Joint Forest Management in Uttar Pradesh
Village Chopra of Civil soyam Pauri
OF CHANGING TIMES
Balam Singh, Sarpanch of the Chopra van
Panchayat, today is a satisfied man. Against the backdrop of a lush green forest, sitting
on a charpoy in his verandah and looking at the antics of kids playing in front of his
house and a few women working on the sewing machines, he feels almost satiated.
How time has changed for his village in the
past two years. He vividly remembers that only two years ago the forest here was degraded,
women were made to toil hard to gather fuel and fodder and apparently no one in the
village had any time left to think about other people.
It was in the month of November, 1998 when
some forest personnel had come to his village. Out of sher curiousity, he had agreed to
listen them. They were talking something about JFM and people’s participation. Much
of the mumo-jumbo he was unable to comprehend but one thing caught his fancy that they
were intending to spend some money for the development of the village. Knowing how the
official machinery works, Balam Singh smilingly agreed, knowing fully well that all this
would boil down to same routine government scheme. The forest officials requested Balam
Singh to convene a meeting of the villagers at the earliest date and left.
Smug with the feeling of befooling the
officials in the next meeting many villagers had assembled there. The first meeting ended
with the mixed feeling and it left many persons confused. The officers had talked at
length with the women of the village and Balam remembered that women group had remained
closeted even after the meeting was over and it seemed they were discussing some thing
quite agitatedly.
But, the same people came next time and this
time the attitude of the villagers had somewhat changed. The officers said something about
PRA and spoke individually with all the villagers and discussed their problems and also
about the scheme which they proposed to introduce in the village. What surprised Balam
most was that the officers would constitute a Committee and funds for the village works
would be given to the committee directly. This was something which villagers and even
Balam Singh had not expected. The ideas like giving the management of the forest to the
villagers, distribution of the usefructs, sharing of benefits sounded out of this world
and unreal. Even the villagers, later on, had gathered to his place and were quite anxious
to know whether what they had heard was true or not. Balam Singh himself was confused
because they were offering all the money to them and the villagers were supposed to plan
and execute the work themselves. With trepidation and apprehension they decided to give it
a try.
The women of the village whom he had enver
thought to be capable of doing anything other than looking after the family and doing
household chores were the biggest surprise for him. Suddenly from docile mute beings they
were transformed into a vociferous, active and confident lot. They took upon themselves
the responsibility to protect the forest and contributed voluntarily their Shramdan
towards the project activities.
The closure of forest areas against grazing
resulted in increase of green cover of the forest and villagers shramdan in the project
activities resulted in the swelling of the village development fund. The amount in the VDF
rose to Rs.1,42,000/- and the villagers decided to purchase sewing machines from this
money and interested women were given machines to augment their income.
Suddenly Balam Singh was woken from his
slumber by the noise of an approaching jeep. A forest offer had come to his village.
Apparently, the officer had come to say hello to him. Earlier their visit meant that they
had come in search of an offender. After exchanging pleasantries he informed Balam Singh
that he himself was very happy with the way this program has taken shape in the village.
He informed him that there has been marked decrease in forest related offences and his
staffs were quite happy with the cooperation which they were receiving from the villagers.
Balam Singh’s face lit up with smile and he started chatting happily with the forest
officer.
VILLAGE SIA-KEMPTY OF MUSSOORIE DIVISION
Sia kempty, a village of Mussoorie
division, was like any other village of the Garhwal hills – under developed, lacking
in basic amenities, having large number of unemployed people whiling away their time, the
people exploiting the nearby forest for household needs and degrading it enormously. This
was the background when the forest personnel of the Mussoorie division first visited the
area.
A series of meetings with the villagers
revealed that though the people depended for their fuel and fodder needs on the forest
they were not concerned about its well being. There were many small nullahs which were
eroding the village land and the women had to toil very hard in search of fuel and fodder.
