GREEN ACTION FOR NATIONAL DANDI HERITAGE ... Shri Lomesh Brahmbhatt, Manager (Field) – GEC &...

SPECIAL INITIATIVES

GREEN ACTION FOR NATIONAL DANDI HERITAGE INITIATIVE (G.A.N.D.H.I.)

PROJECT

PROGRESS REPORT

(upto June 2012)

SUBMITTED TO

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GEC TEAM

· Shri A. K. Verma, IFS Member Secretary - GEC & Project Director-ICZMP

· Shri C. H. Pandya, IFS Director - GEC & Additional Project Director-ICZMP

· Shri Nischal Joshi Sr. Manager (Project) - GEC & Head of Operation –ICZMP

· Shri Lomesh Brahmbhatt, Manager (Field) – GEC & GANDHI Project - ICZMP

· Shri Rohit Pansare Environment Planner – ICZMP

· Shri Sanjay Bariya, Project Coordinator –GANDHI Project – ICZMP

· Shri Jignesh B. Patel, Shri Sunil Patel, Shri Jignesh D. Patel, Ms. Kinjal Patel Community Mobiliser - GANDHI Project – ICZMP &

Gujarat Vidhyapith Team

· Dr. Rajendrabhai Khimani, Registrar – Gujarat Vidhyapith

· Shri Kalubhai K. Dangar, Project Officer

· Shri Jayrambhai Desai & Ms. Nidhiben Y. Raval , Community Mobiliser -

GANDHI Project – ICZMP

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BACKGROUND:

Dandi is a historic site that represents one of the most important highlights of the Indian freedom struggle- the Dandi March. The area is characterised by mangrove and salt marshes which are home to many species of birds. In addition to Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy the beaches along Dandi and adjoining villages attract a lot of tourist and Gandhian scholars alike. The Green Action for National Dandi Heritage Initiative (GANDHI) Project being implemented at village Dandi, dist-Navsari, inclusive of the surrounding five villages (Sampore, Onjal, Matwad, Sultanpur & Aat) has been designated as an Eco Sensitive Area (ESA) under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986, to be enhanced and developed as a Gandhi Memorial. This project is envisioned with the aim to promote Gandhian thoughts for protection of natural resources and cultural heritage along with the socio-economic upliftment of the local communities. It was launched on 7th July, 2010 by the then Environment and Forest Minister, Government of India, Mr. Jairam Ramesh. This project of the MoEF is implemented by Society for Integrated Coastal Zone Management (SICOM) in collaboration with the Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC) and Gujarat Vidyapith with financial assistance from the World Bank-funded ICZM project. For the project area land-use map, refer Annexure I.

GEC also opened its project office at the Eru Char Rasta, Navsari for managing the project at Grass root level and also to have better coordination with village CBOs. refer photo plates 40.

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Essential activities envisaged under the GANDHI Project include- 1) Conservation of the coast and coastal resources

This includes the restoration and plantation of mangroves along with shelter-belt plantations.

a) Mangrove Plantation: A total of 100 Ha of mangrove plantation is completed till May 2011-2012. The mangrove plantations have been done to perform the multiple functions of replenishing the natural wealth of the coastal belt, protection from coastal storms and reducing salt ingress. The table alongside provides the progress so far (For photos refer Plate 1& 2).

b) Shelter Belt Plantation: The planning process for shelter-belt development has been completed with the finalization of selection of species for plantation and the selection of the site including necessary approvals and water & soil tests with GPS locations. For GPS locations refer Annexure-VII.

Villages Mangrove Plantation (May-2012)

Dandi 30 Ha completed Matwad 30 Ha completed Onjal 15 Ha completed Samapore 25 Ha completed Total 100 Ha completed

Villages Proposed Shelterbelt Plantation (2011-2012)

Dandi 5 Ha plantation planned Matwad 5 Ha plantation planned Onjal 5 Ha plantation planned Total 15 Ha

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2) Adoption of Nature based development of resources

With the aim of promoting sustainable development, use of solar energy has been planned for providing clean energy, sanitation, drinking water facilities to villages and making them self-sustaining. A) Village Solarisation : Solar lights have also been put up along the Dandi beach. Solar Street lighting in 4 villages has been completed along with the Dandi Beach. The progress has been illustrated in the table alongside. Solar training has been imparted during two workshops viz. a) Basic Solar Training for 50 members of 6

villages. b) Advanced Solar Training for 50 members of 6 villages.

(For photos refer Plate-3 & 4)

B) Installation of drinking water mains pipeline in Matwad: The Mofalla faliyu in Matwad was facing drinking water storage for which a 120m long 90 mm mains pipeline has been installed to provide the area with safe drinking water, as part of Entry Point Activity (EPA). The main line has been connected to total 60 households in the Mofalla faliyu in Matwad (For photos refer Plate-5) C) Pond Renovation: The pond renovation activities have been planned with 1 pond per village in 6 project villages. The ponds have been selected based on the requirement (drinking, irrigation, cattle, rejuvenating wells) and plan estimates have been prepared by the Irrigation Department, Navsari District for various activities herein. The department would also be responsible for the monitoring and reporting during the implementation of the work, refer Annexure-VIII.

