Conserving Bio-Diversity

Copyright: People of Barapalli, Arjunpur, Balarampur, Kiyapalla and Panaspur and Vasundhara and

Indian Institute of Science

C o n serv in g B io -D iv ersity

A D e c a d e ' s E x p e r i e n c e o f D han i P anch M ou ja Jungle Surakshya Sam iti

V asundhara O ris sa

Biodiversity Conservation Prioritisation

Project



Site Report of five villages

involved in protection & management

of Dhani South Reserve Forest

Edited by

Rekha Panigrahi and Y. Giri Rao

Research team: Late Sri Sukesh Chandra Ukil, Y. Giri Rao, Rekha Panigrahi, Ashok K. Nayak



A ck n o w led g m en ts

The research team would like to thank Prof. Madhav Gadgil and his team for their support during the study. We would like to specially thank Pramod, Utkarsh and Smita for their inputs to the process.

The research has benefited from the theoretical and logistical inputs from Vishesh and Sudipto of the HPA and the WWF respectively.

The local staff of the forest department made significant contributions to the undertaking of the research.

Special thanks are due to village men and women in the five villages involved in protection of Dhani forests i.e. Barapalli, Arjunpur, Balarampur, Kiyapalla and Panaspur.

The Team would like to thank Knowledgeable Individuals, Committee members, Harijan women of Arjunpur village, Tribal women of Panaspur & Kiyapalla villages, Forest watcher and all others who helped us a lot to cany out the study in the villages. Particularly useful were the help and guidance of the local medicineman Sri Banambar Das, pioneer of the forest protection initiative Sri Kanduri Pradhan and the FPC President Sri Biranchi Das. Special thanks are due to the Harijan women, notably Smt. Magi Dei and Smt. Rangalata, who provided us with a close understanding of the role of women in sustainable ` tilization of the forests.



C O N T E N T S

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ABBREVIATIONS I

INTRODUCTION 1

METHODOLOGY 3

PEOPLESCAPE 6

USER GROUPS & LIVELIHOOD PATTERN 11

LIFESCAPE 13

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE 15

MANAGEMENT OPTION 21

DEVELOPMENT ASPIRATIONS 26

ISSUES & SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS 29

CONSERVATION STRATEGY 31

GENDER 34

ANNEXURE 39



A B B R E V IA T IO N S

CFM - Community Forest Management

FD - Forest department

Govt. – Government

JFM - Joint Forest Management

LSE - Landscape Element

MFP - Minor Forest Produce

NTFP – Non-Timber Forest Produce

NFEC – Non-Formal Education Centre

NGO - Non-Government Organisation

OFDC – Orissa Forest Development Corporation

Pvt. – Private

RF - Reserve Forest

SFP -Social Forestry Project

VFPC – Village Forest Protection Committee



VSS - Van Samrakshan Samiti



.



INTRODUCTION

Background and Objectives

The Biodiversity Conservation Prioritization Project (BCPP) was undertaken by

WWF-India in association with other NGOs and Government at various levels for

India with the support and collaboration of Biodiversity Support Program. This

Biodiversity Conservation Prioritization exercise is different from such efforts in

the past by attempting to be participatory and attempting to incorporate community

perspective in the Project.

While different subgroups under the BCPP worked on what and where, the

strategies subgroup addressed the issue of how. The Conservation Strategies

Sub-Group attempted to document local level community conservation priorities

and strategies to address these local level conservation priorities. This sub-group

documented these priorities and initiated discussion on strategies at different sites

in seven states in India i.e. Bihar, Orissa, Andamans, Assam, Rajasthan, Karnataka

and Himachal Pradesh. This sub-group aimed at documenting the perceptions of

various sections and interest groups on bio-diversity conservation, with a view to

discuss a range of viable strategic options for bio-diversity conservation at different

levels with these different sections of society, in Orissa.

Vasundhara as being a part of the strategies sub-group worked towards developing

an understanding of how to conserve by exploring the concept of Bio-diversity

Conservation at some sites in Orissa. PRAVA, a group based at Balasore which

took the primary responsibility of taking up this exercise at Simlipal site.

The project had two main components:

I. Documenting knowledge and perception of local communities and different

sections within the local community about biodiversity and conservation at



the village/Panchayat level using community Bio-diversity Register (CBR) as

a methodology.

II. Facilitating discussions on the differing perceptions of various sections and

interest groups at different levels-village level/Panchayat/cluster to district, state

level with a view to record different perceptions as well as facilitating

discussion on strategies for bio-diversity conservation reconciling different

interest groups priorities and perceptions.

Community Forest Management in Orissa

In Orissa, many communities have taken up active protection and management

of forests on their own initiative. These community initiatives were prompted by

forest degradation and forest produce scarcity. Community concern generated due to

forest degradation was translated into active forest protection efforts. There are

cases of community forest protection arrangement initiated as far back as 1940s.

Over time, faced with increasing forest scarcity, more and more rural communities

have taken up forest protection in the State. These efforts became widespread in mid

1970s and 1980s. According to one estimate at least 4000 villages in Orissa (total

number of villages in Orissa 60,000) are protecting over 2,50,000 hectares of forest

(approx. 5% of the total forest area of Orissa) (Singhs, 1993 ).

In NAYAGARH district (Ranpur block) in Orissa, around 120 villages have

spontaneously took to active protection of forests. These community based forest

management systems display remarkable ingenuity. Each group of villages

present its own management system. The villagers have organised themselves into

informal and formal organisations. These community organisations over the time

have matured to manage the forest resources sustainably.

Site Overview

Dhani R.F located in Ranpur block of Nayagarh district is an unique case of

Community forest management system. It is unique in context of its strong

community institutional structure and a case where a cluster of five villages have

been unitedly protecting and managing the forest since a decade. Protection by the

villagers was initiated at the time when the forest was completely degraded. Its


Indian Institute of Science because of their untiring efforts & initiatives that Dhani has regenerated a good

forest cover. The forest protection institution evolved effective protection and

extraction regulation arrangements promoting forest regeneration. The

management system developed by the community offers equal benefits sharing and

decision making between all castes, general, harijan and the tribals.

Parts of Dhani R.F. is being protected by "Dhani South Panch Mouja Jungle

Suraksha Samiti" comprising of five villages viz. Barapalli, Arjunpur, Balarampur,

Kiyapalla and Panaspur. The five villages are involved in the protection of

approximately 839.75 hectares of compartment 5 & 6 of Dhani R.F. Dhani R.F.

has dry type mixed forest. Dhani also has some almost pure patches of bamboo.

Eventhough the Working plan classifies this forest as scrub forest in degraded

condition, very good regeneration has come up due to active protection by villagers.

The protection initiative has been recognised and lauded internationally. There has

been a steady flow of researchers from other parts of the country and also from

abroad. People from the forest department of Orissa and also from other states have

been sent to learn from the Dhani experience. The Orissa Forest Department has also

appreciated the efforts. The protection initiative that started in 1987 is now in the

process of being formalized in to a Joint Forest Management System. For its

pioneering efforts towards community based forest management the villages have

been conferred with the Prakruti Mitra Award, the highest award in the state in the

field of environmental protection.

The Dhani Success Story has been picturised in to a documentary film by the state

Government to be used as a model for participatory forest management. The major

Newspapers of the state have also highlighted the Dhani success story. Dhani has

featured as the example of successful forest conservation in various national and

international workshops. The Dhani Case study has appeared in various publications

in India and abroad, the most noteworthy being the report of IUCN, the World

Conservation Union.



METHODOLOGY

This study is mainly based on developing an understanding of peoples' association

with natural ecosystems and their comprehension about its management. In Orissa,

five sites have been selected from different ecological regimes. In this particular site

the study has been carried out in a cluster of five forest protecting villages.

Team Composition

As a nodal agency for Orissa, Vasundhara facilitated cooperation between

various NGOs (including local NGOs and village level organisations and the forest

department and its wild life wing) for this project. The research team comprises of

professionals, school teachers and village youths.

Method of study

This site is in Vasundhara's operational area where efforts are being made for

strengthening community initiatives and community organizations involved in forest

protection. Efforts are being made to facilitate interaction and exchange amongst

forest protecting villages, and these efforts have led to formation of a block level

federation of forest protecting villages.

As Vasundhara have been trying to strengthen community initiatives in the area so

a good rapport has been built with the villagers. A group meeting was first called

with the forest protecting committee members and objectives and purpose of the

study were made clear.

The study has been carried out on the guidelines provided by the Shrustigyan

manual with slight modifications.

The methods involved:

a) Intensive field visits in the five villages. Field study with different user groups

and knowledgeable individuals helped to understand different aspects

related to biodiversity.

b) Identification of User group on the basis of livelihood activities attached with

the resource.


Indian Institute of Science c) Information collection through

• Primary source

• Individual interviews of User group members, Committee members,

Knowledgeable

individuals and government officials.

• Household interviews of direct & indirect user groups.

• Small group discussions with user groups and others.

• Large group meetings with user groups, village leaders and knowledgeable

individuals.

• Secondary source

Reports, Puri district (Orissa) gazetteer was referred.

d) PRA Excersise

Social map of individual villages, Forest map and LSE map were prepared by the

villagers showing the presence of different resources in the locality.

Different field exercises were conducted to gather informations like timeline

on history of forest protection, ranking of species, prioritisation exercises(of

various LSEs, species) etc.

The team made a few visits to the forest area for field identification of the

species used by the user groups and other species found in the forest.

e) Compilation and Analysis of data

The researchers maintained field notes to record the informations. Everyday after

the field visits informations were compiled for further analysis.

f) Validating the data

Repeated meetings and interviews were conducted with different individuals

and user groups to validate the collected data.

g) Presentation of the Findings



The collected informations were displayed before the people in a combined

meeting of all the villages.

Tools used:

Interviews

Individual interview

Household interview

Field visits

Mapping

PRA exercises

Group discussions

Combined group discussions

Knowledgeable Individuals And Their Expertise

During the study we had been able to identify a number of persons who have deep

knowledge about the forest. The villagers have taken the initiative for enumeration

of tree species present in their forest. The watchman appointed by the Forest

Protection Committee has prepared a list of 260 plant species present in their forest.