The JFM programme was launched in this
village in the hyear 1998. The major thrust of the forest personnel in the village was to
motivate the people to protect the forest and increase its productivity. For this planting
in the degraded forest block was proposed and also certain area of the forest block was
closed for lopping and grazing. The villagers whole heartedly cooperated with the forest
people and were so much enthused with this idea that they agreed to contribute more
Shramdan towards the project activities. They even agreed to protect the forest against
illicit felling and fires.
The resolves of the villagers of not allowing
their cattle to graze in the closed area resulted in the profuse growth of grasses in the
forest. In sharp contrast to the earlier period when the villagers were lopping valuable
Oak leaves suddenly there were plenty of grasses available for them. This also led to
revival of the Oak forest.
The proactive behaviour of the villagers in
protecting their valuable forest from illicit felling and other damages resulted in sharp
decrease in forest related offences and most importantly the village Sia-kempty was the
only village of the Mussoorie division which remained free from the fire incidence in the
year 1999-2000.
Another important indication of the success
of the programme is the amount deposited in the village development fund. At present the
village Sia-kempty has Rs.62,000 in its VDF account and this amount will surely help in
the sustainability of the programme.
VILLAGE CHHANI LEOSAL OF WEST ALMORA
DIVISION
Tucked away 48 kms. From picturesque
Almora, on the Almora-Kausani road and scattered in 3 togs-Chhani, Leosal and Kausani,
lies the village Chhani Leosal, in the Someshwar range of West Almora Forest Division. A
non descript village, like most other villages in the hills, Chhani Leosal suffered from
the gradual loss of greenery in its forests due to uncontrolled and indifferent
explitation of its resources for fuel and fodder needs. But it had to witness its turning
point too. And it came in the year 1998 when the forest people came to them for
handholding and the villagers were intelligent enough to walk along and then run on their
own. Thus in the year 1998, the Van Panchayat opted to undertake the management of their
forests under the JFM.
The villagers formulated their microplan for
the improved management of forests and organized its womenfolk into Alpana Samiti to
undertake income generating activities. Soon other organisations, eg. Yuwak Mangal Dal,
Mahila Mangal Dal, N.C.C. wing of GIC Kausani, Laxmi Ashram ki Bahne and a host a schools
followed the marathon happily as if charmed by the proverbial Bagpiper. Apart from the
plantations in the forests, a sizeable chunk of 1.5 ha. around the primary school, Kausani
was planted with the valuable local species of Ringal, Utis, Acacias and grasses by these
organisations. Therese interventions increased the trickle of water sources in the area,
increased the fodder availability from the surrounding forests, decreased the fuelwood
dependency upon the forests and finally swelled the coffers of the VDF to the tune of
Rs.1.0 lakh thus ensuring the sustainability of the project.
VILLAGE PARWARA OF SOIL CONSERVATION
ANINITAL
THE WOMAN OF SUSTENANCE
Smt. Bhagvati Devi, chairperson of the
VFC Parwara is a lady possessed. A frail and small framed lady of about 50 years she
exudes the confidence and charm of some 20 years old. For, she is the lady who almost
single handedly has transformed this village from a nondescript to one of the
most-talked-about JFM village of UP hills.
It was in the year 1998 that the forest
people first approached this village situated on the Bhowali Dhanachur road at an altitude
of about 1600 mts for JFM programme. Earlier, the village had witnessed a mindless felling
of its valuable oak forest in the name of creating fruit belt and had seen the ill effects
of the deforestation of their life giving virgin forest. So, when the forest persons fitst
approached them for JFM kind of arrangement, it was a god sent opportunity for them to
save their land from further degradation. Bhagvati Devi, intelligent enough to see the
immense potential of the people’s participation and joint management, took upon
herself the role of the torchbearer to achieve the ultimate goal of self help.
She organized the women of the village in
protecting the village forest. Two such groups of 13 members each were formed and they
guarded the forest with utmost devotion. They did’nt allow any person or cattle to
enter the protected area. Her missionary zeal yielded dividends and within a short span of
two years the protected area started meeting their requirement of green fodder.
