Dango: An Active and Strong Gram Sabha (Success stories-#1)
Introduction: – Dango village, situated under Kuchai block of Seraikela-Kharsawan district, lies approximately 4 km southwest from the block headquarters. The village comprises five tolas inhabited by people from Munda, Ho, Tanti, Gop, and Lohar communities. Around 85 percent of the villagers depend on the forest for their livelihood. Dango village actively participates in various programs and activities.
Population and Area: – The current total population of the Scheduled Tribes in the village is 604 out of the total population of 669. The remaining population belongs to other communities. According to the 1981 census, the total population was 472. The village spans an area of 990 acres 92 D, out of which forest land covers 364 acres 85 D. There were no accounts under the name of the Forest Department in the land survey of 1904-05.
The Condition of the Village before the JJBA and Forest Rights Act:- In 1977-78, extensive tree felling was conducted by the Forest Department. Despite demands from the villagers to leave the bushes for their use during the tree-cutting, the Forest Department did not comply. This led to discontent among the villagers. However, after a confrontation with the forest department, the villagers managed to secure the right to firewood. With the introduction of the Joint Forest Management (JFM) system in 1990, villagers hoped for better forest protection and management. However, disillusionment followed when promised benefits did not materialize.
Role of JJBA and Organization: – In 2008, Sukhram Singh Munda collaborated with the Jharkhand Jungle Bachao Andolan (JJBA) under the guidance of Mr. Sohan Lal Kumhar, the then Kuchai block in-charge. Together, they worked on implementing forest rights and raising awareness about the Forest Rights Act. Gram Sabha meetings were organized to promote the Act, and committees were formed for forest rights claims and community forestry.
Procedure for Implementation of Forest Rights Act:- The Gram Sabha was reorganized in 2008 and empowered to implement the Forest Rights Act. Training sessions were conducted for Gram Sabha leaders and members of the Forest Rights Committee. The Forest Rights Committee, formed in 2008, approved community claims totaling 1854 acres 95 D.
Actions and Activities after Community Forest Rights Claim:- A Community Forestry Committee was established in 2015. The village formulated a Forest Husbandry Manual with 27 rules for forest protection and management. Additionally, a forest management map was created, and a register for forest biodiversity was maintained.
Achievements, Progress, Consequences, Effects, and Changes:-The village received a Community Forest Rights Certificate for 1854 acres 95 D. Compliance with forestry rules resulted in positive outcomes, such as increased forest density and biodiversity. Income generation from forest resources improved, and women’s participation in forestry increased.
Problems and Challenges: – Challenges include attempts by the Forest Department to infiltrate the village, disagreements over tasar farming, and interference from local political leaders. Despite receiving the Community Forest Rights Certificate, concerns remain about the conditions attached to forest resource usage rights.