fgd report- phaseii 26.06

8/8/2019 FGD Report- PhaseII 26.06

1/30

Report on Focus Group Discussionheld in South Tripura

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 1


2/30

Forest Resources in South Tripura

The forest department in the state of Tripura functions through two circles; Northern circle and

the southern circle. Out of the total 6292.68 sq. km. of Government Forests in the state, 3093.96

sq. km. lies in the northern circle and 3198.72 sq.km lies in Southern circle. There are nine

territorial division in the state with 44 territorial forest ranges and 208 forest beats. There are 855

villages in the state of which 644 have forest as a land use. Total forest area in such villages is

5700 sq.km. The forests in the South Tripura District are administered through three territorial

Divisions, namely Udaipur, Bagafa, Gumti and one Wildlife Sanctuary at Trishna. The

Conservator of Forests based at Udaipur monitors the activities of the Divisional Forest Officers

(DFOs)/ Wildlife Warden in South Tripura district and West Tripura District.

Table No.1: Area under Forest in South Tripura

Name of the circle District Blocks DivisionForest area(sq.km.)

Southern Circle South Tripura

Amarpur

Gomati 775.60Ompi

Karbuk

Killa

Udaipur 554.47Matabari

Kakraban

Raj Nagar

Bagafa 699.99

Hrishyamukh

Bagafa

Rupaicharri

Satchand

Total 2030.06

Source: A Compendium of Forest and Forestry in Tripura, TFD

Forest types in Tripura belongs to Moist Tropical Forests and fall in five broad categories i.e.

Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest, East Himalayan Bhabar Sal/ Alluvial plain Sal, Bamboo Brakes,

Low Alluvial Savannah Woodlands and small stretches of Tropical Alluvial Forest. Majority of

the natural Sal forests of the state lies in the South Tripura District. Forest in this district are

endowed with a rich diversity of flora and fauna, typical of high rainfall, high temperature



3/30

region. Bamboo flowering is continuing sporadically in the district with Muli Bamboo flowering

in Silachari Range and Kalai bamboo flowering in Trishna area in 2006.These forests are also

very rich in medicinal plant resources. Local inhabitants largely depend on forests for firewood

and bamboo is playing major role in the economy of the State.

Protection of natural resources is a serious challenge in the state due to illicit felling and damage

to forest regeneration by stray cattle and easier access to Bangladesh through the porous

international border. The task of construction of international border fencing is in progress in the

state to put a check on the illegal movement of timber across the border.

Table No.2: Status of JFMC in South Tripua

S.No.

Name of the

FDA/Division/WLS

No.of

JFMCs/EDCs

Project

Area(in

Ha)

Planted

Area

(in Ha)

No. of Families

ST SC Gen OBC Total

1 Gumti 35 6673 6627

273

5 320 72 0 3127

2 Udaipur 66 9046 7781

149

8 1462 1074 940 4974

3 Bagafa 55 15055 28821971 666 538 0 3175

4 Trishna 26 5280 237 335 260 76 98 769

Total 182 36054 17527

653

9 2708 1760 1038 12045

Source: Economic Review, 2004-05,Directorate of Economics & Statistics planning(Statistics) Department

In South Tripura, 182 JFMC/EDCs are functioning covering a project area of 36054 Ha

including 17527 Ha of land covered under plantation. The total membership of JFMC/EDCs in

the district is 12045. The community wise 54.29% are STs, 22.48% are SCs, 14.61% are from

general category which mainly includes the upper caste groups and remaining 8.62% are people

belonging to OBC group.

Panchayati Raj In South Tripura

The Tripura Panchayat Act 1993 was formulated and adopted after the 73 rd amendment of the

Constitution of India. The 3 Tier PRI forms an integral part of grass-root level planning and

implementation of Panchayati raj in Tripura . The 3 Tiers in the PRI are Zilla Parishad the

highest tier, Panchayat Samiti/ Block Advisory Committee (in tribal areas) the middle tier and



4/30

Gram Panchayat/ ADC Villages (in tribal areas) the lowest tier. The PRI in the district comprises

of one Zilla Parishad at the district level, 7 Panchayat Samitis/ 4 Block Advisory

Committee(BAC) at the Block level and 155 Gram Panchayats/ 167 ADC Villages at the lowest

level.

Methodology of the study:

Social Survey

In the social survey the data was collected from the field using the observation, interview

schedule and FGDs. The data was collected according to the planned methodology which had

two phases.

However when the phase-I was completed and the data analysis was made it was felt to include

few more components in the study and accordingly based on the discussions and comments of

the other consultants in the team following two components were added in the social survey

phase-II.


