could be expected to benefit the local populace to an even larger extent. Component 2: Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY) – Special Project We met Self Help Groups (SHGs) involved in the Swarnajayanti Gramin Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY) - Special Project i.e. dona pattal stitching and pressing units and interacted with their members. The two groups that we met were Gayatri SHG (Limhatola) and Jai Durga SHG (Limodih). Problems

1. Breaking of coil around the die. 2. Sticking of the plates to the die. 3. Change in leaf color due to overheating, thus causing wastage.

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Feedback and Suggestions

1. Machines where more number of plates might be supplied which will lead to more plate formations in small amount of time.

2. The pressing machine manufacturing industries might be asked to manufacture a system to allow for a temperature control mechanism.

Component 3: Nava Anjor or Chhattisgarh State District Rural Poverty Removal Programme (DPRP) We visited four Self Help Groups at Chowki that have been formed under Nava Anjor or Chhattisgarh State District Rural Poverty Removal Programme (DPRP). These groups were involved in variety of activities like buffalo rearing, spices making, ‘manihari’ i.e. selling simple beauty items for women and a bore well group. Feedback The scheme has provided livelihood opportunities to the rural populace.

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7.9 Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) is the single self-employment programme for the rural poor. Launched on April 1, 1999 the programme replaces the earlier self-employment and allied programmes - IRDP, TRYSEM, DWCRA, SITRA, GKY and MWS, which are no longer in operation. SGSY is an innovative and carefully thought-out programme. It takes into account all the strengths and weaknesses of the earlier self-employment programmes. It offers the perfect balance of credit and subsidy. Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana aims at establishing a large number of micro-enterprises in the rural areas, building upon the potential of the rural poor. A significant aspect of SGSY is that every family assisted under this programme will be brought above the poverty line in three years and therefore the programme aims at creating substantial additional incomes for the rural poor. Subject to availability of funds, it is proposed to cover 30% of the rural poor in each block in the next five years. It will target the most vulnerable among them. At least 50% of the Swarozgaris (Self Emloyed) will be SC/STs, 40% women and 3% disabled. 7.9.1 Salient features wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww SGSY is conceived as a holistic programme of micro-enterprises covering all aspects of self-employment, viz., organisation of the rural poor into self-help groups and their capacity building, planning of activity clusters, infrastructure build up, technology, credit and marketing.

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SGSY focuses on Group approach. This would involve organisation of the poor into self-help groups (SHGs) and their capacity building. The Gram Sabha will authenticate the list of families below the poverty line identified in the BPL census. Identification of individual swarozgaris will be made through a participatory process. SGSY is a credit-cum-subsidy programme. Credit will be the critical component in SGSY, subsidy being only an enabling element. Accordingly, SGSY envisages a greater involvement of the banks, in the planning and preparation of projects, identification of activity clusters, infrastructure planning as well as capacity building and choice of activity. Subsidy under Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana would be uniform at 30% of the project cost subject to a ceiling of Rs. 7,500 (for SCs/STs it would be 50% and Rs. 10,000 respectively). For self-help groups, subsidy would be 50% of the project cost subject to a ceiling of 1.25 lakh. SGSY takes into account the role of every participant - the panchayats, gram sabhas, banks, financial institutions, NGOs as well as the technical institutions in the district. 7.9.2 Funding Pattern wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Funds under the SGSY will be shared by the Central and State Governments in the ratio of 75:25. 7.9.3 SGSY (Special Project) Eco-Friendly Dona Plate wwwwwwwww Below are the highlights of the Project under which the eco-friendly Dona Plates are being made. This is one of the current projects of the NGO. The SHG’s that we visited, with some details, are mentioned below.

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7.9.3.1 Project highlights wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

• Sponsored by - Ministry of Rural Development, Govt. of India • Project Duration - April 2005 to March 2008 • Total Project Cost - 746 Lakhs • Working Area -

ü Durg District – Dondi, Dondi Lohara & Gurur ü Rajnandgaon District – Mohla, Manpur, Chouki,

Dongargarh, Khairagarh, Chhuikhadanv • Target Beneficiaries - 400 SHG’s & 4000 SHG Members • Stage wise SHG’s Target –

ü First Stage - 200 to 250 SHG’s - Leaf Collection & Pasting ü Second Stage - 120 to 150 SHG’s -Leaf Plate Sewing ü Third Stage - 60 to 75 SHG’s -Leaf Plate Pressing ü Fourth Stage - 6 to 8 SHG’s - Corrogation of Plate ü Fifth Stage - 6 to 8 SHG’s - Packaging & Marketing ü Sixth Stage - 8 to 10 SHG’s - Machine Repairing

• Present Status – ü SHG’s Formed – 355 ü Training Provided – 886 ü Revolving Fund Distributed - 24.85 Lakhs ü Sewing Machine Distributed - 680 nos. ü Pressing Machine Distributed - 88 nos. ü Working Shed Construction started – 9

7.9.3.2 Field visit & Observations wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww We visited two SHG’s involved in the project where work was in progress. The Gayatri SHG at Limhatola where the pressing & packing operations were in progress and the Jay Durga SHG, Limhudi where the work of leaf stitching was being done. The point to be noted in this project is the concept of a revolving fund. This fund is cash given to every SHG, such that it can pay for the raw material that it buys. For

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example the stitching group needs leaves. So, when the leaf collection group gets the leaves to them, they are paid on the spot based on the number of leaves they have collected and the quality of the leaves. Similarly in the next stage, once the leaves are stitched, this group takes it to the pressing group who pay the stitching group on the receipt of the stitched leaves. This ensures that they get paid as soon as the work is done. This cash that is used to make the payment is called revolving fund.