The herbalman of Barapalli village helped in documenting the medicinal species and

their use for curing varied animal diseases. The ex-president of Forest Protection

Committee who facilitated and took a leading role in the protection activity

shared his experience on the community's initiatives and the history of

protection efforts. In our discussions with tribal and harijan women they showed a

wide knowledge and interest on forest. They informed about various forest produces

available and the distribution of plant species in different areas in the forest.

Many expert in agriculture acknowledged us with information on various

agricultural activities. Some villagers helped in mapping and locating various

landscape elements present in the villages.

Knowledgeable Individuals Age Expertise Kanduri Pradhan 60 Ex-President of FPC Masi Dei 45 President Manila Samiti Mahendra 30 Forest Watchman


Indian Institute of Science Banambar Das 70 Herbalman Avina Pradhan 65 Farmer Brahmachari Das 58 Health Inspector Biranchi Das 45 President of FPC Duryodhan Das 35 Fanner Rangalata Dei 40 Member of VSS

VILLAGE PROFILE Arjunpur Barapalli Balarampur Kiyapalla Panasadih

Panchayat Kerandatangi

Block Raj Ranpur

Tahasil Raj Ranpur

District Nayagarh

Post office Patia (Mal)

Police station Raj Ranpur

Forest Division

Puri

Range office Tangi

No.of H.H. 73 62 35 30 14

Castewise Household

General 52 43 04 — — S.C. 21 19 11 — —

S.T. -- — 20 30 14

Population 412 408 205 163 56

Castewise Population General 322 325 21 — —

S.C. 90 83 68 — --

S.T. -- — 116 163 56 Occupation 'A G , W L ,

SLC, DF

AG,WL,SLC DF, SH

AG,WL,BU, SLC,FPC,

AG,WL, FPC AG, WL, TC

Institutions School(upto class VII), Temple

Youth club, Dairy unit, Temple

Temple Mahila samiti, Non-formal education centre

Temple


Indian Institute of Science Village resources

Pond, Wells, Stream, Tubewells, Gramya Jungle,Grazing land, Social Forestry Plantation

Health Primary health centre at Tangi

1 AG - Agriculturists, WL - Wage labor, SLC - Siali leaf collectors, DF -

Dairy farmers, SH - Service holders, FPC - Forest produce

collectors(fuelwood, bamboo, climbers, kendu leaves), BU -

Buisness(village shop), TC - Tuber collectors,



PEOPLESCAPE

Location

Dhani is located in Ranpur block of Nayagarh district in the south of the Orissa

province. It is situated in 85° 19'30" and 19° 56' N at a distance of 73 kms from

the capital city Bhubaneswar. Ranpur was one of the princely states that merged in

Orissa after independence on 1st January 1948 and formed a part of the district

of Puri, Recently after reconstitution of districts following an increase in number of

districts, it has been included in Nayagarh district.

Climate

The climate is tropical It is neither too hot in summer nor too cold in winter.

Specially in summer evenings the people living in the area get the advantage of

Chilika lake breeze, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia (only at a distance of

3 miles).

The people

The population consists of Brahmin, Khandyat, Harijan and Tribal. The tribe

includes Saora and Kandha people. Brahmin and Khandayat castes are the

influential people.

Of the five villages, Kiyapalla and Panaspur are purely tribal settlements. While the

Kiyapalla village have Saora people, Panaspur have Kandh tribe. The village

Balarampur has a significant tribal and Schedule caste(harijan) population, while in

Barapalli and Arjunpur the dominant caste is Khandyat(Farming community).

Caste plays an important role in the Socio - economic life of the people. The

Khandayats who form a substantial section of the population belong to the warrior

class. They are descendants of the people who formed the landed militia under the

ancient Rajas of Orissa. As members of the militia, the Khandayats had to serve as

soldiers in times of war, and in return they were given lands. Their traditional


Indian Institute of Science occupation having gone, they have now taken to various professions. Many of them

depend upon agriculture as a means of livelihood.

Harijans mostly work as cultivators and wage laborers. They worship Hindu gods.

They have their community priests who perform marriage and other ceremonies.

The mother tongue of the Kandhs is Kui, but all Kandhas know and speak Oriya,

They mostly depend upon forest products and wage labor for their livelihood.

Kandhas have got hinduised and follow Hindu customs.

Saora tribe is otherwise known as 'sabar' or 'saura'. They are divided into a

number of endogamous groups. The saoras follow Hinduism and observe a

number of Hindu ceremonies.

Land Holding

In Balarampur, Barapalli and Arjunpur villages most of the households have some

agricultural land (varying between 1 to 10 hectares), a majority being small and

marginal fanners. In the other two villages Kiyapalla and Panaspur, which are tribal

villages, a majority are landless and some have encroached upon some land near

the forest. The tribal and SC people have no land (except for few households),

whereas, the general caste people have some agricultural land. Many landless

have entered into share cropping arrangement with the landed general caste people.

The forest dependents include mostly tribal, who depend on the collection of

fuelwood, bamboo and lai (creepers used for tying purposes in house construction

and fishing activity ) for sale. The men from this community migrate outside the

State for 6-7 months per year and work as casual labour.

Village Amenities

The villages are situated close to each other to the south of Dhani Reserve Forest.

The nearest semi- urban place is Tangi that is located at a distance of eight

kilometers. The road crossing through the villages is gravel road and distance to the

nearest coal tar road is three kilometers. No bus service is available to the villages.

People generally use cycles to travel to near by areas.


Indian Institute of Science People fetch drinking water from well and tubewell. For bathing they use pond,

stream and well water.

There is a common school for the five villages in Arjunpur. The school have classes

upto seventh standard. The middle school building was reconstructed by the forest

protection committee. For higher class students go to Patia high school (2

Kilometers) / Barapari high school (3 kilometers). The nearest college is in Tangi (8

kilometers from Dhani).

There is no local health center in the villages . People go to the medical dispensary

at Tangi for treatment. For minor ailments' people approach alleopathy practitioner

of Barapalli and Arjunpur village. One individual of Barapalli practices herbal

medicine for cattle and occasionally for man. The herbal practitioner provides

services free of cost.

There is a Youth club and dairy unit in Barapalli. Fourteen families from Arjunpur

and Barapalli villages have registered themselves as the members of the dairy unit.

The tribal women of Kiyapalla have formed a Manila samiti with the help of a

local NGO. Presently the samiti is involved in saving and credit activities.

All the five villages are in close proximity of Dhani forest and most of them are

forest dependent. The five villages Barapalli Arjunpur, Panaspur, Balarampur and

Kiyapalla have traditional socio-cultural ties. Any case pertaining to village life is

decided collectively. These five villages also have festivals like "Pani Jantala"

(village festival observed once in three years to satiate the rain God for good rains)

is observed unitedly in the forest by the Panch mouza. These five villages had a

primary committee to coordinate these collective activities prior to taking up

collective forest protection.

Cultural and Other Aspects

Structure of House


Indian Institute of Science A village have hamlets(sahi) representing different castes of people staying in

different groups. The general caste people stay together known as Khandayat sahi and

the harijan hamlet is known as Harijan sahi. Arjunpur, Barapdli and Balarampur

villages have heterogeneous distribution of Khandayat, Harijan and Tribal castes

while Kiyapalla and Panaspur villages have homogenous distribution of only tribal

families. Houses of people are built with mud walls or stone walls (laterite stone)

with slanting thatched roofs. They are constructed close to each other in rows.

Every house has a small space at the back where the female members do kitchen

garden and sit together during their leisure time. The front space is generally used as

cattle shed. Each room is known as 'bakhara' in local language. The rooms are very

small and lack proper ventilation. Separate room is used to store paddy(or

Amhara ghar) in the house. The walls of dwelling houses are smeared with

cowdung and with red earth. On marriage ceremonies and on special occasions the

houses are decorated with colors. On all Thursdays, specially during the month of

Margasira(November), alpana designs(rangoli) are made on the floor and door steps

to welcome the goddess of wealth.

Food Habits

Rice is the staple food of the people. During summer days the common food is

pakhal (cold rice). In breakfast people take chuda (flattened rice), muri(puffed rice),

khai(pop rice) etc. The village people prepare various kinds of rice cakes (pithd)

on festive occasions. Drinking of tea has become very popular among all classes of

people. Traditionally, pan(betel) is offered as a mark of courtesy when a guest

comes to the house. Home brewed rice beer called handia and toddy are generally

used by the tribal and harijans. Smoking of tobacco is very common among the

males. Bidis and Cigarette are also widely consumed.

Dress

The climate is hot for most part of the year and hence light cotton clothes are used

by people. Generally men wear dhoti, some of them also use lungi &

gamuchha(towel). Young men prefer to wear trouser and shirts. Women irrespective

of caste and social condition wear sari. Married women veil their head as a custom.


Indian Institute of Science Women use various kinds of ornaments for decorating their body. These ornaments

are made of gold, silver, copper, brass, glass beads, plastic etc. People belonging to

low income group prefer to wear copper, brass, bell metal, plastic ornaments and

glass beads. The rich and higher income class people use silver and gold ornaments.

Deities and Festivals

Each village has its own village deity known as Gram devati who presides over the

welfare of the community. The Gram devati is represented by a piece of stone

smeared with vermilion placed under a big tree. Carved images are also

worshipped. Gram devati is worshipped on the occasion of every religious

ceremony and also on special occasions like the outbreak of epidemics, marriage,

etc.

A number of festivals are observed all the year round. Some of the important

festivals celebrated are Durga puja and Dussehera. The Durga puja and Dusshera

festivals are celebrated during the fortnight in the month of Aswin (September-

October). Clay image of goddess Durga is worshipped on the occasion. The tenth

day of the festival is called Dusshera. In Dolayatra festival, image of Shri Krishna

is placed in a decorated biman(palanqin) and is carried in procession. Janmastami

(this festival is celebrated in honor of Shri Krishna's birth day), Jhulan Yatra,

Diwali, Kumar Purnima, Magh Saptami, Raja (an important agricultural festival

observed for three days) , Makara Sankranti, Ram Navami, Mana Usa( celebrated

after harvest of new paddy), Shivratri, and many others are celebrated with great joy

in the villages. During flowering season of mango, the villagers worship mango trees

which is considered as a religious tree.

