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YOJANA December 2010 1

Our Representatives : Ahmedabad: Amita Maru, Bangalore: B.K. Kiranmai, Chennai: I. Vijayan, Guwahati: Anupoma Das, Hyderabad: V. Balakrishna, Kolkata: Antara Ghosh, Mumbai: Minakshi Banerjee, Thiruvananthapuram: VM Ahmad.

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December 2010 Vol 54

Chief Editor : Neeta Prasad

Editor : Manogyan R. Pal

Joint Director (Prod) : J.K. ChandraCover Design : Asha Saxena

E-mail (Editorial) : [email protected] : [email protected]

Website : www.yojana.gov.in

Let noble thoughts come to us from every sideRig Veda

(Circulation) : pdjucir_ [email protected]


DEVELOPING INFRASTRUCTURE ............................................5 Surender Kumar

CHALLENGES TO INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT .....10 Ranjan Chatterjee

DISASTER RISK AND VULNERABILITY .................................14 P P Shrivastav

EMPOWERING MEGHALAYA VILLAGES ...............................19 Freeman Kharlyngdoh

DEVELOPMENTAL INNOVATION: BOATS OF HOPE ............25 Sanjoy Hazarika

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN NORTH-EAST INDIA ................30 Purusottam Nayak, Santanu Ray

WOMEN AND LIVELIHOOD ISSUES ........................................37 Patricia Mary Mukhim

MANAGING WATERSHEDS IN THE NORTH EASTERN HILLS ............................................................40 I K Barthakur

SECURITY COVER FOR PARENTS ...........................................42 Naveen Jindal

BOUNTIFUL JAINTIA ..................................................................45 Amitabha Ray

LOSING PRISTINE GLORY .........................................................48 Raju Das

MESMERIzING MEGHALAYA ...................................................52

CULTURAL DIPLOMACY TO BOOST TOURISM ....................55 Maisnam Bobo Singh

BEST PRACTICESFARM PONDS ARE BENEFICIAL ..............................................58 Ranjan K Panda

LOOKING AT MEGHALAYA THROUGH MDG LENS .............61 Anupam Hazra

J&K WINDOW ...........................................................................65

DO YOu KNOW? .................................................................... 67

SHODH YATRA AUTOMATIC WATERING SYSTEM AND OTHERS .................70 Abdul Kaleem

C O N T E N T S

2 YOJANA December 2010


While December is not the end of the fiscal year in India, it however provides a very good occasion to do a cross check on often untouched themes. One of them is a review of the North East India, the region of

eight states that is the new economic frontier for India. In the year 2010, there is an even better reason to do a stock check for the region. The Prime Minister has asked for a massive push for the development of the road network of the entire region. A road is not just a means of transport in this hilly region. Roads are the underlying foundations for the entire economic development of the North East. The region, for geographic and sometimes strategic reasons has very thin railway network and air service cannot be the means to take care of the humungous transport needs of even one state, forget eight states. Thus how the road network shapes up is more than an integral part of the story of the development of the region, it is also a very key index.

The North East states conceal some interesting paradoxes. Some of them have excellent demographic characteristics like a high literacy rate and consequent access to education. Yet at the same time they all suffer from high infant mortality as hospital care for the mother and child are few and far between. The region has splendid swathes of forests harbouring massive varieties of fauna and flora. Yet development of the states could mean cutting into those regions, as there are few alternatives to not do so.

The other issues are of course maintaining of the tribal way of life, key to understanding the diversity of the region. The development imperatives often bring up challenges of how to protect the tribal culture, while at the same time help use modern science and education for the benefit of the region.

A very important step to instill an integrated understanding of these imperatives that are common for the region has been the government of India's establishing of a ministry for the development of the north east region. The ministry's mandate is unique in that it does not focus on a state or a scheme but addresses the full gamut of the needs of the region.

As India moves on to a high growth trajectory, the way the north east region shapes up will impact a large percentage of that growth rate. The development and understanding of the region is therefore an important key to the Indian growth story. Among the states, Meghalaya has a central role as it shares boundary with almost all the other six. Hence we decided to make this state the centre of our Focus North East. Happy reading. q


About the Issue


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With properly defined targets, clear outcomes, strategies

and coordinated planning for the

region as a whole, the North East can

be revitalized to become a net

positive contributor to the national

exchequer

Developing Infrastructure

NORTh EAST

N D I A’ S N O RT H -eastern part is a region richly endowed with natural resources. It is spread over a vast

expanse of 2,62,179 sq.km. comprising 8 per cent of the country’s geographic area, with a relatively small population of under 39 million or about 3.8 per cent of the total population of the country (2001 census). The region is one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world, has the highest rainfall in the country, with large and small river systems nesting the land and is a treasure house of minerals, flora and fauna.

The region’s economy was comparatively well placed before independence. However, the partition of the country in 1947 changed its economic landscape, virtually disconnecting it from the rest of the country, with the only remaining link being the

The author is Director in the Ministry of DoNER

narrow 27 km. Siliguri corridor. The infrastructure deficit that the partition created led to a resource deficit, affecting the socio-economic development of the Region.

Infrastructure development is a fundamental prerequisite for realizing the vision of progress towards peace and prosperity and for creating an investment climate and market development in the region. Expansion in the supply of basic infrastructure such as efficient transportation network, telecommunication and power and broadband connectivity, is extremely important for the development of the region. Apart from delivering essential services that improve the quality of life and livelihoods, these elements of infrastructure are crucial for establishing a stable and peaceful society and hence for the progress and prosperity of the region.

Surender Kumar

OVERViEW

I


The central government’s agenda as enunciated in the Address by the Hon’ble President of India to Parliament on 4th June, 2009 states “My Government will continue its special emphasis on infrastructure development in the North-East and Jammu and Kashmir and enhance connectivity to these regions.” Besides stepping up public investment, both the central and the state governments are taking pro-active steps towards creating an enabling environment for private investment.

One of the primary tasks of the Ministry of DoNER is facilitation of infrastructure development in the North-East Region. The Min is t ry i s address ing the infrastructure needs of the region through i ts scheme of Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources and by facilitating planning and implementation of projects by line Ministries of the central government. As a result of these efforts, infrastructure scenario in the region is undergoing a rapid transformation.

In the following paragraphs, we take a look at the status of key infrastructure sectors- transport, including road, railways, civil aviation and inland waterways; power and telecommunication- in the region and the major initiatives that have been recently taken/ are being taken.

Transport

Transport infrastructure is of great importance in the region to strengthen its integration within

itself, with the rest of the country and its neighbours. It is a vital input for the proposed shift from subsistence agriculture to cash crop based farming, as well as the planned development of industries and services sectors. Most of the area in the region is hilly and undulating with low population densities, making proper and adequate communication vital.

Roads & bridges: Road connectivity in the North-East region is well below the national average on most parameters. There exists a paucity of bridges; added to it is the problem of a large number of timber bridges which are not capable of taking heavy loads and require huge amount of money for the i r repairs. Therefore, extending, intensifying and improving the roads network are essential to the economic development of the region and the welfare of its people. The high priority to be accorded to the development of roads in the North–East region is well reflected in the union government’s intention to invest heavily on the road sector over the Eleventh Plan period. A mass ive road deve lopmen t program has been taken up and it is expected that all the villages in the region will be connected with pucca roads, all the state headquarters will be connected with 4-lane roads and the district headquarters with 2-lane roads. The programmes include SARDP-NE, East-West Corridor, NHDP-II & III, PMGSY and programmes initiated by Ministry of DoNER

and NEC. Conversion of timber bridges and development of porter tracks remains a priority area.

The key objective of SARDP-NE is to strengthen the intra-region road connectivity in the North East. The states capitals would be connected by at least two-lane roads to the National Highways. Similarly, district headquarter towns which are not already connected or covered under other schemes are also proposed to be covered under SARDP-NE. The project covers construction/improvement of 9740 km of road length and is likely to be completed by 2017.

NHDP-II – East West Corridor in NER aims to improve the connectivity of the North Eastern region through a 678 kms long four-lane divided highway between Srirampur and Silchar. NHDP (Phase-III) in the NER envisages connecting the state capitals to the East-West Corridor which is running from Guwahati to Silchar through four-lane National Highways.

PMGSY is a flagship scheme of the Department of Rural Development to connect the rural areas through a network of motorable roads. Since the NER has a hilly terrain and sparse habitations, norms of the scheme have been relaxed for the Region. The scheme is providing impetus to the development of rural areas in the Region by connecting them to towns and cities.


Railway: Railway network in the North-East at 4 per cent of the total for the country is far more deficient than the required level. The historical gap that needs to be made up is so large that a very accelerated program of rail connectivity is required to provide the basic infrastructure capacity for the North-East to realize its economic potential. In view of its importance, the Ministry of Railway has an elaborate plan for the region. All the state capitals are to be linked with rail network in about 5-7 years. In addition work for gauge conversion of existing lines is also being taken up. India is going to construct the Agartala-Akhaura (Bangladesh) line to connect Tripura to the Bangladesh Railway network. These projects are likely to transform the face of the transport infrastructure in the North-East. It has been decided that the projects of the Railways designated as National Projects will be supported by Government of India in the ratio of 75-25 where 25% will be given from the GBS of Railways and 75% from Government of India. It has also been decided to create a Fund for development of rail infrastructure in the North East.

Civil Aviation: Many places in the North Eastern region are inaccessible and located in far-flung areas. Therefore, air connectivity is the most viable means of t ranspor ta t ion in the region both for intra-state connectivity and the region’s

linkage to the mainland. There are a total of 23 airports in the North Eastern region out of which 11 are operational. The objective is to operationalize non-operational airports/airstrips in the region and to provide larger number of flights per week within the region, by using the appropriate type of aircraft, making the required improvements in existing airports/airstrips in a time-bound manner. Three Greenfield airports are to be developed at Itanagar, Cheithu (Nagaland) and Pakyong (Sikkim). The Ministry of DONER and the NEC are providing funds to the Airport Authority of India for upgradation of existing Airports apart from viability gap funding to Air India for the operation of ATR flights in the region. Helicopter services are also being expanded for accessing the remote areas of the states, thereby linking the capital city and airports with these locations. Efforts are also being made to introduce a dedicated airline for the North-East. As a result of these concerted efforts, the number of flights and airlines serving the region has improved considerably.

Inland Water Transport: Inland Water Transport (IWT) offers a shorter and cheaper route for transport of bulk commodities and project cargo. Development of IWT in NER is a strategic and economic imperative. Need for increasing investments and increasing efficiency of IWT mode has been recognized. NW-II, on the Brahamputra River

from Dhubri to Sadiya (891 km) is being made fully operational. Portion of Barak River from Lakhipur to Bhanga (121 km) has been declared as National Waterway-VI. A number of major projects have been taken up. This includes dredging, navigational aids, concrete terminals, floating jetties, vessels and dry dock etc. Renewal of Indo-Bangladesh IWT protocol on long-term basis is being pursued. Kaladan River multi-modal transport route from Mizoram to Sittwe port, which will provide alternate sea routes through Myanmar from eastern sea ports of India, has been approved.

Power

The power sector in the NER, with the potent ia l of hydroelectricity being about 62,000 MW, constitutes the most important resource of the region and holds the highest potential to propel the region to the front-rank of development in the country. The primary need is to reach the benefits of power availability to the people of the region. It is also felt that the growing and diversified demands for power for the economic development of the region are met in full. Another priority would be export of power from the region to elsewhere in the country so that the North East becomes the ‘powerhouse’ of the country.

For utilization of the power potential in NER, realization of the generation capacity in the region has to be accompanied by


strengthening of transmission, sub-transmission and distribution network. In this regard, NEC and Power Grid Corporation have jointly funded preparation of DPRs for transmission, sub-transmission and distribution network which is likely to cost around Rs.10,000 crore. The other major initiatives that are on the anvil are as under:

l About 100 projects for hydro power development awarded in Arunachal Pradesh.

l Two gas based projects – Palatana and Monarchawk coming up in Tripura.

lBongaingaon Thermal Power Project being implemented by NTPC.

lFoundation stone laid by Hon’ble Prime Minister for Pare (110 MW) and Dibang (3000 MW) Power Projects in Arunachal Pradesh.

Tele-communication

G e o g r a p h i c a l l o c a t i o n and difficult terrain make the development of telecommunication and information technology a sine-qua-non for the socio-economic development of the region. The present tele-density of 37.5 per cent in the NER is much lower than the all India average of 58.2 per cent. Although the region was late entrant to mobile telephony, the progress has been swift.

An elaborate Transmission N e t w o r k P l a n h a s b e e n conceived by the Department of Telecommunication for the region.

Under it all the district headquarters are to be connected on self-healing Optical Fiber (OF) Rings and the state capitals will be connected by High Capacity (DWDM) of Network. In view of the peculiar problems of the region, alternate connectivity on PGCIL line is also being considered. Some of the initiatives that have been taken are as under:

lOut of the total 40,377 inhabited villages in North Eastern region, 34,477 villages have been provided with Village Public Telephones (VPTs) as on 31.07.2010. Agreements signed with BSNL to provide VPTs in all the remaining uncovered inhabited villages as per Census 2001.

lA scheme has been launched by USO Fund to provide subsidy support for setting up and managing infrastructure sites (towers) spread over various districts for provision of mobile services in the specified rural and remote areas, where there is no existing fixed wireless or mobile coverage.

l USO Fund has launched a scheme on 20.01.2009 to provide wire-line broadband connect iv i ty to rural & remote areas by leveraging the existing rural exchanges infrastructure and copper wire-line network.

Conclusion

As a result of the efforts of the union and state governments

in the NE Region, there has been a considerable improvement in infrastructure. At the same time, there is a pressing need to improve the quality of implementation and service delivery mechanism. The constraints to implementation, which cause time and cost over-runs and adversely affect the absorptive capacity of the states, have to be identified and overcome. Moreover, the requisite skill levels have to be created. This calls for putting in place a back-up human resources development program for capacity building and training of technical man-power, other civil servants, as well as contractors, especially those based in the region but extending also to contractors from outside the region. A number of measures are in offing towards capacity building.

With properly defined targets, clear outcomes, strategies and coordinated planning for the region as a whole, the North East can be revitalized to become increasingly self-sufficient and a net positive contributor to the national exchequer and the country’s economy. Concerted efforts of the Central and the State Governments are helping in providing a thrust to the process of socio-economic development of the Region. These efforts have to be sustained by all concerned, with the State Governments playing a pro-active role to ensure both speedy implementation and a planned future development. q

(E-mail:[email protected] )


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Greater efforts at trade and

communication with Bangladesh

and Myanmar will help restore the

economic prosperity of the North East

region

Challenges to Infrastructure Development

NORTh EAST

H E P R O C E S S o f development had been rather slow in the North Eastern region for many reasons. The traditional

system of self-governance and social customs of livelihood in the NER had remained virtually untouched during the British rule. Creation of rail network for tea growing areas for commercial interests was, perhaps, the only major economic activity in the region. This was coupled with extraction of Petroleum and some Coal Mining in the Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland belt.

Partition of the country in 1947 which carved out Bangladesh, hitherto East Bengal, completely isolated the North Eastern region save a slender chicken’s neck leading to severe distortion in the socio-economic situation. In effect, the market and the centres of production got separated by a

The writer is former Chief Secretary of Government of Meghalaya and currently Consultant in the Planning Commission

political dividing line which had severe economic repercussion on the livelihood of people along the entire Bangladesh border. All the produce from Agriculture, Horticulture and Mines had, hitherto ready-made markets in Bangladesh, which got cut-off. In the initial period after independence, there was a strong demand for autonomy by the relatively more backward areas seeking a more equitable growth pattern comparable with the rest of the country. The late participation of States like Nagaland and Sikkim in the development process has further delayed the fruits of planed progress from reaching the people.

The inadequacy of quality education and teachers training coupled with high drop-out rates at the school level itself is a reason for the relatively poor quality of human resource amongst the Doctors, Engineers and Para-Medical staff.

Ranjan Chatterjee

OPiNiON

T


Above all, the region is deficient in physical infrastructure which has a multiplier effect on economic development.

The physical infrastructure includes roads, air-ports, highways, power projects, water supply, urban infrastructure, all of which together hold the key for the growth of this region. It is true that infrastructure must come ahead of demand. In the North East there is a perception that people have to fight for every infrastructure. This is t rue of Bongaigaon Petrochemical Refinery, the Rail-cum- Road Bridge at Bhomoragiri and Panchratna on Brahmaputra. All these projects came after prolonged agitation.

In the vision NER - 2020 Document of the North East Council five basic deficits were identified. These are i) Basic needs deficit;ii) Infrastructure deficit;iii) Resource deficit; iv) Deficit of understanding with

the rest of the country and;v) Governance deficit

98% of the border of North East is with international neighbours. There is a low population density and 80% of the population depends on Agriculture and Jhum cultivation. The land belongs to autonomous councils, which though protects the tribal people, yet is an impediment to alienation of land to non-tribals. This indirectly impedes the industries coming in with capital from rest of the country.Skill development for self-employment is yet to come. Since private sector

is shy to enter the North East for a variety of reasons, State alone is the principal employer. The States have no incentive to collect taxes since they survive largely on Central Government funding. As a result, the States do not have adequate resources to match the Central grant.

The Look East Policy which was started with much fanfare has so far remained only on paper. The International markets in Bangladesh, Myanmar and South Asia are yet to open up. The N.E. States are unable to attract and retain good professionals. Most of the rural posts of Doctors, Engineers and College Teachers remain vacant because good professionals avoid working in areas which lack physical infrastructure. No major industries are being attracted despite the allurement given by the North East Industrial Policy. Only SSI and cottage industries appear feasible in the short run. The States economy needs to be oriented and motivated towards marketing. The grave concern is the fact that the legislations of the State Government are not being converted into actionable, implementable plans for lack of political will. A typical case in this regard is the mining policy of Meghalaya which is yet to see the light of the day. There is a basic governance issue which is plagued by sixth schedule institutions super-imposed on a democratic Government, the illegal migrants problem and egalitarian set up which abhors any authority.

In order to catch up with the per capita GDP of the country, the North East Region needs to grow at an average of 10% of its GSDP and 9% of its per capita GSDP from the current year upto 2020. To achieve the aforesaid level of growth, an investment of about 13.29 lakh crore over the next 12 years is required from both public and private sources.

What are the major challenges to the growth in the North East Regions? Certainly the poor connectivity with the rest of the country is a challenge. The cost of delivery of services is high due to difficult terrain, dispersed and small habitations; Low financial viability of the projects and inadequate project implementation capability. Bilateral arrangements are not in place for optimum rail and road connectivity via Bangladesh. Above all, there are security concerns with our international neighbors because of which telecom and other infrastructure is not extending fully up to the International border.

There is scope for critical intervention with accelerated development of connectivity in the Road, Rail, Air and Inland Water Transport sectors. Connectivity via Bangladesh, if agreed to, would be a great leap forward provided investment would also come from the private sector into infrastructure development.