Planning and

development

of Social

Survey

Design.

Household

Survey

RRA-1

RRA-2

Pre-testing

of survey

tools

Finalization of

the Social

Survey Design

and tools

Implementation of

the Social Survey

Design in the field.

Data collection

Data coding, data

filing, verification

and validation

Data Analysis

and drawing

of conclusions

Draft/Inter

im ReportFinal Report


5/30

Preparation of Block profile

Focus group discussion with the stack holders on various components of the study

The questionnaire for the block profile was prepared and circulated to all the members of the

team for their comments and suggestions. The same were later incorporated by the social survey

team and the final copy was delivered to the TFD for its circulation to the respective BDOs. At

the same time a schedule was also prepared for the national social survey consultants to visit the

BDOs to facilitate the data collection activity. FGDs were organized with the specific group of

individuals in the selected villages to gain information, views, perspective and thereby insight

into their lives. The FGDs were so designed that the findings from them would add value to the

project proposal.

Sampling Plan:

The entire phase-II study was organized to be conducted by three teams; each team visiting one

district, thus all the three district under the study were covered. The study was conducted during

6th-16th June 2006. In each district four villages were selected based on the tribal population, thus

in all 12 villages were selected for conducting FGDs. The villages were selected in consultation

with the TFD. Thus the sample of the study was as follows:

Table No.3: Villages selected for FGDs

District Panchayat/Village

South Tripura

Uttar Silghati

Paschim Patichari

Garjicherra

Dhupcherra

The study design included participation of following stakeholders in the FGDs;

Table No.4: Stakeholders groups in FGDs

Stakeholder Participant

Tripura forest department Ranger,Beat Officer

District Administration Panchayat Secretary, Anganwadi



6/30

worker, teacher

PRIsSarpanch, Panchayat members, Block

Panchayat members

Local NGOs Representatives

Groups and Communities JFMC members, VDCmembers,Villagers

Special groupsTribals, Religious minorities, Schedule

Caste

Constraints and Limitations

The social survey team had to experience following constrains and limitations while conductingthe field level studies.

Monsoon rains restricted the mobility of people and transportation which led to low

participation of people

Non availability of the panchayat level staff such as panchayat secretary, Anganwadi

teacher, Sarpanch, PRI members due to their pre-engagements.

Remote areas posed challenges in communication and connectivity; there was delay in

delivering the requisite format to BDOs.



7/30


8/30

Profile of the participants in FGDs

Table No.5: Socio-demographic profile of participants

Village Gender Social Group

Male Female ST OBC Others Total ResidentNon-

Resident

Uttar

Silghati23 3 18 0 8 26 21 5

PaschimPatichari

3 3 5 0 1 6 5 1

Garjicherra 6 11 1 5 11 17 16 1

Dhupcherra 13 8 15 0 6 21 1 20

Total 45 25 39 5 26 70 43 27

In all 70 villagers participated in the FGDs from the four villages. Out of them 45 were male and

25 were female. The majority of participants were from the tribal community(55.7%), followed

by the others/general community(37.1%) and the OBCs(7.14%). The Others/general community

consisted mainly the upper caste people. Majority (61.4%) of participants were resident of the

villages while rests of them were from the neighboring villages in the same Panchayat.

1.0 Sharing of benefits/usufructs:

Current Mechanism of using forest resources:

Table No.6: Sharing of forest resources

VillageCurrentMechanism of

using forest

resources

Sharing of benefitsby the individuals

and community

Decision makingforum

Silghati Collective As per present norm Formal

Paschim Paticheri Collective As per present norm Formal

Gorjeecherra Collective As per present norm Formal



9/30

Dhoopchari Collective As per present norm Formal

Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

In all the Villages where FGD was conducted, it was found that there was no formal mechanism

or system to decide the usage of forest resources. People are collecting the forest produce from

the forest on the basis of the customary rights. Only in case of the community forestry/JFMC the

decisions are taken collectively to harvest the benefits like catching fish from the ponds, etc.

2.0 Conflict resolution/Social Tension

Type of conflicts

Various types of conflicts exist in the villages but there is no such constant conflict affecting the

social fabric. The natural resources in the region are limited and at times create conflictsregarding their utilization, the other inter personal conflicts are related to land and property,

occupancy of the high land, water for irrigation etc.