The villages have community festival like "Pani Jantala" (village festival observed

once in three years to satiate the rain god for good rains) which is observed unitedly

in the forest by the Panch Mouja.

USER GROUPS & LIVELIHOOD PATTERNS


Indian Institute of Science User Groups \ Livelihood Activities

Depending upon the livelihood activities attached with the resource, following

user groups were identified:

1. Fuelwood gatherers. 2. Dairy farmers.

3. Siali leaf collectors. 4. Tuber collectors.

5. Agriculturists

Livelihood Activities

The main occupation of the people is agriculture. Being a tropical area paddy is the

predominant crop and extensively grown. People grow traditional variety of paddy

namely 'Biali dhan' sown in the month of June and harvested towards the end of

October-November. Some of the other local paddy varieties grown are Sonakhila,

Padmakesari, Kalagiri, Krushnabhog etc. The villagers lack opportunity of growing

second crops because of inadequate irrigation facilities. In last some years few

have started cultivating high yield short duration paddy/ dalua dhan (known

locally)in summer season. These paddy varieties are cultivated in low-lying fields

close to the forest. The high yield paddy varieties are Ratna, Jaya, IR-36,

Annapurna, etc. Other principal crops grown are maize, green gram, black gram and

vegetables like brinjal, pumpkin, lady's finger etc.

Farmers in possession of large lands (Khandayat community) depend solely on

agricultural activities. Those who have small lands, the tribals and harijans mostly go

for share cropping with the landed farmers. During crop season they do labor in

agricultural fields. In rest of the year they find some work as casual labor in the

nearby urban centers. Young men from the community migrate outside the state to

cities like Calcutta, Bombay, Gujarat for 6-7 months and work there as casual labor.

Tribal women too play a major role in livelihood activities. Throughout the year they

perform forest activities to earn a- living.

Forest Activities

Fuelwood gathering forms an important economic activity for the tribal families of

Kiyapalla village. Women collect fuelwood from the forest for sale. They spend 8-


Indian Institute of Science 9 hours a day in collection and sell the produce either in the neighboring villages or

in the market of Tangi/Chandpur(8kms from the village). The activity is mostly

performed by the adult women. Seldom the male members go for fuelwood

collection for household. Women group prioritised some fuelwood species on the

basis of following parameters that fetch the collectors a good price :

• Tree branches that have smooth surface & so easy to make bundles.

• Wood that catches fire easily.

• Fire remains for a longer time.

During the months April-July women collect

Kendu leaves from the forest. The leaves

are sold to the local traders who come and

take from their village. The collection do

not turn out in large quantity because of

limited trees in the forest.

Harijan families are dependent on Siali

leaves for a living. Approximately 51

families are involved in collection and

selling of Siali leaves. The collection

varies with seasonal variation, the period of highest collection is after rainy season

when new leaves come out. In these period one can collect maximum to 3000

leaves. The collection reduces during summer and winter season. Women perform

the entire activity of collection and marketing. They sell leaves collectively once in a

week in the market of Tangi/Chandpur. Sometimes local traders from Barapalli and

other neighboring villages purchase leaves from their village.

These communities also collect tubers like Tunga, Karba, Pichuli, Kanta alu, Pita alu

and sell them. They even collect Khajuri (Date-palm) leaves and prepare rush mats

Prioritised Fuelwood species

Local Name Scientific Name Atundi Combretum

decandrum

Bamboo Bambusa arundinacae

Chaluniya

Dhaman Greura tiliaefolia Giringa Pterospermum

xylocarpum Kalucha Diaspynes sylvatica Phatabarang


Indian Institute of Science for self use. Sometimes people of neighboring village buy the mats from them.

However this is not a regular activity of the people.

LlFESCAPE

Landscape elements

One of the major LSEs identified by the villagers is Dhani RF. The total area of forests

comprise of 839.75 hectares. Dhani forest is of mixed dry deciduous type. The forest

is located in hilly terrain, the peak of the hill is called Dhani mundiya. The forest area

include a few hillocks which have been given different names by the village people.

Within a single ecological habitat patch like Dhani forest, local people affix different

names for the areas. Most of the vernacular names are given after the plant species

dominating that particular area. Major naturally occurring species are species of

Bamboo(Bambusa arundinacea), Terminalia species(Arjun, Asan etc), Bridellia

retusa(Kasi), Lagerstroemia parviflora, Saraca indica, Mitragyna parviflora, Aegle

species(Bael) and Pterocarpus marsupium(Piyasal).

Different areas & their vernacular names

Dominant Plant Species

Angarkhol Bamboo, Siali, Kasi Baghmari Bamboo, Kasi, Phasi, Mahul Bainchakhol Bamboo, Lembur, Kasi Gadakhol Rai, Sisoo, Kasi, Lembur, Kumbhi, Siali, Bamboo Kochada Saguan, Acacia, Eucalyptus, Bamboo Lemburkhol Lembur Ostakhol Dhaman, Bamboo, Kasi, Mundika, Ficus spps Panichana Kurum, Kasi, Dhaman, Labeniswar Simulidamak Bamboo, Sisoo, Dhaman

The seasonal streamlet originating in Dhani hill flows through the villages which serve as

a source of water for irrigation purpose. Besides the natural forest other forest resources

found are mixed plantation of Acacia, Eucalyptus, Ariun, Chakundi planted by OFDC.

The FD has carried out separate plantations of Kaju, Saguan and Phasi in the forest .

There are three checkdams within the forest area which helps the people to irrigate their

low lying crop fields.


Indian Institute of Science Various landscape elements were identified in different villages. Habitation and resource

maps of all the five villages were prepared to document the landscape elements - wells,

ponds, paddy fields, homestead land, gramya jungle, road, thickets, acacia, eucalyptus &

cashewnut plantations, orchard, grazing lands etc.

People have listed around 250 plant species, 28 animal species, 40 birds, 19 reptiles and

a number of insects inhabiting the forest (a list of these wild species is given in the

annexure). This shows people's wide knowledge about the bio-diversity.

Ownership, Use and Composition

Dhani forest have the status of Reserve Forest. The forest abounds a number of herbs,

shrubs, big trees with wild animals such as mammals, birds, reptiles, insects. The forest

is protected and managed collectively by the local communities. The villagers collect

fuelwood for self use from the forest . Besides, wood for house building, bamboo ,

creepers, berries, fruits, tubers are also derived from the forest. Tribal and harijan

families depend largely on forest produces to earn a living. Fuel wood gathering

and Siali leaves collection are major economic activities undertaken by the tribal and

harijan women respectively.

These villages also have some Gramya Jungle falling within their respective village boundary. These are part of protected forest. Though normally they are supposed to be under village control, there is considerable contusion on the access & control over these forests. Protected forests are under the authority of Revenue department and managed collectively with Forest department. However, no management plans and schemes are prepared for managing these forests. The village people meet their fuel wood requirements , wood for cremation purpose from these patches but extraction of forest products for economic purpose is strictly restricted

Catties of the village graze in revenue plots/ Gochar, Dhani R.F, Gramya jungle.

Kalucha, Neem , Kochila, Kendu, Geringa, Achu, are some of the tree species

commonly found in gochar lands.

Balarampur village have a common orchard of mango and jackfruit species. The

villagers collectively manage the orchard and derive fruits, leaves for fuelwood.

Village Gramya Jungle

Arjunpur Pokhari mundiya

BarapalliBilei mundiya

Kiyapalla Ban mundia


Indian Institute of Science Agricultural fields cover a major land area. General caste people are in possession

of large land holdings where as a very few tribal and harijan families have lands and

that too very small holdings. People chiefly cultivate traditional variety of paddy. In

large only one crop is grown during monsoons throughout the year. Only a few

farmers cultivate vegetables and high yield paddy variety in summer.

Arjunpur, Barapalli and Kiyapalla have village ponds combinedly managed by the

villagers. The ponds are usually used for bathing purpose and significantly for fish

farming. Pond water is also used to irrigate the vegetable fields.

Values:

The forest has regenerated a good vegetation cover as a result of years of peoples'

toiling efforts and hardship. All the village people meet their fuelwood demand and

other forest produce needs from Dhani forest. The forest also contributes to day

to day livelihood of low class. Thus for the people of Dhani villages the forest is

more than trees and is valued for the array of products & services which it provides.

Trees like Peepal, Banyan, Mango, Sahada, Neem, Bael, Ashoka etc., are attached

with religious value and so cutting of these trees is prohibited. During festive

occasions people worship these trees.

While some other species such as Harida, Bahada, Aonla ,Neem , Patalagaruda,

Sahajamari, Khirakanchini, Bhuinkakahru, Krushna and animals like Gayala (Wild

buffalo), Kochik-khai(Common grey hornbill), Baduri (Bat) were prioritised for

having medicinal value.

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Historical Bench marks L Pre- Independence period ( King's tenure) ii Post - Independence period iii Period after Forest protection

i. Pre-Independence period ( king's tenure)

a) Forest Administration:


Indian Institute of Science Before Independence , the area was ruled under the princely state of Ranpur king. The

king acted as the local chiefs under the British rule . For administrative purpose the

forest areas were divided into, Reserve forest and Village forest. The Reserve forest

area were divided into 'A' and 'B' classes type. People had no right on 'A class

Reserve Forest' of any kind. This forest was kept for revenue earning. However, poor

low caste forest dependent groups collected only fruits, roots and fibres from the

Reserve Forest for their own use free of payment. Where as 'B class Reserve Forest'

was used to meet the needs of the tenants. From this patch people got timber at half the

schedule of rates.

The king had a separate administration to manage the Reserve Forest. Rangers, foresters

and forest guards were appointed to look after the forest. The Village Forest was under

the Revenue Department but in case of any forest offences it was taken up by the Forest

Department.

b) Species Distribution'.