Villages No. of solar street Lights

installed Dandi 24 Onjal 12 Matwad 12 Samapore 12 Aat In progress Sultanpur In progress

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Water samples have been collected and tested prior to the start of the work. The quality of the water in the tank and nearby wells would be monitored once the pond renovation work is completed. For results refer Annexure-IX. (For photos refer Plates-6 to 26).

Village Amount estimated for Pond Renovation

Status

Dandi Rs. 7,50,300 Completed Matwad Rs. 7,88,000 Completed

Onjal Rs. 8,12,600 Completed Aat Rs. 7,95,600 95% Completed

Samapore Rs. 7,97,500 Completed Sultanpur Rs. 7,94,100 85% Completed

Total Rs. 47,38,100 - D) Provision of sanitation facilities: To improve sanitary facilities in the region, 990 toilets in the 6 project villages are to be setup in association and support of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA)-Navsari, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) Scheme, and Tribal Department- Govt of Gujarat under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) funded, GANDHI Project. The details of the activity are given alongside. The unit cost of the toilet is Rs. 8000/unit, out of which the DRDA will provide Rs. 2000, MGNREGA is providing Rs. 1150 and the rest will be partly funded/contributed by the ICZM Project and the beneficiaries of the scheme i.e. the villagers. The Tribal dept. will fund the Bellow Poverty Line (BPL) card holders with Rs. 3000/unit as part of this initiative. The project would begin as soon as the fund allocation is completed from various sources. Refer Annexure X further details. E) Beach cleaning activity: The beach cleaning activities have been initiated and for the disposal of the collected solid waste, the landfill site has been finalized by CBOs. For beach cleaning activity carried out by CBOs refer Plate – 27 to 29.

Village No. of Toilets Dandi 46

Matwad 114 Onjal 138

Sultanpur 288 Aat 271

Samapore 128 Total 990

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3) Promoting Integrated Village and community development

To promote livelihood development along the coastal villages, the project has undertaken formation of village Community Based Organisations (CBOs). Gujarat Vidyapith being the Project Executing Partner, has been made responsible for the community mobilisation for the project. In collaboration with the Village-level Community Based Organisations, activities involving community mobilization which includes Beach cleaning, Sanitation Management, Re-structuring and restoration of existing water ponds, have been taken up. Exposure visit to demonstrate Solid Waste Management was organised at Valod, Ta. Vyara, Dist. Navsari with the participation of the CBOs & SHGs which have been formed in six villages of GANDHI project, as well as, Gujarat Vidyapith and GEC representatives. Refer Plate – 30 to 31.

Community based Organisation (CBO) formation has been completed in 6 villages viz. Dandi, Samapore, Matwad, Onjal, Sultanpur and Aat after the discussions in the Gram Sabhas. The opening of the CBO bank accounts in the above villages has also been completed with the release of token mobilisation

amount. Several dormant Self Help Groups (SHGs) have been revived and mobilised in the selected villages. In addition, the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) exercise in 6 villages viz. Dandi, Samapore, Matwad, Onjal, Aat and Sultanpur has been completed. To promote greater collaboration and participation of the coastal communities, various laws and the Government regulations have been translated into Gujarati along with the project documents. The draft Dandi Eco-sensitive Zone Notification issued by MoEF was discussed with the coastal communities and the views of the respective CBOs were sent to the MoEF for finalisation of the notification. The final notification issued by the MoEF in April 2011is translated into Gujarati for the benefit of the local communities. Consultation regarding the same has been completed in the villages.

Villages No. of existing SHGs

Dandi 8 Onjal 9 Matwad 6 Samapore 3 Aat 7 Sultanpur 8 Total 41

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4) Promoting Eco-tourism and “Environment-Positive” branding of destination Dandi

The project aims to make Dandi, a centre for Gandhian learning and setting up of an institute of Gandhian studies. In the meantime the following studies have been completed:

1. ‘Feasibility study for assessment of Home-stay Programme in GANDHI Project areas and assessment of Tourism potential’ by Purvi Vyas

2. Feasibility study for adoption of solar energy based equipment’s and desalination plant at GANDHI Project villages’ , ‘DPR for Solar Desalination Plant of 1,00,000 LPCD capacity’ and ‘Solarification Strategy for National GANDHI Memorial Project by TRA international

3. ‘Sustainable Development plan for Dandi Area’, an academic exercise at Dandi by Faculty of Climate Change and Sustainable Development of CEPT University Ahmedabad.

To ascertain the progress of the project, the following meetings were convened:

1. A meeting on April 12th, 2011, with Tapas Paul, Dr. A. Senthilvel, Rajendra Khimani and Nimisha Shukla (Annexure II).

2. A meeting on May 26th, 2011, with Tapas Paul, Dr, Senthilvel and Dr. Sudarshan Iyengar, the minutes of which are also attached (Annexure III).