She also realized the inherent linkage of
voluntary labour contribution towards asset creation and sustainability and goaded her
villagers to wholeheartedly do Shramdan for all the project activities. The result was
that the surplus contribution added to swell the kity of VDF a formidable Rs.1 lac and the
villagers are now planning to buy LPG connections to reduce their drudgery and to green
their environment. Indefatigable as she is, Bhagvati Devi prompted the forest people to
help them learn new skills in the useful areas of horticulture, agriculture and
agro-forestry and the forest people were too willing to oblige her. Armed with the
knowledge of new techniques and to divert the pressure from the forests, she insisted
everyone to go for fodder tree plantation on the bunds of their agriculture fields.
The women of the Parwara under her guidance
have found a new role for them and are enjoying their tryst with rural decision making
scene.
With almost no fire incidence in their
village forests, detection of more than 170 forest related offences, Rs.2000 realised
until now against forest offences, no wonder, Parwara today is the embodiment of the women
power.
VILLAGE DEWAR-KHADORA OF ALAKHNANDA
SOIL
THE FIRE WITHIN
Today, Ramlal of village Dewar khadora, has
been declared a hero. Everyone today admired his courage and sense of devotion when he
doused the fire of the forest near the village. Basking in the glory of all the praise
heaped on him, Ramlal was a sad man deep inside until today. The ghost of a past misdeed
had been constantly haunted him all these years. It all started in the month of May, 1997
when eh along with his friends had playfully caused fire in the forest nearby his village.
The fire, despite all efforts to extinguish it by the forest people, had continued to rage
the forest for three days and he had enjoyed this scene tremendously and had felt that he
would cherish this experience all through his life. A few days after this incidence he saw
some forest persons coming to his village. Fearing that someone had given his name to the
forest people Ramlal was gripped with crippling fear. He tried to run away but found that
his legs had suddenly turned to jelly. Fortunately the forest people, without giving him a
second glance, went past him and went on to discuss some thing with the village headman.
Later on, he came to know that they had come to discuss something about jointly managing
the forests and involving villagers in forest protection which in turn would help them in
their poverty alleviation. On subsequent visit they spole at great length with the
villagers and gradually a consensus was arrived among the villagers for trying this kind
of an arrangement.
By the end of the second month a committee
was formed and detail plan was chalked out for the development of the village. Ramlal was
also quite surprised that these people were not imposing their wishes/ ideas on the
villagers, on the contrary they were acting on their suggestions. Ultimately a final plan
was approved. A committee formed by the members of the village invited each and every
people of the village to co-operate in the implementation of the plan. They were informed
that the benefits accruing from the afforestation would be shared with them, they would be
allowed to take fuelwood and grasses from the forest and they would get employment
opportunities also.
A deep sense of remorse and shame gripped
Ramlal. What a fool he had been all the time, hating these forest people who had in-fact
been his true friends, causing harm to forest without thinking that it was his bred winner
and protector.
Ramlal decided to atone for his sins and
promised himself that he would leave no stone unturned to make this programme a success.
He, together with his friends, took upon himself the task of protecting the forest. His
active involvement resulted in restoration of the health of the forest and this year
villagers got plenty of grasses for their use from the forest. In addition to this all the
villagers contributed their Shramdan to the works of the plan and this reulsted in selling
of their VDF fund. Within a short span of two years the VDF had Rs.1.5 lacs in its kitty.
The villagers decided to utilize this fund in constructing toilet in the school of the
village, they purchased pressure cookers to save energy and reduce pressur on the forest
and they awarded financial help to needy students of the village to further their studies.
All these activities were possible in his village because of the JFM works and this made
Ramlal deeply committed to the programme and he started liking it immensely.