Sal ( Shorea robusta) constituted the principal species in the forest. The trees generally

found in association with Sal were Asan ,Bahada, Harida, Mahul, Jamun, Kendu, Piasal,

Kasi, Sidha, Sisoo Kumbhi, Kusum, Kurum and Sunari. The common shrubs found

were Flemingia chappar, Indigofera pulchella, Wendlandia tinctoria, Woodfordia

fruiticosa, Diospyros sylvaticae, the climber species included Milletia auriculata,

Siali(Bauhinia vahilii), Butea parviflora, Combretum decandrum etc. The minor produce

of local importance were Harida, Bahada, Aonla, Kamalagundi, Sunari-bark, Kochila

and Kendu leaves. The forest was abundant with number of wild animals such as tiger,

wild buffalo(bubalus bubalis),Kutra, Wild boar, Otter, Fox, Wild cat, Wolf, Rabbit,

Jackal, Beer, Male cat, Antelope, Porcupine, Deer etc.

c) Existing Rights:

Permission for extraction of all sorts of forest produce except game was existent. The

tenants were allowed to collect bamboo and timber for plough implements and house

repairs on permits on payment of half royalty from the protected forests and on full

royalty from the B class reserve forest. At times the King allowed the people to collect

their requirements free of any payment in lieu of 'Bhet and Begari’ 2 rendered by them.


Indian Institute of Science ----------------------------

2 Begari is a oriya term which means free labour rendered by the people as a service to the

King.

Bhet signifies gift given to the King ( people used to give the first produce grown in their

land-paddy, vegetable or any new produce to the King).


Indian Institute of Science Every year the king issued permit for a period of one month for collection of forest

products. Kandha and Sabar people (tribes found in this area) enjoyed special

concessions in having access and rights on the forest which included :

ð The right to collect free and without permit dry fallen branches of any species

for fuel.

ð Right to collect free and without permission edible fruits, roots, leaves, creepers

and grass for their own use only. Other castes too received the rights to

collect these produces but only after getting permit.

ð The right to take wood and bamboo for agricultural implements and

house construction on permit which was issued free of cost.

ð The right to graze cattle and buffaloes upto a maximum of 8 animals per tenant

free and without permission. Calves were free to graze . However this practice

has been suspended since the abolition of Bhet and Begari.

d) Conservation Efforts

The King's regime had stringent rules and regulations which prevented the people

from exploiting the resource. In case of violating the rules the forest offenders were

strictly punished. People cited certain cases when the offenders were put behind

bars for collecting unripe fruits. Hunting of wild animals was strictly restricted for

the Praja (common people). Only the royal family held the privilege of hunting.

The tribals usually accompanied the King for hunting expedition during which

these people were able to derive animal meat.

Some trees in the protected forests, were declared as reserved trees(as mentioned in

Ranpur Forest rules).

Copyright: People of Barapalli, Arjunpur, Balarampur, Kiyapalla and Panaspur and Vasundhara and Indian

Institute of Science

People were not allowed to cut the reserved trees

without permission. However, after getting

permission one can collect reserved trees only for

own consumption and not for sale. People were

free to collect fruits and flowers of the declared

reserved trees without permission except

Mango, Jackfruit, Tamarind, Kamlagundi,

Kochila, Harida, Bahada and Aonla. The tenants

were also allowed to take the un-prohibited trees

from the village forests for their own use

without permissioa There existed

strict restriction on selling or exporting trees without a permit. The process of alienation of

forest communities from the forests began during the British period. The declaration of

Reserve Forest overlooked the customary local rights of the people. The industrial and

commercial interests were instrumental causative factors for such alienation. After

independence, the same interests were considered as national interests and continued to be

pursued.

ii Post -Independence period

After Independence , the princely state of Ranpur merged in Orissa and formed a part of

the district of Puri. Forests came under the jurisdiction of Forest department.

History of forest degradation & its impact:

Even after independence revenue objectives of Government continued. Forests

continued to be regarded as national resource and so was reserved for national needs.

On the other hand with the increasing population there was an expansion in habitation

and agricultural lands. Meanwhile rapid industralisation and urbanisation in the nearby

areas (Cuttack, Khurda, Bhubaneswar) continued which led to a massive demand of

timber. Further the village people practiced "podu " cultivation in the lower portion of

hill . All these led to rampant cutting of big trees. In the year 1961-62 the forest was

given coupe to Private contractors to harvest timber. This resulted in destruction of a

Recorded Protected Trees Sal Tinia Sidha Mango Kurum Gambhari Harida Bandhan Ghodalnja Piasal Arjun Jackfruit Bheroo Jamun Khair Bahada Kangra Kainya Sisoo Palas Kasi

Kochila Harida


Institute of Science vast forest cover in the low lying areas. The cleared areas were converted into

agricultural lands by the local people. People cultivated mandiya (millet), maize,

vegetables etc and received good produce from the fertile lands. Later on, FD took up

teak plantation in a part of the harvested area (teak species was for the first time

introduced in the area). For the second time the forest was again given coupe to

OFDC (in the year 1979-80). This time there was clear felling, the forest being

completely devoid of large trees. Local people received no share in the harvested

produce. This made them feel that since the forest in any case would get cut and they

may not be able to receive any benefit, so they thought to cut the remaining trees and

have the wood. This resulted in complete degradation of the forest cover.

Because of forest degradation the local people experienced many difficulties. The

cleared forest patch was no more able to meet the fuelwood demand. People largely felt

the scarcity of fuelwood, house building materials, wood for agricultural implements,

etc. They faced a lot of difficulties in getting wood for cremation purpose. Farmers

faced frequent crop failures. The loss of forest cover resulted to decline in soil fertility

thus yielding poor produce. When there was forest people received good produce from

their fields as the stream and rain water flowing through the forest carried green

manure (dry, fallen, decayed leaves) into the agricultural fields. But with the forest

degradation the lands no more received green manure. Forest dependents were the

worst sufferers. These people not able to get their livelihood from the forest, became

totally dependent on wage labour. At times of scarcity of labour work most of them

migrated out. During these years only people started thinking about the adversity of

forest degradation and its impact on their life.

Driving forces responsible for forest degradation

Impacts of forest degradation

• Growing human population.

• Podu cultivation and conversion of

forest

• lands into agriculture.

• Shortage of fuelwood, timber,

creepers,

• wood for cremation etc.

• Scarcity of rainfall.



• Extraction of root - stocks .

• Coupe permit to the local contractors

• Felling by the Orissa

Forest

• Development Corporation(OFDC).

• Rapid urbanization in the nearby areas

• Frequent drought.

• Decrease in water level.

• Drying up of streams.

• Loss of livelihood.

• Soil erosion.

• Loss of soil fertility.

iii. Period after Forest protection

Initiation of forest protection(the year 1986-87)

The adverse impacts of forest degradation led to a better understanding of the role of

the forest among the villagers. Few nearby villages had already begun to protect forests

through village level initiative. These examples inspired the Dhani people who

themselves had started thinking about ways to overcome the problem The intervention

of few knowledgeable individuals also helped in developing a resolve among the

villagers to protect the degraded forest area. A series of meetings were held by the

group of knowledgeable individuals on the possible way to tackle the problem and to

initiate protection.

Development of the Institution

On the 10th of September 1987, Dhani South Paancha Mouza Jungle Suraksha Samiti,

the forest committee of the five villages, was formed. The committee discussed

extensively the various problems relating to the forest and their causative factors. The

possible ways to tackle these problems were also discussed in detail and a work plan

was determined by the committee to initiate forest protection. The major hindrance to

the growth and betterment of the forest were identified as follows:

• Taila Cultivation (clearmg the lower regions of the hills and cultivating Brinjal and

Ragi by the villagers resulting in regular destruction of the forest.


Institute of Science • Head loaders/Cycle loaders of fuelwood extracting the remaining vegetation and the

rootstock for sale.

• Heavy grazing pressure inhibiting growth of new vegetation.

• Fuelwood Extraction Pressure from nearby villages whose forests had already been

far too degraded to supply them with household fuel

Dhani South Panch Mouza Jungle Surakhya Samiti was developed for regulating forest

protection as well as management. The committee looks after the protection,

management, utilisation of the forest and related issues such as framing rules, resolving

conflict, taking action against the forest offenders, maintaining records, implementation

of decisions, conducting meetings, interaction with external agencies, disseminating

information etc.

Protection

In the initial period, active patrolling measures were adopted for protection of the area.

A patrolling squad of 10 persons, 2 from each village kept vigilance on the forest. In

case of infringement by outsiders this squad intimated the committee. The patrolling

system was known as Tnengapalli system. One member from each household, a total of

ten persons/pallias3 went to the forest for voluntary patrolling everyday on rotational

basis. In the system a stick (or thenga as called in oriya) was kept infront of the house(s)

on the prior evening which intimated about that households turn to go for patrolling

duty. Subsequently the stick was passed on from one house to the other. Later on

patrolling arrangement was changed to appointing of paid watchman. Initially, one

1 Pallia is the person who has been assigned the patrolling duty.


Institute of Science watchman was appointed and after few months the number of watchmen was increased to two. Remuneration for the watchmen were initially arranged through household contribution( in the form of handful of rice per day for some time and in cash for some time). With the income of the Forest Protection Committee increasing due to taking lease for Cashew harvesting, the system of household contribution was no longer necessary.

Timeline Of Forest Protection Before 1961 - Abundance of forest.


Institute of Science Management When protection started there were few single rules. The main rule that prevailed was 'no extraction of root stocks and no grazing'. Free movement of the villagers in the forest area was completely restricted during the first few years. Subsequently the committee framed rules, defining the rights and duties of the villagers. These rules, patrolling arrangements and penalty system vary with threat perception, condition of forests, seasonal variations in threats, and other factors such as scarcity of forest produce, pressure from other villages etc. There is also seasonal variation in the degree of restriction, to facilitate regeneration in rainy season, and prevent instances of fire in the summer etc.

Due to active protection the forest has regenerated richly. The forest have a good growth of bamboo. After 1992, some bamboo were harvested to generate funds for payment of remuneration to watchers. In 1993, cleaning operation was undertaken to facilitate better growth of forest and extract some fuel- material. There are plans to harvest bamboo from this forest on a rotation basis with the active support of the Forest Department.