Table No.7: Conflicts and conflict resolution mechanism

VillageType of conflicts

Agency for Mitigation of conflicts

Chaudhary System Panchayat

Silghati Property disputes For Tribals For all

PaschimPaticheri

Occupancy of highland

For Tribals For all

Gorjeecherra Water for irrigation - For all

Dhoopchari No serious conflicts - For all


Decision making forum

In all the villages both the formal and informal conflict resolution forums co-exist and follow the

customary as well as the established constitutional procedures. The informal Chaudhary

system is more prominent in tribal areas while the formal system of Panchayats is dominant in

other areas.

Panchayat is the formal body recognized to resolve the conflicts wherever the matter is brought

to them. In case of the sharing of the benefits from the forest, the JFMC in consolation with the



10/30

forest department takes all the decisions related to the planning, management and usufructs

sharing.

3.0 Existing Institution and their role

Institution for conflict resolution, development activities and sharing of resources:

Table No.8: Institution for conflict resolution, development activities and sharing of resources

VillageMahila

MandalNGOs JFMCs

Village

Committee

Yuvak

Kendras

Chaudhary

systemPanchayat

Silghati - - - - - 1 2

PaschimPaticheri

- - - - - 1 2

Gorjeecherra - - - - - - 1

Dhoopchari - - - - - - 1

Ranking 0 0 0 0 0 2 6


Panchayat and Chaudhary are the two principal bodies for conflict resolution, development

activities and sharing of resources. Panchayat by virtue of its constitutional status is the lowest

level of planning and implementing body of the development programmes. In the tribal

populated villages with VDC is functional which is popularly called ADC Panchayat by the

villagers.

Effectiveness of institution in resolving conflicts regarding resource management,

organizing developmental activities and disaster mitigation.

Table No.9: Effective institution in resolving conflicts

VillagePancha

yat

Mahila

MandalNGOs FDA JFMCs SHGs TTADC VDCs Clubs

Silghati - - - - - - - 1 2

PaschimPaticheri

- - - - 2 - - 1 2

Gorjeech

erra1 - -- - 3 - - - 3

Dhoopch

ari- - -- - 3 - - 1 3



11/30

Ranking 4 8 6 10


Panchayat is the most effective institution in resolving conflicts regarding resource management,

organizing developmental activities and disaster mitigation; in case of forest related matters the

JFMC assists the Panchayat in resolving issues. Clubs are the volunteers in helping

administrative machinery and people when there is any natural calamity/disaster.

Role of FDA and JFMCs in TFIPAP

Table No.10: Suggested Role of FDA and JFMCs in TFIPAP

Village Lead RoleOrganizational role

Nodal AgencySupportive Role

Silghati 1 - 1 -

Paschim Paticheri 1 - 1 -Gorjeecherra 1 - 1 -

Dhoopchari 1 - 1 -

Ranking 4 4


The participants were not aware of the FDA but they suggested that the JFMC should play a lead

role in the project and should be associated with the nodal agency.

Involvement of Panchayat/VDC/ADC in TFIPAP

Table No.11: Involvement of Panchayat/VDC/ADC and NGOs/CBOs

Village

Involvement of

Panchayat/VDC/ADC

in TFIPAP

How to involve NGOs/CBOs in community participation

activities

Leadership Training AwarenessMembership

in JFMCNo Role

Silghati Yes - - - - 1

PaschimPaticheri

Yes - 1 1 - -

Gorjeecherra Yes - 1 1 1 -

Dhoopchari Yes - 1 1 - -

Ranking - 3 3 1 1




12/30

The participants were of the view that that thee Panchayat/VDC/ADC should be involved in

TFIPAP. The peoples representatives are aware of the ground realities of the communities and

there presence would also help in preventing marginalization of the vulnerable. These

representatives have peoples support and mandate to work for them and it is expected that they

work in the interest of people and the project. Very few participants were aware of NGOs in the

area; however they felt that it could be involved with the JFMC in generating awareness and

training the people in specific income generating activities and in imparting technical

knowledge.

Proposed institutional arrangement for TFIPAP

Table No.12: Suggested institutional arrangement for TFIPAP

Village Proposed institutional arrangement for TFIPAP

Funds to be givendirectly to Panchayat

by TFD

Funds to be given directly toTFIPAP village committee

through DFO

Silghati 1 -

Paschim Paticheri - 1

Gorjeecherra - 1

Dhoopchari - 1

1 3


The participants preferred that the funds be given directly to the village level committee, which

would be formed by the JFMC members. This village level committee shall include members of

Panchayat, members of JFMC and the Range Officer or Beat Officer of the Range. The

participants of one village suggested that the TFIPAP be implemented by the Panchayats without

involving forest officials. People expect more autonomy in implementation and financial

management of the project.