There is tremendous opportunity o f more t han 60 ,000 MW Hydro potential which remains largely untapped. However, the environmental problems will have to be addressed. Potential of


mineral wealth, especially coal, lime stone and uranium reserves in Meghalaya is yet to be scientifically exploited. Floriculture, horticulture, organic crops with certification and improvement in paddy productivity are areas which have a multiplier effect. However, the supporting infrastructure is required.

In the Railway sector, there is a network of only 2447 Kms in the entire North East, which accounts for 4% of the national network, consisting of 1238 Kms of Broad Gauge of which 231 Kms of double line track and about 1209 Kms of Metre Gauge. Of the total Railway network, about 97% is in Assam and 2% in Tripura. There is practically no railway line in Meghalaya, Sikkim and Mizoram. There is a plan to provide railway connectivity to all the State capitals. Itanagar and Agartala are expected to be connected in the 11th Plan whereas Aizwal, Imphal and Kohima would be connected during the 12th Plan. Shillong and Gangtok are expected to be connected in the 13th Plan. There is a demand to increase the rail network in the North East to 6% of the National Network in the next 10 years.

As regards air connectivity, a few new Greenfield airports have been proposed of which Pakyong and Itanagar have crossed the DPR stage. Pakyong is likely to be operationalised by the 11th Plan and built at a cost of Rs.358.36 crore. Airport at Cheithu (Nagaland), Kokrajhar and Tawang have not yet crossed the drawing board stage. There are a total of 12 operational and 11 non-operational airports. Airport operations in the

North East are financially non-viable except Guwahati. Land acquisition needs to be supported by the States with practically free land where land belongs to the community. A policy needs to be formulated to further broad-base airlines services to the various less-frequented airports. The cargo infrastructure needs to be enhanced to enable export of horticulture and floriculture produced from these regions. Helicopter services will continue to supplement the fixed wing like hub and spoke.

The road connect ivi ty is crucial for the development of a region where Railways and Air connectivity have had little impact. In the NHDP-II, there is a plan for 4 laning of 678 Kms (East-West Corridor) in Assam at a cost of Rs.6,000. Under the NHDP-III, 4 laning of the 706 Km of National Highways to connect the State capital towns of Itanagar, Imphal, Aizwal, Kohima and Agartala with the East-West corridor Is proposed.

Under the SARDP-NE-B, the Trans Arunachal Highway is expected to be completed and with connectivity extended to district head-quarters by 2-lane roads. The financial resources by the National Highways need to be tied up in view of the limited response for Tolling or Annuity experiences. Failing this, the projects are likely to be further delayed with cost over-run.

It must be understood that the working season in the North East is only about 5 months and the heavy monsoon and inclement weather leave a toll on the condition of roads.

Unfortunately, the maintenance of roads is a matter which requires far greater attention. It is felt that setting up of a “Maintenance Fund” for the roads is required.

Inland Water between Dhubri and Pandu-Dibrugarh can provide cargo movement of coal gypsum, tea etc. at a reduced cost. Other routes including development of the Barak River Transport System needs to be further developed.

The Kaladan River Project envisages a sea route from Kolkata to Sittwe (Myanmar) ttrough Bay of Bengal and traversing 255 Kms upstream on river Kaladan in Myanmar connecting Mizoram. This project at a cost of 535.91 crore is to be implemented in four years. 62 Kms of highway road is to be built in Myanmar connecting the India border at Mizoram and finally merging with the National Highway-54. If this route is to be built, it will cut the cost of infrastructure tremendously in the North East.

To conclude, with the help of technology the perceived remoteness of North East States needs to be overcome. Further greater efforts at trade and communication through Bangladesh and Myanmar will help restore the economic prosperity of the North East region. Given the geographical parameters of the North East, a logical direction for economic growth must come from the Look East Policy of the Government of India. It is ultimately the people of the North East who hold the key to progress and development of the region. q

(E-mail : [email protected])


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Mass awareness about disasters,

knowledge of simple do’s and don’ts and capacity building of the common man in a simple

manner merits the topmost priority

Disaster Risk and Vulnerability

NORTh EAST

H E M A I N n a t u r a l disasters that NER has been facing include the annually occurring f loods, the r iverine

erosions, the cyclonic disturbances and cloudbursts causing flash-floods and the frequently occurring earthquakes, the resultant landslides. Let us look more closely at each of these types of disasters.

Earthquakes

The seven states in the North Eastern Region (NER) of our country fall in the maximum seismic vulnerability zone-5; only Sikkim is in zone-4. (Map 1) In fact, Northeast India was identified as one of the six most earthquake prone areas of the world, the other five being with Mexico, Taiwan, California, Japan and Turkey (Honolulu Workshop : May 1978). The reason for this lies in the geological evolution of this part of our country over the past millions of years.

The author is Member, North Eastern Council.

Practically the entire NER was a sea-bed around 65 million years (m.yrs) back and remained so for about 25-30 m.yrs. Then the northward drift of the Indian Plate and its collision against the Chinese Plate in the North and the Burmese Plate in the East, resulted in upward thrusts giving birth to the Himalayan range in the North and the Axial Ridge along the Indo-Myanmar border in the East. The continuing geological process of collision of plates and the resultant upward thrust has been causing instability and seismic activity. It was also this movement and collision of the two plates that was instrumental in the rise of the mighty Himalayas and the recurrent seismicity in the area. Fortunately for us, the deposit of soft belt of sediment along the Indo-Myanmar border on the Nagaland-Manipur side functions as shock absorber that saves us from damage from the intense seismic activity and numerous earthquakes that keep on occurring on the Myanmar side.

P P Shrivastav

ASSESSMENT

T


Map 1 SEISMIC ZONATION MAP OF INDIA

The National Insti tute of Disaster Management has listed 16 major earthquakes (of 7+ magnitude & above on the Richter scale) in NER since the well known Shillong Earthquake of 1897. Minor Earthquakes have been plentiful.

The Shillong Earthquakes of 1897 (8.7 on the Richter scale) was one of the world’s largest earthquake and it devastated the thriving Shillong city. The following firsthand account of Mr F H Smith of the Geological Survey of India who was in Shillong when the earthquake came gives a vivid glimpse of its severity and the holocaust that it created

“I was out for a walk at the time, and was standing on the road…... At 5:15 … a deep rumbling sound, like near thunder, commenced, apparently coming from the south or south-west, followed immediately by the shock. The rumbling preceded

the shock by about two seconds where I stood, and the shock reached its maximum violence almost at once, in the course of the first two or three seconds. The ground began to rock violently, and in a few seconds it was impossible to stand upright, and I had to sit down suddenly on the road. The shock was of considerable duration and maintained roughly the same amount of violence from the beginning to the end. It produced a very distinct sensation of sea-sickness. The earth movement was exceedingly sudden and violent. The feeling was as if the ground was being violently jerked backwards and forwards very rapidly, every third or fourth jerk being of greater scope than the intermediate ones”.

“The surface of the ground v ibrated v is ib ly in every direction, as if it was made of soft jelly; and long cracks appeared at once along the

road. The sloping earth- bank round the water tank, which was some 10 feet height, began to shake down, and at one point cracked and open out bodily…. The school building, which was in sight, began to shake at the first shock, and large slaps of plaster fell from the walls at once. A few moments afterwards the whole building was lying flat, the walls collapsed and the corrugated iron roof lying bent and broken on the ground… … ….. every bit of solid stone work in the neighbourhood of Shillong, including most of the bridges, is absolutely levelled to the ground. The stone houses, and conspicuously the Church, are now reduced to flat heaps of single loose stones, covered with torn and burst sheets of corrugated iron - the remains of the roofs. ….

….All the large ekra buildings are utterly ruined inside, the chimneys in all cases being of stone work, the whole of which has fallen with the plaster from the walls, and in many cases the roof also….. ….. Plank Buildings - …. .… In every case, they have escaped untouched, except where the supporting stone work has been shaken away, when they have been slightly displaced.”

“On the hills round Shillong four or five considerable landslips can be seen …… …… the largest is about 300 feet in width and the same in height.” Source - Oldham : Great Earthquake of 1897

The next major earthquake that struck in 1950 measured 8.5 on the


Richter scale and had its epicenter near the north-eastern side of our border with Tibet. It is also estimated to be the largest in the world. The big river Lohit coming down the hills of Arunachal Pradesh got blocked by landslides triggered by the earthquake. The water kept on accumulating and finally burst the dam and the resultant deluge took away with it the thriving town of Sadiya. Dibrugarh City quite some distance from the foothills was also seriously damaged by the rushing and gushing waters.

Floods

Flood is one natural disaster that has been causing terrible loss of life – human and cattle, property and public assets, year after year mainly in the Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys of Assam. In the year 2008 alone, 35 human lives and 4257 heads of cattle were reportedly lost due to floods. Damage to crops extended to around 3.15 lakh ha, the estimated loss being Rs 330 crores. This is besides the loss of private property and damage to public utilities.

Heavy rainfall (1110 mm to 6350 mm per annum, mostly between May-June to September) in the vast and geologically fragile catchment areas of the tributaries of the Brahmaputra and the Barak river systems and the heavy silt-load that these rivers carry down to the plains below, are among the main reasons for floods in the valley areas of NER. The silt gets deposited in the river-bed and form mounds that make the river change

course. With gradual rise in the bed level, fresh areas keep on getting flooded and vast areas remain under inundation for long periods of time. Merely raising the heights of embankments and protective structures works only for a short duration .

The solution to this would lie in tackling the problem of siltation. Strings of small multi-purpose dams could check the velocity of the flow and allow silt to settle down there and thus substantially reduce the silt load in the plains. Besides, these water bodies could be used for fishery, irrigation, generation of hydro-power etc. Arunachal Pradesh has proposed a large number of dams, but doubts are being expressed about the danger that mega-dams might pose to the plains of Assam.

Riverine Erosion

Riverine erosion caused by the fast-flowing rivers is the most serious problem in the valley-areas of Assam. According to the state authorities, the loss of land on this account has been of the order of 8,000 ha/yr. The most serious casualty of riverine erosion has been Majuli – the worId’s largest riverine island. Studies conducted

by the Jorhat based NEIST (NE Institute of Science & Technology) reveals the dismal picture as shown in Table-1 below.

Efforts are being made by the State Government to protect the banks and preserve this heritage site. Let us hope that they bear fruit soon.

Landslides

Landslides are, in fact, the real killers of men and animals and destroyers of property. Earthquakes hardly kill people directly, they cause collapse of buildings and structures and trigger off landslides which kill people and damage property.

Geological Survey of India has recorded a total of 458 landslides incidents upto Field Season 2008-09. Holding of the 1st Indian Landslide Congress (Lucknow: 01-02 Nov 2010) at the initiative of a retired GSI officer (Dr R K Avasthy) who had done commendable work in NER, is a most positive development that would give due importance to Landslides. Follow-up of its recommendations will go a long way in successfully meeting the challenge of landslides.

Table 1- Loss of land in MajuliYear Land area

(sq km)Remarks (sq km)

Average Annual Rate

of Erosion1920 735.01 *Reduced by 509.99 km2 ------- 1975 613.63 Reduced by 121.39 km2 2.211998 577.65 Reduced by 35.96 km2 1.56

*As per historical records, the area of Majuli Island was originally 1245 km2.


Disaster Mitigation Strategy

It was the enactment of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (DM Act) and its sincere and efficient implementation in letter and spirit that brought about a paradigm shift in Disaster Management from post-disaster Relief & Rehabilitation to pre-disaster Risk-reduction and Preparedness. The Ministries and Departments of the Central Government are now mandated by the DM Act to prepare disaster management plans (sec 37). The State Governments have to integrate into … development plans and projects, the measures for prevention of disaster and mitigation; and to allocate funds for prevention of disaster, mitigation, capacity building and preparedness (sec 39) and also to take capacity building and preparedness measures.

Problem in NER - Need for a Regional approach

T h e g e o - c l i m a t i c a n d topographical factors in NER are such that disaster management Plans of small individual hill-States are likely to prove inadequate unless closely integrated with those of neighbouring states and of Assam through which most of the inter-regional and intra-regional communication links traverse. Therefore, one of the first tasks taken up by us in NEC (reconstituted in Mar 05 as the Statutory Planning Body for the 8 States in NER) was to formulate a Regional Framework for DM in close consultation with NDMA. Follow-up action taken so far includes the following:

l Formulation of a Regional Framework for DM (Disaster Management and Mitigation) in close association and consultation with NDMA.

l Flood Forecasting and Advance Warning through FLEWS

FLEWS (Flood Early Warning System) initiated in May 09 on a pilot basis in Lakhimpur District and its neighbourhood, the worst flood-affected area of Assam, by synergising the expertise and experience of Indian Meteorological Department, CWC, ISRO and Assam State disaster Management Authority, with NESAC (a joint venture of ISRO & NEC) playing the operational coordinating role. FLEWS enabled credible warning of inundation of precise villages/areas to be given 12 to 24 hours in advance of the actual inundation. That gives adequate time to the authorities and to the potential victims to save themselves and their belongings. FLEWS proved very successful and is now being extended, as requested by Assam SDMA, to the entire Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys in phases as the requisite hydrological data becomes available. Experts are of the view that this could be replicated in other flood prone areas of the country.

Action is in hand to add-on Cyclone-warning to FLEWS.

lCoordinated R&D for enhanced Predictive, Forecasting and Advance Warning capabilities: This includes

lSetting up by NEC of specialized Institutions like NESAC (NE Space Application Centre)

at Umiam (Barapani) near Shillong, in 50:50 partnership with ISRO; Space Application Centres in 7 of NE States and providing project-based funding to them for relevant studies (technically coordinated by NESAC). Mizoram and Arunachal SACs have produced excellent Cyclone and Seismic vulnerability maps.

lS u p p o r t i n g N E I S T i n conducting detailed studies (mainly on Earthquakes, Landslides, Riverine erosion etc) and NESAC (Floods & Drought, Cyclones, Landslides and wherever Space technology input is needed).

lDiscussions at the highest levels with Ministry of Science & Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Mines, GSI, Universities etc for expanding and coordinating R&D effort and bringing about Region-level synergy to take care of gaps and overlaps.

lMove has been initiated for setting up of NE Regional D i s a s t e r M a n a g e m e n t Decision Support Centre (NERDMDSC) at NESAC (to begin with) to provide single-window service to State DMAs for all types of disasters.

lVulnerab i l i ty o f Urban agglomerations to Earthquakes and other Disasters:

Collapse of buildings that are NOT designed to be earthquake-resilient pose the most serious danger to life and property. Pressure has to be mounted by conscientious


citizens in favour of updating Town Planning Regulations and Building Bye-laws, their strict implementation and retro-fitting of vulnerable structures especially life-line buildings like hospitals etc.

lMass Awareness Campaign: lState-level public awareness

campaigns with talks by experts, exhibit ions and demonstrations by NDRF, with personal participation of Chief Ministers, have been organised by NEC jointly with NDMA and State Governments. However, much more needs to be done;

lReaching School-students and teachers through regular telecast of DM-oriented modules over the EDUSAT Network are being worked out jointly by NEC/State Govts/NDMA/ISRO with NESAC playing the key role, it is due to commence shortly in Meghalaya on pilot basis, to be followed soon in other States.

lCommunity & Family Disaster Preparedness Project (led by a former UNICEF expert) in Morigaon District of Assam is an admirable initiative of SDMA worthy of emulation elsewhere.

Conclusion

The common man is almost always the first responder in natural disasters: help comes only later. Mass awareness about disasters, knowledge of simple do’s and don’ts and capacity building of the common man in a simple manner, therefore, merits the topmost priority. Pressure of public opinion will be the most effective means of encouraging the concerned public authorities to take pre-disaster risk reduction measures and other preparatory action. q


YE-

12/1

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MGNREGA has helped in changing

the attitude and life styles of people in the villages of

Meghalaya

Empowering Meghalaya Villages

NORTh EAST

HEN THE National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was l a u n c h e d i n t h e country on February

2, 2006, Meghalaya had to hold back its launch. This was due to the fact that the state of Meghalaya is not within the purview of Part IX of the Constitution. This means that the state does not have Panchayati Raj Institutions and local councils/authorities as in the rest of the country covered by Part IX of the Constitution. In absence of these Institutions, the state had to explore its own institutional arrangements on lines of the Panchayati Raj Institutions and constitute them right from scratch for implementation of NREGA. This was a challenging task that involved formation of Village Employment Councils and Area Employment Councils and gradually empowering them as they evolved in their

The author is Secretary, Community & Rural Development Department, Government of Meghalaya, Shillong.

roles as implementers, planners, record keepers and vigilance and monitoring units.

As the institutional arrangement fo r t he imp lemen ta t i on o f N R E G A i n M e g h a l a y a i s different from most other states, let us first take a brief look at the composition, powers, functions and responsibilities of the Village Employment Councils (VECs), Area Employment Counci ls (AECs), Block Employment Councils (BECs) and District Employment Councils (DECs) b e f o r e w e d i s c u s s t h e i r performance.

Village Employment Council (VEC)

A Village Employment Council has to be consti tuted under paragraph 7 A of MREGS by every village and consists of every male and female head of each household. Three elected members

Freeman Kharlyngdoh

EVAluATiON

W


from each VEC, including the traditional headmen and female member form a council to represent the VEC at AEC. The Secretary for the VEC is elected by the members of the VEC from among the three representatives excluding the headman. These three office bearers are elected in a general body meeting of the VEC with at least 70 percent attendance and in the presence of the Programme Officer (PO) or his representative. Office bearers of VEC work on voluntary basis. Each VEC is vested with powers and functions of Gram Sabha as prescribed under the Act and assisted by a Community Coordinator.

Area Employment Councils (AECs)

The Area Employment Councils (AECs) are constituted at the Cluster level comprising of villages within a 2.5km radius. There is one or more VECs within the jurisdiction area of an AEC. The jurisdiction of AECs are identified by the Block Development Officer in consultation and concurrence with the VECs. Any dispute in this regard is referred to the Deputy Commissioner for final decision.

The AECs consist of three elected representatives from each VEC falling under their jurisdiction. The total members of each AEC should not exceed 20 and 30% of the members are required to be women. The office bearers of the AEC comprise an elected Chairperson, Secretary and members, who are to be elected in the presence of PO or

representatives. Chairperson and Secretary are empowered by the Council to operate a joint bank account in a Nationalised Bank under the jurisdictional area of the Council or its vicinity in the name of the Council and maintain proper accounts/records of all receipts and disbursements / transactions. The member of the AEC work on voluntary basis. Each AEC is vested with powers, functions, roles and responsibilities of a Gram Panchayat by the District Programme Officer/Programme Officer.

Block Employment Councils (BEC)

The existing Block Selection Committees have been notified as Block Employment Councils (BECs) for every block. Each Block Employment Council is invested with the responsibilities of the Block Panchayat. It finalizes and approves block level plans which consist of consolidated shelf of projects to be taken up under the scheme, supervises and monitors the projects and performs such other functions as may be assigned by the DEC and the State Council. The BEC identifies works to the tune of 25% of total entitled allocation. The BDOs and the Line Departments execute the works identified and approved by the BEC as per the provisions of the NREGS by actively involving VECs.