3. Principal Secretary Dr. S. K. Nanda IAS had a public consultation in the 6 project villages on 9 July 2011, to inform them about the provisions of the CRZ 2011 Notification. He suggested that further training may be provided to the village CBOs regarding Sanitation Management and Skill analysis, for which NGOs may be involved. He also discussed several other ground level issues prevalent in the villages.

4. The first Dandi Monitoring committee meeting was held at Dandi village, Dist- Navsari on September 12th, 2011. The District Collector Navsari, representatives

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of the Central and State Govt. dept., and Village Sarpanchs of 6 villages attended the same (Annexure IV).

5. On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti (October 2nd, 2011) Gujarat Ecology Commission organised a function for signing MoU with six villages and Cheque distribution at Dandi village, dist-Navsari, as the inauguration of activities to be taken up under the GANDHI Project. Honourable Minister Shri. Mangubhai Patel, Forest and Environment & Tribal Development Dept., Govt. of Gujarat, distributed cheques to the heads of Village CBOs of the project villages for initiation of project activities. During this, the Project Director, ICZM Project also held a meeting with the heads of the village level committees to satisfy their queries and discuss about the further actions to be taken up before the finalisation of the Master plan. Refer Plates 32 – 35.

6. Mr. Sanjay Marale, Research Associate, SICOM, visited the 6 project villages on 20th and 21st December 2011, to assess the progress of the various works taken-up under the GANDHI Project. The sites for mangrove plantation, shelter belt plantation, pond renovation were visited. He also visited the Dandi field office and conducted a meeting with the CBOs.

7. A meeting to review the SICOM work under Gujarat component and GANDHI Project was held on 23rd December-2011, under the Chairmanship of Dr. S K Nanda, IAS, Principal Secretary, Forest & Environment (Annexure V).

8. The Second Dandi Monitoring Committee meeting was held at Samapore village, Dist- Navsari on January 11th, 2012. The progress of the project was discussed along with the status of SICOM work. The issue of waste management for the project villages was also discussed (Annexure-VI).

9. An MoU between GEC and SICOM regarding the GANDHI Project was signed on January 16th, 2012 in Gandhinagar. Amongst the dignitaries present were, Shri. J. M. Mauskar IAS, Special Secretary, MoEF, GOI; Dr. S. K. Nanda IAS, Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment Dept., Government of Gujarat, Dr. Senthil Vel, National Project Director, ICZM, SICOM; Dr. Nalini Bhat, Advisor, MoEF and Shri. A. K. Verma IFS, Member Secretary, GEC. (for photos refer plates – 41& 42)

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10. An MoU between GEC and Gujarat Vidyapith regarding the GANDHI Project

was signed in April, 2012 to define the scope of work before the finalisation of the Dandi Master Plan.

11. Shri R. C. Patel MLA- Jalalpore Taluka inaugurated the pond renovation activities for the Dandi, Aat, and Matwad. Other dignitaries present for the occasion were Shri C. H. Pandya IFS, Director, GEC and Shri. Lomesh Brahmbhatt, Manager-Field, GEC. (For photos refer Plates- 6, 14 & 25).

12. Shri. Surendra bhai, Navsari District Panchayat- President, inaugurated the pond renovation activities for Onjal, Samapore and Sultanpur. Shri Lomesh Brahmbhatt, Manager-Field, GEC remained present for the function. (For photos refer Plates- 10, 17 & 21).

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Summary of progress (June-2012):

Project Activities Target & Achievement

1 CBO Formation 6/6

2 MoU with CBO 6/6

3 PRA Activities 6/6

4 CBOs accounts created 6/6

5 SHG Formation 6/6

6 Solar Streetlight 60 nos./60 nos.

7 Solar Training 2/2 (150 Benefited)

8 Exposure ( CBOs & SHGs) 1/1

9 Mangrove Plantation(100 Ha Targeted)

100 Ha/100 Ha

10 Shelter Belt Plantation(50 Ha Targeted)

5 Ha/ village in 3 villages in progress

11 Pond renovation work 6 Pond/ 6 Ponds

12 Drinking Water Pipeline for Matwad 120m long, 80mm pipeline installed

13 Provision of Sanitation Facilities (6 villages)

990 nos./990 nos. Survey & Plan estimate completed, other work is in progress

14 Awareness Activities a. Street Plays More than 300 participants b. Coastal Camps 350 Participants c. Consultations for CRZ Notification Door to door consultations in 6 villages d. Solid Waste Management

training(CBOs & SHGs) 145 participants

e. CBO & SHG Accounts related training

145 participants

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Annexure-I: Project Area

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Annexure-II

Minutes of the Meeting on Gandhi Green Memorial Project with Gujarat Vidyapith

Date: 12/04/2011

A meeting under the Chairmanship of Dr. A. Senthilvel National Project Director, SICOM, for Gandhi Green Memorial Project was held on 12th April 2011 at Gujarat Vidyapith wherein the following persons were present:

