Empowering Communities through Forest Rights: A Field Report from Gadchiroli
Introduction:
In a recent field visit to the tribal villages of Gadchiroli, our team explored the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and its impact on local communities. The journey took us through Menda (Lekha), Kasari, Andhki, and Bhimnna Payali villages, revealing inspiring stories of self-governance, sustainable resource management, and economic development.
Menda (Lekha) Village: Pioneering Community Forest Rights (CFR): Menda (Lekha) village stands as a beacon of success in the implementation of FRA. Having secured Community Forest Rights over 1800 hectares in 2009, it became the first village in the region to do so. The construction of a crucial road to the forest, facilitated by the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), further demonstrated their commitment to sustainable forest management.
Guided by Mr. Sakaram Tofa, the community has implemented a robust forest management plan, emphasizing the diverse resources within their territory. The Gram Sabha, responsible for guarding the forest, has established rules for grazing animals, ensuring the preservation of the ecosystem. Notably, the village markets bamboo collectively through the Gram Sabha, generating funds that are reinvested in various community needs.
Meeting with Deva Jee Tofa: Advocating for Community Strength: A meeting with Deva Jee Tofa, President of Menda (Lekha) Gram Sabha, shed light on the strengthening of the Gram Sabha, its structure, and the relationship with the Forest department. Deva Jee highlighted the pro-people nature of FRA, tracing its roots to Adiwasi self-governance. The Gram Sabha’s successful bamboo marketing initiatives in 2011 and 2012 exemplified the positive impact of community-driven efforts.
Documentary on Menda (Lekha) Movement: A documentary showcased the struggle of Menda (Lekha) villagers in claiming their rights and increasing income through the marketing of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP). The collective approach demonstrated by the Gram Sabha in marketing bamboo yielded remarkable results, with earnings reaching Rs 75 lakh in 2012.
https://youtu.be/bOfYKUeZVGI?si=w4brLULjE8fPJ6Uc
Exploring Other Villages in Gadchiroli: The field visit extended to Kasari, Andhki, and Bhimna Payali villages, each presenting unique models of community-driven initiatives. Kasari Gram Sabha focused on business development through NTFP marketing, emphasizing collaboration with the forest department for mutual benefit. Andhki Gram Sabha successfully engaged in NTFP marketing, prevented unauthorized tree cutting, and received compensation from the electricity department. Bhimna Payali, despite being a small village, effectively utilized CFR for community development, showcasing transparency in income distribution.
Meeting with Maha Gram Sabha at Shrishti Office: Fostering Support for Gram Sabhas: Established in 2015, the Maha Gram Sabha plays a crucial role in supporting local Gram Sabhas. By assisting in buyer shortlisting, formulating common rules, and providing training, it serves as a bridge for collective progress. The discussion emphasized the importance of record-keeping for Gram Sabhas, ensuring transparency and effective management.
Major Observations and Conclusion: The field visit provided significant observations, highlighting the positive correlation between secure land tenure (CFR) and sustainable forest resource management. The implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) in all villages showcased the decentralization and local self-governance crucial for tribal areas. The dependence on bamboo and tendu leaf underscored the economic significance of these resources, calling for sustainable harvesting practices.
The correlation between active community involvement in forest management and a prominent forest cover is notable, emphasizing the role of collective efforts in preserving local ecosystems. However, the contrast in the activity levels between women’s groups are less as compared to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) activities in Jharkhand Adiwasi villages.
In conclusion, the experiences shared by different Gram Sabhas in Gadchiroli serve as inspirational models for other communities. The successful implementation of FRA, coupled with community-driven initiatives, showcases the potential for socio-economic development through sustainable forest management.
Pic:- Community managed Pond and forest of Andhki village, Gadchirolli.