District Employment Council (DEC)

At the District level, the governing body of the DRDA

has been notified as the District Employment Council and invested with the responsibilities of the District/zila Panchayat. The District Employment Council is the principal authority for planning and implementation of the scheme. It approves the District Employment Guarantee Scheme Plan, which includes the consolidated Block EGS plans, its own proposals and project proposals received from other line departments. It also reviews the programme implementation, supervises and monitors projects taken up at the District and Block levels and performs such other works as may be assigned by the state council.

The state scheme was notified on 28th July 2006. Intensive training and capacity buildings were given by SIRD and District Programme Coordinators to AEC , VEC , BEC members to equip them with the knowledge of implementation procedures. Orientation course for Computer Operators and all the stakeholders were also a tremendous task.

P h y s i c a l a n d F i n a n c i a l Achievements

The coverage of the flagship programme in Meghalaya was done in three phases. In the first phase, two districts viz, West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills Districts were covered in the year 2006. East Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Ri-Bhoi Districts were covered in the second phase in the year 2007. In the year 2008, East Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills


Districts were covered in the third and last phase. The position of the village and cluster institutions is shown in Table -1.

In the year 2006-07, when the Programme was launched in two Districts, a sum of Rs. 21.12 crore was spent from the total amount of Rs. 25.55 crore available during the year. A total amount of 24.22 lakh persondays was generated with an average of 25.07 persondays per household.

In the year 2007-08, When all the 7 districts were covered, a sum of Rs. 56.34 crore was spent from the total amount of Rs. 74.27crore available during the year. A total amount of 56.76 lakh persondays was generated with an average of 46.07 persondays per household.

In the year 2008-09, a sum of Rs. 89.45 crore was spent from the total amount of Rs. 118.82 crore available during the year. A total amount of 86.308 lakh persondays was generated with an average of 38.49 persondays per household.

In the year 2009-10, a sum of Rs. 183.52 crore was spent from the total amount of Rs. 217.50 crore available during the year.

A total amount of 148.82 lakh persondays was generated with an average of 49.53 persondays per household.

Figures 1,2 and 3 give a picture of the achievements so far.

Initially, the poor response in Garo Hills may be because of the delay in administrative process of issuing of Job Cards or irregular availability of funds. The awareness level of the workers on NREGA in the first district viz, South Garo Hills where the implementation of NREGA was first started was only 14.71%. However, the popularity of the scheme improves in the later years.

The scheme also did not attract people in the initial stages perhaps because of low wage payment.

Social Audit

Social Audit is one of the inbuilt provisions of NREGA for maintenance of transparency and public accountability. The provision of social audit by Gram Sabha or Village Employment Council (VEC) is mandatory under NREGA.

In West Garo Hills District, two rounds of social audit were conducted in the 1,500 VECs. Public hearing on Social Audit was conducted at the block level for the first round during March 2007 to April 2007. The second round of social audit was conducted during September 2009 to February 2010. The major outcome of second round of public hearings was as under:

Recovery of Rs.6.38 lakh effected from the Secretaries of five VECs for misuse/non-accounting of money;

Fig 1 Person Days Generated

Table-1 New InstitutionsDistricts Villages VECs AECs Phase

West Garo Hills 1501 1501 450 I

South Garo Hills 668 615 142 I

East Khasi Hills 849 849 239 II

Jaiñtia 475 475 179 II

Ri Bhoi 576 583 153 II

East Garo Hill 938 930 284 III

West Khasi Hills 1119 1119 347 III


Fig 2 - Financial Performance

Secretaries of four VECs diverted Rs.12.41 lakh to other works no t approved under NREGA;

The Secretary, VEC, Upper Chigijangre, Tikrikilla misused Rs.4.20 lakh by forging signature of job card holders;

Four persons were put in jail custody for destroying books of accounts and remand orders were issued against five persons for impersonification of job card holders.

Constraints

The fund unavailability at the District and Block levels is a

major hurdle for implementation of the scheme. There is usually a time lag in the sanctioning and release of fund demanded by the district and hence delays in the implementation. There is a huge setback in employment generation when funds are low especially during seasonal demand. The flow of funds should be adequate and normal. It should take into account seasonal nature of job demand and other factors that affect demand.

Poor banking and postal network in the State is a hurdle for payment of wages through Banks/Post offices. Payment through banks/

post offices is next to impossible in interior places as their coverage is very limited and the distance is far off.

The challenges also include lack of technical manpower to render constant monitoring for each work at each village site. This delays preparation of estimate, measurement and inspection of work sites. The absence of IT enabled system in most of the rural areas for online transmission of details of all the work done, coupled with poor ICT infrastructure and lack on Internet connectivity delays the uploading of data from the Block level. If such data reach the state and centre in time, they could quickly respond to the issues and help Districts and Block functionaries in time whenever required.

Impact of NREGA on the community:

T h e M i n i s t r y o f R u r a l Development, New Delhi entrusted the IIM, Shillong to conduct the evaluation studies of NREGA in Meghalaya. As may be seen from the structures created, the state Government has stakeholders for implementing the programme in four tiers – the workers, the AECs and VECs, the NGOs and other Institutions and the District and Block government organizations. In its findings and analysis, the IIM, Shillong indicated that amongst the four stakeholders, 55% of the workers, 65% of AEC/VEC members, 60% of third party and 95% of District/Block Officers/Officials are aware of the basic provisions of NREGA.Fig 3 - Employment Generated


By now the two important stakeholders i.e. the workers and AEC/VEC members are fully aware of the information regarding the budget sanctioned to the village and they are also assured of no corruption in NREGA.

72% rece ived as su rance regarding job demand. 95% are happy with choice of works and feel works taken up are useful.

The Muster Rolls are properly maintained and muster roll entries match with the job cards in all cases.

More than 62% of the workers agreed that NREGA has provided them additional income and has improved their primary and secondary activities.

About 67% of the workers who worked or are working in NREGA opined that they have been able to arrange their households’ daily food requirements.

NREGS provides a platform or forum of workers to gather at one place and helps in sharing information about the state, country

and surrounding environment which helps in their general awareness. 81% agreed that their information base has increased because of NREGS. About 48% of women workers surveyed are of the opinion that they have been able to gather information on health related problems through interaction with their co-workers while working under NREGS.

More than 82% third party stakeholders reported that there has been significant development in standard of living of the people in rural areas.

NREGS has brought better co-operation between people and the Government administration.

5 0 % o f t h e t h i r d p a r t y stakeholders opined that the NREGS has curbed rural-urban migration in search of employment.

100% third party stakeholders in West Garo Hills & East Khasi Hills agreed that NREGS is providing a better source of income when one has no employment.

The 100 days wage employment have helped curb child employment by bringing in a new source of supplementary income. NREGA has helped children in going to school rather than working for supplementary income.

The study by IIM Shillong concludes that MGNREGA has helped in changing the attitude and life styles of people in the villages of Meghalaya. However, findings of the social audit indicate that responsibility and accountability are still lacking among functionaries. This is due to absence of a system of direct election of all the office bearers of VECs and AECs through an appropriate legislation.

I t i s t h e r e f o r e f e l t t h a t member s o f t he AEC/VEC should be continuously provided training and capacity buildings on the necess i ty, pract ices , p rocedures , ob jec t ives and achievements of PRI and their relevance for a programme like NREGS. q


YOJANAForthcoming

IssuesJanuary 2011

The Republic Day Special Issue of Yojana will focus on the theme of Agriculture

February 2011 The focus for this issue will be the Gram Sabha in India

January 2011&

February 2011


MEGHALAYA

NORTh EAST FOCuS


If the region is to grow in prosperity

and stability, it is this process of innovation and

change, rooted in reality and local

stakeholders, which needs to

sweep across the Brahmaputra Valley

and beyond

Developmental Innovation: Boats of Hope

NORTh EAST

VERY YEAR without fail, the rivers in the North East rise in spate and devastate large populated areas in the

flood plains, carrying away people and livestock. A few years back, close to half of the population of Assam and just under one-third of the entire region were displaced or otherwise affected by high water, four times the ‘normal’ figure, suffering immense loss of property, crop and livestock, often a major source of livelihood and income. Embankments had collapsed. All 27 districts were hit by floods and damage was estimated at some Rs 6,500 crore.

The rivers of North East India leap and bound over hills; they do not flow. There are not less than 33 major rivers which in turn flow into that greatest of all Indian rivers, the Brahmaputra; there are 22 which have already fallen upstream in Tibet and in Bangladesh three

The author is Saifuddin Kitchlew Chair and Professor at Jamia Millia Islamia and also Managing Trustee of the Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research located in Assam.

more join it, including the Ganga. The Brahmaputra makes a majestic journey from Tibet to the Bay of Bengal, across 3,000 kms, touching the lives of tens of millions with its enormous power, physically, culturally and economically.

There is acute concern in the North East and in government circles in New Delhi about Chinese plans to build dams on the river in Tibet, where it is called the Tsang-po, to divert the river’s waters. There is much talk of India’s rights which would be adversely affected by such construction. Yet, do our planners and policy makers think of the not less than three-to-five million people in the Assam Valley every year, and smaller but equally significant groups in the hill and plain areas of other states, who are displaced and hit by high water? What of their rights? Who speaks of their indignity except a few stray media reports?

Sanjoy Hazarika

iNiTiATiVE

E


In the cacophony abou t dialogue, development and the much-touted “Look East” policy, we seem to have forgotten the persistent and critical challenge before us: how do we enable millions of people to cope with floods? Unless we do that, none of our policies are going to work.

Every year, lakhs of people are displaced and extensive property, crops and livestock are destroyed in annual floods in Assam and other North Eastern states. Health problems are acute and government outreach remains inadequate. Some of us have tried to tackle this issue in an innovative way, moving beyond the ordinary to the innovative, and going beyond good ideas to implementation of those concepts to have a sustainable, solid and visible impact.

Not less than 15 to 20 lakh people live in Assam on nearly 3,000 islands which are also known as chars or saporis. In an innovative effort to bring better health to communities in the valley, the Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research (C-NES) which I founded has designed and developed Akha – described also as “A ship of hope in a valley of flood” to provide mobile health services to the poor and the marginalized on the river islands in Dibrugarh district of Assam. The focus has been children as well as vulnerable adult groups. My team and I developed the concept and today the project provides training and awareness on health, sanitation, livestock care and education in one of the most under-developed parts of the country.

The design won an award in the World Bank’s India Development Marketplace 2004 competition; judges said it represented a unique innovation that could transform the lives of rural communities. With the funds from that award, the ship took shape at Maijan Ghat, Dibrugarh with carpenters from Dholla, Tinsukia, and under the supervision of a local boat builder.

The boat, completed in June 2005, is 22 meters long and over 4 meters wide, has an OPD, cabins for medical staff, medicine chest, kitchen, toilets, crew quarters and a general store. Equipped with a generator set and a 200 liter water tank, it is powered by a 120 hp engine. We partnered with UNICEF and the district administration and have focused on one area because we wanted to understand how well a prototype of this size could work. C-NES aims at making health care truly inclusive and accessible to all, especially those on the margins.

Today, we can say confidently that the Akha approach has worked and the process is relevant and is being replicated across the region. C-NES provides basic health care services, through specially designed boats equipped with laboratories as well as pharmacies on board, to these river islands – it now has boat clinic teams in 13 districts of Assam, a major upscaling from the single district when it began its innovative initiative in 2005 at Dibrugarh. This has been done through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with NRHM since 2008.

The goal is to reach 10 lakh persons or one third of the state’s vulnerable population who live on islands on the Brahmaputra by 2011-12, with a special focus on women and children, who are the most vulnerable in difficult conditions (Assam has India’s worst Maternal Mortality rate at 480, higher than Bihar or Uttar Pradesh, and a high Infant Mortality Rate). Over 3 lakh persons have been covered so far.

On board are full fledged medical teams (two doctors, three nurses as well as lab technicians and pharmacists) which conduct regular camps organized through a network of community health workers and organizers in the district.

C-NES’ unique health clinic story has spread to other districts thanks to an effective Public Private Partnership with the National Rural Health Mission which covers the costs of running the project, including salaries of medical and other staff as well as medicine and mobility costs (boats etc.)

Today the following districts are covered: Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Dhemaji, North Lakhimpur, Jorhat, Sonitpur, Morigaon, Barpeta, Nalbari and Dhubri, with new boat clinics commencing work in three new districts: Kamrup, Goalpara, Bongaigaon.The strategy is to reach large populations on the islands through an integrated, sustained and regular programme of health camps where the focus is on women and children’s health, through immunization and checkups. Population Foundation of India is also supporting a project on family planning awareness.


This initiative has received acclaim of the Planning Commission, Government of India, the Union Health Ministry and of organizations such as UNICEF, the World Bank as well as institutions in India and abroad such as Tufts University, National Disaster Management Board while interns have come from various universities in India and abroad, including TISS, Yale and Tufts.

In addition to human health care, we have introduced a new element – of taking veterinarians to the islands where large cattle populations live because these habitations are among the primary centres of milk production in Assam. An innovative education programme is also underway for bringing hundreds of out of school and unschooled children into the primary process in two districts with the help of UNICEF. In addition, we are putting final touches to the region’s first Community Radio Station, being set up on the river side in Dibrugarh.

We have focussed on the river because floods delineate a political process as much as an environmental and economic one. It is the story of the strong and the weak, of the poor and the underprivileged on the one hand and lawmakers and policy-makers on the other, with business in between. In some cases civil society steps in, as we have done in partnership with stakeholders, to fill the breach. Yet, enormous gaps of communication and comprehension remain.

We need to see issues in perspective: the North-east is devastated by floods every year.

That’s given. In some years there’s a worse flood than in others. Millions, as we know, are displaced. Yet to this day there is hardly any public debate in the North-east or in the rest of the country about the efficacy of embankments and the need to find alternatives. Embankments today have become death traps: they trap the water, not mitigate flood. They, as any engineer will tell you, were meant to be palliative measures – short-term steps. Instead, they have become the only way that governments and their contractors think. A lot of money is made from boulders, in the process scarring the hill face which are looted for their rock and timber. Little do we realise that in the Brahmaputra Valley it is not just floods which are the principal threat to development; it is erosion that is gnawing away at the lands and the resources of people, their lands, their homes, their hopes.

To give a simple statistic: India has some 15,675 km of embankments. Of this, 5,027 km are in Assam alone, that is 32 per cent of the country’s total. And the government still talks of more embankments. Clearly we are determined to replicate failure . The PM’s task force which was set up to look into the problem of flooding also talks of the normal engineering solution of more dams and embankments apart from a national water authority along the lines of the Tennessee Valley Corporation. But the difference is that the TVA, flawed as it is, identifies the public and environment groups and local governing institutions as among the first and most important stakeholders to engage with.

We often hear praise about the region’s diversity and inner strengths. The Northeast is South Asia’s third landlocked region after Bhutan and Nepal. Our land borders are 96 per cent with other nations and four per cent with the rest of India. The main connection is through the Chicken’s Neck or the Siliguri corridor. This sliver of land is our economic lifeline – gas, oil tea and other goods flow in pipelines and over roads and railways; commodities flow into the region through here.

Yet, when the floods erupt in North Bengal and the NER, road and rail links are snapped with unfailing regularity. These cause huge disturbances in the local economy because it is not just Assam which depends on these imports and exports: it affects all the states of the region where the rail and road routes go through Assam, from Moreh on the Manipur-Myanmar border, to Gelling on the Tibet-Arunachal frontier, to Parwa in Mizoram touching Myanmar and Agartala in Tripura on the Bangladesh border. Our manufacturing bandwidth, if we can call it that, is small: the enclave industries of bamboo and timber, oil, gas and tea.

Yet even as we think and look out of the box, we must recognize that the region still imports almost everything – from razor blades and fish to pencils and food grain, from cars to television sets. We are essentially a market and not a production centre. Our fruits, vegetables and even cattle are exported to Bangladesh and Myanmar and there isn’t a single


major processing unit to tap this existing opportunity.

It is not that investors from Southeast Asia and other parts of the world will rush to help us; there is little or no altruism in business. Without a participative growth in entrepreneurship and business that at least helps local businesses to partner outside groups (domestic or foreign), we will not go too far.

The Centre’s Look East policy is extremely commendable and worthy of support. However, the policy and a lot of the thinking around it – connecting to Southeast Asia and our neighbours – overlooks one basic point. Without a water transport policy capable of moving large volumes of goods by river, the Look East policy will run into the sandbanks of the Brahmaputra, apart

from the wall of underdeveloped Burma (Myanmar). The LEP does not even consider the most basic of problems: when the region and its main road and rail corridor are under water or affected by water (either hit by it or recovering from it) for anything between five to eight months of the year, can there be economic policies which do not develop alternatives?

Railways and roads have their spokespersons and lobbies, but who speaks for inland water transport, the most neglected of our transportation systems. Yet, just look at the map of the region – can we not attribute the collapse of our economies and our fall from the fourth place in India’s income order to fourth from the bottom in the company of Bihar and Orissa to our comprehensive failure to

fashion a people-participative response to floods and high water. And high dams are certainly not the answer in a highly geologically unstable and seismic zone like the NER.

We have shown that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand by using the concept of inland water transport for our boat clinics, developed from the genius and traditions of the past but aligned to more recent and sturdy technologies.

I f the region is to grow in prosperity and stability, it is this process of innovation and change, rooted in reality and local stakeholders, which needs to sweep across the Brahmaputra Valley and beyond. q


PMGSY Roads Changing Lifestyles of Manipur VillagersConstruction of new roads and upgradation of certain inter-village routes in Manipur under the Centrally

sponsored schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has started to change the lifestyles of several villagers. The recent construction of a road between Sugunu and Sekmaijin Villages is an example.

The 40.5km road between Sugunu in Thoubal district and Sekmaijin village in Imphal West district which was up-graded under PMGSY since the last four years now connects at least a dozen villages of the two districts. Thus the villagers of Laphupat, Tera, Warukok, Phoubakchao, Sekmaijin and those remote villages under Sugunu Assembly constituency now can use the mini-buses and jeeps plying along the newly developed route.

MSRRDA (Manipur State Rural Development Agency) is the implementing agency of the Centrally sponsored PMGSY schemes in Manipur. So far the agency has managed to connect 190 villages in Manipur by constructing new roads besides upgrading the existing roads under the scheme. But it targets to connect not less than 500 villages of the State by constructing new roads covering a total distance of 3,160.86 km till the end of its seventh phase.

Though villages with population of 500 and above were covered in the initial phases, it was later extended to villages with a population of 250 in the following phases.

The Government of India targets to construct 3.68 lakh km new roads besides 370,000 km of upgradation and renewal to provide connectivity to unconnected rural habitations as part of a poverty reduction strategy at a cost of about 26 billion US dollars.