1. Dr. A. Senthilvel, National Project Director, SICOM (Gandhi Green Memorial Project)

2. Shri Tapas Paul, Task Team Leader, ICZMP, World Bank 3. Shri C.H. Pandya, Additional Project Director, ICZMP 4. Shri Nischal Joshi, Head of Operations (HOO), SPMU, ICZMP 5. Shri Lomesh Brahmbhatt, Manager (Field), ICZMP 6. Shri Rajendra Khimani, Registrar, Gujarat Vidyapith 7. Ms. Nimisha Shukla, Professor, Gujarat Vidyapith

During the meeting, following points were discussed: 1. Activities undertaken in Gandhi Green Memorial Project 2. Work responsibility under the Gandhi Project and sharing of roles between GEC

and Gujarat Vidyapith 3. Fund flow implementation mechanism

1. As part of GANDHI Project, Gujarat Vidyapith made a presentation on till day findings, which has been done through rapid survey by Gujarat Vidyapith, wherein they suggested that activities, which have been envisaged on conceptual DPR are fitting as per requirements of selected villages. Based on the presentations, National Project Director appreciated the fact that the activities which have been proposed under this project are in line with the proposal prepared by Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC) in association with Gujarat Vidyapith and therefore, at this juncture, there is no requirement of changing any activity under this project. In response to this, the officials of Gujarat Vidyapith, GEC and World Bank agreed that there is no need of changing any activity proposed under DPR. Shri Tapas Paul, Task Team Leader, ICZMP described the Terms of Reference (ToR) and scope of work for Dandi Master Plan, which will be prepared under this project before all members in the meeting. All members agreed on the scope of work prepared by World Bank for the development of Master Plan.

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2. The Head of Operations, ICZMP raised a point that after a lapse of six months,

no sustainable activity is initiated under this project and there is much confusion in the roles and responsibilities to be shared by each agency involved under this project. Therefore, it is essential that during this meeting, things are made clear on roles and responsibilities for each and every activity to be undertaken in this project. In response to this, the Task Team Leader of World Bank stated that, there are two kinds of activities which can be classified as under: a. Activities, which can be carried out without Master Plan b. Activities, which can be carried out after the Master Plan is ready

Shri Paul also stated that it is essential to classify activities as above because Master Plan preparation will take at least one year. In response to that Shri Khimani stated that Gujarat Vidyapith may take up activities, which are pertaining to community mobilisation, capacity building, formation of CBOs etc. with immediate effect as, for these activities, Master Plan is not required. Shri C.H. Pandya, Additional Project Director, Gujarat SPMU, stated that activities like Mangrove plantation, Shelter belt plantation, Fodder plot etc. may also be taken up before Master Plan is prepared. Considering the above discussion, six activities had been identified to be taken up with immediate effect under GANDHI project: i. Mangrove plantation ii. Shelter-belt development iii. Beach cleaning iv. Sanitation Management v. Re-structuring and restoration of existing water ponds vi. Community mobilisation Out of above six activities, mangrove plantation and shelter-belt development will be done by GEC as they are having expertise in this regard and the rest will be taken care of by Gujarat Vidyapith in consultation with GEC for all selected four villages. At this juncture, Shri Khimani stated that the activities, which can be taken up under this project, with immediate effect should be approved by Dandi Monitoring Committee and based on approval, such activities can be taken up. In response to that, Additional Director, SPMU stated that SPMU will prepare Annual Action Plan in consultation with Gujarat

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Vidyapith and get the same approved by Dandi Monitoring Committee as well as Steering Committee of ICZM Project. A discussion on solid waste management in all four selected villages was held and based on the view of all members, it was decided that as far as solid waste disposal is concerned, GEC will initiate the dialogue with GPCB and Collector, Navsari to allocate space in Navsari landfill site. It was also decided that the project may fund one solid waste collection vehicle and dustbin specially designed to collect and disposal of waste.

3. As far as Fund Flow Mechanism is concerned, NPMU Project Director has stated that as approved under Expenditure Finance Committee, project fund can be routed through SPMU only to the responsible implementing agency. In response to this, Shri Tapas Paul stated that Gujarat Vidyapith being an independent agency and an academic institution, they cannot be taken as one of the PEAs and the fund cannot be transferred directly to Gujarat Vidyapith. However, for the maintenance and management of the project, Gujarat Vidyapith may require funds for salary, operational maintenance cost etc., therefore, it is essential that certain amount be transferred to Gujarat Vidyapith so that the progress can be very smooth. In response to this, NPMU Project Director advised SPMU to transfer some amount every month to Gujarat Vidyapith against their operational expenses, which includes salary and others. At this juncture, Shri Khimani stated that for implementation of the project, they require 15 to 20 people to be appointed and for which all expenditure including salary should be borne by the project. All the members of the committee agreed to this suggestion. However, Shri Tapas Paul suggested Gujarat Vidyapith to send a requisition along with due justification to Gujarat SPMU and based on SPMU’s clearance, the same can be procured. In case of major items like laptops, furniture etc. will be procured by Gujarat SPMU and the same will be transferred to Gujarat Vidyapith for the purpose of this project. Gujarat Vidyapith agreed to this suggestion.