On the fateful day of March 29,1999 the whole
of the chamoli district witnessed destruction and devastation of a massive scale caused by
the severe earthquake. House fell like pack of cards, rodad and bridges collapsed and many
a places were gutted in fire. The forest of the village Dewar Khadora also could not
escape this natural catastrophe and a raging fire engulfed the forest. Ramlal, filled with
a sense of de ja vu, found his whole world collapsing before his own eyes. All his long
years of suffering and guilts were flashing before his eyes. He summoned all his friends
and like a man possessed, without caring for his personal safety, he entered the forest
and fought fire for many hours. He received third degree burn injuries but it was his
untiring efforts that the villagers could douse the fire. Ramlal was hailed as a hero and
every one was praising his efforts. Ramlal after a long time could feel some heavy load
being removed from his heart and suddenly could not hold the tears which started rolling
down his cheeks and he began to sob uncontollabley. But even he at that time knew that the
pain, the suffering and the fears will no longer be his companion and he would be a man
purged and absolved of all his sins for ever.
VILLAGE MATH OF JHANSI DIVISION
DAWN OF MATURITY
JFM was something new to the forest
department of UP when I was asked to implement in the Jhansi division. It was the month of
June when along with my staff I first came to the Math village. The very first thing which
caught my eyes was the vast tract of dense thick forest interspersed with totally bald
patches of forest land. On close enquiry I was told that the villagers have been
traditionally letting their cattle to roam free in the forest, a practice called Anna, and
this was the reason why the forests gave a desolated look. I had requested my staff to
organize a meeting of village people and also to ask the Pradhan to be present in the
meeting.
At the venue of the meeting large number of
people had gathered and the mood of the people I noticed was quite hostile. Bracing my
self for the occasion I started to highlight the issues and need of JFM kind of
arrangement. No sooner had I finished my addres than all hell broke loose there. Suddenly
everyone present there started abusing the forest department and alleging we people to be
their biggest enemy as we were not allowing the PWD to construct the culvert across a
nullah which would have linked them to the main road. Even in my wildest dream I was not
prepared for such an angry reception for me and after promising them that I would look
into the matter I made a hasty retreat from the village.
Back at my office I enquired about the whole
issue and was informed that since the nullah was in the forest land the forest
conservation act forbade its construction. I was also told that had the culvert been
allowed to be constructed the forest people would have been the most benefited lot as they
were also facing great problem in visiting their areas across the nullah. I approached the
DRDA and requested them to give the money earmarked for the construction of the culvert to
the forest department. When I finally got the approval of the DRDA then again I visited
the Math village, this time full of confidence, as I had been able to redress their
greatest grievance. This time once again the people and gathered in large number and they
seemed to be in good mood. I thought as if I had won their heart and now the success of
the programme was guaranteed.
I informed the villagers that I have kept my
promise and very soon the culvert will be constructed in the village. Since the people of
the village were now happy with the forest department they agreed to go ahead with JFM
programme. After detailed PRA microplan for the village was prepared and I can say with
satisfaction that the villagers are according their full co-operation to make the plan a
success. The villagers have stopped the practice of letting their cattle roam free and
this has helped the forest to regain its greenery, the soil and water conservation
activities of the microplan have checked the soil erosion and there has been great
increase in the production of grasses in the forest.
One day an illicit feller was caught who
turned out to be the son of the Gram Pradhan. It was the real test of the maturity of the
VFC and I was keenly watching how the VFC was going to deal with this matter. To my utter
surprise the VFC and the Pradhan in unanimous decision imposed a fine of Rs.500 against
the culprit (the trees of miscellaneous species in Vindhayan region are very low priced)
and proved their maturity to all of us. Since that day I have become quite optimistic
about the success of JFM in the Math Village.
ECO-DEVELOPMENT WORK
In Goving Pashu Vihar (Wildlife
Sanctuary)
Govind Pashu Vihar Sanctuary situated in the
border district of Uttar Kashi is one of the nine protected areas cluster in U.P., which
have been identified under the U.P. Forest Project for bio-diversity conservation. The
start of eco-development work in the year 1998-99 was beginning of new era in conservation
efforts in this PA. To begin with 5 villages were selected for eco-development work. After
the formation and registration of eco-development committees using the PRA and Pamia
technique microplan was prepared by the EDC and spear head team. The implementation of the
same is under way. During the current year 10 more villages have been selected for
eco-development. After taking the Eco-development programme in the protected area
following visible changes have taken place.