After the forest regenerated communities evolved rules for extraction of forest produces for domestic requirement especially fuel, house construction material and wood for funeral purpose. Specific rules were framed for such extraction and distribution amongst the member households.. 4Van Samrakshan Samiti, the forest protection committee formed by FD for joint management of forest. Some of the rules framed by the Dhani South Panch Mouza Committee for protection and management of forest were:

- Coupe given to Pvt. contractors by FD.

- Coupe given to OFDC. - Scarcity of forest

produces. - Combined meetings of

five villages facilitated by notable individuals of

Arjunpur & Barapalli. - Forest protection

committee was formed. - Watcher was appointed.

The committee got registered.

- The committee took the lease of cashew plantation

to raise forest fund. - Paid watchers appointed

- VSS4 formed by the FD which became the first

ever VSS in the whole of Tangi Range.

- Potentiality survey of bamboo by FD. Eco-

restoration scheme carried out by Social Forestry

Project. – VSS got approval from

the FD & management plan was done.

Rs 33000/- was allotted for forest management work as a part of

the Microplan.

1961-62

1972 1982-85

1985-87 1987-88

1989

1992

1993 1994-95

1995

1996



Rules pertaining to protection and management of forests

Protection initiation phase

• Ten persons alongwith the forest guard would protect the forest.

• If any person from the five villages, engages in destroying the forest then strong

actions with the help of the forest department would be taken against him.

• If a person cuts wood or bamboo with the permission of the committee no action

would be taken against him.Those who would cut without permission would be

subject to severe action by the committee.

Later phase

• The watchmen shall report to the Secretary before going for patrolling.

• All the villagers shall support the Watchmen whenever required.

• If a Watcher takes any bribe then he shall lose his job as well as the last salary.

• Any produce which is found within the boundary of the protected area shall be kept

under the custody of the Committee till a decision on that is taken by the members.

• Forest produce for bonafide needs can be taken from the forest after taking

permission of the committee. If anyone is found bringing any forest produce without

the permission of the committee then he will be punished according to the rules of

the committee. If the forest offenders do not obey the decisions of the committee

then stringent measures will be taken against them

• After permission from the committee villagers from the five villages shall be allowed to

take 100 bamboo at Rs 30/- for their needs. However, these bamboo cannot be sold/

bartered outside the village.

• Hunting is prohibited in the forest. Any person found hunting in the forest will be severely punished.

Forest Condition

Peoples' continuous effort have resulted in regeneration of forest cover in the area

which was once completely degraded. With vegetation, wild life have started coming

back to the forest. According to people there are 250 different plant species or even

more than that in the forest among which the dominating species are Asan, Kalucha,

Kochila, Atundi, Achu, Siali , Kasi , Lembur etc. with some patches of bamboo


Institute of Science growths. The fruit bearing tree species such as Mango, Jackfruit, Jamun which were

excessively found in the earlier period showed a tremendous decline. Wild buffalo,

rabbit, monkey, Jackal, Wolf and many other animal and bird species inhabits the forest

area.

In addition to forest produces villagers perceive a number of other benefits accruing

from their efforts to regenerate the forest. These include the prevention of soil erosion,

increase in soil fertility, rising water table in the area and increase in rainfall. The stream

which had dried up earlier now have again started flowing. These perceived benefits

have strengthened the villager's commitment to forest protection.



MANAGEMENT OPTIONS The joint protection of Dhani Reserve Forest by five villages have emerged over the

period of continuous and tedious efforts taken by the people. Till the early 60's the flora

and fauna of Dhani hill was undisturbed. After which the forest got destructed with rapid

pace of industralisation and urbanization, coupe-policy of the Govt and increasing

pressure of the growing population. The degradation of forest had an adverse impact on

people's socio-economic life of which the poor people(forest dependents) were the

worst sufferers.

The local people have adopted different management system of the forest based at local

needs, surrounding environment, their experience and ecological knowledge. Broadly

the management system can be divided into following categories, which are:

• Management Through Institution

The five villages have developed an institution named "Dhani South Panch Mouza Jungle Surakhya Samiti" for regulating forest protection as well as management. The committee looks after the protection, management, utilisation and related issues such as framing rules, resolving conflict, taking action against the forest offenders, distribution of benefits, maintaining records, implementation of decisions, conducting meeting, interaction with external agencies, disseminating informations etc.

Composition & Periodicity of the Institution The general body of the committee comprises all the

Rules pertaining to the Functioning Committees 1987 1. A ten member working committee formed to look after

protection of forest. 2. The accounts of the Committee shall be presented once in a

year to the General Body. 1992 1. An advisory committee with 8 members formed to guide

the Executive Committee. 1993

1. The Executive Committee (14 members) shall meet once in a fortnight. Any member of the EC who remains absent from three meetings shall be dismissed. If any member abandons the meeting then a fine of Rs. 5 shall be imposed. If any person does not attend while being in the village, a fine of Rs 1/- will be imposed on him.

1994 1. A five member vigilance sub-committee is formed to check

watcher's activities. 2. An audit committee formed to audit the accounts. 1995 1. The total number of committee members increased to 21.

For the first time women members included in the committee.

2.

3.

4.


Institute of Science elders of the household of the five villages as its member. The general body meets once

in a year to review the activities of the committee, frame rules and regulation, selection

of representatives for the executive body, approval of financial statement and budget for

coming year and other forest related actions.

The executive body comprises of the elected representaives from the five villages. The

number of the representatives varies depending on the size and population of the

village. The executive body meets once in a fortnight to dicuss various issues,

oppurtunities, problems etc.

However in emergency case such as forest offence, framing or amendment of existing

rule, the executive committee can call a meeting of the general body at any time by

serving a notice or by 'Dakua' (the person who intimates about the meeting place and

date to the members).

Funding of the Instituion

Initially the expenses of the committee, salary for watcher etc. were arranged through

household contributions known as "Muthi chaula"(means hand full of rice). In later

periods, when the committee was able to raise its own fund the system of household

contribution stopped. The committee managed to make some fund by taking on lease the

village cashewut plantation and reauctioning it to other party. Besides, the committee also

made some money from the fine amounts imposed against forest offences like cutting

green branches, killing wild animals. The account of the committee is audited yearly by

an independent auditor and the audited accounts is presented before the general body

for approval

Decision Making

All the forest management decisions are taken in the general body meeting, such as how

and when to cany sirvicultural operations (which includes thining, pruning), amendment

or introduce of any rules and regulation, forest development activities, financial matters

etc. The general body of the committee is the decision maker where as the executive

body is the care taker as well as implementor of these decisions.



• Management Through Protection:

In the initial period of forest management the communities took up complete protection of

the degraded patch. People were restricted from entering into the forest area. No one was

allowed to extract root stocks and graze their cattle in the forest. However the pressure

of the near by villages on the forest for collection of root stocks still existed. So, to

check the outside pressure and keep a close vigil on the forest the communities adopted

patrolling measures/palli system5. In later period the palli system was substituted by

paid watcher. Presently there are two watchers looking after the forest.

Rules regarding protection:

• The watch man shall report to the secretary before going for patrolling.

• If a watcher takes bribe then he shall lose his job as well as the last salary.

• If the watcher wants leave he should inform the committee, other wise he will lose

• his salary.

• All the villagers shall support the watchman whenever required.

• At any time in between 8a.m to 5p.m the vigilance committee may supervise the work of

the watcher without any prior information.

------------------------------- 5 A group of ten persons, one member from each & every household went everyday for

voluntary patrolling on rotational basis.


Institute of Science • Management Through Restriction:

In the initial phase of protection strict restriction was imposed on free movement of

people in the forest area, cattle grazing and extraction of any forest produce. In

subsequent years, some relaxation was brought about in these restrictions. To regulate

the forest in sustainable manner the villagers has adopted some prohibitive measures

like:

• Nobody can enter into forest with an axe.

• Strict restriction on felling of green trees. Any person found involved in it will

strictly be punished and penalised.

• No one can collect or cut timber, bamboo and poles without the permission of the

committee.

• Grazing is not allowed in the forest during the rainy season(July- September) to

allow regeneration.

• People are restricted to enter into forest during summer (March- June) to prevent

the incidence of fire.

• Hunting of wild animals is strictly prohibited.

Rules pertaining to penalty

• The person who violates the rule, is fined. The fine is decided by the working body

of the committee which is the most functional body. Individual involved in cutting green

branches or bamboo without permission is fined by the committee. Such fine amount

varies with varying size and species. The usual fine against cutting valuable timber

species such as Saguan, Dhaura, Sisoo, Asan etc.is fixed as Rs 1001/-. For other trees

the fine amount is Rs. 101/-.

• Strong action would be taken against any person found involved in hunting wild

animals. Help would be taaken from the forest department to take punitive measures

against him.

• Management Through Sustainable Utilisation :


Institute of Science Apart from attempts at conservation though more or less strict protection, the village

communities also have traditions of conservation coupled with sustainable use. After the

regeneration of the forest cover the commiunities allowed sustainable extraction of

forest products to meet their bonafide requirements. Some management practices were

adopted for sustainable utilisation of the resource which includes:

=> Annual cleaning and thining operations before rainy season so that it provides

fuelwood which is generally stored to use during rainy days. For fuelwood no green

trees are allowed for cutting, only shrubs of miscellaneous species and dead, fallen

trees and branches are extracted. The extracted products is equally shared among all

the households of the five villages.

=> People are allowed to collect berries, tubers, lai (climbers), siali leaves,

fuelwood (only dry, fallen, diseased branches & twigs) etc. People can collect green

wood only for funeral purpose. Collection of these forest products are free and

without permission.

=> For bamboo, timber poles for house construction and agricultural implements prior

permission of the committee is requried. To aviod conflict between the user groups and

maximum utilisation of the resource they followed certain extraction modalities.

EXTRACTION MODALITIES

Timber and Poles : The applicant have to apply to the committee for his/ her

requirements mentioning the purpose and quantity. Then a group of committee

members (those known as 'Inquiry Committee' ) enquires the case and after

completion of the requisite work allow the person to collect wood from the forest.