The meeting ended with thanks to the dignitaries.

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Annexure-III

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Annexure-IV Proceedings of First meeting of Green Action for National Dandi

Heritage Initiative (Gandhi) Memorial Project. Place: Vinay Mandir, Dandi, Taluka – Jalalpor, Dist-Navsari, Gujarat.

Date: 12/09/2011

Members of Monitoring Committee:-

1. Dr. Sudarshan Iyengar – Vice Chancellor, Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad,

Chairman, Monitoring Committee

2. Mr. C.H. Pandya IFS – Director, Gujarat Ecology Commission, Gandhinagar

3. Dr. Sandhya Bhullar IAS– Collector and District Magistrate, Navsari, Convener-

Monitoring Committee

4. Dr. R.K. Mishra – Ministry of Environment and Forests, New Delhi

5. Dr. D.B. Brahmaai– Central Pollution Control Board, Government of India

(Western – Vadodara)

6. Mr. Gopalbhai Patel – Sarpanch, Onjal

7. Mrs. Rukshamaniben D. Patel – Sarpanch, Dandi

8. Mr. Kaushik A. Patel – Sarpanch, Aat

9. Mr. Rameshbhai N. Patel – Sarpanch, Samapore

10. Mr. Jayantibhai B. Rathod– Sarpanch, Matwad

11. Mrs. Arunaben D. Patel – Incharge Sarpanch, Sultanpur

Invitees:

12. Mr. J.C. Chudasama: District Development Officer, Navsari

13. Mr. Nishchalbhai Joshi, Senior Manager, Gujarat Ecology Commission

14. Dr. Kalubhai K. Dangar – Social Scientist Gandhi Project, Gujarat Vidyapith,

Dandi

15. Mr. Sanjaybhai Baria – Project Co-ordinator, Gujarat Ecology Commission,

Navsari

16. Mr. C.B.Balat – Deputy Collector, Navsari

17. Mr. Kuldeepsinh Zala – Mamlatdar, Jalalpor

18. Mrs.Ramaben R. Patel – Secretary Gandhi Green Memorial Development

Committee, Onjal

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19. Mr. B.K.Gaur – Sub D.F.O – Valsad, North Division

20. Mr. S.V.Kedaria – Range Forest Officer – Chikhali

21. Mrs. J.A.Vyas – Deputy Chitnis, Taluka Panchayat, Jalalpor

22. Mr. Dhirubhai H. Patel – Dandi

23. Mr.Dayaljibhai M. Patel, Chairman Gandhi Green Memorial, Development

Committee, Dandi

24. Mr.Anilbhai C. Patel – Chairman, Gandhi Green Memorial, Development

Committee, Onjal

25. Mr.B.A.Desai – Senior Advocate, Sultanpur

26. Mr.Sachinbhai – Sultanpur

27. Mrs.Champaben A. Patel - Chairperson, Gandhi Green Memorial, Development

Committee, Matwad

The first meeting of Gandhi Memorial Project Monitoring Committee began at

3:30PM, under the Chairmanship of Dr.Sudarshan Iyengar. The above-mentioned 27

members were present in the meeting. In the beginning of the meeting Dr.Sandhya

Bhullar, the convener of monitoring committee, welcomed, the Sarpanches of the

villages, officers of Gujarat Ecology Commission and Gujarat Vidyapith and the

chairman and secretaries of the Gandhi Green Memorial Development Committees,

constituted at village level. She referred the Government of India’s notification dated

26th April, 2011 and said; the main object of the monitoring committee is to

implement the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 in the project,

and if the given guide lines are not followed, the responsibility to take appropriate

actions, lies with this committee. As a result of this, the work of project should make

progress in the decided and appropriate direction. She appealed to all those, who were

present and requested to extend their co-operation in implementation of the project.

She once again welcomed all the persons to the meeting.

The Director of Gujarat Ecology Commission, Mr. C. H. Pandya, while giving details

of the scheme said that, Green Action for National Dandi Heritage Initiative

(GANDHI) Memorial Project was launched on 7th July 2010. This project of the

Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), Government of India, is being

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implemented by Society for Integrated Coastal Zone Management (SICOM) in

collaboration with the village level organisations, Gujarat Ecology Commission

(GEC) and Gujarat Vidyapith with financing from the World Bank-assisted Integrated

Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) project. This project is to be implemented in

Dandi, Matwad, Onjal, Sultanpur, Aat and Samapore villages of the Navsari district.