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Human Development is not a mere event

– rather, a process of sustainable expansion of

human capabilities, for which a

parallel expansion of economic

opportunities for all is equally important

Human Development in North-East India

NORTh EAST

EW DEVELOPMENT Paradigm: UNDP’s effort to measure Human Development through Human Development

Index has often been regarded as the first operationalization of Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach (CA) which offers a comprehensive framework for conceptualizing human well-being and thereby, development. Sen views development as expansion of real freedom that people can enjoy for their economic well-being, social opportunities and political rights. From this strand the focus of development policies should precisely be the expansion of freedom or removal of major sources of unfreedom that people often face in their life – such as illiteracy, ill health, lack of access to resources, or lack of civil and political freedoms. After

The authors are respectively Dean of School of Economics, Management and Information Sciences, and Faculty at the Department of Planning and Statistical Cell, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong

the publication of UNDP’s first Human Development Report in 1990 several efforts have been made by different agencies to measure the achievements at global, regional, national, sub-national and even at district levels. There is a rich literature in Indian context also, which is devoted to shift the attention from income-based ideas to capability-driven development discourse.

North-Eastern States in National Context: India’s north-east is a regional conglomeration of seven small states – Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura, and one major state – Assam. With nearly 8 per cent of national area the region as a whole offers home to less than 4 per cent of national population. However, the state of Assam alone accommodates over 68 per cent of

Purusottam Nayak Santanu Ray

APPRAiSAl

N


regional population (Census 2001). As the region is characterized by wide-ranging variations and significant diversities in socio-economic conditions, ethno-political aspirations and geo-demographic realities any attempt to view the region as a homogenous unit in the context of developmental attainments would perhaps be deliberate and confusing. Taking the stock of secondary information from national and sub-national sources this article presents few features of human development in the states of the region, and

draws some policy implications for each individual state to evolve an inclusive human development trajectory for the people of the region.

To assess the process of expansion of human capabilities in the states of the region two major reports are examined here – both undertaken by Central Government agencies: first, is the widely referred National Human Development Report-2001 by Planning Commission of India in 2002, and the other is recently

published Gendering Human Development Indices: Recasting the Gender Development Index and Gender Empowerment Measure for India by Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2009. The Planning Commission 2002 dealt with 32 numbers of States and UTs and worked out Human Development Index (HDI), Human Poverty Index (HPI) and Gender Parity Index (GPI) for all the federal units of the country for the years 1981 and 1991. With a specific focus on gender issues Ministry of Women and Child

Table 1: Expansion of Human Development in North-Eastern States

State

Human Development Index (HDI)

Human Poverty Index (HPI)

Gender Parity Index (GPI)

1981 1991 1981 1991 1981 1991Value Rank Value Rank Value Rank Value Rank Value Rank Value Rank

Arunachal Pradesh

.242 31 .328 29 59.86 32 49.62 30 .537 28 .776 18

Assam .272 26 .348 26 56.00 29 48.95 27 .462 32 .575 30

Manipur .461 4 .536 9 50.82 21 41.63 21 .802 3 .815 3

Meghalaya .317 21 .365 24 54.02 26 49.19 28 .799 12 .807 12

Mizoram .411 8 .548 7 47.97 18 32.20 14 .502 18 .770 6

Nagaland .328 20 .486 11 49.37 19 42.07 22 .783 16 .729 21

Sikkim .342 18 .425 18 52.76 25 34.84 17 .643 23 .647 20

Tripura .287 24 .389 22 51.86 22 44.89 24 .422 31 .531 29

All India .302 - .381 - 47.33 - 39.36 - .620 - .676 -

Best Performer Chandigarh (.550)

Chandigarh (.674)

Chandigarh(17.28)

Chandigarh(14.49)

Kerala(.872)

Andaman & Nicobar Island

(.857)

Note:l The Human Development Index is a composite of variables capturing attainments in three dimensions of human development viz.

economic, education and health.l The Human Poverty Index is a composite of variables capturing deprivation in three dimensions of human development viz. economic,

education and health. These have been captured by proportion of population below poverty line, proportion of population without access to safe drinking waters/sanitation/electricity, medical attention at birth/vaccination and proportion living in kutcha houses, proportion of illiterate population and children not enrolled in schools, and proportion of population not accepted to survive beyond age 40.

l The Gender Parity Index is estimated as proportion of female attainments to that of male for a common set of variables. In original text the index is referred as Gender Disparity Index, however, considering the methodology involved Gender Parity Index (GPI) seems to be more suitable terminology.

l The ranks are assigned from the list of 32 numbers of States and Union Territories.Source: Planning Commission 2002 [Compilation from Table: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4]


Development 2009 measured HDI, Gender Development Index (GDI) and Gender Empowerment Measures (GEM) for all 35 federal units of the country for the years 1996 and 2006. The scores and corresponding ranks in national context attained by the north-eastern states in different measures of development are depicted in Tables 1 and 2 respectively.

A c c o r d i n g t o P l a n n i n g Commission 2002 estimates four north-eastern states – Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim and Meghalaya recorded higher scores in HDI as compared to national average

in 1981 which reflected in their relative positions. After a decade all these states, except Meghalaya, could retain their performances over national score while Tripura joined in the list in 1991. Manipur and Mizoram – the best performers in the region in 1981 and 1991 respectively scored nearly 150 per cent of national score. In contrast, the measure of HPI which in general shows a positive association with HDI narrates altogether a different story. Only Sikkim in 1981, and Sikkim and Mizoram in 1991 could manage scores in HPI over national average. The scores in other states, especially in Arunachal Pradesh and

Assam, indicate an acute picture of deprivation. A simple comparison of the relative positions of the states in these two measures reveals the fact that the expansion of human capabilities in most of the states is not inclusive enough to achieve parallel positions in HPI. The other noteworthy feature in this regard is that the growth in human development scores during 1980s in most of the north-eastern states has widened urban-rural disparities. The growing disparities, even in better performing states in the region, often blur their achievements. Moreover, their achievements are mostly consumption-driven, which

Table 2: Expansion of Human Development in North-Eastern States

State

Human Development Index (HDI)

Gender Development Index (GDI)

Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM)

1996 2006 1996 2006 1996 2006Value Rank Value Rank Value Rank Value Rank Value Rank Value Rank

Arunachal Pradesh .549 24 .647 20 .544 23 .642 18 .307 30 .469 17

Assam .543 25 .595 26 .523 26 .585 26 .313 28 .417 26

Manipur .610 12 .702 7 .600 12 .699 6 .380 21 .418 27

Meghalaya .595 13 .629 24 .592 13 .624 23 .231 34 .346 34

Mizoram .618 11 .688 12 .612 10 .687 9 .312 29 .374 32

Nagaland .653 8 .700 8 .626 8 .697 7 .165 35 .289 35

Sikkim .582 16 .665 17 .566 17 .659 15 .300 31 .447 23

Tripura .579 17 .663 18 .546 21 .626 21 .335 23 .382 30

All India .530 - .605 - .514 .590 - .416 - .497 -

Best Performer

Kerala (.736)

Chandigarh (.784)

Kerala(.721)

Chandigarh (.763)

Goa(.494)

Delhi(.564)

Note:lThe Human Development Index is a composite of variables capturing attainments in three dimensions of human development viz.

economic, education and health.lThe Gender Development Index adjusts the average achievements in the same three dimensions that are captured in the HDI to

account for the inequalities between men and women.lThe Gender Empowerment Measure focuses on gender inequality in three areas: political participation and decision-making power,

economic participation and decision-making power and power over economic resources. l The Ranks are assigned from the list of 35 numbers of States and Union Territories.Source: Ministry of Women and Child Development 2009 [Compilation from Table: 4.5, 4.8 and 5.3]


Tabl

e 3:

Intr

asta

te D

ispa

ritie

s in

Nor

th-E

aste

rn S

tate

s

Stat

eD

ata

Ref

eren

ceN

o. o

f D

ist.

Ran

ge o

f Ind

ex V

alue

s acr

oss D

istr

icts

Coe

ffici

ent o

f Var

iatio

nsA

cros

s Dis

tric

ts (%

)

Eco

nom

icH

ealth

Edu

catio

nH

DI

Econ

omic

Hea

lthE

duca

tion

HD

I

Aru

nach

al

Prad

esh

(200

5)20

0113

Dib

ang

Valle

y: .9

42Lo

wer

Sub

ansi

ri: .1

91St

ate

: .49

5

Papu

m P

are:

.613

East

Kam

eng:

.306

Stat

e: .4

84

Papu

m P

are:

.729

Tira

p: .4

28St

ate:

.566

East

Sia

ng: .

660

Eas

t K

amen

g:

.362

Stat

e: .5

15

43.2

517

.56

16.7

218

.37

Ass

am (2

003)

2003

23K

amru

p: .5

73D

hem

aji:

.026

Stat

e: .2

86

Jorh

at: .

664

Dhu

bri:

.086

Stat

e: .3

43

Jorh

at: .

722

Dhu

bri:

.454

Stat

e: .5

95

Jorh

at: .

650

Dhu

bri:

.214

Stat

e: .4

07

76.6

345

.42

12.2

228

.00

Meg

hala

ya*

2006

7So

uth

Gar

o H

ills:

.513

Jain

tia H

ills:

.194

Sate

: .33

4

Jain

tia H

ills:

.412

We

st

Ga

ro

Hill

s:.1

50St

ate:

.262

Sout

h G

aro

Hill

s:

.834

Jain

tia H

ills:

.427

Stat

e: .6

15

Sout

h G

aro

Hill

s:

.544

Wes

t K

hasi

Hill

s:

.336

Stat

e: 4

04

15.9

938

.64

21.6

619

.00

Nag

alan

d (2

004)

2003

8D

imap

ur: .

733

Mon

: .45

0St

ate:

.623

15.9

0

Trip

ura

(200

7)20

014

Wes

t: .2

6D

hala

i: .1

9St

ate:

.25

Wes

t: .8

2D

hala

i: .7

4St

ate:

.79

Wes

t: .7

7D

hala

i: .6

0St

ate:

.72

Wes

t: .6

1D

hala

i: .5

1St

ate:

.59

13.2

34.

6810

.23

7.58

Ker

ala

(200

5)20

0114

Erna

kulla

m: .

600

Mal

appu

ram

: .49

0St

ate

.562

Ala

ppuz

ha: .

868

Iddu

kki:

.791

Stat

e: .8

27

Kot

tam

: .96

3Id

dukk

i: .8

78St

ate:

.930

Erna

kulla

m: .

801

Mal

appu

ram

: .74

9St

ate

.773

4.70

2.51

3.58

2.38

Not

es:

*Sin

ce G

over

nmen

t of M

egha

laya

(200

8) d

oes n

ot p

rovi

de se

para

te d

istri

ct-w

ise

inde

x va

lues

for d

iffer

ent d

imen

sion

s (C

ompo

nent

s of H

DI)

we

use

the

estim

ates

of N

ayak

and

Ray

(201

0)G

over

nmen

t of S

ikki

m (2

001)

doe

s est

imat

e in

dex

valu

es fo

r the

dis

trict

s.So

urce

: Ela

bora

tion

from

Var

ious

Sta

te H

uman

Dev

elop

men

t Rep

orts

.


are mere outcomes of huge central devolution – not determined by the interactions of natural economic forces.

F o l l o w i n g a d i f f e r e n t methodology Ministry of Women and Child Development 2009 brought out a report to update our awareness on gender aspects of human development for India and 35 States and UTs. So far as the HDI scores are concerned all the north-eastern states (except Assam in 2006) attained higher values as compared to national score. Nagaland in 1996, and Nagaland and Manipur in 2006 could manage single digit rank in the list of 35 numbers of federal units while Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura are not lagging much behind. The deterioration of Meghalaya from 13th to 24th position during the decade is a great concern. However, the poor performance of the most populous state in the region – Assam needs a special attention. GDI reflects almost similar trend. The performance of the only matrilineal state in the country does not bring any surprise as worrisome relative performance in HDI reflects almost parallel deterioration in GDI in Meghalaya.

The Gender Empowerment Measure focuses on gender inequality in three areas viz. political participation and decision-making power, economic participation and decision-making power, and power over economic resources. As such, the nation as whole has long been struggling to fulfill the

agenda of women empowerment. All north-eastern states’ records in this crucial issue have been simply miserable. Nagaland not only emerged as the worst performer – the rate of progress during the decade is equally disappointing. Meghalaya brings surprise by securing the second worst position in the country in empowerment measure. Manipur and Mizoram – the consistently better performers in HDI, GPI and GDI are also seriously lagging behind in empowering women in their respective states. The promotion of 13 points by Arunachal Pradesh which was possible mainly due to the encouraging growth in the index value of economic participation and decision-making power during the decade has kept the hope alive for the entire region.

F o c u s o n I n t r a s t a t e Disparities: During the first decade of new millennium all north-eastern states, excepting Manipur and Mizoram, had brought out their publications of State Human Development Reports to assess the achievements, and to measure the deprivations within state boundaries. As the state-specific methodologies for estimating district level achievements in three different dimensions of human development vary significantly across the reports cross-state comparisons cannot be made directly. However, an analysis of intrastate disparities would be helpful to understand the development patterns in north-eastern states. Table 3 demonstrates

the state-specific features of human development. A ready reference of Kerala would help to understand the relevant shortfalls in attainments. The range of scores attained by the best and worst performing districts vary significantly across the states. In Kerala the best performing unit stands at 103 per cent of state average while the poorest in terms of HDI score is no less than 97 per cent, accounting a gap of nearly of 6 per cent. In case of north-eastern states the gap is found widest in Assam (107 per cent), followed by Arunachal Pradesh (58), Meghalaya (51), Nagaland (46) and Tripura (17). Attainment-wise gaps across the states are also a concern. The coefficient of variation which is taken as the standard measure of dispersion across the cross-sectional units also points out that the states have to travel a long way to bridge up the deprivations within the states.

C o n c l u s i o n : H u m a n Development is not a mere event – rather, a process of sustainable expansion of human capabilities, for which a parallel expansion of economic opportunities for both sexes, for all sections, and for every corner of the society is equally important. Otherwise, the achievement will extend temporary gains. The State governments need to address these issues for evolving an inclusive, engendered, sustainable path of development for their respective states as well as the region as a whole. q

(E-mail : [email protected] [email protected])


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This networking is important for women’s voices

to be heard in the right quarters and for a reversal of the destructive processes that

have set in with enormous speed

and force

Women and Livelihood Issues

NORTh EAST

HROUGHOUT THE world women manage subsistence – family or household needs on a daily basis. The same

is the case with the North East where farming is still largely a feminine activity; from sowing seeds to transplantation of rice and other crops. Where mechanical harvesting is not possible men and women harvest crops but de-husking of rice, as also processing and packaging of turmeric etc is done by women.

This huge contribution made by women to the farming process has not been given due recognition. Large sections of women farmers have no access to training or to seeds. Often the seeds are distributed by the agriculture department only after the sowing season is over. Despite the fact that women have been the most diligent stewards and managers of local resources which are sources of food security for

The author is the Editor of The Shillong Times, a political commentator and a gender and consumer rights activist.

future generations, they have not been made stakeholders in critical decision-making about farming methods, seeds and seed banks. Women have been performing the onerous task of nurturing, conserving and maintaining the equilibrium in nature without demanding anything in return. What they want is enough farm land to continue with multi-cropping activities to ensure that there is food for the family.

Very few women have actually graduated to large scale farming to produce crops and vegetables for the market. Women in this part of the country depend a lot on non-timber forest products like mushrooms, edible herbs, medicinal plants etc. It is to their advantage if forests continue to remain lush green and productive. But this is where we have a strong clash of interests between members of the tribes who see forests only in terms of standing trees to be commodified into timber.

Patricia Mary Mukhim

OPiNiON

T


Such exploitative individuals do not understand the term biodiversity and the interdependence of all life forms.

Even if women collect fuel for domestic use they do so judiciously. We will find them pollarding the branches but never felling a whole tree. Women are also well aware of the fact that forests protect our water sources and are our watersheds. In the coal mining areas of Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills and Garo Hills in Meghalaya where forests have been degraded through the rat hole mining, drinking water sources have dwindled. Women now have to travel over two kilometers for a pot or bucket of water. This is a study I conducted in the coal mining areas. This chore takes away much of their productive time. But that is not all. At least two major rivers in Jaintia Hills, the Lukha and the Waikhyrwi are today poisoned on account of sulphuric acid flowing out of the coal mines. These rivers used to support farming activities. Now they are lifeless and those who depended on the river for farming have had to take up new occupations. Food security this becomes a major issue here.

When government authorities fail to provide potable water supply or sanitation and garbage collection systems women suffer most on account of such lacunae. Women are therefore the direct victims of environmental degradation, pollution etc.

As stated earlier, the year round collection of minor forest produce and herbs have traditionally provided extra income, valuable

nutrition and medical support to women and their families. As women operate in a labour intensive and non-monetized economy, they have become victims of profiteers, middlemen and also the men in their families. Ruthless exploitation of forests means loss of both income and nutrition

W h e n e v e r f a r m i n g g e t s m e c h a n i s e d w o m e n g e t marginalized and this is because science and technology tends to exclude women instead of involving them in planning for more women friendly farming appliances and kitchen implements, as well as and time and energy saving gadgets. Environment education should be expanded to the rural areas and women have to be mobilised as environment protection forces.

The greatest irony is that tribal lands in the North East which could be carbon sinks serving a large population in the rest of the country are being exploited for coal and limestone mining. The Union Government is also looking at mining uranium which we know, has radioactive consequences on land, pollutes water sources and could be very harmful for human beings and other life forms. This constant warfare between avaricious merchants, the state and native populations is taking a toll on livelihoods because productive land is dwindling.

The fact that there are so few or no women in decision making bodies in the government and other PSUs such as power generating ones which intend to create thousands of dams in these virgin hills, makes it

difficult to push forward a women-friendly agenda. There is absolute lack of a gendered discourse in these institutions. Power industries speak only about power generation without considering the consequences and the destruction of other natural resources.

This is why it is imperative to strengthen and establish mechanisms at all levels to assess the impact of development and environmental policies on women. There is as we know a complex correlation between poverty and environment. High levels of poverty are generally accompanied by high levels of environmental degradation. People living in poverty often have no alternative but to exploit their natural environment in a destructive way, e.g. to obtain fuel wood and farm land.

The irony today is also that this is a region where the fertility rate is very high on account of early marriages or teenage pregnancy. Two yea r s ago an e l ec t ed representative of Meghalaya rewarded a woman who had 16 children and encouraged more women to follow in her footsteps. This indicates that reproductive right is a word that has not gained currency in Meghalaya. This state also has the highest fertility rate owing to teenage marriages. But the maternal mortality ratio is as high as 53 per 1000 live births and infant mortality rate is nearly 61 out of 1000 live births (NFHS -3). These factors also impinge greatly on women especially since access to health care is dismal. In a study conducted by the Martin Luther University,


Shillong nearly 70 % of people in villages depend on traditional health care. Incidentally quite a good number of indigenous health care providers and dispensers of traditional medicine are women.