The applicant have to pay a nominal charge for collection which varies in accordance

to the tree size and type of tree species.

Bamboo and Fuelwood : A slightly different system is followed for fuelwood and

bamboo extraction. The decision for cleaning, mining and extraction of bamboo is

taken collectively in the village meeting . Harvesting of bamboo is done in patches.



Generally matured bamboo are only selected for the extraction. For fuelwood, no green

trees are allowed for cutting, only shurbs of miscellaneous species are allowed.

=> The tribals and harijans whose livelihood is largely dependent on forest produces are

allowed to collect dry, fallen, twigs and branches and siali leaves respectively for

selling.

=> The neighbouring villages (other than the panch mouza) can obtain bamboo and

timber from the forest only after getting permission of the committee and paying an

amount for the forest produces. Such special concession is given on the occassion of

community festivals & only to those villages which do not have forest and to the

individuals for repairing their house in case of fire accidents.

• Management Through Economic Upliftment of the Poorer Sections

Of the five villages the tribal and harijan people of Balarampur, Kiyapalla and Panaspur

villages depend on forest for deriving a subsistence livelihood. They are dependent on

different forest products such as fuelwood, lai or climbers, siali leaves(Bauhinia vahilii),

tubers etc. for their livelihood .The villagers say that there exists a gap between present

demand and supply of the forest produce. This imbalance in future may lead to conflict

over the resource. Therefore there is a need to minimise the dependence and control the

pressure of this group . The committee has taken an initiative to negotiate with the FD,

and other government and non-government agencies to carry out economic

developmental programmes. Following actions has already been initiated:

• A dairy unit has been set up comprising of 40 members.

• Training imparted by FD to women of harijan community for processing

of siali leaves to make leafplates.

M A N A G E M E N T O F O T H E R L A N D SC A P E E L E M E N T S

Agricultural land :


Institute of Science Cultivation being the main occupation, the people of Dhani villages gave high priority to

agricultural fields for better use & management. The pratice of cultivating traditional

paddy variety still exists in the area. People depend on monsoons for water to irrigate

their fields. Because of lack of adequate irrigation facilities the fields remain vacant for

most part of the year. For better land use and effective management of the land

resources, adequate irrigation facilities have to be made through wells, deep well

constructing water structures.

Grazing land :

All the villages have grazing land(gochar) . The grazing land is commonly managed by

the village people. The tribal people of Panaspur village are desirous to plant fruit

bearing trees(especially mango, jackfruit species), acacia, eucalyptus etc. in their grazing

land. People have already initiated efforts in planting seedling of the species. Presently

other villages want to use the grazing land exclusively for grazing purpose.

Gramya Jungle:

Gramya jungle (forests included within the village boundary) is collectively managed by

the individual village. The degradation of the R.F. resulted in severe hardships for the

local people. The villagers felt heavily the scarcity of fuelwood, wood for funeral pyre

and these adverse situations compelled the villagers to protect forest patches within their

village boundary. The village people exercise their rights and concessions on gramya

jungle to collect fuelwood, medicinal herbs, edible fruits, berries, leaves etc. and wood

for cremation. However, timber cutting either for commercial or subsistence is not

allowed.The forest is protected by patrolling on rotational basis by the villagers. Every

household participate in patrolling system. One pallia ( person on patrolling duty )

moves around the forest everyday. No one is allowed to cut green tree from the forest

without permission.

Pond :

Of the five villages only Arjunpur and Kiyapalla have village ponds. The pond is

managed by the village elders. They are mainly used for bathing and more significantly

for fish farming. Cattle bathing is strictly restricted. The expenses for fish farming is met


Institute of Science from household contribution in terms of cash. The pond water at times is used to

irrigate the vegetable fields. The community takes the cleaning activity of the pond after

every two or three years, in which male member of each & every household in the

village participate.

DEVELOPMENT ASPIRATIONS

Legal & Policy issues

The communities have been protecting the forests since a decade, yet they feel insecured

about their rights over the forest. They feel the need for greater legal rights and tenurial

security. In the absence of legal rights the Government continues to deny the rights and

ownership of local people over the forests and forest products. The forest protecting

committee like to have a legal status and recognised as an independent body.

Empowerment

While legal and policy issues are important, equally important are efforts for

strengthening the community institution so that they are in a position to take up

increased management responsibilities. Efforts should be made to involve people in

policy formulation and implementation process to enable them to contribute in

protecting and managing the forest effectively.

Bamboo harvesting

The Forest Department has made a potentiality survey of the forest and an assessment of

the bamboo availability in the forest. It is estimated that approximately one lakh bamboo

can be harvested every year. The department is facilitating necessary administrative

clearances to allow the committee to harvest bamboo. The harvested produce shall be

utilised to meet the needs of the villagers. The committee have a plan to sell the rest

bamboo and the income incurred from the sale of bamboo shall be deposited in the

village fund. This fund shall be utilized to carry out forest and village development

activities.


Institute of Science Income generating activities for direct forest dependents:

The lack of employment opportunity or alternative income has made the poor tribal

people of Kiyapalla village dependent on harvesting fuelwood for sale. Headloading is a

major economic activity carried throughout the year. The majority of headloaders are

tribal women. They had to spend long hours to travel to the forest, in collecting &

selling firewood. They wanted alternative employment to stop cutting firewood.

Livelihood linked to NTFPs

Efforts should be made in the direction to encourage them to seek some alternative

income source utilizing available NTFP's and provided with marketing support to

increase their income from the sale of NTFP's. Processing of NTFP's like aonla, bahada

etc.. making bamboo products, rush mats should be encouraged at local levels. The

tribal women also wanted to do some fruit plantation to obtain a regular income.

The harijan women feels the need of processing siali leaves & make leaf plates to give

value addition. During discussions with the women, they expressed for the need of plate

stitching machine to earn a better income from the sale of leaf plates. The committee is

trying to seek some alternative economic activity for the forest dependent groups. A

proposal for the same was given by the committee in the micro plan prepared with the

joint efforts of the Forest protection committee and the Forest Department. The

department has already initiated imparting training to women on processing of Siali

leaves and has given two leaf plate stitching machines in Arjunpur and Barapalli village.

Agriculture

The main occupation of the villagers is agriculture. Farmers cultivate chiefly paddy in

their fields. Only one crop (during monsoons) is grown throughout the year. Besides

paddy, some grow pulses, sugarcane, vegetables etc. Due to lack of irrigation facilities

the farmers are unable to grow second crops. A need was felt for constructing water

harvesting structures for sustenance of agricultural activties. This would provide the

agriculturists the scope to cultivate cash crops creating opportunities of labor for the

landless and the forest dependent groups.


Institute of Science Other agriculture related aspirations

• In rainy season number of nalas, streamlets, flows through the forest. The water gets

wasted because of absence of water storing structures. If rain water can be stored,

it will help in the enhancement of the agricultural productivity.

• The people need to be encouraged to practice multiple cropping to maintain soil

fertility & increase their income.

• People would like to use iron plough if provided to them at subsised price by Govt.

• Farmers desire to form cooperative to help in timely supply of seeds, fertilizers, loan

to the small farmers.

• Efforts should be taken to widespread the knowledge on new agricultural techniques

and practices at block & panchayat level by conducting exhibitions and

demonstrations.

Dairy-farming

The dairy fanners have recently taken up cultivation of grass like NV-21, MP Cherry

which makes good cattle fodder. Efforts has already been initiated on experimental basis

and after seeing the feasibility they wish to go for large scale cultivation. An application

has been forwarded to the committee to allow them five acres of land within the forest

area for cultivation.

Protection to wild animals

Wild animals have started coming back to the dense regenerated forest. The forest lack

adequate water bodies. So the animals has to come to the lower land of Dhani to drink

water which increases the probability of hunting. There have been some cases of killing

wild animal in recent days. Panch mouja people wishes to dig water pits inside the dense

forest for the security of wild animals.

Environmental awareness

The elderly people feel that it is necessary to bring environmental awareness in the

society. They say that educational institutions are the best media to bring in

environmental awareness. The students having a strong will to take up the challenges


Institute of Science can educate different societies about environment and its associated problems in a better

way.

Its hightime that compulsory environment education be introduced in schools to ensure

wider dissemination of the importance of healthy environment. Exhibitions on ecology

and environment can be organised in villages to create interests among children and to

involve them.

Youths from Barapalli village suggested for a library in the village for dessiminating

environmental knowledge to the people.

Promoting herbal knowledge

There is a decline in the trend of herbal medicine use and its practice. With advent in

medicine and technology there is a gradual shift from herbal to alleopathy. The

herbalman from Barapalli express his feelings on the necessity of carrying out training on

medicinal herbs at local level.

The efforts & initiatives of five villages to protect and conserve the forest have been

recently recognised by the Government. In 1997 Dhani Panch Mouja was awarded with

the honor of Prakruti Mitra Award (Nature's friend) by the state government.



ISSUES & SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS

Conflicts within a village or with the outside villages may take place due to distribution

of resource, use/ control over the resource, inequitable benefits sharing and many other

factors. Example of such conflicts though not major are described here.

The initial initiative came from Arjunpur village, which is general caste village and tribal

villages were included because of the consideration that it would not be possible to

protect the forests by excluding them. Also at the initial stage, Kiyapalla village which is a

tribal village was not participating actively in village meetings, the reasons being that for

these people forest was the major and the only source of sustenance and the fear of

losing access to the forest by its protection. The evacuation of these people from the

"Taila" land also contributed to their remaining aloof from the protection efforts.

However steps were taken to involve this village.

The neighboring villages kantasiri, Paiksahi, Jhiripada, Kadamjhola, Godasahi etc. the

predominantly tribal villages, were also dependent on Dhani forest. Initiation of forest

protection by panch mouja committee restricted these people's access over the forest

leading to resentment and constant threat of pilferage. People of outside villages who

violated the rules were fined by the Panch Mouja Committee. Common meetings were

held regularly with these villages to decide the infringement cases. The Forest protection

committee handled the conflict situations and in worst case only sought the help of FD.