These areas are related with the famous ‘Dandi Kooch’ and the historical ‘Salt

Satyagrah’ movement and Shri. Pandya said the GANDHI Memorial Project was a

convergence of Gandhiji’s values of Rural Development and values of Environment-

Protection to protect the most valuable National Heritage by its integrated

development.

Ministry of Environment and Forests, New Delhi, had issued notification on

19/2/1991, regarding Coastal Regulation Zone, further to which, the Dandi Eco-

sensitive Zone notification was issued on 26/04/2011. Shri Pandya, while referring to

the implementation of the scheme said, whatever work is done is very little and is very

slow, due to some technical reasons. In four villages covered under the scheme, the

P.R.A. is completed and the report for the same is ready. As an entry point work, on

an experimental basis, limited work has been taken on hand. Four villages have been

provided solar light and one village has been provided with roads. Cultivation of

mangrove is also being done as part of this project. Preparing the master plan of this

project is in progress. Some important issues have come to the notice, relating to this

scheme and it is expected that this committee will bring this matter to the notice of

Government of India.

Dr.Sudarshanbhai Ayengar Vice Chairman of the High Level Dandi Memorial

Committee and Chairman of the Gandhi Memorial Project Monitoring Committee

said that, it is a welcome step in this direction that, the representatives of the villages

are also attending this meeting. As laid down in Government of India Notification,

work has been carried out in 6 villages, keeping in mind the preservance of

environment. It will be the responsibility of the committee to observe the impact of

the work done as a part of implementation of the scheme.

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Giving details of the National Memorial, Dr.Sudarshan said that, the Gandhi

Memorial should be built in such a way that, the people from all over India and from

the whole world can come here and study.

The works to be done:

(1) For approaching to the Memorial, the road is to be constructed by the Gujarat

Tourism Department, by the side of road, leading to Saifi Villa.

(2) There is a project of construction of library building for the Memorial, from the

State Cultural Activities Department, There will be a conference hall and residential

facility for the persons, who come here for studies.

(3) The Tourism Department will construct a comfortable road with required facilities

from Sabarmati to Dandi, the ‘Dandi March’ road.

(4) In between the Gandhi Memorial and the sea, a pond will be constructed, and a

walk way will be constructed around the pond. Gandhiji’s thoughts, which he

expressed during Dandi March, and during 21 days, while he stayed there, will be

engraved artistically on this walk way.

(5) A design has been prepared by I.I.T. Mumbai for construction of an illuminating

structure in the form of a Light House near the pond, which will run on solar energy.

This activity will be carried out through Central Public Works Department, the

estimated cost of which will be 30 crores.

The following issues have been pointed out by the committee.

1) Answering to the question of Dhirubhai on Coastal Regulation Zone it was

informed that, the coastal zone has been divided into four divisions. In division-3, the

Rural area is included. In this area, the Coastal Regulation Zone committee may

approve some works relating to environment.

To provide information to public in easy Gujarati language on Coastal Regulation

Zone and Master plan and Gandhi Memorial Scheme, translation should be done and

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should be submitted in the next monthly meeting. The translated version should reach

to the members of the committee, 7 days before the date of the next meeting. In

Coastal Regulation Zone., the lines should be decided for ‘high tide and low tide’, and

should be represented on the maps with visible land mark, of the concerned villages,

and such maps should be put up on notice board in a public place, so that people can

see it easily.

(Action: Gujarat Ecology Commission, Gujarat Vidyapith)

2) Gujarat Ecology Commission has short listed 6 Institutes to issue Request for

Proposal to prepare master plan. Moreover, the activity to conserve the water

resources and to create new resources would be started soon. For management of

solid wastes, a scheme will be prepared in consultation with village people, on the line

of management of solid wastes in Valod village of Tapi District. If any issues relating

to environment are raised, they should be brought to the notice of Monitoring

Committee.

(Action: Gujarat Vidyapith)

3) As per the notification of Government of India in Monitoring Committee two

members are to be appointed who are from N.G.O. and are working in the field of

environment. One proposal has been received for Shri Dhirubhai Patel, the proposal

for second name should be decided, and appointment of both the members should be

finalized in the second meeting.

(Action: Gujarat Ecology Commission)

4) Considering the historical importance of village Karadi, it is decided that this

committee should send proposal to Government of India to include the name of

village Karadi, in this Project.


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5) Senior advocate Mr.B.A.Desai, from Sultanpur, suggested that, there is wetland in

Nano Kakrad area. In this area eco-tourism and home-stay should be developed.

Committee informed him that this will be included in the Master Plan.


6) As per the standards of Coastal Regulation Zone, this Committee approves in

principle, the GANDHI Memorial Plan, and recommends that the Dandi High Level

Committee should send it to Cultural Ministry of Government of India for necessary

actions. The Ministry of Culture will send the plan to Ministry of Environment and

Forests for appropriate actions.

(Actions: Dandi High Level Committee)

Moreover, the Chairman of the committee, suggested to Collector and District

Development Officer, that with other schemes, this scheme’s activities may also be

joined, and it was resolved that the committee’s meetings should be held in different

villages of the project area.