4.0 Project Impact

Table No.13: Perceived Impact of the project

SilghatiPaschim

PaticheriGorjeecherra Dhoopchari

Rubber plantation Increase Increase Increase Increase



13/30

Shifting cultivation Reduce Not much Reduce Not much

Standard of living Improve Improve Improve Improve

Income level Increase Increase Increase Increase

Forest produce Increase Increase Increase Increase

Access to forest

resources

Increase and

Improve

Increase and

Improve

Increase and

Improve

Increase and

Improve

Employment opportunity Increase Increase Increase Increase

Status of women Improve Improve Improve Improve

Poverty Reduce Reduce Reduce Reduce

land use Improve Improve Improve Improve

Forest cover Improve Improve Improve Improve

Impact on environment Positive Positive Positive Positive

Water area Increase Increase Increase Increase

Opportunity forintensive fish farming

Increase Increase Increase Increase

Income generation

activitiesIncrease Increase Increase Increase

Development of

infrastructureIncrease Increase Increase Increase


The Participants expressed that the project would have positive impact on their lives. If

implemented properly the project would create more employment opportunities, more

infrastructure, increase in forest produce, more income generating activities, increased rubber

production, better irrigation facilities, raise in living standard and a positive impact on the

environment. However the participants were of the opinion that the practice of shifting

cultivation will not reduce much through the project. According to them Jhuming is a socio-

cultural activity and would continue as long as people are attached to the farming activities.

5.0 Special needs of vulnerable group

Felt and perceived needs

Table No.14: Perceived needs of vulnerable

Village Jobs Health Education Roads Drinking Irrigation Electricity



14/30

Care Water

Silghati 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Paschim

Paticheri1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Gorjeecherra 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Dhoopchari 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

4 4 4 4 4 4 4


In all the villages the participants felt the need for better and increased jobs, health care,

education, roads, drinking water, power supply and irrigation facilities. They also expect that the

TFIPAP would make arrangement for it.

Improvement in SHGsTable No.15: Needs of the SHG

Village Loan/FinanceTraining to

members

Generating

AwarenessNo idea

Silghati 1 1 - -

Paschim

Paticheri1 1 - -

Gorjeecherra 1 1 - -

Dhoopchari 1 1 - -

4 4 - -


The participants felt that the present condition of the SHGs can bee improved by providing

training in income generating activities and loans to them.

Area of assistance

Table No.16: Areas of assistance for SHGs

Village Capital Market Processing OthersSilghati 1 - 1 1

Paschim

Paticheri1 1 1 1

Gorjeecherra 1 1 1 1

Dhoopchari 1 1 1 1



15/30

4 3 4 4


Capital, market and transportation are the three principal areas where the SHGs need assistance

from the project. The SHGs often fails to survive due to the lack of finance, the poor

transportation facility in the villages add cost to their product and thereby reduces their access to

outside market thus compelling them to depend on the local market. The lack of processing units

in the area has affected the enterprising efforts of the local people. This is a long felt need of the

people and one of the fundamental prerequisite to ensure sustainable livelihood. The traditional

handicraft skills of women in the region is one of such examples which has remained untapped

due to the lack of accessibility to the outside market. Items like value added Bamboo product and

fruits have the potential to provide sustainable livelihood to people if appropriate processingunits are established in the region.

Development/livelihood plan

Table No.17: Suggested Livelihood Plan

Village Development/livelihood plan

Livestock and plantation

based

Small scale industries,

cottage industries,livestock

SHGs

Silghati - 1 -PaschimPaticheri

1 1 -

Gorjeecherra 1 1 -

Dhoopchari 1 1 -

3 4 -


The participants have preferred for a livelihood model based primarily on the Small scale

industries, cottage industries, livestock and plantation.

Special provision for vulnerable

Table No.18: Suggested provisions for Vulnerable Group

VillageSpecial provision for vulnerable



16/30

Employment to local

in the project

Provision of

land righs

Women

focused

Vocation

Preference in

selection

Silghati 1 - - 1

PaschimPaticheri 1 - 1 1

Gorjeecherra 1 - 1 1

Dhoopchari 1 - 1 1


The participants in the discussion stressed for the need to make special provision for the

vulnerable in the overall design of the project. The preference is to be given to the vulnerable in

the selection of beneficiaries. The other preference was for the employment to local populationin thee implementation of the project. The women participants preferred for development of their

enterprising potential more specifically the tribal women through establishment of vocations

focusing women and their needs.