1. Gayatri SHG, Limhatola – a. Pressing and packing center b. A 12 member all women team c. Usage of electric machines. They also have provision for

using gas d. The group has been formed a year ago

2. Jay Durga SHG, Limhudi

a. Stitching group b. 10 machines have been provided to the group c. The women work from home d. Work going on since March 2006

We also visited four SHG’s who have been functioning under the Chhattisgarh Rural Poverty Reduction Program known locally as Nava Anjur.

1. Ma Sheetala SHG – Buffalo Rearing a. Formed in January 2006 b. 7 members in the group c. 8 buffalos at present d. Work is divided on a weekly basis e. The milk is sold and profit divided equally, monthly

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f. This scheme has given them a supplementary employment option

g. They now want to open a dairy farm 2. Jay Ganga Mayya SHG – Selling wares

a. 5 member all women group b. One main shop where the ladies sit in turn c. The other go to other villages to sell the wares d. These ladies were housewives earlier. His scheme has

given them a livelihood opportunity. 3. Jai Karma Ma SHG – Tube well group

a. A group of 5 farmers who share a tube well between them b. Earlier they used to get only one crop in a year.Now they

comfortably take two c. Earlier, after the harvesting season they had to go out

looking for work. Now there is enough work at home. 4. Ma Danteshwari SHG – Making Spices

a. 6 member all women team b. Formed in June 2006 c. The spices and wheat flour they make is supplied to the

mid-day meal scheme of the government and the also sold in the local village

More details about the last group follows – Six women of village Kaudikasa in block Chowki have come together under the ‘Nava Anjor’ Chhattisgarh State District Rural Poverty Removal Programme to turn their expertise in the preparation of spices into an industry. They have named their common interest group or CIG as Danteshwari CIG. This group which was created on 31st January 2006 has following objectives -

1. Removing poverty by creating a common interest group 2. Raising the standard of living by raising economic level 3. To obtain a higher status in the society

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4. To create unity in diversity 5. To stop emigration 6. To empower the women 7. To bring forward the women

Even before the beginning of the Nava Anjor Programme these women wanted to start some small business of their own. After the commencement of this programme they put together Rs. 3890 from their savings along with a contribution of Rs. 34841 as the first installment from the Programme Implementation Group, they began to realize their dreams. At present, these women grind and pack spices like turmeric (haldi), pepper (mirch) and dhaniya and sell them in the local market. They also supply these spices to the local schools which are using them for the preparation of their mid-day meal. As yet, the group has earned a profit of about Rs. 10000. This group has created some norms and rules for the functioning of the group. Each member will work for one month. Thus the cycle completes in six months. At the end of each month the profit is distributed among them and a plan for future is chalked out. An absence from the meeting is checked with a fine of Rs. 10. At the end of the meeting the minutes are prepared and the group members sign the register for the purpose. In addition to the masala making job, the group is also financing the education of two children of a local school. They also go about in the village holding meetings and informing other women about the success of their group and hence motivating them. They also motivate the people about the ills of early marriage and liquor consumption. They sometimes also go about picketing the liquor shops! All observations regarding the watershed projects that we visited are covered in the feedback report.

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Figure 7.2 - Percolation Tank

Figure 7.3 - Plantations

(grasses & trees)

Figure 7.1 - Contour trenches

Watershed Interventions

Figure 7.5 - Farm Pond (dabri)

Figure 7.4 - Boulder Check

Dam

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Conclusion The field trip to Chhattisgarh was a learning experience in the real sense of the term. The exposure provided to us during this one month period was focused on livelihoods, sustainable forest management, rural development and environmental related issues. The field work was like a laboratory. Theory discussed in the classroom was observed in practice. From the management of natural forests to joint forest management; various aspects of silviculture, ecosystem management, understanding behaviour, forest menstruation, social ecology and rural environment & forestry organisations, the subjects we are taught at IIFM, were observed in practice. We could relate the happenings in the field to the concepts of the classroom. There exists a gap between theory and practice. We were exposed to this gap also. Implementation of watershed projects was another learning experience. It gave us an understanding about the rural masses. Interaction with the villagers and trying to look at things from their perspective to solve their problems is an art that is being practiced by the forest department officials. The changes that the department has been able to bring about in their livelihood while also being able to sustain the forest cover is an indication of its success. The inputs that we have received from the social and the forestry sectors through this field visit has provided us appropriate exposure and learning that will shape our managerial skills.

References

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References

1. Saigal Sushil, Joint Forest Management: A Decade and Beyond 2. http://www.jfmindia.org/ 3. http://www.iucn.org/ 4. http://www.cgforest.nic.in 5. http://www.fmiscg.org/

(Since most of the report was prepared during the field trip, the references are mostly from the internet, as and when we has access.)