At the end of the meeting, the convener of the committee Dr.Sandhya Bhullar

expressed satisfaction over the proceedings of the meeting. The Chairman has

explained the entire scheme in easy Gujarati language, and has given detailed

information. For this she thanked the Chairman, and specially for the role of

monitoring committee, the works should be carried out as laid down in Government of

India notification, She asked for co-operation of representatives from the villages.

She assured total co-operation of State Government, and said by all the parties

working together, we will complete this project, in a good way. She thanked all the

participants and declared the meeting as over.

-sd-

(Dr.Sandhya Bhullar) Collector and District magistrate,

Navsari Convener Monitoring Committee

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Annexure-V

Minutes of the Meeting held on 23-12-2011

Meeting on SICOM Work at Gujarat under ICZM and Review of GANDHI Project

A meeting to review the SICOM work under Gujarat component and GANDHI

Project was held on 23rd December-2011 at 1530 hrs under the Chairmanship of Dr. S

K Nanda, IAS, Principal Secretary, Forest & Environment in the committee room of

Forest & Environment department, Block no 14, 8th Floor, New Sachivalay.

The other participant of the meeting was:

1. Shri A K Verma, IFS, Project Director, ICZMP & Member Secretary, GEC

2. Shri J K Vyas, Additional Secretary & Director [Env], Forests & Environment

Department.

3. Shri C H Pandya, Additional Project Director (ICZMP) & Director , GEC

4. Shri Rajendra Khimani, Registrar, Gujarat Vidhyapith

5. Shri Nischal Joshi, Head of Operation, GEC

6. Shri Lomesh Brahmbhatt, Manager [Field], GEC

The meeting started with background information given by the Project Director,

Gujarat SPMU. He briefed about the activities carried out till date.

The progress made under NCMB component of SICOM was brought to the fore. In

this component SPMU Gujarat’s role is only to facilitate SICOM for its development

as and when SICOM desires. Gujarat SPMU had discussed this matter with SICOM

and World Bank in the past. As per decision taken, NCMB and Marine Oceanarium

will be developed at the same place [in same premises]. Gujarat SPMU has identified

land and location for the development of NCMB and Marine Oceanarium at Dwarika

and the same was agreed by NPMU and Bank. The SICOM has developed a concept

note for the NCMB recently. Now it is for SICOM to take further step in this regard.

The activities undertaken till date under GANDHI Project by the GEC as agreed with

SICOM were discussed. GEC has opened a field office at Dandi and required project

staff have been deployed at Dandi to work at grass root level on the project. Based on

the meeting with PS, F & ED, on 5th August-2011 Gujarat Vidhyapith and GEC have

26 | P a g e

initiated works in the field. GV has also deployed personnel at Dandi. Recently, GEC

has started Mangrove plantation activities as well as shelterbelt plantation activities in

the project villages in consultation with CBO. 30ha. Mangrove plantation activity at

Dandi and Matwad is completed with the assistance of CBO and remaining target will

be completed in near future. GV in collaboration with GEC has started working on

community mobilization as well as the activities like sanitation management, beach

cleaning, restructuring of existing pond etc. GEC & GV had organised one day

exposure visit to Valod village for SHGs/CBO members of all six villages under

GANDHI project to demonstrate the solid waste management practices. Project

Director requested Mr. Khimani to explain about the other rural developmental

activities under the project by GV to chairman.

Mr. Khimani informed that GV has organized Gram Sabhas as and when required for

the facilitation of the project and completed survey for the adaptation of total

sanitation in the project villages. 600 families require toilet facilities in six villages. A

proposal is made to collector Navsari for the approval of Total sanitation scheme.

PS F & ED took a note of the progress made till date under SICOM work and gave

following suggestions to be implemented under ICZM Project as well as GANDHI

project

1. The SHGs of all six villages should be trained to raise nurseries of fruit trees,

flower plants, horticulture plants, ornamental plants etc. Dandi and other six

villages should be developed as one of the destinations for nursery raised high

quality plants. All trainings and planning may be made in this regard if

required, in consultation with the Director, Horticulture and APCCF, Social

Forestry. The programme implementation may be initiated at the earliest.

2. Establishing Solar based desalination plant will also be needed to be taken up

at the earliest as the drinking water availability is one of the core issues in this

region. This should be included in the scope of Master Plan Preparation. Wind

energy also may be considered to be established at Dandi for energy security

for all these villages.

27 | P a g e

3. Solid waste management is one of the key issues. Health and hygiene of the

people is one of the objectives of the project and therefore this issue needs to

be addressed properly. GPCB should be roped in to identify proper place for

landfill site as well as to train the people about the segregation of waste such as

biodegradable and non-biodegradable. The biodegradable waste may be used to

make bio-fertilizer and non- biodegradable may be sold by Panchayat or CBO

to the needy industry.