6.0 Awareness about government schemes

Awareness

Table No.19: Awareness on government programmes

Village

On time

information aboutprojects

Awareness about

government schemeslike Swavlamban,

SJRY,IAY,DPAP,

Angan Ban Prakalp

Are

programmes

beneficial

Views

about the

programmeYes No

Yes,

but

late

Silghati - - 1 Yes Yes Good

Paschim

Paticheri- - 1 Yes Yes Good

Gorjeecherra - - 1 Yes Yes Good

Dhoopchari - - - Yes Yes Good




17/30

In all the villages it was observed that the participants get delayed information on the various

government programmes. The participants were aware of the various government supported

development programmes being implemented in their village.The programmes like Swavlamban,

SJRY,IAY,DPAP, Angan Ban Prakalp are proving beneficial to thee villagers in general and

they are satisfied with the approach being adopted by the policy makers in designing thee

programmes.

7.0 JFM/Farm forestry

Table No.20: Plantation related issues in JFMC/Farm Forestry

Village Preferred species of treesTechniques

required

Problems faced during

harvest and

transportation

Silghati

Rubber,Gamar,Teak,Jackfruit,

Pineapple

Nursery and

plantation No problem

Paschim

PaticheriSal,Bamboo,Jatropha

Nursery and

plantationNo forest on private land

Gorjeecherra Sal,Teak,Gamar,BambooNursery andplantation

No forest on private land

DhoopchariAmla,Medicinal

plants,Bamboo,Jatropha,Teak

Nursery and

plantationNo forest on private land


The JFMC members and the participants practicing farm forestry preferred to plant

Rubber,Gamar, Sal,Jackfruit, Pineapple, Medicinal plants,Bamboo,Jatropha,Teak on their land.

In general there is lack of technical knowledge among the JFMC members and require training

on techniques of nursery development and silviculture. Since there is no harvest in the JFMC

areas so they have not encounter any problem during harvest and transportation.

Funds for road construction from TFD

Table No.21: Roads and relationship between JFMC and PRI/ADC

Village

Necessity of

funds for

road

constructio

n

Relationship between JFMC and PRI/ADC

Good Bad SatisfactoryNot so

good

Cant

Say

Silghati 1 - - 1 - -

Paschim 1 - - 1 - -



18/30

Paticheri

Gorjeecherra 1 - - 1 - -

Dhoopchari 1 - - 1 - -


In all the villages the participants expressed the necessity of funds for the road construction. The

villages either have kutcha road or brick roads which become unserviceable during rains thus

educing the mobility and accessibility of villagers. The relationship between the JFMC and

PRI/ADC is cordial.

Discrepancy between JFMC Micro plan and PRI/ADC master plan

Table No.22: JFMC Micro plan and PRI/ADC master plan

Village Discrepancy between JFMC Micro plan and PRI/ADCmaster plan

Yes No Dont Know

Silghati - - 1

PaschimPaticheri

- - 1

Gorjeecherra - - 1

Dhoopchari 1 - -


Majority of participants expressed their unawareness regarding the JFMC micro plan and the

master plan of the PRI/ADC.

8.0 Soil Erosion

Table No.23: Usage of Water Harvesting Structures

Village Usage of Water Harvesting Structures

Irrigation FisheriesErosion

controlBathing Others

Silghati - - - - -

Paschim

Paticheri1 - - - -

Gorjeecherra 1 - - - -

Dhoopchari 1 1 - - -



19/30


The participants expressed that there are very few water harvesting structures in the village,

which are mainly used for irrigation and fisheries. These structures support the irrigation during

the dry season from November to March. Sometimes there are conflicts over water sharing from

these structures.

Table No.24: Usage of foot path and link road

Village Usage of foot path and link road

Connectivity to

market, school,

PHC

Connectivity

to forest and

collection of

forestproducts

Linkage to

other

village

Connectivity

to Highways

Silghati 1 1 1 -

Paschim

Paticheri1 1 - -

Gorjeecherra 1 1 - -

Dhoopchari 1 1 - -


According to the participants the foot path and link road are mainly used in transportation and

moving to market, school and other infrastructure available in the village. The forest is

connected to villages through footpaths. In two villages the brick road connects the village to the

national highways.