Women therefore play a very significant role in maintaining the equilibrium of nature because that is what serves them in the long run. A large number of women are health providers and masseurs. They can identify medicinal plants and herbs. But these traditional knowledge systems are not documented nor are women given the space and resources to share this knowledge and get it documented for future use. Here is a rich source of knowledge and it is intellectual property that needs to be conserved for posterity.

Climate uncertainties have troubled the farming communities here as much as those elsewhere. But women have not complained. They have merely moved on from

one crop to the next. For instance, in recent times the unseasonal rains have reduced productivity of some vegetables and improved that of others, including fruits. Women have adapted by growing high yielding varieties of vegetables and crops. They have also diversified to fruits such as strawberries and kiwi which have a ready market outside the state. Others have also gone in for floriculture.

Another important aspect is that women are also the repository of indigenous species of rice and other seeds which are more resilient than the high-yielding variety. In this uncertain climatic scenario the indigenous species of seeds will become very important for our food security because they are more hardy; can tolerate climate vagaries and temperature fluctuations. But this is an area that has not been adequately focused by policy planners. There is no effort to institutionalize the conservation of indigenous seeds as yet and to create sustainable seed banks. This

shows us how slow the process is for women to get recognition for the services they render to sustain life on this earth. However, seed conservation also means that seeds have to be planted and harvested year after year. If the indigenous variety of rice is not viable to grow, the Government might like to push in special subsidies to women farmers who grow these indigenous rice species.

Many NGOs are reaching out to facilitate such processes by networking with women’s organisations in a national and global scale. Gene Campaign is exploring possibilities of tying up with a local university in Meghalaya to set up such a seed bank. This networking is important for women’s voices to be heard in the right quarters and for a reversal of the destructive processes that have set in with enormous speed and force. q(E-mail : [email protected])

Project launched for traditional health practitioners

In an initiative to bring traditional health practitioners under the fold of the formal public health system, a pilot project is being launched in Arunachal Pradesh.

East Siang has been identified for starting the project, which aims to integrate the traditional health practitioners, also known as folk healers or Gram Vaidya, with the public health system.

The project to be implemented by IGNOU Institute of Vocational Education and Training (IVET), Shillong and supported by the Department of Ayush. Union Government will help the traditional health practitioners get their knowledge assessment for certification with certain standard benchmarks.

The Quality Council of India and Institute of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine will provide domain knowledge and standardization support.

The folk healers, feel that certification will raise their credibility as recognized traditional health practitioners among the patients and boost their self-confidence.


Properly designed and managed

watersheds could give life and vigour to the land, protect and regenerate the environment, create diverse livelihoods and enrich the life

of the people

Managing Watersheds in the North Eastern Hills

NORTh EAST

ROPER MANAGE-MENT of watersheds is a major issue in sustainable development today. If the watersheds a r e p r o p e r l y a n d

intelligently handled they will have a profound effect on the lives of the people in the hills. Most areas in the North Eastern states of India are hilly and have steep slopes excepting the great valley of Assam, some parts of Tripura, small valley lands of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. Sikkim has picture-post-card like hill terraces. Nagaland is fast coming up in forming terraces. All states of the region have a mixture of cultivation practices.

T h e C h a m b e r ’s E n g l i s h dictionary tells us, that a “watershed” means:-i) “The line separating two river

basins; ii) A drainage or a catchment area; iii) A slope or structure down which the water flows”. Excluding the first part of the meaning of “watershed” word, we shall

The author is Member, North Eastern Council

confine our pointed attention to the next two segments of the definition.

The North Eastern Region has several problems that are associated with “water and soil” on the slopes of the hills and are common to most of the eight states. These result from an interplay of the following variables:- i) The NER states are mostly hilly, ii) Average annual rainfall is high, iii) Water flows fast on the slopes of the hills, iv) States have thick natural forests but at many places the forests have fallen prey to necessity and greed, v) The cultivation practices of “Jhuming” is still prevalent, vi) Link to the countries old hub has become distant, vii) There are several small, tiny and minuscule villages, viii) Many people live in isolated and remote areas, ix) Apparently, NER has vast mineral resources, x) Due to the existence of mineral resources, underground water gets polluted at many places with Fluorine, Arsenic and Iron, xi) Population pressure are increasing on the resources that

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have not been optimally harnessed and xii) Developmental pressures cause soil erosion, xiii) Long international borders bring in trade pressures and in-migration. All these factors are deeply interwoven and interconnected and affect all states of North Eastern region.

Meghalaya continues to have vertical terraces on its hill slopes. This practice, coupled with deforestation and rapid drainage of rain water, causes severe denudation of the generative top soil. When water-laden soil moves down hill, trees act as nails and bind the soil to the rocks below. If there are no trees, there is nothing to bind the soil and it gets washed away as landslides.

Correct cutting of hill terraces to tame hill slopes and having proper “watershed management” is advantageous as it enhances the benefits of Jhum lands and the open hill slope cultivation. High bunds are of greater advantage as they prevent the top soil from slipping down the terrace. They lead to good and lasting management of watersheds and bestow several tangible benefits on environment.

If watershed areas are properly treated, managed and channelized by construction of proper channels for the drainage of the excess waters from the fields – by building submerged or other check-dams with raised wire mesh erected on all sides, many fish ponds could be developed. Much of the fish that is needed could thus be raised locally. The water could also be used for irrigating the terraces, perhaps even developing small and micro hydro projects that could generate electricity for the small local population. Electricity brings a mega improvement in the quality of living of the people.

The situation at micro levels may differ in different watershed areas. Much thought and minute planning is needed for the correct management of the watersheds. The correct management of each micro watershed in relation to the macro watershed position becomes extremely important and crucial to the overall success.

In the hill terraces, the application of slaked lime (say about 20 k.g. per bigha – 1/3rd of an acre) is of great advantage after the rainy season. It allows cultivation of two major crops instead of one grown presently. The use of slaked lime enhances the otherwise poor calcium content of the soil of North Eastern Hills and increases its pH value, thus making it less acidic. The high pH, low calcium soil causes lower absorption of important nutrients like Boron Phosphorus, Molybdenum, and Magnesium and introduces toxicity. This affects the quality of food grown in the soil, which in turn leads to poor nutrition and smaller body frames of the population. First, if seeds of paddy of short duration (say 110 days duration variety like IR-64) are sown by first of June, it will be ready for harvest in September. Then, immediately on the harvest, slaked lime has to be applied, broadcast manner, to sow a wide range of crops like wheat and numerous vegetables. These could then be ready to be harvested well before the onset of the next rainy season. Thereafter, from February to April, green manure or a variety of lintels could be cultivated. This becomes possible with proper `watershed’ management and advance planning.

There are also vast mineral resources in the area. Some are known and some are unknown. These give out several water

pollutants like Fluorine, Arsenic and Iron. However, the rain water is the purest water. If, along with correct `watershed management’, we also preserve and collect the rainwater for drinking, it would be an advantage.

A reduction of Jhuming through alternative livelihood security will itself tend to improve the environment. Second, controlled flow of rainwater will prevent soil erosion of the hill slopes. Third, it is important that the denuded hills, vacant forests and empty areas near townships etc., get under fruit trees that are suitable for the area. Afforestation of the abandoned areas with lakhs of suitable fruit seedlings through a mass participation will be welcome. Almost no community cuts or destroys its fruit trees.

The governments could give one holiday to its staff. School children, if properly guided would be able to plant lakhs of suitable fruit trees in a day. The season has to be right. This will give advantage of improved environment, nutritious food, increase in forest animals, birds, fruits and fruit preservation industries. Above all, this will attract tourists when fruit trees are flowering or fruiting.

For such a move, the North Eastern Council (NEC) has already taken the approval of the Union Minister of Forest and Environment. However, determined and pointed action is required for such a grand policy to unfold.

Properly designed and managed watersheds could give life and vigour to the land, protect and regenerate the environment, create diverse livelihoods and enrich the life of the people. q



If we make a bold attempt to make

real deposits which will be valuable to parents after 20

years, we will have made strong head-way in stabilizing the population of

the country

Security Cover for Parents

POPulATiON STAbilizATiON

Y SETTING up the Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh or Population Stabilization Fund in India, the Ministry of

Health has recognized the need to achieve stabilization of population in the country.

There are many reasons, both historical and current, which explain why India’s population has been growing so fast, especially in many backward States where the total fertility rate i.e., the total number of children a woman has during her lifetime, is still much higher than the population replacement rate. It has been accepted by experts that higher fertility is ‘wanted’ by parents because they feel some children may die.

Parents are afraid that one child may not survive into their old age or may not care for them in later years. Hence, the decision to have

The author is Hon'ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha).

more children comes from a desire to find safety in numbers.

An understanding of this issue is important because in this understanding also lies the solution to population stabilization. Once we know that people have large number of children because they suffer from old age insecurity then we can find ways to help them overcome this insecurity and convince them that they need not have more children because their old age has already been secured.

In this essay, I shall suggest an idea of population stabilization that will :-1. Address the problems of

financial insecurity among old age people;

2. Lead to a more stable and manageable populace.

3. Be economical to the nation on an opportunity cost principle;

Naveen Jindal

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Opportunity Cost

It has been estimated that with inflation it costs about Rs. 10 lacs to take a child from birth to the age 20 years in a lower middle class family. This cost may be borne by parents, Government, and by Society at large, but it is a real cost to the nation and represents the expenditure that must be made on every new born child. However, the same resources, that is Rs. 10 lacs estimated above, could also be used in other ways – for instance, strengthening our education, health and other social infrastructure – hence, it represents an opportunity cost for the country as a whole.

Old Age Security

From the above estimate, it is clear that 3 children in a family represent an expenditure of Rs. 30 lacs for the country. On the other hand, we could spend Rs.1 lac after the first/second child was born in the form of an investment to be made in the name of parents agreeing to accept some form of sterilization. This would save Rs. 20/10 lacs expenditure on the two/one unborn children respectively or an average of Rs.15 lacs.

This investment of Rs. 1 lac with the NPS or other reputed financial institution can reasonably be expected to grow to over 10 lacs in 20 years. At the end of these 20 years, the financial institutions would use this amount to pay an interest to the parents. One can reasonably expect them to get more than Rs. 1 lac a year for the rest of their lives. After the younger/

surviving spouse turns 60, the scheme may permit access to the capital as well.

The merit of this Scheme is that the annual payment to the parents would be made irrespective of whether those children lived or died during those 20 years and represents a far more reliable form of old age security than having many children.

Stable Population

As more and more people accept this security cover in the States where they are still having 3 children on an average, we will be stabilizing the population by preventing one or more additional births in each such family. One off shoot of this arrangement will also be that the families themselves will be able to provide a much better growing up environment for upto two children, and if, God forbid, those children should not survive, then the parents will still have the security cover which starts after 20 years, just when they are beginning to be afraid for their old age security.

The Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh of the Govt. of India has done useful

research in suggesting innovative schemes for population stabilization. One of their suggestions has also been to provide some sort of deposit to benefit couples who opt for sterilization after one or two children. So it is clear that this suggestion for population stabilization is in keeping with the innovative schemes of the Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh.The point that we wish to emphasize here is the quantum of that deposit. We recommend that Govt. makes a deposit in the name of the parents (jointly or survivor) when the couple opts for sterilization. The Scheme would be :-

To begin with, Govt. can provide this incentive amount for a target of 1 lac BPL couples every year for each of these four States. This translates into an outlay of Rs. 1,000 crores per state per annum or Rs. 4000 crore per annum for all 4 states. What is most important in this context is to understand that this expenditure will save the nation far more in terms of the unspent amount for children not born. A rough estimate will tell us that if the total fertility rate is 3 and we are successful in sterilizing 1 lac couple

Scheme of Security Cover to Parents for Population Stabilisation

1. Deposit to reputed financial institution like LIC, NPS.2. Deposit in name of parents (joint or survivor)3. Deposit for 20 years4. Rs. 1 lac if sterilization up to 2 children (of any sex) 5. Target 1 lac couples every year in each of 4 States : UP, Bihar, MP

& Rajasthan6. Estimated expense: Rs. 1000 crores per State per annum.7. Scheme can be scaled up if response is good


after the first/second child is born then the nation will save Rs. 20/10 lac per couple respectively i.e.,10 lacs being the savings per child or average Rs.15 lac per couple. In other words the nation as a whole in these four States will save Rs. 60,000 crores over the next 20 years or Rs. 3000 crore every year. We would stress that while this 60,000 crores may look like a hypothetical figure to be spent in future years, but spent it has got to be. The way in which it will get spent is in the form of increased outlay for childrens’ immunization, for their drinking water, sanitation, doctors, nurses, midwifes, hospitals, medicines, schools, teachers, books, transport and all those expenses that can go towards providing a quality life to the child.

For example, the Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh has concluded that the Right to Education entails :

l13.3 lac new teachers l33405 Pucca SchoolslUpgradation of 27000 Kutcha

Schoolsl 7 lac girl toiletslDrinking water facility in 3.4

lac schools

Their estimated expense for the Right to Education is Rs. 38000 crore for UP and Rs. 26000 crore for Bihar for the next 5 years.

Similarly, the National Advisory Council is even now deliberating over Rs. 91,000 crore a year subsidy on food for people living in urban slums and rural BPL households. This list can go on to include expenses that we will be required to be made in sectors like health, education, housing, transport, sanitation, etc. In addition to the quantifiable expenses, there are intangible ones like civic unrest, fights over land, jobs and increased

crime in general. Compared to all these costs, providing an old age security cover will work out to be more economical and effective.

I also recognize other important interventions in this sphere. In my constituency of Kurukshetra, I have been advocating at least high school education for girls, marriage at the legal age of minimum 18 for girls and 21 for men, and 3 – 4 years of space between children. These are all important measures which we must continue to work for. However, in this essay I have tried to bring out the need for an old age security cover.

In this context, if we make a bold attempt to make real deposits which will be valuable to parents after 20 years, we will have made strong head-way in stabilizing the population of the country. q

(E-mail:[email protected])

Meghalaya scheme to preserve medicinal plantsMeghalaya has earmarked four districts in the state for plantation of medicinal plants, under a Central

scheme, to stop extinction of these exotic species.

Under the Centrally-sponsored National Mission of Medicinal Plants, the State Medicinal Plant Board (SMPB) has sanctioned Rs20 lakh this year for four districts to replenish the exotic flora endemic to the State. Eighty farmers in East Khasi Hills, West khasi Hils, Ri-Bhoi and West Garo Hills districts are replanting medicinal plants in their own lands under the scheme.

The objective of the scheme is to replenish the medicinal plants so that these can be exported by the farmers. Meghalaya along with the other Northeastern states is a biological hotspot. Several plants are endemic to the state, but due to over-exploitation by the local people and biologists many such species have been pushed to the brink of extinction.

SMPB in the next fiscal would expand the Central scheme to protect the medicinal plants in the remaining three districts in the state.

A local farmer from Mawlyngwer in West Khasi Hills district has greatly benefited from the cultivation of local medicinal plants under the scheme. He now receives demand from other states for these medicinal plants. A local herbal expert claims to have cured patients with high blood pressure, arthritis, etc by administering plant extracts.


"Rat hole mining" in Meghalaya has

changed the ecology and landscape of the hill state,

besides affecting the health of migrant children and their parents working in

the mines

Bountiful Jaintia

NORTh EAST

EGHALAYA! YES, this is the ultimate destination of a nature lover. Tourists from different states of India

and other parts of the country regularly come here to enjoy the picturesque natural beauty of Shillong, Sohra (Cherrapunjee), Elephant Falls, Nohkalikai Falls and a host of other beautiful spots. The hot springs at Jakrem near Mawsynram are believed to have curative and medicinal proper t ies . The subtropical forests of Meghalaya support a vast variety of flora and fauna. Meghalaya has two national parks and three wildlife sanctuaries. Meghalaya also offers many adventure tourism opportunities in the form of mountaineering, rock climbing, trekking and hiking, water sports etc. The state offers several trekking routes some of which also afford an opportunity to encounter some rare animals

The author is Deputy Adviser in Planning Commission

such as the slow loris, varieties of deer and bear. The Umiam Lake has a water sports complex with facilities such as rowboats, paddleboats , sa i l ing boats , cruise-boats, water-scooters and speedboats. One would not want to miss the recently modernised, age old Mawsmai Cave located near Sohra.

Incidentally, most tourists do not show any interest in making a trip to Jaintia Hills. Only commuters to Badarpur and Silchar are compelled to follow the road towards Jowai. Jowai is only 64 km. from Shillong and is the administrative headquarters of Jaintia Hills as well as the commercial centre. It is situated alongside the Myntdu r iver which encircles two thirds of this expanding township. The village of Nartiang in this region is significant for the summer palace of the Jaintia King. Nartiang Monoliths are the biggest collection of

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monoliths or megalithic stones in one single area and are to be found north of the Nartiang market. Thadlaskein Lake, Umhang Lake, Kiang Nongbah Monument, Stone Bridge at Thlumuwi, Syntu Ksiar (Flower of Gold), Umlawan Cave, Ialong Park etc. are also important spots of attraction.

But your visit to Jaintia hills is incomplete till you see the phenomenon of rat-hole mining of coal. Meghalaya is very rich in tertiary coal reserves, which are confined to the upper part of the tertiary rocks. The estimated coal reserve in Meghalaya is about 600 million tonnes, out of which about 40 million tonnes belongs to Jaintia Hills. Large scale extraction is being carried in the region which includes nine important coal deposits. Of these, Bapung and Lakadong are the most important, the others being Lumshnong, Malwar Musiang Lamare, Mutang, Sutnga, Jarain Tkentalang, Ioksi and Khliehriat.

Rat hole mining is a primitive and traditional mining process. In this process miners crawl along holes with one metre opening to excavate coal. The miners go as deep as 50-100 metres in length from the opening. In this method the land is first cleared by cutting and removing the ground vegetation and then pits ranging from 5 to 100 sq. metre are dug vertically into the ground to reach the coal seam. Thereafter, horizontal tunnels are made into the seam for extraction of coal, which is brought into the pit by using a conical basket or a wheel barrow. A minimum of 25

metres is dug to extract coal. The labourers, including children, have to walk down through wooden steps to remove coal. If the fuel is exhausted in a pit, they look for coal in other areas. The coal is taken out of the pit and dumped on nearby un-mined areas, from where it is carried to the larger dumping yards near highways for trade and transportation. The entire process of mining is done manually employing small implements and head shifted to the roadside to be loaded onto trucks. The present coal exploitation is about 2 million tons per annum in this district. Most of the mining activities are small scale ventures controlled by individuals who own the land.

As rat hole mining involves crawling for long distances, children are considered the best miners here. According to a child rights organization, about 70,000 children work here under very unhealthy, hot, humid, suffocating a n d o f t e n l i f e - t h r e a t e n i n g conditions. As per a survey done by the Jaintia Hills district administration in 20 villages in July 2009, there were 222 children working in the coal mines. While 153 were local residents, the remaining were from Assam, Bihar, Nepal and Bangladesh. Some have been sold by their families as indentured labourers. Working conditions in the mines are dismal. There are no safety measures. Cave-ins are always a threat; wooden ladders leading down to quarries are slippery with moss; there is little or no access to medical care, sanitation, safe drinking water, or even adequate

ventilation. On an average there are eight accidents a month in the mines, at least two of which are fatal. There is no provision of insurance cover for the miners.