- One can see the change in the attitude of the villagers after
the implementation of the plan. The misconceptions about the restrictions are getting
cleared. One can feel the change by the controlled and calm behaviour of the villagers in
the village and block level meetings.
- During the year 1998-99 whole of Uttranchal was affected by
forest fire but in the 5 villages no fire incidence was reported which was a big
achievement.
- Manora compartment of the protected area is sensitive to
landslide. Due to grazing the area was devoid of natural regeneration and during rains
uprooting of trees were a common feature. Last year after the selection of Gaichuwan
village for Eco-development, the villagers agreed to protect this sensitive area
completely against grazing. As a result, during last rains no landslides and no uprooting
of trees have been reported. In this area de-novo regeneration of Kunis (Alder) has also
been observed. The villagers are keen to completely protect the remaining areas of this
village.
ECO-DEVELOPMENT – VILLAGE DHAKAINI
This village is a Bilraya range of Dudhwa
Tiger Reserve. The first meeting was held on 16.1.99 regarding preparation of microplan.
After that based on information collected by PRA and detailed discussions various meetings
were held on 28.1.99, 15.2.99, 25.2.99, 11.3.99, 15.3.99 and 20.3.99. Formally seven
meeting were held and informally many more meetings were held. In the meeting on 15.2.99,
the villagers constituted Eco-development committee in which Sri Mitthu Lal S/o Shri
Mahadev was elected chairman Shri Ramshankar Singh Mahavir was nominated member secretary
and after his transfer forester Shri Ambika Prasad was nominated in his place. The
committee opened its account on 30.3.99 in which a sum of Rs.1300 was deposited as primary
contribution collected by donation. Committee opened its account at SBI Chandan Chauki.
The committee was registered on 30.10.99. By March 99, the committee with the help of
villagers prepared annual plan on the basis of microplan on 15.6.99, which was approved by
Dy. Director Dudhwa Tiger Reserve on 17.11.99. Women participated actively in preparation
of microplan and annual plan. The women not only actively aparticipated in the meeting but
put forth their views and got it incorporated into sheme.
The first instalment of Rs.50,000 was
deposited in the committee account and second cheque was deposited on 19.11.99 for a sum
of Rs.1,21,000. Thus a total of Rs.1,71,000 was deposited in the committee’s account.
A target of Rs.1,58,920 was fixed for expenditure, which have been achieved by the end of
the year. The villagers have contributed Rs.31,694 which the committee will utilize for
ecodevelopment work after the scheme is over. The committee members collected grasses in
limited quantity and every member contributed Rs.20 as tax. The committee will shortly
deposit this amount in their account. A pond has been dug for pisciculture, and it is
expected to generate Rs.50,000 after sale of fishes.
Due to land ceiling work going on, in many
cases the ownership of land is not clear and therefore many works could not be taken up.
So far a sum of Rs.1,10,000 (in two instalments of Rs.50,000 and 60,000) has been
deposited in the committee’s account. Out of this it was proposed to spend Rs.80,820
which could not be spent due to land ceiling work. Villagers have deposited a sum of
Rs.17,948 in the account as part of their contribution. After the preparation of microplan
the number of unproductive cattle has been reduced by 20. The villagers have expressed the
desire to sell more of their unproductive cattle and buy good breed cattle. The committee
has decided to provide for loan in the next annual plan. The villagers are also
contributing towards protection and are always ready to accompany the forest staff for
patrolling.
One most encouraging work done by committee
is that they have given loan to the members for agriculture purposes. The committee
distributed loan of Rs.28,000 to its members in the month of July @ 12%. This loan has
been fully recovered and again a sum of Rs.60,000 has been distributed as loan. This was
given to 20 people, as against 10 people in the first instalment. It is interesting to
point out that one person who got the loan from the committee distributed it to 2 – 3
more people at his own risk. Last year also same thing had happened. Thus the committee
had given loan to 20 people but in turn the whole village got benefited. All the
beneficiaries return the loan in time and this year also the committee is hopeful to
recover the whole amount.