Table No.25: Condition of Gully and Stream

Village Gully and Stream Condition

Eroded SedimentedNot

ErodedDont Know

Silghati - - - 1

Paschim

Paticheri- - - 1

Gorjeecherra - - - 1



20/30

Dhoopchari - - - 1


Table No.26: Measures taken to control Gully and Stream Condition

Village Measures to control Gully and Stream Condition

Embankment Plugging Check damDont

Know

Silghati - - - 1

Paschim

Paticheri- - - 1

Gorjeecherra - - - 1Dhoopchari - - - 1


Table No.27: Condition of the catchment

Village Catchment Issue

ErodedMovemen

t of Soil

Landslide No Issuee

Silghati - - - 1

Paschim

Paticheri- - - 1

Gorjeecherra - - - 1

Dhoopchari - - - 1


Table No.28: Measures taken for catchment control

Village Catchment Control

Gully

Plugging

Contour

TrenchingTerracing Plantation

Dont Know

Silghati - - - - 1



21/30

Paschim

Paticheri- - - - 1

Gorjeecherra - - - - 1

Dhoopchari - - - - 1


9.0 Bamboo

Table No.29: Flowering of Bamboo

Village Flowering of Bamboo

Yes No When Species Area Affected

Silghati - 1 - - -

Paschim Paticheri 1 - 1 year ago Muli 6-10 Ha

Gorjeecherra - 1 - - -

Dhoopchari 1 3 years ago Muli Above 20 Ha


The flowering of Bamboo has affected two out of four villages where FGD was conducted. The

flowering of Muli Bamboo started one year ago at village Paschim Paticheri and has affected

about 6-10 Ha of land. At village Dhoopchari the flowering of Muli Bamboo started nearly three

year ago and has sporadically spread to about 200 Ha of land.

Table No.30: Issues related to Bamboo

Village Plantation of Bamboo Shortage of Bamboo

Yes No Edible Shoots Saplings

Silghati - - - -

Paschim Paticheri - 1 1 1

Gorjeecherra - - - -

Dhoopchari - 1 1 1




22/30

The villagers have not initiated plantation of Muli Bamboo where its flowering has occurred, the

Bamboo is regenerating naturally in the affected villages. There is no shortage of edible shoots or

Saplings in thee area due to thee flowering of Muli Bamboo.

10.0 Others

Table No.31: Deterioration of Agricultural Productivity and Forest Resources

VillageDeterioration of Agricultural

ProductivityDeterioration of Forest Resources

Yes No Yes No

Silghati 1 - 1 -

PaschimPaticheri

- 1 1 -

Gorjeecherra - 1 1 -

Dhoopchari - 1 1 -


The participants expressed that there has been deterioration of forest cover in their village while

the agricultural productivity has increased in general except in village Silghati

Table No.32: Reasons for Deterioration of Agricultural Productivity and Forest Resources

VillageReasons for Deterioration of

Agricultural Productivity

Reasons for Deterioration of Forest

Resources

Poor

irrigation

facilities

Traditional

farm

Practices

Excessive

erosion

of soil

Illicit

fellin

g of

trees

Jhuming

Rubber

Plantatio

n

Increase

in

population

and Poor

interest in

conserving

forest

Silghati 1 1 1 1 - 1 1Paschim

Paticheri- - - 1 1 - 1

Gorjeecherr

a- - - 1 - 1 1

Dhoopchari - - - 1 1 - 1



23/30


The deterioration of forest cover is due to the increase in population and general lack of interest

among the villagers to conserve forest resources. The other contributing factors are illicit felling

of trees, rubber plantation and Jhum cultivation practiced by the people.

Table No.33: Reasons for increase in Agricultural Productivity

Village Reasons for increase in Agricultural Productivity

Improved

seeds

Scientific

Agricultural

Practices

Use of pesticides

and Fertilizers

Irrigation

Infrastructure

Silghati - - - -

Paschim

Paticheri1 1 1 -


Dhoopchari 1 1 1 -


The raise in agricultural productivity is mainly due to improved seeds, Scientific Agricultural

Practices, Use of pesticides and Fertilizers and irrigation facilities in the area.

Opinion of community

Table No.34: Suggestion for increasing forest resources

Village Suggestion for increasing forest resources

Better check

on illicit

felling

Afforestation

Permanent

settlement of

Jhumias

Reducing dependency

on forest

Silghati 1 1 1 1

Paschim

Paticheri1 1 1 1


Dhoopchari 1 1 1 1




24/30

The participants suggested that the forest cover can be increased by keeping better check on the

illicit felling of the trees, afforestation, permanent settlement of Jhumias and reducing the

dependency of people on forest.