The Panchmauja committee in later years facilitated these villages to initiate protection of

a new patch to meet their basic forestry needs. In the year 1991, the villages formed a

committee with the help of Panchmouja committee and have taken up protection of

Compartment 7 & 8 of Dhani south RF adjacent to the protecting forest of five villages.

Conflict over the resource sharing:

Dhani RF forest boundary overlaps the boundary of the revenue village Kadamjhola

along with the village boundary of five protecting villages. Now that the panch mouja

have taken up a big forest patch in the process of forest management the Kadamjhola

village is left with no area. Though in initial years the protecting committee tried to


Institute of Science involve the neighboring village in the protection process but they did not take any

interest in the protection process. Now that the forest has grown up the latter village

wants a share in the protected patch to have their own forest to derive a regular

sustenance .

Inspite of the fact that Kadamjhola village did not participate with the five villages in

protection process for these many years, the panch mauja committee is ready to involve

Kadamjhola for joint protection & management of Dhani forest.

Conflict over the management of the resource:

The general caste villages have dominated the activity of forest protection. The tribal

people feel neglected and left out in the process. They are unhappy with the working of

committee. They speak that for the same type of offence the tribals had to pay greater

fine while the committee have a casual attitude towards the general caste. The tribals

h a v e s to p p ed co m in g to th e m ee tin g s o f th e c o m m ittee . T h is in e q u ity m a y g ra d u a lly c r e a te a

g a p b e tw e e n th e m a n d th e fo re s t p ro te c t io n a c t iv i ty . T h e re s h o u ld b e tra n s p a re n c y in th e

a c tiv itie s o f th e c o m m itte e a n d e q u a l p a rtic ip a tio n fro m a ll th e sectio ns . D ec isio ns o f the

com m ittee shou ld be fair and un b iased tow ard s a ll th e g rou ps.

C on flict over th e u se of resou rce:

1. F u e l-w o o d g a th erin g

W hile the k ab ari trib al o f K iyap alla v illage a re depend en t on head load ing peop le o f o th er c as tes

fro m n e arb y v illa ge s ge n e ra lly c a rry w o o d o n cyc le to se ll. A s th e fo rm e r g ro u p c o lle c t d ry ,

fa lle n tw igs , b ra n c h e s th e y d o n o t g e t a go o d p ric e o f th e ir co llec tio n in c o m p a re d to th e

c o lle c to rs w h o b r in g g re e n w o o d in th e ir c yc le s . T h e k a b a r i w o m e n w a n t th a t th e y sh o u ld b e

a llo w e d to cu t b ra n c h e s o f tree s lik e K a lu c h a , K o ch ila , K eru an e tc ., th a t g ro w s fa s t . T h e S ia li

c o lle c to rs o p p o s e to th is . T h e s e tre e s g iv e s s u p p o rt to S ia li c lim b e rs to sp re ad o u t & c u ttin g

tree s m ay d es tro y s ia li p lan ts . T h e u se r g ro u p s c o u ld n o t c o m e to a n y c o n s e n s u s . T h e re is a ls o

a fe e l in g th a t o n c e tr e e c u tt in g is a llo w e d it m ay le a d to fre e a c ce ss o f th e reso u rc e resu ltin g in

fo res t d es tru c tio n .

2. B am bo o harvestin g


Institute of Science In a d is c u s s io n w ith th e u s e r g ro u p s o n b a m b o o h a rv e s t in g , th e v ie w s o f P a n a s p u r v illa ge

p e o p le se e m ed to b e d iffe ren t fro m o th e r g ro u p s & sh o w e d so m e d eg re e o f d issa tis fac tio n . T h ey

sa id th a t th e y s ta rte d fo res t p ro te c tio n w ith th e o b je c tiv e to m e e t th e fo re stry n e ed s o f lo ca l

p e o p le a n d n o t fo r co m m e rc ia l p u rp o se . T h e ex is tin g ru le s a llo w th e v il la g e rs to c o lle c t o n ly

tw e n ty b a m b o o s in a ye a r w h ic h d o n o t m e e t th e ir n e e d s . S o th e c o m m itte e sh o u ld firs t th in k to

m ee t th e lo c a l n e ed s o f b am b o o & th e n ca n go fo r selling.

T hreat from outside v illages:

T h e fo re s t h a v e g o t a g o o d r e g e n e ra t iv e fo re s t c o v e r a n d h o s ts d iv e r s e s p e c ie s c o m p a re d to

o th e r n ea rb y fo re s ts . M o re o v e r th e tw o fo re st g u a rd s ap p o in ted b y th e c o m m u n ity a re n o t a b le

to k e e p v ig il o v e r a la rg e fo re s t a re a . T h is h a s re s u lte d to in c rea sed th rea ts fro m o u ts id e

v illa ge s. T h e re h av e b e en an in c re a se in c u ttin g tre es a n d k illin g o f w ild an im a ls fro m th e

p ro te c tin g p a tch . T h e c o m m u n ity in s titu tio n n ee d to b e s tre n g h te n e d w ith so m e p e n a l p o w e rs to

ta k e a c tio n a g a in s t th e fo re s t o ffe n d e rs & to s to p th e m fro m c a rry in g il le g a l fo re s t a c tiv it ie s . A

s q u a d c o m m itte e w a s fo rm e d in recen t days to check h un ting o f an im als .

M ism atch b etw een C om m ittee's ru les & G ovt. p olicy:

T h e w o rk in g p la n p rep ared b y F D d e fin e s th e righ ts & a c ce ss o f th e p eo p le o f a d jo in in g v illa ge s

o v er th e fo re s t w h ich c rea te s m isu n d e rs tan d in g b e tw ee n th e p ro tec tin g a n d n o n p ro te c tin g

v illa ge s. S u c h rig h ts go es ag a in s t th e in te re s ts o f P a n ch m o u ja p eo p le w h o h a d b e en p ro tec tin g

th e fo re s t s in c e a d ec a d e . T h e re is a n ee d to c la rify th e le ga l righ ts o f th e co m m u n ities & en su re

g rea te r te n u ria l se cu rity .

A lso in th e w o rk in g p lan D h a n i fo re s t h a s b e en d e c la red as d eg rad ed fo res t. N o w w h e n th e fo re s t

h a s g o t p ro fu s e b a m b o o g ro w th s & th e c o m m u n i ty w a n t to h a rv e s t th e p ro d u ce it h a s to w a it

fo r th e G o v t. c le a ran ce s .

CONSERVATION STRATEGY

For the communities Dhani forest is much more than trees and is valued for the array of

products and services which it provides. The rural populace derive forest products to

meet their domestic requirements. Forest contributes in increasing soil fertility, prevents

soil erosion, helps in water level increase. It also contributes to day to day livelihood of


Institute of Science many landless people. The villagers greatly feel the intrinsic value of Dhani and aspire

to protect & conserve all the species.

People prioritised certain plant species that needs urgent protection and conservation on

the basis of availability and their utility & economic value.

The regenerative forest cover have few trees of Harida, Mango (Mangifera indica)

Sisoo (Dalbergia sisoo). Piyasal (Pterocarpus marsupium). Salapa, Kendu (Diospyros

melanoxylon), Mahul (Madhuca latifolia). Kusum (Schleichera oleosa ). Lohajungi Ixora

pavetta). Kanda. Karanj species. These trees were once abundantly found in the forest

but there has been a tremendous decline after degradation.

Prioritised Species:

Timber Species

Local Name Scientific Name Local Name Scientific Name

Moriyan Zanthozylum budraga Majurgudia

Kasi Bridellia retusa Piyasal Pterocarpus marsupium Kusum Schleichera oleosa Moi Lannea caromenelica Phasi Anogeissus acuminata Kurum

Lembur Sisoo Dalbergia sisoo Bamboo Bambusa arundica Giringa Pterospermum xylocarpum Fuelwood Species Dhaman Grewia tiliaefolia Bhurukundi

Chaluniya Giringa Pterospermum xylocarpum Phatabarang Atundi Combretum decandrum Kalucha Diospyros sylvatica Kochila Strychnos noxvomica Tuber Species Karba Dioscorea pentaphylla Tunaa

Pichuli Aranga

Religious Species Mango Mansifera indica Osta Ficus religiosa Bael Aeale marmelos Sahada Strebulus asper Bara Ficus bengalensis Ashok Saraca asoca Neem Azadirachata indica

Medicinal Species Aonla Emblica officinalis Neem Azadirachata indica Patalgaral Rauwolfia serpentina Harida Terminalia chebula Bahada Terminalia bellerica Bhuinkakharu Pueraria tuberosan Sahajmari Krushna


Institute of Science People attached high protection value to the wild animals and birds. The protecting

villages suggested for enforcement of strict laws and punishment against the poachers.

Strategy :

Strengthening Community Institution

The forest protection committee need to have a legal identity and be an independent

body equipped with adequate powers to carry out conservation. The committee have to

be integrated in every stage of the development processes, from their initial setting of

policies to their eventual implementation.

Policy Changes

Forest department act as custodian of forest. The decision making power to manage and

control lies in the hands of the deptartment. It is likely that the external decisions get

imposed over the villager's priority very often demotivating the people. So changes have

to be brought in the present policy giving more rights to people over the forest and

forest products. Steps have to be taken to make the policy more people oriented.

Co-ordination Among GOs, NGOs & Community

At the Govt. level, financial decentralisation, accountability of officials, coordination

between different departments and programs and harmonisation of policies and laws,

need to be achieved. The local community institutions can be given the power to

exercise ownership right over the natural resources and channelise fund for forest

development activities. State level discussions with NGO's, FD, different government

departments and communities need to be coordinated to carry out a feasible

conservation strategy.

Participation/Involvement of locals

The local people ought to be considered as the stake holders and not merely as the

beneficiaries. Their role have to be recognised in planning and implementation of the

policy, if communities are to be effective managers of the resources around them.


Institute of Science Women are the major forest user group and are mostly affected by the rules and

restrictions made by the committee. Greater participation of women groups have to be

encouraged in committee's activity and decision making. The forest protection

committee should call for a greater representation of this group.

Alternative Employment Opportunities

The direct forest dependent groups have to be provided with alternatives to earn a

living. Steps need to be taken by the committee & the FD to help the people derive

livelihood by utilizing NTFP's. The communities have to be assured that they get a better

price from the sale of NTFP's.