By and large, the coal mining in the area is controlled privately by small-scale ventures. Many of the mine owners are women. Ja in t ia soc ie ty fo l lows the matrilineal tradition where the youngest daughter gets ownership of the family home, land and other property. Described as `highway queens', these young women can be seen protecting their stockpile of coal on the National Highway and overseeing its loading and sale. Another group is seen sitting with large, wooden measuring boxes, buying coal heaped in overloaded lorries at the local retail price and then selling it back to the truck driver beyond the weighbridge, of course, at a profit. Meghalaya falls under the 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, so the land is solely owned by the people and the state and centre have little or no control on it whatsoever. Interestingly, these mines are named as local cottage mines or small-scale coal mines, which operate beyond the purview of Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act.

The practice of rat hole mining has attracted a lot of media attention. Due to the continuous efforts and pressures of social activists like Hasina Kharbhih, some NGOs and the administration, many mine owners have stopped hiring children.

Based, inter alia, on complaints received about large scale child


labour in the coal mines area of Lad Rymbai and the alleged transfer of children from Jaintia Hills, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (‘NCPCR) team visited Meghalaya from in August 2009. The NCPCR observed and impressed upon the urgent need for a sustained and massive campaign against all forms of child labour and the generation of public support for implementation of laws relevant in this regard.The NCPCR also proposed that the labour department must enforce the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986, Juvenile Justice Act as well as the Bonded Labour System Abolition Act (1976) strictly and register cases against employers of children in domestic work, hotels, eateries and other establishments, mining and other sectors where child labour is prohibited and coordinate with the police and revenue departments for enforcement of the laws.

It is learnt that the Meghalaya government is working on a rehabilitation package to help the children working under hazardous situations in the coal mines of Jaintia Hills, following a direction from the National Human Rights Commission. The government of Meghalaya has also declared that coal mining activities would fall under the National Coal Mining (Conservation & Development) Act, 1974. Till then, Meghalaya was the only state in the country where miners were not required to take a mining lease from the government. Now, the state government has engaged the Coal India Ltd (CIL) to prepare a plan for institutional

mining in the region and further decisions on the matter would be taken accordingly.

Mining operation in Jaintia Hills have undoubtedly brought wealth and employment opportunities in the area, but simultaneously have led to extensive environmental d e g r a d a t i o n . L a r g e s c a l e denudat ion of forest cover, scarcity of water, pollution of air, water and soil, degradation of agricultural lands, land subsidence, increase in wasteland, acid mine discharge, changes in the land use patterns of the area are some of the conspicuous environmental implications of coal mining. Besides, caving in of the ground and subsidence of earth and haphazard dumping of coal and overburden have deteriorated the aesthetic beauty of the landscape. The water bodies of the area are the greatest victims of the coal mining. The problems of water quality degradation and its adverse impacts on availability of potable and irrigation water, soil quality and agricultural productivity, and biodiversity in the area have been attracting increasing attention of people. According to reports, "rat hole mining" in Meghalaya has changed the ecology and landscape of the hill state, besides affecting the health of migrant children and their parents working in the mines.

It is learnt that the state government has framed a draft mining policy to check the present system of unscientific coal mining, but the same is yet to be enacted. The land ownership system in

the state needs to be reviewed and implementation of mine regulations has to be followed strictly to restore the mined lands to an ecologically improved condition. In abandoned mine areas afforestation programmes need to be taken up by mine owners. The rat hole mining should be stopped and alternative scientific methods should be used to extract coal. The reclamation of mining areas should be done. The 'acid mine discharge' needs to be diverted away from potable water sources. Proper health care facilities need to be provided to labourers working in the mines.

Refilling of the mined areas wi th mine spo i l s / t op so i l s followed by a re-vegetating scheme with acid-tolerant species including leguminous plants can be carried out. The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board should also be given the task of periodic analysis of water, soil, and air from the mining areas. Local leaders too should be educated on the task of restoration of the mined areas.

To summarise, a holistic approach by all stakeholders like NGO's, ecologists and government agencies is needed for the eco-restoration of the mined areas which would include introduction of modern mining practices and finally cessation of child labour. It would be prudent to utilise a part of the revenue earned from coal mining for such development programmes. q



In Meghalaya there is a growing concern that the

state’s environment is being abused

due to unscientific mining

Losing Pristine Glory

NORTh EAST

E G H A L AYA I N Sanskrit means “the abode of clouds.” It was none other than Nobel Laureate Rabindra

Nath Tagore himself who coined the name, impressed by the natural beauty of the state. Hidden in the north eastern part of India, the state’s capital Shillong is also called the “Scotland of the east” due to its striking resemblance to Scotland’s climate and landscape.

Meghalaya is one of the smaller states of India, with a total geographical area of 22,429 square Kms. However, nature has been benevolent to the state and some of the most striking hills, waterfalls, caves and forests are found here. The forest cover consists of sub-tropical pine, evergreen, and other deciduous trees.

Meghalaya is a sixth scheduled state. The Constitution of India guarantees the protection of this extraordinary ecosystem by directly

The author is the Shillong Correspondent of Assam Tribune

empowering the local people. So under the sixth schedule the state has three autonomous District Councils in Khasi, Jaintia and Garo hills to manage the forest and the available resources of the state. Each council has 30 members drawn from the three indigenous Khasi, Jaintia and Garo communities.

But still the forest cover in the state has been dwindling for a host of reasons, but mainly due to rampant exploitation of the state’s natural resources and abuse of power. Manufacture of charcoal in the state has been one of the reasons for loss of forest cover, together with the shifting cultivation or slash and burn method practiced by the local population. Manufacture of charcoal is banned and emphasis is being laid by the government to urge the local communities to minimise destruction of the forest through shifting cultivation.

On the other hand, there are also extraordinary examples of

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environment protection being practiced by the locals for years, one of the best examples being the scared grooves at Mawphlang, about 25 kms from Shillong. The local Khasi community protects and reveres this “sacred forest” and it is a veritable treasure trove of medicinal and aromatic plants in an area covering about 750 hectares. Balpakram National Park in South Garo hills is another such example and the Garos protect this park with the belief that the soul of their ancestors reside in it.

A p a r t f r o m t h e n a t u r a l surroundings, Meghalaya is also rich in minerals. Minerals such as coal, limestone, Uranium , Silliminate and others are found abundantly throughout the state. Over the years, Meghalaya has made headlines for its mineral and mining activities. The state has a total coal reserve of 640 million tones. The coal is high in sulphur content and is mostly of sub-bituminous type. Most of this coal reserve is mined unscientifically by individuals and local communities. Due to the unscientific coal mining the water sources of many of the rivers, especially in Jaintia Hills district has turned acidic.

In the district and elsewhere in the state, coal is dug out from what is known as “rat-holes.” Workers and children go deep into these holes and extract the coal using traditional tools. Some NGOs have estimated that several thousand children from Nepal, Assam and even Bangladesh are employed in these mines and earn anything between Rs. 300-400

daily working for hours in these unhealthy dangerous mines.

Once the coal has been extracted these mines are abandoned and left exposed in several instances in the state. In Cheerapunjee famous for its rainfall, due to environmental abuse it has almost been reduced to a barren landscape. The region is now pockmarked by abandoned coal mines and barren hills. Similar is the case in Jaintia Hills district.

Heavy metals are left exposed as a result of the mining exercise, which subsequently reacts with oxygen to form different chemicals. Rain and underground water after being contaminated with these chemicals find its way out to fresh water bodies and pollute.

One of the most important power projects for the state of Meghalaya and Assam, the 275 MW Kopili Hydel Project’s existence is being threatened due to unscientific coal mining in Jaintia Hills. With contaminated water draining down from the exposed mines in Jaintia Hills the River Kopili’s water has turned acidic.It’s the first case in India where the water of a hydel project has turned acidic. The pH level of River Kopili’s water has gone down to four from seven. pH level of uncontaminated water is seven at 25 degree centigrade. Due to the acidic content of the water, important machineries and structure of the dam has started corroding. It goes without saying that life in the river has vanished. The damage to the plant is estimated at Rs 100 crore annually. The North Eastern Power

Corporation which constructed the project is calling in experts from Japan to tide over the crisis. Kopili’s closure even for a year for repair works would cause hardship to energy-starved Assam and Meghalaya and the region.

Not just the coal mines, limestone mining and the cement industry have also added to environmental degradation, especially in Jaintia Hills. The state has a total of 5,000 million tones of limestone reserve. Limestone is found scattered in different parts of the state, especially in the southern belt bordering Bangladesh and Jaintia Hills district. French cement giant Lafarge’s plant in Shella, East Khasi Hills district is one of the biggest cement projects of the state. The project ,one of its kinds in the world extracts limestone from the surrounding villages of Nongtrai and Shella in East Khasi Hills and sends the raw material to its 1.5 million ton capacity Chattak cement plant in Bangladesh through a 17-km conveyor belt.

Incidentally, the project has been dogged in litigation when villagers of the area pointed out that the project showed forest area as non-fores t and got environmental clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. Before that the village council and the district council gave the No Objection Certificate to the company.Earlier this year the Supreme Court put a stay on Lafarge’s mining operation because of the manner in which it obtained the environment clearance. The order was later revoked due to the bilateral agreement between India


and Bangladesh and intervention of the Ministry of External Affairs of the two countries. Lafarge has agreed to compensate the villagers to the tune of Rs. 600 million through developmental projects for the harm it caused to the environment.

Another project in Elaka Nongkhlieh in Jaintia Hills has also hit the roadblock. With an initial investment of Rs 1000 crore Lafarge’s Greenfield integrated cement plant would have a capacity of 1.1 million tonne. The company has obtained the NOC from the local village council and the Jaintia Hills District council, but local villagers are opposing it saying the project would cause environment degradation in the area.

Hundred of villagers this month stopped the District Council and Lafarge official from conducting a survey of the site where the plant is to be set up. On November 10, Hamkhein Helpme Mohrmen, a church leader and social worker from Jowai, the district headquarters of Jaintia Hills, has petitioned to Union Environment and Forest Minster not to give environment clearance to the project because of its close proximity to Narpuh and Saipung Reserve Forests.

The limestone rich areas of Jaintia Hills and parts of Southern Meghalaya have several cave systems. Krem Um Lawan is the longest and deepest cave in South East Asia and located in Jaintia Hills. It has a mapped length of about 6,381 m and experts say it belongs to the Eocene age. Krem Kotsati Cave (3650 m

long),Kremlashinng (2650 m) are some of the several other caves found in the district and located close to cement plants. These caves are home to prehistoric life forms and are also major attractions for adventure-seekers and tourists. The Meghalaya Adventurers’ Association consisting of Indian and International Speleologists filed a petition at the Supreme Court asking for intervention to stop limestone mining in this fragile ecosystem.The Apex court however dismissed the petition.

Another contentious issue is Uranium mining. Although the Atomic Minerals Directorate discovered Uranium decades back in different pockets of West Khasi Hills and Garo Hills this ore has not been mined so far due to opposition from the social organisations here. The most ambitious of such project is the 1,100 crore Kylleng Pyndengsohiong Mawthabah u ran ium mining pro jec t in Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills district. It has not taken off due to opposition from various stake-holders.

The UCIL proposed to set up an open-cast uranium mining and processing plant in Meghalaya. The state is estimated to have 9.22 million tonnes of uranium ore deposits. It has also plans to produce 375,000 tonnes of uranium ore a year and process 1,500 tonnes a day. Last year, the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) decided to invest Rs.209 crore to start their pre-mining developmental projects in 422 hectares of the uranium-rich areas of West Khasi Hills in southern Meghalaya. The

Uranium Corporation of India wants to mine the ore scientifically through an open cast mining, but the corporation has not been able to mine it for its poor track record in Jaduguda, Jharkhand. Several NGOs point to the Jaduguda experience, saying, the radio-active ore would pose serious health hazard and environment degradation as in the case of Jaduguda.

Uranium is not only found in West Khasi Hills but was recently discovered near Balpakram National Park in Garo Hills. But, after exploratory work the project was shelved as the Ministry of Environment and Forests didn’t give the go-ahead after protest from NGOs. The park is home to some exotic flora and fauna.

In Meghalaya there is a growing concern that the state’s environment is being abused due to unscientific mining. Environmentalists in the state have been demanding all along to stop such mining. The state government on the other hand has drafted a mining policy. The draft has been circulated amongst all stakeholders, but has not been enacted so far. The government hopes to attract foreign direct investment in this sector through public-private partnership, and is committed to the adoption of scientific methods to protect the environment. The state government has said it is hopeful the mining policy would be enacted by the end of this year and would go a long way in restoring the environment of Meghalaya to its pristine glory. q

(E-mail : [email protected] )


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As the intrepid traveler traverses

through the various districts, he will

realize the distinctive quality that each

presents

Mesmerizing Meghalaya

NORTh EAST

EGHALAYA IS a tourist’s paradise, with its awesome landscape and the ample scope its terrain offers for

trekking and adventure sports. Meghalaya is a state that you have to soak in gradually. Its bewitching mountains, valleys, wild flowers, waterfalls and clouds-not to mention the charming anomaly of finding golden-skinned, high-cheek-boned people and blue eyed, fair skinned people with tribal names-make it a destination that is one of its kind. If it’s undiluted beauty that you are seeking, you will find it here, amidst the vibrant green kaleidoscope of forested hills, lakes and clouds.

Carved from the erstwhile state of Assam, Meghalaya achieved full-fledged statehood on January 21, 1972. Bounded on the north and east by Assam, and on the South and West by Bangladesh, Meghalaya is a mystic wonderland, a veritable abode of the clouds, as its nomenclature so aptly suggests.

The Article is issued by Director of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, Shillong

Meghalaya comprises seven major districts, which are the East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Ri Bhoi District, East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills. As the intrepid traveler traverses through the various districts, he will realize the distinctive quality that each presents-the infinite variety of flora and fauna, the colorful ethnic tribes and the many places of interest.

Khasi Hills

It is the wettest place on earth and also the most beautiful. The entire Khasi Hills region, that is part of central Meghalaya, has an abundance of boats, water-scooters and speed-boats. In the Ri Bhoi District, to the west of the Shillong plateau, is the Diengiei Peak, which has an impressive view of the Umiam Lake, with the city of Shillong in the background. On top of Diengiei, there is a huge hollow, shaped like a cup, which

MAJOR ATTRACTiONS

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some geologists believe could be the crater of an extinct volcano.

Another geological marvel is to be found 12 Kilometres from Mairang-the imposing Kyllang rock. About 78 kilometres from Shilong, the rock is about several million years old and is believed to have a magnetic field, which means that nobody will fall from the slope. Enormous detached blocks of rocks abound on the southern side and dense forests on the northern side.

The Mawthadraishan Peak, about 70 kilometers from Shillong, presents panoramic views of the plains of Assam, and the distant Himalayas after the monsoon on clear days. On top of the range, there is a depression, with about seven to eight fish ponds of considerable size.

Nongkhnum Island is the biggest river island in Meghalaya and the second biggest river island in Asia, after Majuli Island in Assam. Located about 14 Kilometres from Nongstoin, the district headquarters of West Khasi Hills, it is 20 to 25 square kilometers in area. A beautiful, sandy shore, about 100 square metres, adorns the area. Adjacent to the beach is a beautiful lake formed by the Phanliang River.

Jaintia Hills

The Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya are bounded on the north and east by the state of Assam. The Village of Nartiang is known for the summer palace of the Jaintia King, which is located on a hillock. Red bricks are used in the archway, and the cannons found in the Shiv temple show that the natives had

skills in techniques of fire arms and metallurgy. H o w e v e r , t h e biggest attraction is the collection of monoliths that exist in one single area, north of the Nartiang market. There are vertical stones or Menhirs, flat stones or Moo Kynthai. Monoliths are found through out the Khasi and Jaintia Hills.

Another must-see is Khim Moo Sniang, an embedded rock in the shape of a pig-it is a stone deity venerated by the Jaintias for its protective powers. Thadlaskein lake is a man-made lake at Thadlaskein that is fed by a perennial spring, and the stone bridge at Thlumuwi, 16 kilometres from Jowai, consists of huge, granite stone slabs perched on equally similar pillars.

Iawmusiang is the largest Jaintia market as well as the commercial centre of Jaintia Hills . The Iawmusiang market day occurs once in an eight day cycle, when people from the villages come here to sell their wares.

T h e U m l a w a n C a v e i n Lumshnong Village is the longest and the deepest in the sub-continent. It is inter-connected with two other caves the total length of which is more than 21 kilometres and about 100 metres in depth.

Garo Hills

Forming the western part of the state the entire Garo Hills, which cover an area of approximately 8,000 square kilometers, are densely forested, and hence, one of the richest spots in bio-diversity. Tura town is the centre of the West Garo Hills, and is situated at the foot of the Tura Peak. The Tura range

has been declared a reserve forest with an observatory. A Cinchona plantation and a tourist bungalow are located nearby. Magnificent views are to be had of the lower Brahmaputra Valley as well as the golden plains of Bangladesh from the peak . Pelga Falls, about seven kilometers from Tura, has become a hot spot for anglers and picnickers in recent years.

Meghalaya is ideal for tourists seeking pleasures of trekking, camping, caving and rock-climbing. Water sports are also popular. The lush forests provide the best treks-November to February are the best months for trekking, camping and caving. Some of the best routes are Living Root Bridge, Kyllang Rock, David Scott Trail and Sohpetbneng. The natural beauty of Sohra or Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on earth, is to be found here, as also Shillong the capital of Meghalaya.

Shillong

Located in the east Khasi Hills District, Shillong is the only hill station in the country that is accessible from all sides. The city’s name is derived from U-Shyllong, a powerful deity, and is located at an altitude of 1,491 metres above sea level. It is the education centre for the North East, with the establishment of many well-reputed educational institutions.

Among the many places to visit in Shillong are Lady Hydari Park, located in the heart of the city and noted for its abundance of plants and flowers, and Ward’s Lake, a beautiful man made lake with short garden walks and boating facilities, and a popular spot for both local and visiting tourists. For


those interested in tribal culture and history, the Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum offers valuable insights into the lifestyle of the people. The Don Bosco Centre for indigenous Cultures is a startlingly –unique, hexagonal structure that combines a museum with a research and publication centre for promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of North East India. The Shillong Golf Course is one of the oldest and best natural golf courses in the world. Known as the “Gleneagles of the East” by the United States Golf Association and Museum, the site is unbelievably beautiful, set as it is in an undulating valley covered with thick graves of pine and rhododendron trees at an altitude of 5,200 feet. Originally a 9-hole course, it was converted into an 18 hole course.