Observation and Findings of the Focus Group Discussion

The livelihood of the villagers is depends upon agriculture. The agricultural produce and productivity

of land is heavily dependent on the availability of water. A major portion of water for irrigation comes

from rains, the crops are directly fed with rain water. A substantial portion of the rainwater is

discharged as direct runoff to steams and channels. There are few water harvesting structures in the

area and majority of them are earthen build and do not fulfill the irrigation needs of everyone in the

village, only the affluent in the village uses them in the dry season when there is scarcity of water. In

some villages the ponds have been dug for fisheries, such ponds also serve the purpose of irrigation in

dry season. The fuel pumpset are used to pump water from water bodies/reservoir to the fields.

The two institutions that are active at the village level are the Panchayats and the VDC popularly

known as ADC Panchayats. Incidentally it is for the first time that the ADC Panchayat elections were

held this year in the month of February-March 2006. Prior to it the Panchayat members were

nominated by the people. Whereas the Panchyati raj institution has three tier setup, the ADC has two

tier set up.

People are collecting the forest produce on the basis of the customary rights. Only in case of the

community forestry/JFMC the decisions are taken collectively to harvest the benefits like catching fish

from the ponds, etc. It was also noticed that people were not aware of the micro planning exercise; the

lack technical knowledge regarding the forestry, silvicultural operations, regeneration techniques etc

had crated dependency of people on the forest department for designing mutually beneficial

microplan. Majority of people are not aware of the term micro plan. They are aware of a similar

term action plan- used in PRI activities but not micro plan. People are using the forest to satisfy



25/30

their individual and collective needs. There is no formal structure at place; it is only in case of the

JFMC that people can seek sharing of benefits where the decisions are made formally. People

supported the present mechanism/norms of benefit sharing. The natural resources in the region are

limited and at times create conflicts regarding their utilization, the other inter personal conflicts are

related to land and property, occupancy of the high land, water for irrigation etc

The customary grievance redressal procedure in case of Jamatia tribal Community is as follows:

The dispute is first brought to the notice of the Chaudhary, there can be one or more Chaudhary in a

Panchayat. The Chaudhary is nominated by a group of people of the same community. Initially the

grievance is referred to the Chaudhary by the aggrieved parties who uses his influence to resolve the

conflict by mutual consultation. In case he aggrieved party is not satisfied the matter can be brought to

the Mayal Chaudhary, who is the Chaudhary of 5 Panchayats. When he matter remains unresolved at

this level the matter can be referred to the Oakra, which is the apex body of the community. When the

Oakra is unable to resolve the conflict the disputing parties can approach the legal administration for

the remedy.

Panchayat is the formal body recognized to resolve the conflicts wherever the matter is brought to

them. In case of the sharing of the benefits from the forest, the JFMC in conssulation wih he forest

department takes all the decisions related to the planning, management and usufructs sharing.

People in general are not aware of the FDA. Even the JFMC members are not aware of it, they only

know that the JFMC gets funds from the TFD but have no knowledge of its operation and mechanism.

The participants were of the view that that thee Panchayat/VDC/ADC should be involved in TFIPAP.

The peoples representatives are aware of the ground realities of the communities and there presence


OakraMayal

Police

Administration/Court

Chaudhary


26/30

would also help in preventing marginalization of the vulnerable. These representatives have peoples

support and mandate to work for them and it is expected that they work in the interest of people and

the project. Very few participants were aware of NGOs in the area; however they felt that it could be

involved with the JFMC in generating awareness and training the people in specific income generating

activities and in imparting technical knowledge.

The participants preferred that the funds be given directly to the village level committee, which would

be formed by the JFMC members. This village level committee shall include members of Panchayat,

members of JFMC and the Range Officer or Beat Officer of the Range. People expect more autonomy

in implementation and financial management of the project. The preferred institutional model is:

If implemented properly the project would create more employment opportunities, more

infrastructure, increase in forest produce, more income generating activities, increased rubber production, better irrigation facilities, raise in living standard and a positive impact on the

environment. However the participants were of the opinion that the practice of shifting cultivation will

not reduce much through the project. According to them Jhuming is a socio-cultural activity and

would continue as long as people are attached to the farming activities

In all the villages the participants felt the need for better and increased jobs, health care, education,

roads, drinking water, power supply and irrigation facilities. Capital, market and transportation are the

three principal areas where the SHGs need assistance from the project. The SHGs often fails tosurvive due to the lack of finance, the poor transportation facility in the villages add cost to their

product and thereby reduces their access to outside market thus compelling them to depend on the

local market. The lack of processing units in the area has affected the enterprising efforts of the local

people. This is a long felt need of the people and one of the fundamental prerequisite to ensure

sustainable livelihood. The traditional handicraft skills of women in the region is one of such

examples which has remained untapped due to the lack of accessibility to the outside market. Items

like value added Bamboo product and fruits have the potential to provide sustainable livelihood to

people if appropriate processing units are established in the region.