The Chairman and some members have undergone
training twice. The Chairman Shri Mitthu Lal was sent for training to Ranthambore for
capacity building. He has created awareness amongst villagers making use of the
experiences at training.
The Chairman of the EDC is a hard-working
person and he is aware of the environmental issues. He along with the member Secretary
Shri Ambika Prasad is providing good leadership. The functioning of this EDC is praise
worthy.
VILLAGE MALSI OF UPPER GANGA KARNPRAYAG
Upper Gangta Froest Division lie in
Chamoli district of Uttar Pradesh where the history of Joint Management of the forests, in
the form of Van Panchayats, dates back to 1931. In hills more than 80% population depend
on forests for their subsistence and their day to day requirement like fuelwood, fodder,
timber, etc. The community and forests here have a symbiotic relationship. All these
factor encouraged the adoption of JFM in this Division.
Village Malsi was the first village of this
division to be taken up for JFM. In the initial stages there were two types of problems.
While on one hand the staff, who did’nt have any past experience of participatory
approach, were not feeling comfortable on the otherhand villagers too were not believing
what they were being told about JFM. But regular meetings and discussions both with the
staff and the villagers helped in breaking the ice. Once the credibility was established
the villagers started discussing their priorities, giving their suggestions on different
points to the microplanning team.
In house training and workshop arranged at
Divisional level from time to time helped a lot in convincing the staff and villagers
about their role in making JFM success. These training also created a sense of
responsibility amongst both the staff and the villagers.
Involvement of women in the planning process
was another area of major concern. In the initial stages their involvement was quite
disappointing. There were two reasons for this. Firstly in hills since women work for more
than 18 hours a day they do not find time for other activities. Secondly their hesitation
in talking to male folks.
To overcome these difficulties the
microplanning team was suggested to visit the village at the time when women are also
available in the village; i.e. either at noon or in the evening. They did it and results
were satisfactory to some extent. Some of the achievements of the JFM programme of Malso
are as follows.
In village Malsi a dispute regarding the
payment of nursery works was resolved in an open meeting. Village Malsi has a total of 796
hectares of Panchayat Forests of which only 300 hectares have been taken under JFM. The
villagers have decided to protect the remaining part or the forest also. The VFC has
initiated in Adult education programme for illiterate women of the village. About 30 women
have so far benefited by this programme.
VFC of village Malsi have decided to purchase
two bulls (One Jersey Cow bull and one Murra Buffalo bull) out of village development fund
created till date. They have approached the department for the technical guidance. The
programme at present is heading in the right direction.
JFM – A VEHICLE FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
(The story of Lagga – Bhagga)
The beautiful corridor lagga-Bhagga,
hardly 50 km. from Pilibhit town, bridges the Royal Sukla Fanta Sanctuary of Nepal and
72,000 ha. vast continious stretch of rich Terai Sal forests of Uttar Pradesh. This 5000
acres of natural Khair, Shisham, Semal dominated Reserve Forests had always been a bone of
contention of the Bengalee resettlers and Tharu tribes living around for it’s rich
wild life, grass land ecosystem and bounty of nature. Most of the big and small cats,
herbivorous and as large as 181 species of birds add richness to Lagga-Bhagga. Presence of
many red-listed spp. I ike Bengal Florican etc. are the witness of it’s potential
carrying capacity. Three sides of this area are limited by the mighty river Sharda leaving
the fourth as an open border with Nepal.
It’s richnes and strategic position,
nevertheless, made it vulnerable for illegal felling of trees, poaching of wild life and
encroachment by nearby villagers. In the year 1995, attempt by Tharu tribes and Begalee
resettlers living around the area got momentum under the leadership of few Tharu, Bengalee
and local leaders. The momentum reached it’s unusual peak in June, 1997 when
approximately thousand acres of encroached land evicted by the Forest Department and
revenue department.