Mawphlang

About 25 kilometres from Shillong is the amazing Mawphlang Sacred Forest, a sacred grove of plants, trees, orchids and butterflies, which have been preserved by traditional religious sanction, since the ancient days. The forest is a treasure-trove for nature lovers and an ecological museum, exhibiting myriad varieties of plant life

Sohra

Once the capital of Meghalaya, the honour was later bestowed on Shil long because of the former’s severe weather. Sohra or Cherrapunjee, is a sub-division in the East Khasi Hill District, and sits on a plateau on the sourthern slopes of the state. With its incredible waterfalls cascading over deep gorges, it is the ultimate eco-

friendly destination, a place known for receiving the highest rainfall in the world.

Mawsynram, a small village about 56 kilometers from Shillong, is reportedly also the wettest place on earth, receiving an average annual rainfall of 11,872 mm (about 39 feet) but since there has been no meteorological department office in the area, Sohra is still recorded as the wettest place in the world.

The Dain-thlen Falls, near Sohra, derives its name from a “Thlen” or Snake, which dwelt nearby and was killed. The Mawsynram cave is well known for its huge stalagmite formations that resemble the “Shivalinga”.The Thankharang Park on the Mawsmai-Shella Road is about eight kilometers from Sohra, and a popular tourist spot. The Park sits on the high rocky cliffs and overlooks the plains of Bangladesh. The bird sanctuary nearby, with the awesome view of the imposing Kynrem Waterfalls, the highest waterfall in Meghalaya set against the backdrop of the Bangladesh plains, is a bonanza for tourists.

Located just 15 kilometres from Shillong is the splendid Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani, the largest artificial lake in the state. Surrounded by the verdant hills of green Khasi pines, the lake is a must visit. Developed on the reservoir of the Umiam Hydro Electric Project, the water sports complex provides a choice of row boats, paddle-boats, cruise-boats, sailing .

India’s Cleanest Village

Just 90 kilometres from Shi l long is the picturesque

Mawlynnong Village, which has the distinction of being the cleanest village in India. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people here, who mainly grow betel nut. Major attractions are the living root bridge and natural phenomena, like the boulder found balancing on a rock. Cleanliness is an age-old tradition here, with the Discover Magazine declaring the village as Asia’s Cleanest in 2003. Cleanliness measures include the use of bamboo dustbins from which waste is collected in a pit to be used as manure eventually. There is a ban on plastic, the hundred-per-cent literate villagers are conservation-conscious, and plant trees to keep the forest intact.

In Tune With Nature

Meghalaya’s main ethnic communities, each with their own distinctive customs and cultural traditions are the Khasis, the Garos, and the Jaintias. The common trait binding all three communities is its matrilineal system in which the family lineage is taken from the mother’s side. The people of Meghalaya are hospitable, cheerful and friendly. The Garos usually sing folk songs relating to birth, festivals, marriage, love and heroic deeds, along with the beats of various types of drums and flutes. The Khasis and Jaintias are generally fond of songs lauding nature’s beauty. The traditional dances of Meghalaya are :Nongkrem dance, Shad Suk Mynsiem, Behdienkhlam, Wangala, Dorsegata Dance and Lahoo Dance. q

(E-mail:[email protected])


We need to formulate a

comprehensive strategy for the

speedy development of the region

and deepen the engagement

with the ASEAN countries through cultural diplomacy

Cultural Diplomacy to Boost Tourism

NORTh EAST

OURISM IS a sector that has potential for fast growth. It pushes growth of infrastructure, s t imula te s cu l tu ra l

activity and leads to improved understanding and better relations between the tourists and the hosts. If managed properly, domestic and international tourism can to be among the foremost vehicles for growth and development. Tourism has also become an instrument for sustainable human development. According to a recent study, world tourism generates 15 % of world GNP and domestic tourism is assumed to be nine times greater than in te rna t ional tour i sm. According to another study by World Tourism Organization, around 1.5 billion tourists will be visiting foreign countries annually by the year 2020, spending US$ 5 billion every day. Touris arrivals will grow by an average 4.3% a year while revenue will increase

The author is Asstt. Professor, Department of Economics, Manipur University

by 6.7% a year. It is forecasted that by 2020 tourism industry would be the single biggest industry in the world. It was also predicted that some Asian countries, particularly China, India, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, etc. will be the prominent tourists destinations along with South Africa and European countries.

Tourism in India

There has been remarkable growth in the recent years in foreign/domestic tourist arrivals to India due to the various efforts made, including promoting India through the “Incredible India” campaign in overseas markets. As per the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2009 by the World Economic Forum, India is ranked 11th in the Asia Pacific region and 62nd overall, moving up three places on the list of the world’s attractive destinations. It is ranked the 14th best tourist

Maisnam Bobo Singh

ANAlySiS

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destination for its natural resources and 24th for its cultural resources. India also bagged 37th rank for its air transport network. The India travel and tourism industry ranked 5th in the long-term (10-year) growth and is expected to be the second largest employer in the world by 2019.

Over 5.11 million foreign tourists visited India in 2009. The domestic tourist visit during the year 2008 are estimated to be 562.9 million. According to GOI (2010), Foreign Exchange Earnings(FEEs) from tourism touched the figure of Rs.54,960 crore ($ 11.39 billion) in the same year. The total market size of the tourism industry has increased from $ 8,634 million in 2006 to $13,377 million in 2010 (Table 1).

Scale of Tourism in North Eastern Region

The Ministry of Tourism calls the North Eastern Region a ‘paradise unexplored’. The north-eastern region has incredible tourism potential. The rich natural beauty, exotic flora and fauna, diversity in ethnicity, culture, language, food habits, dresses etc., serve as invaluable assets for the development of tourism in the region. The deep forests, cascading rivers, rich flora(7500 flowering plants,700 orchids,58 bamboos,64 citrus,28 conifers,700 ferns,500 mosses,728 lichen spicies) and fauna(3,624 insects,50 mollusc,236 fish,64 amphibians,137 reptiles,541 birds and 166 mammalian species) and the rich cultural traditions of the region exhibited in their in the dances, performing arts, music and

sporting performances should be able to attract many tourists. Yet tourism in the region is still in the infant phase, still to be exploited to the optimal. Despite of the current hype about India’s Look East Policy and current high growth trajectory and also despite of the “Incredible India” campaign there has not been remarkable growth in foreign/domestic tourist arrivals to the NER. The statistics show that, during 2008-09, the number of tourist visits in the region was only 57, 91,948 (Table 2).

The main reason why tourists, both domestic and foreign, are not attracted to the North-East is that the region is particularly backward in physical, social and cultural infrastructure. The budget provision for tourism is also quite inadequate considering the present low level of development. For the development and promotion of tourism in the NER, 10% of the plan allocation of the Ministry of Tourism has been earmarked. An amount of Rs.105 crore has been allocated for the year 2010-11(BE) for the region (Table 3). As the “Crowding out theory” does not work in this peripheral region it cannot rely on private investment as a springboard for development and growth, thus the role of the government is directly called for.

Moreover, although it is high time for us to prepare ourselves to derive the benefits that are likely to emerge from India’s Look East Policy which is an important strategic shift in India’s vision of the world and its engagement with Southeast Asian neighbours, not much has been done to employ

Table 1. Market size of the Tourism Industry in India

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010Tourism Receipts (US$ million)

8,634 10,729 11,832 12,636 13,377

Source: Euromonitor International 2010

Table 2: Tourist Arrival in North Eastern Region (2009)

Domestic Foreign Total

Assam 3850521 14982 3865503

Arunachal Pradesh 195147 3945 199092

Meghalaya 591398 4522 595920

Sikkim 587810 17730 605540

Mizoram 56651 513 57164

Manipur 124229 337 124566

Nagaland 20953 1423 2376

Tripura 317541 4246 321787

Source: Ministry of Tourism,GOI (2010).


cultural diplomacy as a tool for engagement. Northeast India holds an advantageous position in India’s Look East Policy (LEP) since the region provides a key historical and cultural relation with Southeast Asia. The case of the Tai ethnic groups of the region brings to light a historically shared but currently disjointed cultural identity, which links India’s Northeast with Southeast Asia. The Tai ethnic groups live in a vast area extending from the south of China, and north of Vietnam to Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and India’s Northeast states of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

This is absolutely indicative of the potential for boosting economic ties and cultural tourism with Southeast Asia.

We may therefore conclude that the main problem facing the tourism industry in the North East is the lack of adequate and reliable tourism infrastructure. Infrastructure development is a fundament prerequisite for the meaningful involvement of the North Eastern Region in India’s Look East Policy and globalisation process. All these will require huge investment; and, therefore it is imperative that adequate fund flow for public investment

is assured. We need to formulate a comprehensive strategy for the speedy development of the region and deepen the engagement with the ASEAN countries through cultural diplomacy. Tourism development and infrastructure projects should be taken up on war footing without disturbing the social and cultural identities of the various ethnic groups of the region and also taking into account the natural and cultural landscapes, bio-diversity characteristics and the broader visual context of custom and heritage. Focus should be given to using local resources and architectural styles and traditions. “Even a five thousand mile journey must start with the first step”, says an old Chinese proverb. There is a long journey ahead for the NER as it tries to look eastward. A beginning has to be made soon. What we lack is not resources but political will. q


Table 3: Budget Provision for Tourism in NER

2009-10 (BE) 2009-10(RE) 2010-11(BE)In crore Rupees

Plan 100(1000) 95(950) 105(1050)

Non-Plan 0(70) 0(70) 0(69.41)

Total(NER) 100(1070) 95(1020) 105 (119.41)

Note: Figures in brackets indicate India’s total)Source : Expenditure Budget 2010-11(GOI,2010)

Centre Sanctions Rs 320 cr for Assam Rural RoadsThe Central Government has sanctioned Rs 320 crore for the Assam Government to construct

and improve the condition of rural roads in the state under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).

The Union Ministry of Rural Development has released grants-in-aid recently as part payment of second installment of Phase VII for construction of rural roads in Assam under PMGSY. The amount is from the special window created in the National Bank of Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) under RIDF as grants-in-aid to the Assam State Road Board (ASRB), Guwahati. The ASRB is the agency executing the works taken up under the PMGSY in the state.

The work on improving rural roads in the state was on in full swing and more rural roads would be included under the PMGSY after the release of the funds. Pradhan Maniti Gram Sadak Yojana is a 100 per cent Centrally sponsored scheme to provide road connectivity in the rural areas of the country.

The PMGSY envisages connectivity to all habitations with a population of 500 persons and above in the rural areas and about 250 persons and above in respect of the hilly states, tribal areas and desert areas through good and all-weather roads. The Union Ministry of Rural Development has been focusing on improving road connectivity in the Northeastern region, including Assam, where connectivity is a big problem.


Water security is essential for

food security and the lesson of Luthu and

fellow villagers should be taken

seriously

Farm ponds are beneficial

bEST PRACTiCES

HE AGRARIAN state of Orissa is fighting its toughest ever battle against farm distress. While more than three

thousand farmers have already committed suicides in the last decade, the recent years have seen an unprecedented rise in the cases. The government as well as the farmers have been caught unawares. The government has announced several measures to control the distress and the farmers are busy finding their own ways to fight the menace. What is surprising everyone is the increasing devastation being wreaked by a truant monsoon. Last year, rains ditched the fields at sowing time and an unprecedented increase in heat saw to it that the creeping caterpillars got a perfect breeding ground for their multiplication. They invade the crop fields at that time each year but the rains drive them away. The delay in rain and prolonged

TRanjan K Panda

heat in the atmosphere provided the caterpillars the perfect ground to stay for long and they ate up the crop fields to a large extent. This and indebtedness drove farmers to commit suicides.

Rengali block in Sambalpur district was among the first regions which figured in news last year owing to farmer suicides. While two farmers in the block made successful attempts, Surendra Dhurua o f Kusumdih i was unsuccessful in taking his life. The failure of rain and pest attack made him lose all the crops and fearing harassment by money lenders from whom he had taken thirteen thousand rupees loan to be able to farm, he consumed pesticide that he had bought to save the fields from caterpillars. Next to his village, in Khapsadera however, Bidu Kisan was not lucky. The pesticide gripped his life. Same was the case with Balaram Bhoi of Gulamal village, not very far from Surendra’s

The author is Convenor, Water Initiatives Orissa and a Freelance Researcher-writer.


village. “Things are getting worse for our villages since the monsoon is failing us year after year, the phenomenon becoming more regular during the last ten to fifteen years”, says Prof. Arttabandhu Mishra, a retired professor from Sambalpur University and a leading environmentalist of the state. In fact the Agriculture Minister of Orissa also admitted the fact.

A light in the darkness

In the same village however, there is another example; a positive one. Luthu Mirdha, a fifty seven year old farmer preferred to learn from his tradition to fight the current menace of drought. With support of a local NGO he became part of a new water harvesting revolution that is silently spreading in his area and nearby villages. “I have realized the importance of rain water harvesting and hence become part of a campaign supported by MASS to pursue the government officials to help me dig a farm pond”, says Luthu. “He has always been a positive farmer and is ready to experiment. We trained him on organic farming

and kitchen garden concepts and he picked up very well. He is now able to raise his family’s yearlong vegetable requirement in his backyard”, says Manoranjan Seth, a community organizer with MASS, a local NGO working to drought proof the western districts of Orissa.

Kusumdihi is a tribal dominated village in Rengali block of Orissa’s Sambalpur district. Located at about forty kilometers from the district headquarters, the villages has about one eighty families most of whom are tribal. While agriculture is the mainstay of their economy, most of the farmers are small and marginal land holders raising paddy, millets, pulses and vegetables. Collection and sale of non-timber forest produces is the secondary occupation. “They depend on agriculture which is getting vulnerable by the year. Thankfully most of the people – largely women – roll beedis or else we would have seen more number of suicides”, says Durga Bagh, a local activist who has been keeping a close watch on the agrarian distress in the area.

Luthu, though a small farmer

and an o ld man , has been considered a progressive farmer in the village. “He is always on the look out to do something new and it was easy to convince him to contribute for a farm pond”, says Seth. The model that MASS promotes is where the people have to agree to contribute through their land and labour for the farm ponds. “Our organization believes in complete participation of the people themselves. We may or may not be able to raise grants but if the people are convinced of the benefits, they will not only do it but will sustain the effort”, he adds further. In a village meeting organized in the year 2008 to discuss the continuous drought situation in the area, the importance of traditional water harvesting structures were recalled. “Our forefathers had dug several kinds of structures like tanks, ponds, mudas, chahalas and so on but things changed after independence of the country when all the structures were handed over to Gram Panchayats. The tanks we used for irrigation earlier were made multiple utility ones and fishery contracts started generating conflicts as a few powerful people would take those on lease and the profit started going to one person”, says Bagh.

Luthu and fellow villagers charted a plan of action to revive their traditional water harvesting structures but along with that they also decided to do small farm ponds. Eleven farmers agreed to the proposal and a new era started in the village. Luthu has never seen a drought bothering him again to the extent the others are bothered about it. “We don’t have irrigation facilities in these Farmers in the Village are benefiting from harvesting water


villages and the government is also not giving importance to minor irrigation projects in our block. But people badly need water to make their crops survive. With monsoon getting more erratic, these structures are more important. At least people can hold some water to save their crops from dying. They can grow enough to feed their families at the least”, says Durga

Two years since, the eleven farm ponds in the village has helped the people to drought proof at least eighty acres of land. “We grow paddy and millets and manage the water properly. Of course, with scanty rainfall last year and very less rainfall this year we are not able to harvest

as much water as we would have in a normal year. But, our crops have survived and we are not commiting suicides as our fellow farmers elsewhere”, says Uddhaba Kisan, another old farmer who has also dug a farm pond and benefited.

The success of these villagers has encouraged them to demand farm ponds under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) but they are yet to see any fruit. “As I already said organisations like MASS can only be facilitators; we cannot provide more than what we have provided and as such also we are here to make people self-sufficient so that they do it themselves without depending on us always. We have

helped them organize and demand works under the NREGS so that they can dig more farm ponds and revive their common water structures”, informs Seth.

“The government of Orissa has declared that at least five lakh farm ponds will be dug in the state to save farmers from distress but it requires a real push”, says Raj Kishor Mishra, an activist. Water security is essential for food security and the lesson of Luthu and fellow villagers should be taken seriously if the state wants to give a sustained fight to the increasing farm distress owing to climate change and other factors. q


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Major public investment in

infrastructure is essential to remove the wide disparities

existing between Meghalaya and the advanced states of

the country

Looking at Meghalaya through MDG lens

NORThE EAST

HE POPULATION of Meghalaya consists of three main tribes, the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo. Matrilineal System is

the basic feature of the three tribes. The economy of the state is mainly agrarian. Nearly 80% of the population in the villages depends primarily on agriculture. Meghalaya ranks poorly in terms of Human Development Index (HDI). From a rank of 21st in 1981, its position slipped to 24th in 1991 among the 32 states and UTs. In 2005, the rank of Meghalaya was 26th out of 35 states and UTs. This implies that the rate of development in the state is slower than the rate in most other states.

T h e e i g h t M i l l e n n i u m Development Goals are the globally accepted yardsticks and

The author is Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Assam (Central) University, Silchar

parameters to assess any state’s or country’s overall progress. So a view of Meghalaya through the MDG-lens will give a picture of its current state of progress and development in different sectors.

Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

The off icial poverty rate as reported by the Planning Commission is available only for Assam from among the states in North Eastern Region. However there is no denying the fact that poverty in Meghalaya is widespread, especially in the rural areas. The household survey conducted by the state govt. in 2002 finds that 49.9% of the households in Meghalaya are BPL. As per the records of Community and Rural Development Department of Meghalay the proportion of households living below poverty

Anupam Hazra

APPRAiSAl

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line is a staggeringly huge figure of 48.9%.East Garo Hills district has the highest incidence of poverty at 56% followed by West Garo Hills at 54%.Jaintia Hills district has the lowest proportion of households below poverty line at a little less than 40%.The incidence of poverty in the other districts is in the range of 45-50%.

Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education

As per 2001 census the literacy rate of the state was 63.31%.Meghalaya has been traditionally known for its education system even under British rule. Shillong still has some of the best colleges in the whole of North East. Literacy rates are marginally lower in Meghalaya as compared to the all India average. Rural literacy rates continue to be low. However enrolment rates are higher in Meghalaya than the all India average. The gender gap in educational attainment is not very prominent in the state compared to the rest of the country. In a few districts, enrolment rates among girls are higher than those for boys. With the launch of Sarava Siksha Abhiyan and its various interventions the State is making every possible effort to provide education of satisfactory quality by bridging the existing gaps in access, provision of infrastructure including curricula and teachers training.

Goal 3 : Promote gender e q u a l i t y a n d e m p o w e r women:

Meghalaya is the only state in India where a matriarchal society is prevalent. The women in the state are as much outgoing, hard working and entrepreneurial as the men. Meghalaya is among the best performing states in term of Gender Disparity Index (GDI) and Gender Empowerment Index (GEI).

I n t e r m s o f t h e G e n d e r Deve lopment Index (GDI) , Meghalaya shows much better position than most of the states of India. The better GDI of Meghalaya is due to the fact that the female work participation rate in the state is relatively higher. Women in Meghalaya are better placed compared to their counterparts in the patrilineal societies. Women inherit the parents’ property – acquired and ancestral. Women get better share as the custodian of the property and the keeper of the home and hearth.