The participants have preferred for a livelihood model based primarily on the Small scale industries,

cottage industries, livestock and plantation. The overall preference in the livelihood potential

following SHG model is as follows:



27/30

Activity Sub-Activity Market FinancialConstrains

TechnicalConstrains

Fishery Local and outside

district/state

Low capital

requirement

Lack of technical

knowledge;

require capacitybuilding strategies

to be designed.

Piggery Low capital

requirement

Capacity building

strategies to be

designed

Poultry Lack of technical

knowledge;

require capacity

building strategiesto be designed.

Goatery Low capital

requirement

Capacity building

strategies to bedesigned

Dairy Milk and milk

products

Local Low capital

requirement

Lack of technical

knowledge;require capacity

building strategies

to be designed.

Plantation Rubber, Bamboo

Local Lack of technical

knowledge;require capacitybuilding strategies

to be designed.

Bamboo Bamboo product,incense sticks,

handicrafts, Mats

Local and outsidedistrict/state

Low capitalrequirement

Lack of technicalknowledge;

require capacity


Cottage Industry Handloom,

handicraft,candle, food

processing

Local and outside

district/state

Low capital

requirement

Lack of technical

knowledge;require capacity

building strategies

to be designed.

Horticulture Banana

, Pineapple,

Jackfruit, Mango

Local and outside

district/state

Lack of technical

knowledge;




28/30

to be designed.

Medicinal

plantation

Amla,

Ashwaganda,

Arjun, Bahera,Harteki

Pharmaceutical

companies

Lack of technical

knowledge;


to be designed.

Bee keeping,Sericulture

Local and outsidedistrict/state

Low capitalrequirement

Lack of technicalknowledge;

require capacity


The participants in the discussion stressed for the need to make special provision for the vulnerable in

the overall design of the project. The preference is to be given to the vulnerable in the selection of

beneficiaries. The other preference was for the employment to local population in thee implementation

of the project. The women participants preferred for development of their enterprising potential more

specifically the tribal women through establishment of vocations focusing women and their needs.

In all the villages it was observed that the participants get delayed information on the various

government programmes. The participants were aware of the various government supported

development programmes being implemented in their village.The programmes like Swavlamban,

SJRY,IAY,DPAP, Angan Ban Prakalp are proving beneficial to thee villagers in general and they are

satisfied with the approach being adopted by the policy makers in designing thee programmes.

The JFMC members and the participants practicing farm forestry preferred to plant Rubber,Gamar,

Sal,Jackfruit, Pineapple, Medicinal plants,Bamboo,Jatropha,Teak on their land. In general there is lack

of technical knowledge among the JFMC members and require training on techniques of nursery

development and silviculture. Since there is no harvest in the JFMC areas so they have not encounter

any problem during harvest and transportation.

In all the villages the participants expressed the necessity of funds for the road construction. The

villages either have kutcha road or brick roads which become unserviceable during rains thus educing

the mobility and accessibility of villagers. The relationship between the JFMC and PRI/ADC is

cordial.

The flowering of Muli Bamboo started one year ago at village Paschim Paticheri and has affected



29/30

about 6-10 Ha of land. At village Dhoopchari the flowering of Muli Bamboo started nearly three year

ago and has sporadically spread to about 200 Ha of land. There is no shortage of edible shoots or

Saplings in thee area due to thee flowering of Muli Bamboo.

The deterioration of forest cover is due to the increase in population and general lack of interestamong the villagers to conserve forest resources. The other contributing factors are illicit felling of

trees, rubber plantation and Jhum cultivation practiced by the people.

The raise in agricultural productivity is mainly due to improved seeds, Scientific Agricultural

Practices, Use of pesticides and Fertilizers and irrigation facilities in the area.The participants

suggested that the forest cover can be increased by keeping better check on the illicit felling of the

trees, afforestation, permanent settlement of Jhumias and reducing the dependency of people on forest.

The participants expressed that there are very few water harvesting structures in the village, which are

mainly used for irrigation and fisheries. These structures support the irrigation during the dry season

from November to March. Sometimes there are conflicts over water sharing from these structures.

According to the participants the foot path and link road are mainly used in transportation and

moving to market, school and other infrastructure available in the village. The forest is connected to

villages through footpaths. In two villages the brick road connects the village to the national highways



30/30

fgd report- phaseii 26.06

Documents