4. SHGs and CBOs of these villages should be taken on exposure visit to other

ICZM areas and an audio visual documentation of success stories under ICZM

such as “Kharaberaja” etc may be prepared to showcase to various stakeholders

/villagers.

5. Nani Kakrad wetland area should be freed from such encroachments as salt pan

and aquaculture practices. In order to conserve this wetland, Gujarat

Vidhyapith should mobilize the people to stop such practice through providing

them alternative livelihood options.

6. Preparation of Master Plan should be expedited and completed within

stipulated time frame.

7. Various trainings on solid waste management, capacity building, leadership

development etc. should be imparted under GANDHI Project.

8. For the promotion of beach cleaning activity and beach management, GEC

should approach Forest department for creating revenue model and ensure

participatory management of the Beach area of these villages. “Vankutir”

scheme of Forest department should be roped in this project to develop “Forest

Hut” on the beaches to promote sustainable eco-tourism.

As there was no other point to discuss, the meeting ended with vote of thanks to the

Chair.

Photo Plates 41 : MoU for GANDHI Project was signed between GEC & SICOM

Photo Plates 42 : MoU for GANDHI Project was signed between GEC & SICOM

Photo Plate 1 : Mangrove Plantation Activity

Photo Plate 2 : Mangrove Plantation Activity

Photo Plate 3 : Village Solarisation

Photo Plate 4 : Solar Training workshops

Photo Plate 5 : Installation of drinking water pipeline in Matwad:

Photo Plates 6 : Pond Renovation (Dandi) : Shri R. C. Patel MLA- Jalalpore Taluka inaugurated the pond renovation activities for the Dandi, Aat, and Matwad. Other dignitaries present for the occasion were Shri C. H. Pandya IFS, Director, GEC and Shri. Lomesh Brahmbhatt, Manager-Field, GEC.

Photo Plates 7) : Pond Renovation (Dandi) :

Photo Plate 10 : Pond Renovation (Samapor) :

Shri. Surendra bhai, Navsari District Panchayat- President, inaugurated the pond renovation activities for Onjal, Samapore and Sultanpur. Shri Lomesh Brahmbhatt, Manager-Field, GEC

Photo Plate 14 : Pond Renovation (Matvad) : Shri R. C. Patel MLA- Jalalpore Taluka inaugurated the pond renovation activities for the Dandi, Aat, and Matwad. Other dignitaries present for the occasion were Shri C. H. Pandya IFS, Director, GEC and Shri. Lomesh Brahmbhatt, Manager-Field, GEC.

Photo Plate 15 : Pond Renovation (Matvad) :

Photo Plate 16 : Pond Renovation (Matvad) :

Photo Plate 17 : Pond Renovation (Onjal) : Shri. Surendra bhai, Navsari District Panchayat- President, inaugurated the pond renovation activities for Onjal, Samapore and Sultanpur. Shri Lomesh Brahmbhatt, Manager-Field, GEC

Photo Plate 18 : Pond Renovation (Onjal) :

Photo Plate 21 : Pond Renovation (Sultanpur) : Shri. Surendra bhai, Navsari District Panchayat- President, inaugurated the pond renovation activities for Onjal, Samapore and Sultanpur. Shri Lomesh Brahmbhatt, Manager-Field, GEC

Photo Plate 22 : Pond Renovation (Sultanpur) :

Photo Plate 25 : Pond Renovation (Aat) : Shri R. C. Patel MLA- Jalalpore Taluka inaugurated the pond renovation activities for the Dandi, Aat, and Matwad. Other dignitaries present for the occasion were Shri C. H. Pandya IFS, Director, GEC and Shri. Lomesh Brahmbhatt, Manager-Field, GEC.

Photo Plate 26 : Pond Renovation (Aat) :

Photo Plate 27 : Beach cleaning activity:

Photo Plate 30 : Exposure visit for Solid Waste Management:

Photo Plate 31 : Exposure visit for Solid Waste Management:

Photo Plate 32 : MoU and Cheque distribution at Dandi village by Honourable Minister Shri. Mangubhai Patel, Forest and Environment & Tribal Development Dept., Govt. of Gujarat,

Plate 36 : Field Monitoring Visit by SICOM

Plate 39 : Interaction with CBOs for CRZ Notification Awareness by Dr. S.K. Nanda, IAS, Principal Secretary, Forests & Environment Department & Chairman GEC

Plate 40 : Inauguration of GEC GANDHI Project Field office at Navsari by Dr. S.K. Nanda, IAS, Principal Secretary, Forests & Environment Department & Chairman GEC

Photo Plates 43 : Paper Cutting

GUJARAT ECOLOGY COMMISSION STATE PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT (ICZMP)

Website : www.geciczmp.com; Email : [email protected]

Phone : (079) 23257656, Fax : 23257657

GREEN ACTION FOR NATIONAL DANDI HERITAGE ... Shri Lomesh Brahmbhatt, Manager (Field) – GEC &...

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