But still women in Meghalaya s u f f e r f r o m t h e p r o b l e m s o f i l l i t e r a c y, p o v e r t y a n d malnutrition, male-drunkenness and family discord. Cases of domestic violence and sexual crimes also are not unheard of. These problems are universal and the prevalence of matrilineal system does not guarantee gender equality and absence of gender related discrimination.

G o a l 4 : R e d u c e c h i l d mortality:

The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) for Meghalaya in 2007 was 52.28 per 1000 live births. As per Sample Registration System (SRS), the IMR for Meghalaya in 2006 was 53, which is lower than the national average of 57.The rural IMR was 54 for Meghalaya, 62 for all India; urban IMR was 43 for Meghalaya and 39 for all India. At all India level 48% of children less that 5 years of age are stunted and 43% are under weight. In Meghalaya 42% children are stunted, 46% are underweight and 28% are wasted. This figure points to a very sad state of under nutrition among children.

Goal 5: Improve maternal health:

As per the state’s record the Maternal Mortality Rate is 450.Studies and surveys reveal that 90 – 95% of deliveries in rural areas take place at home conducted by family members or untrained dais. Only 15% of mothers have access to antenatal care by trained personnel and 12% by untrained personnel.56% of pregnant women in Megalaya are anemic. This leads to high prevalence of Anemia among children. Many areas of the state are remote, inaccessible and forested with operational difficulties in implementation of control program. Healthcare facilities need to be expanded as


well as developed in those remote rural areas.

Goal 6: Combat HIV/ AIDS, malaria and other diseases:

The prevalence of HIV/AIDS has reduced drastically in the state. As of June 26, 2009 NACO has detected 234 HIV positive cases. As of February 2009, 1989 Malaria cases have been found in Meghalaya. Incidence of and deaths due to malaria is showing a fluctuating trend during the last three years. The state has been covered under Global Fund Supported Intensified Malaria Control Project. Efforts need to be intensified to reduce malaria mortality by establishing proper effective referral mechanism and treatment facilities for severe cases.

Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability

The reduction in forest cover and erosion of natural resource base of the state have been directly impacting the livelihood options of the millions of forest dependents, who do not have any other livelihood alternatives. During the past few decades, there has been considerable deterioration in the quality of the environment in Meghalaya. The forest area in Meghalaya has reduced from 69.06% to 63.06% over 15 years . The major environmental problems result from population pressure,

conversion of forestland into agricultural fields, deforestation, u r b a n i z a t i o n , m i n i n g a n d industrialization. The increasing anthropogenic s t resses may further aggravate the situation in the future.

Meghalaya is rich in mineral resources like coal, limestone, clay and kaolin, uranium etc. Among all the natural resources, forests constitute maximum to the state’s economy. A large number in rural Meghalaya are exclusively dependent on forests for their substances. The dependency on the forests has been traditionally for shif t ing cul t ivat ion and restoring fertility of fallows for further shifting cultivation. The year-long moderately cool climate of Meghalaya is conducive to indus t r i a l deve lopment , particularly for hardware industry. It is also one of the cleanest and pollution free states.

Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development

Of the total of 5782 villages in Meghalaya, 2762 villages, comprising 48 per cent of the total, have a population of less than 200. These small sized villages are scattered throughout the state. As such, the cost of providing physical and social infrastructure like roads, electricity, health care, primary education, potable drinking water, etc. is very high as compared to other states in the country. This calls for high

allocation of resources including manpower to improve the social and physical infrastructure in the state and an integrated effort from organization like DoNER, NEDFi, NEC along with private sector, voluntary organisations, civil societies.

Conclusion:

Government of India’s “Look East” policy has helped in building cordial relationship with countries of South East Asia. This “Look East” Policy can also be looked at from a different angle - Reaching Southeast Asia via Northeast India. The north eastern states hold great importance for India as they represent the key for achieving closer integration and gaining greater economic access to the other Southeast Asian nations. Meghalaya being nearer to these countries is in a better position to gain from this trade and cooperation. The state can attract investors from the South East Asian countries. Public sector must take a lead in the creation of physical and social infrastructure like roads, electricity, health care, primary education, potable drinking water, etc. Major public investment in infrastructure is essential to remove the wide disparit ies existing between Meghalaya and the advanced states of the country. q



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KISAN CREDIT CARDS FOR FARMERS

In a significant achievement by the banks the number of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) sanctioned in Jammu and Kashmir has crossed ninety thousand and the amount authorized is Rs 358 crores at the end of March 2010. Reserve Bank of India’s statutory report on trend and progress of banking

in India. 2009-10 which was released recently said, “In Jammu and Kashmir the KCC figures has reached 93,000 at the end of March 2010.

The report mentions that the Cooperative Banks issues 53 thousand KCCs, which amounts to the sanctioning of Rs 78 crores while, Regional Rural Banks issued 24 thousand cards, which amounts to Rs 173 crores and the Commercial Banks issued 15 thousand cards amounting to Rs 101 crores. The KCC scheme was implemented in the late nineties to further financial inclusion by improving the accessibility of credit by farmers. At end March 2010, the total number of cards issued and sanctioned amount of loans under the scheme witnessed an increase over the previous year. The average amount of sanctioned loan per card holder exhibited a steady rising trend since its inception except of the last two years.

At an all India level as part of government initiative to provide Kisan Credit Card to all the eligible and willing farmers in a time bound manner 9.48 crore KCCs have been issued up to June, 2010. In the area of rural credit, NABARD is the apex organization and as such it has been playing a very important role in enhancing the credit flow to the rural economy since its inception in 1982. It is actively involved in refinancing of rural lending institutions such as RRBs and cooperative credit institutions as also in the recapitalization of these institutions. Further, NABARD is also entrusted with the responsibility of supervision of rural cooperative credit institutions. Special schemes to improve credit flow to the rural economy, viz., Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) and Kisan Credit Card (KCC), are also entrusted with NABARD. q

J&K WiNDOW

POWER PROJECTS ON THE CHENAB

To harness hydro power potential of 9330 MWs on the Chenab basin 10 power projects have been initiated by the government of Jammu and Kashmir. These projects are expected not only to add to the power generation capacity of the state but also generate employment and provide electricity to

remote areas.

The estimated power potential found in Chenab basin are in the districts of Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar in Jammu region. However out of the total capacity of 9330 MWs, 450 MWs BHEP-I and 390 MWs Dulhastui HEP have already been commissioned. These power projects will provide free electricity to the people below poverty lime (BPL) and power connectivity to schools, hospitals, Panchayat Ghar and other important institutions in every remote village and employment to local skilled electricians

BPL households will be provided free electric connections, these include 841 BPL households of Ramban Constituency as well. The important public facility like hospitals, schools, Panchayat Ghars etc will also be Provided electric connections as envisaged in the scheme. Including Raman constituency has been completed. Work is being executed on turn key basis by contracts selected as per RGGVY guidelines who have been asked to utilize the local man power on their suitability and requirement. Initiatives have also been taken for the employment of local youth in different hydro electric projects As per the terms and conditions signed between government of Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir power Cooperation and Power trading Cooperation for the three joint projects ventures namely Pakaldu Kiru, and Kawar there will be substantial employment opportunities for local youth once work on projects are started. q

66 YOJANA December 2010davp 17161/13/0013/1011


DO yOu KNOW?

What is the significance of biodiversity in North East India ?

The North eastern region of the country has a wide range of physiography ranging from high himalayan mountains to low lying flood plains, and varied ecoclimatic conditions ranging from tropical to temperate to cold. The region has 51 types of forests which can be broadly grouped under six major forest types viz., tropical moist deciduous forests, tropical semi evergreen forests, tropical wet evergreen forests, subtropical forests, temperate forests and alpine forests . The region represents the zone of transition between the Indo- Malayan and Paleacrtic Biogeographic regions. This transitional nature and the wide range of physiography and ecoclimatic types gives rise to a huge variety of habitats in the region, characterized by a diverse range of biota. The level of endemism of the biota is also very high in the region, which means that many species of plants and animals are unique to the region.

The region has about 167,000 sq km under forest area and accounts for nearly 50% of the plant species in India. It has about 7500 species of angiosperms. Sikkim alone has 5000 species of flowering plants including some very primitive species. About one third of the flora of the region is endemic to it for example the carnivorous pitcher plant. Furthermore, some of the important gene pools of

BIO DIVERSITY OF THE NORTH EASTcitrus, banana, mango and rice are reported to have originated from this region. Out of about 1300 species of orchids found in India, 700 come from the North East, of which 550 are from Arunachal Pradesh alone. The region also has 70 species of rhododendrons out of the 82 found in India, 63 species of bamboo out of the 136 Indian species, 28 species of conifers, about 1000 species of ferns and many other non flowering plant. Many of the plants of the region are used for medicinal or food purposes. The region also has a wide range of faunal diversity. An estimated 3,624 species of insects, 50 molluscs, 236 fishes, 64 amphibians, 137 reptiles, 541 birds, and 160 mammalian species have been so far described .The hoolock, golden langur, the endangered pig tailed and stub tailed macaque, clouded leopard, snow leopard, a mind boggling assemblage of smaller carnivores, bats, 33 % of India’s wild elephants, rhinoceros, Chinese pangolin, varieties of deer are all found in this region. North east India also supports some of the rarest and most sought after birds of the Oriental region.

Why is the current concern about b iodivers i ty in the region ?

The current concern is with regard to the large number of endangered species in the region. The pressures of deforestation, jhum cultivation, mining, forest fires, soil erosion, encroachment, urbanization, degradation of water bodies are some reasons which

have led to the loss of habitat, and hence dwindling of the population of many species, bringing them under the endangered category.

Disappearance of endemic species is a matter of serious concern. Since such species of plants and animals are unique to the region, their disappearance could eventually lead to their total extinction. A region qualifies as a global hotspot if it has at least 0.5 percent endemism. In case of the Indo Burma hotspot of which the North East is a part, the endemism is 25 percent. Hence the serious concern about preserving the biodiversity of the region.

What is being done to conserve t h e b i o d i v e r s i t y o f t h e region ?

The immense biodiversity of the Northeastern Region has made it a priority area for investment by the leading conservation agencies of the world. World wildlife foundation has identified the entire eastern Himalaya as a priority Global 2000 Ecoregion; India was categorized earlier on as one o f the twe lve megadiversity countries in the world. Subsequently the eastern Himalayan region covering Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Darjeeling and parts of Nepal was identified as a biodiversity hotspot. These are regions that have high biological diversity, high endemism but are under severe anthropogenic threat. In 2000, this region was brought


under the larger Indo- Burma hotspot which is the world’s second largest biodiversity hotspot after the Mediterranean Basin.

Recognizing the region as a global biodiversity hotspot means concerted efforts in the region by conservation agencies. Three global and five national priority setting exercises have been carried out to identify key sites and species that are unique or important socially, culturally and environmentally. Priority areas, corridors etc have been identified for conservation purposes. The Assam plains and eastern Himalayas have been identified as Endemic Bird Areas; in addition 59 Important Bird Areas have been identified for conservation of endangered species of birds. WWF has identified the following Priority Ecoregions - Brahmaputra Valley Semievergreen Forests, Eastern Himalaya broadleaved forests, Eastern Himalaya subalpine coniferous forests and India–Myanmar pine forests . A priority ecoregion is a relatively large area of land or water that contains a geographically distinct set of natural communities that share a majority of their species, ecological dynamics and environment conditions and function together as a conservation unit at global and regional scales. Since ecoregions are usually large areas, smaller critical landscapes are identified within ecoregions for focussed conservation purposes. The WWF has identified the following critical landscapes - the western Arunachal landscape in Arunachal Pradesh, the Khangchendzonga landscape in Sikkim and Darjeeling, the north bank landscape and the Kaziranga-

Karbi Anglong landscapes in Assam.

On the national level there have been projects like Planning a Protected Area Network for designing scientifically robust and viable network of protected areas; Biodiversity Conservation Prioritization Project that attempted to identify priority sites and species on the basis of their biological and socioeconomic values and to develop strategies for their conservation at a national scale; the state biodiversity conservation strategy and action plans etc.

The Botanical Survey of India published the Indian Red Data Books on plants to highlight the rare, endangered, and threatened species The Tropical Botanical Garden Research Institute’s publication on the endemic plant hotspots of India, Bhutan, and Nepal provides an account of endemic plants in the Sikkimand Arunachal Pradesh Himalayas, the Naga and Manipur Hills, the Lushai-Mizo Hills, and the Khasi-Jaintia Hills . The Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions, Bangalore, used a conservation assessment and management prioritization study to develop taxon data sheets for the medicinal plants of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, and Sikkim . Fifty-one plant species were assessed, of which 47 were found to be threatened in one or more states. Of these, six were globally threatened. Arunachal Pradesh was found to have five of these species, Assam had one, Meghalaya had two, Sikkim had two, and one was common to all the states. WWF-India, in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institute of the United States, made an

assessment of the floral richness of the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary and Nameri National Park. Biodiversity richness was found to be comparable with many other regions of the globe.

What are the legislations in India that aim at conservation of biodiversity ?

Ind ia has enac ted and i m p l e m e n t e d t h e I n d i a n Forest Act, 1927; the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980; the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; the Biodiversity Act, 2002; the Biodiversity Rule, 2004, etc. India became a party to Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 1976. India is also a signatory of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) since 1992. A network of protected areas – biosphere reserves, sanctuaries, national parks, arborata, botanical gardens, etc. have been established throughout the country. The north eastregion has four biosphere reserves, 48 sanctuaries, 14 national parks, and two world heritage sites.

What are sacred groves ?Sacred groves or forests

in Meghalaya, Manipur and Nagaland , sacred landscapes in Sikkim and sacred hilltops in Arunachal Pradesh are age old cultural institutions that serve to protect the forests and biodiversity. The local people consider these as the abode of local deities and therefore, are committed to protecting them. These ecosystems represent remnants of ancient forests. But these practices are rapidly vanishing due to changing beliefs and customs.


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Automatic Watering System and Others

ShODh yATRA

B D U L K A L E E M (24), a young man from Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, is a serial innovator. He has developed a number of innovative projects,

interesting among which are the automatic watering system in flower pots, short-circuit alarm, GSM based burglar alarm, overhead tank monitoring and regulating system. After graduating in arts in 2007 from Gorakhpur, he is contractually associated with Non-conventional Energy Development Agency (NEDA) in a project related to a street light controller device. He was still a student when his entry was received by NIF for fifth campaign. He comes from a well educated background. Abdul performed average in studies but took interest in electrical/ electronics since childhood. Due to his habit of experimentation, he was often punished for messing things up.. Many a times, he was reprimanded for wasting time. Though, mostly he used scrap articles but at times he even spent his pocket money to purchase different items from the market. At other times, he had to

A do an odd job or two for some extra money. His elder sister and her husband, his class teacher and one of his friends always encouraged and supported him to do better. His creative pursuits have been covered well by local electronic and print media during the last two years. He was also given the Nav-anveshak Samman in February 2009, by the Uttar Pradesh government, for his efforts in promoting science and technology through his work.

Automatic watering system in flower pots

Many times we see plants and flowers in our garden getting wilted due to lack of timely watering. Gardening has been Abdul’s hobby for long. Having noticed the problem he made a sensor controlled device that automatically switches on and off a motor depending upon the moisture content in the pot. The device is designed in such a way that when the moisture content in the soil gets below a preset value, the sensor gets activated and switches on the water pump. When the soil gets sufficiently watered, i.e. moisture goes above the preset

He thought of a device that could alert the user if

he had inserted a faulty device into a power plug or

if there was some internal short-

circuit

Abdul Kaleem


value; the sensor switches off the motor. There are two LEDs, red and green, on the sensor box. The red coloured LED indicates water deficit whereas the green one indicates water sufficiency.

He had to face considerable financial problems while developing this device and had to make and break many prototypes. The cost of the final prototype came to around Rs. 600. He has applied for patent through NIF. (The concept of automatically watering plants is available in art however, prior art discloses multifarious approaches for the same. There are several US Patents for the devise but mechanisms are different) He wants to modify the device by doing away with the motor and incorporating a magnetic system. He is still working on the concept. NIF assisted him for the development of this prototype along with a few other innovations.

Short-circuit alarm

Abdul used to wonder if he could do something to prevent electrocution deaths. He realised that electrocution was mainly caused by short-circuits. He thought of a device that could alert the user if he had inserted a faulty device into a power plug or if there was some internal short-

circuit. This device consists of a transformer, diodes, capacitor, an alarm, LED, one switch and one socket for output supply. In the first version, he had used Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) but that increased the cost, so in the second design he did not use it. The first design also had a fire alarm, which was removed in the second one. The device weighs 400g and is put near the main electricity board. One wire is connected to the meter while the other is earthed. When a faulty appliance with a short circuit is connected to any socket in the house, the alarm goes on. Once the appliance is unplugged, the alarm automatically goes off. This device works only in cases of appliances where earth wire is given (i.e. appliances that have three-pin plugs). It took him around six months to develop the device and cost him Rs. 700. He estimates, now the same would cost only Rs 300.

GSM based burglar informer

This is a system to inform about attempted break in the house when owners are away.. In this device, there is a leaf switch on the main door. When the door is forcibly opened, a relay switch is triggered, which activates the circuit. The GSM system attached to the circuit then dials a preset mobile number. It continues the dialing until either the system is switched off or the user of the preset mobile number accepts the call.

The system can be switched on and off as per requirement. It can be used in houses, offices, shops and even in a vehicle. Presently, Abdul has used a cardboard box to fit the assembly, which took him three months (and the sacrifice of two mobile sets) to complete. Excluding the mobile cost, the system costs Rs. 1500.

Ceramic pot with heating filament

At a cost of Rs. 50, Abdul has incorporated an electrical heating filament in a ceramic pot, which can be used to burn slowly, small mosquito coil fragments/tablets, dry neem leaves, havan samagri of the Hindus or even loban used by Muslims. After burning, the ash and the residue can be easily disposed by inverting the pot. The whole process, thus, remains very clean.

A u t o m a t i c w a t e r p u m p controller

Abdul Kaleem has developed a water pump operating system, costing about Rs1000 to manage the filling of overhead tanks in houses and buildings. The device can start on its own and control the filling of the tank. The device switches off the pump when the tank gets filled. Similar systems of course already exist in the market.

Automatic flood alert using GSM

Abdul has developed a flood alert model. Noticing that flash floods often result in great loss of life, property and livestock, he decided to make this model. In this model, there would be a GSM based transmitting tower in the river with sensors at different heights. Complementarily, there would be similar receiving towers in nearby villages. As and when the water level rises in the river, the sensors at different heights pick up the rise and transmit signals to the receiving towers in different villages. The degree of water rise can then be indicated by the receiving towers by means of lights or alarms. Abdul has used lights of three different colours for the same. q

(E-mail : [email protected], www.nifindia.org) Automatic watering system in flower pots


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