Before the Forest Department can have a sigh
of relief having thwarted the attempt of encroachers, a bunch of writs were submitted in
the Hon’ble High Court, Status-quo order from the court shattered the dream of
replanting of evicted area with financial help from U.P.Forest Corporation, Pilibhit
Forest Division had to return Rs.22,00,000 of unutilized money back to Forest Corporation.
On the backdrop of this, an idea was mooted
in 1998 by the Forest Division to play a new role. A ‘NEW ROLE’ would be-from
that of an implementer to a facilitator, from that of a prosecutor to partner. A conflict
resolution strategy was chalked out appreciating the management of forests by the people,
for the people and of the people. Only people oriented combined afforestation and
developmental works can assure sustainability of the system or management.
There, the concept of JFM was grounded with a
promise of collective care and share. Series of meeting were conducted in the villages
around Lagga-Bhagga by the few activists amoungst villagers and staff of Forest
Department, which led to formation of Village Forest Protection Committee (VFC). With the
support of VFC one hard core leader of encroachers was ordered to leave the district for
six months by District Magistrate. A legal step to dismiss the writs was taken by filling
expenditing application to Hon’ble High court. In the process, three out of four
writs were dismissed. One JFM Committee was formed in 1998 at Naujalha-Nakatah village,
Puranpur with most of the encroachers as member of the committee. An area of 125 acres, in
and around the village, was afforested by raising plantation of firewood, timber, bamboo
and cane species by the JFM committee. The funds were placed directly at the disposal of
Gram Pradhan (Chairman of JFM Committee). The villagers were so motivated that they
themselves distributed publicity materials to save the forests and plantations. Protection
expenditure saved by collective efforts and community participation was utilized for
erecting one community cultural Hall in the village yard in front of a temple. An attempt
was also made by the Forest Division to raise plantation in Lagga-Bhagga for providing
employment to all villages around Lagga-Bhagga. In 1998-99 an area of 500 acres of mixed
plantation, 50 acres of Shisham plantation and in 1999-2000, 75 acres of mixed plantation
were raised departmentally providing employment to nearby villagers.
People gradually took the protection of wild
life and forest by themselves. The social change become evident that for the first time,
the staff of Forest Department could recover one Tiger skin from the neighbouring village
on the basis of information from the VFC on 21.4.99.
The second incident realates to retrieval of
skull and hooves of a swamp deer by the VFC on 6.2.2000.
The third incidence of cooperation by VFC led
to the recover fro the first time of bodies of six migratory birds poached from the Sharda
Sagar reservoir. The Sharda Sagar is an impounded water-body stretching 24 km. One bank of
this reservoir is thickly inhabited by Bengallee resettlers and few Tharu tribes.
Incidents of poaching of migratory birds and selling of meat in open market came to an end
with the motivation by members of VFC. Now in the market village along the bank of the
reservoir, present a different scene where for the first time poultry Fowl and country
Fowl began to be sold for meat.
The plantation raised by JFM Committee is a
witness signifying the strength of collective efforts in afforestation. The Bamboo culms
planted in the area by VFC in the month of July’99 have reached a height of 4 mt. In
November’99. The plantation as whole is 100% successful.
The Forest Department recognised the good
work carried out and felicitated the Gram Pradhan Smt. Prabhati Devi on 15 Aug. 1999 and
as a token gesture, taken after deliberation, the name of her husband, a former leader of
encroachers has been deleted from the list of Land Mafia.
Conseqjuent to their achievement, a team of 3
members led by the Gram Pradhan, Naujalha-Naktaha Smt. Prbhati Devi were sent by the
Forest Department to study JFM activities in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh from 8.3.2000 to
14.3.2000. Thus, the spirit of cooperation and concerted action gained the upper hand over
narrow-selfish gains and the ultimate objective of afforestation is a beacon of hope in
involving local communities and people to save the existing forests in the Terai region.
Information on this page
is part of the Forest Information System Project of
IIFM.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Chinmaya S. Rathore
Project Team : Dr. S.K.S. Rathore , Seema Jain