Awareness -

With the empowerment of the people it is necessary to bring in environmentasl

awareness in the society. This requires the spread of the knowledge of the bio-diversity,

its usage and conservation. School villages and education institutions can better take up

the documentation and enhance the knowledge. Bio-diversity study needs to be made an

integral part of our education system.

Suggested role by the communities for the key actors in forest protection and

management:

Forest Department:

• The Forest department needs to play a supportive role.

• Provide technical inputs on silvicultural operations, processing of NTFP's etc.

• Help the forest protecting villages by taking actions against the forest offenders.

• Decentralise the fund allocation to the committee to carry out forest development

activities.

• Take up plantation programs in the area where there is no forest.

• Build up market linkages for sale NTFP's.


Institute of Science • Create awareness among the people .

• Increase interaction between different government agencies and panchayat.

Panchayat:

• Build coordination between forest protection committee, FD, and other

• Government agencies.

• Allocate funds to the village committee for forest developmental activities .

• Act as a conflict resolving mechanism (resolve inter village conflicts).

• Initiate protection activities in non-protecting villages.

NGOs:

• Policy advocacy.

• Disseminate policy level informations at local level.

• Facilitate interaction between the Government, FD and the Committee .

• Establish linkages between forest protecting villages.

• Create awareness among the people about bio-diversity.

• Help the committee in processing and marketing forest products.

• Provide trairming support to community for capability enhancement, upgradation of skill.



•

GENDER

Impact of forest degradation & community forest protection on Kabari and Harijan women

Phase of forest abundance In the initial phase when forests was abundant, Kabari people used to depend completely

on forests for their survival. Men and women went together to the forest for collection

of forest products. Majority of forest products collected during that time were for direct

consumption and only a few products were bartered for some essential things.

Phase of forest degradation

Due to degradation of forests, forest products became scarce. In this period Kabari

community looked out for alternatives for sustenance.In the initial period men took up

labour work in the nearby towns and cities. Later on, they moved to far off places &

stayed outside for months. This trend culminated in the male members of the community

going out for "Dadan"(seasonal migration) for five to six months every year to far off

places. During these days they leave their family behind in the village and it became the

responsibility of women to take care of the family. Having no other options women had

to depend on the degrading forest. They started selling some forest produce to meet the

needs of the family. At times she worked as daily labourer in agricultural fields to

arrange food for the family. Thus women besides doing household activities like bringing

water, cooking food, child care etc, started playing a major role in sharing the

responsibility as a breadwinner of the house.

Further forests degradation put a lot of strain on women. With the receding forest cover

the female members now had to travel long distances to collect forest

produces(especially fuelwood) for self use and for selling.

Phase of forest protection

The initial stages of forest protection imposed strict restriction on collecting forest

products. Restriction on extraction of forest produces especially the fuelwood hitted the

poor households of tribal and harijan community the most as they cannot afford to buy


Institute of Science fuelwood for cooking. Because of strict closure of the forest they traveled more and

more to far off places to other forests to bring fuelwood, bamboo and other required

forest produces. But as the forest protection gathered momentum, the access to these

forests also got marginalised and this put a blow on their source of forest dependent

livelihood.

After the initiation of forest protection the committee framed rules and regulations to

control access over the forest and for the sustainable use of the forest produces. The

rules permitted for extraction of certain forest produces in the later period when the

there was a good regeneration of forest cover. People were allowed to collect dry, fallen

twigs and branches for fuelwood use. Extracting green wood for personal use without

the permission of the Dhani panch mouja committee and for selling purpose was strictly

prohibited. However, the tribal and harijan communities were given special provisions.

The tribal community is allowed to extract fuelwood for sale but they can only collect

dry, fallen twigs and branches and no green wood. Where as the women of harijan

community collect and sell Siali (Bauhinia vahilii) leaves to make their livelihood.

Change in Gender Roles:

Earlier both men and women of tribal commmunity went to forest to collect forest

produces for the household consumption. There was no major distinction between their

contribution to the sustenance of the family. Later on, with forest degradation men

gradually moved away from the forest activity and traveled to far off places to earn

money. With men being away from the family the responsibilities of women increased.

They engaged themselves in livelihood activity. Tribal/kabari and harijan community

women apart from their day long forest activities, have the sole responsibility of doing

other household chores. They spend most of their time in forest going for collection and

selling the produces. As a result of this, the children tend to get neglected and the

burden of household chores fells on girl-children.

The day in the life of a woman is tedious. She has to perform many duties and multiple

roles as a mother, wife and daughter-in-law as well as the main bread earners (A study

done on "Impact of forest degradation on Kabari women" by Vasundhara).

Major forest livelihood activities performed by women:


Institute of Science 1. Fuelwood gathering

Fuelwood gathering is a primary economic activity of the tribal families contributing a

larger share to the family income performed by female members of the households. A

tribal woman's day in Kiyapalla village begins early in the morning long before sunrise.

She performs all the domestic activities like cooking food, cleaning house, bringing

water, taking care of children, looking after the cattle etc. Besides, she also engage

herself in livelihood activities to feed her family.

She put in 8-9 hours everyday travelling to the forest for collecting fuelwood. She

usually leave for the forest early in the morning around 8 am after doing all the domestic

activities and return in the afternoon at around 3 pm. After having her food(usually

water rice with left over curry) she again sit down to chop wood and make bundles to

sell in the next day. She spends another 5-6 hours in selling the collected produce in the

nearest market (8 Kms) in Tangi and Chandpur. Sometimes she is able to sell the wood

in local villages but she fetch a lower price than selling in the market. This shows the

hectic days of a tribal women which she spend in all 365 days in a year. In view of the

fact that she spends so much time in doing such a strenous activity she hardly earns Rs

25-30 from the sale of the produce in a day that hardly meets the expense of one time

food and that too only rice.

2. Siali leaves collection

Harijan women are dependent on collection & sale of siali leaves for livelihood. Besides

they also manage to get some labour work in agricultural fields during crop seasons.

They too bear the poor state as the tribal women. Women undergo hardships and put lot

of strain for the survival of their family. She is able to make only Rs 25-30 in a day after

spending long hours in the forest. Periodical changes is observed in collection amount

with seasonal variations. During summer and winters the collection gets reduced and

they hardly collects 500-600 leaves in a day. The leaves are dried, tied into bundles (5

leaves in 1 bundle) and stocked to be sold in a day once a week. Women go in a group

to Tangi/Chandpur market and sell the produce either in hotels or to the leaf plate

making traders. Sometimes local traders from neighbouring villages collect leaves from

their home but they generally pay less price.



ACTIVITY SCHEDULE OF A DAY

TIME ACTIVITIES

Around 5.00 am Get up from bed

5.00-8.00 am Clean the house and cattle shed Wash utensils Feed the cattle Fetch water Cook food and serve

8.00-3.00 pm Have her food ( water rice) Go to forest for collection of fuelwood / Siali leaves

3.00-6.00 pm Return from the forest Take bath and have meal ( water rice with left over curry) Settle to chop wood pieces & make bundles/Dry Siali leaves and tie into bundles In the marketing day go to Tangi/Chandpur to sell the produce

6.00-10.00 pm Clean house Bring water Feed cattle Cook food and serve

10.00pm Go to bed

Social restrictions

An adult women in tribal and harijan communities carry out both the inhouse and

outside activities. Women of families in these communities enjoysgreater social mobility

to go out of home and earn a living. Livelihood activities like collection of forest

produces and selling are carried out by the female members. A girl child indulge in

domestic activities from her early childhood. She collects firewood from the plantation

area/the gramya jungle(village forest) when she is hardly of 7-8 years. With their

mothers away in the forest girl-children holds the burden of household chores looking

after their younger brother and sisters. And at the age of 10-11 years she start going to

the forest with her mother to earn a living.

Women of higher caste(Khandayat community) are subjected to greater social

restriction. They generally confine their movements to domestic chores. The economic


Institute of Science activities are considered as men's affairs. It is considered as shame if the female members

of the house moves out to make a living. The married and aged women are not

subjected to the same extent of social subjugation as the unmarried girls. Even when the

young girls go to fetch water they move through the back door of the house.

Development aspirations

As the villages initiated forest protection the free access over the forest got

marginalised. The tribal women/fuelwood gatherers were forbidden to enter to the

forest with axe or any other instruments. This hit their major & the sole livelihood

means. The livelihood has been further adversely affected by the adoption of selling

firewood as occupation by castes other than tribals. These people bring wood in cycles

and bullock carts and as the kabari women carry wood on heads are unable to meet the

market demand. Added to, they are very often subjected to verbal harassment by the

watcher appointed by the forest protection committee and have to pay heavy fine. They

expressed that thay feel offensive to face these situations.

Also the Siali collectors are unhappy doing the tedious forest activity. Their dependence

on forests can be compensated if some alternative income source can be sort out for

them with Government's support. However, they suggested that if income generating

activities like processing units of Aonla, Bahada, making bamboo crafts & khajur(date-

palm leaves) mats if can be designed and promoted then dependence on forest for

livelihood can be reduced.

Decision making process

in Family

In tribal and harijan households as women are involved in earning so they decide and

manage how to spend money in arranging day to day food for the family. In the time

when men migrate out for months the entire responsibility of the family members is

carried by female of the house. In the family women have a stand in decision making but

the major decisions are always taken by the menfolk. But in case of higher caste the

male members take all the decisions and women follow to what the men say.

in Community


Institute of Science The cultural factors existing in the village inhibit the women from participating in forest

protection activity. Women have no say in the decisions which determine the forest

management and extraction patterns. On the other hand women have less exposure and

contact with the outside world than men. This inhibit women's participation.

The fact that the forest dependent women come from the lower caste further adds to the

inhibiting factor.

It is felt that there is a need to involve women in the protection activity and encouraged

to participate actively in the process. Kabari and harijan women the forest dependents

are the ones who are largely affected by the decisions taken and the rules formed by the

committee. So the protection process can be made more effective and sustainable

involving this group.

The primary community institution did not have any female representatives. But after the

committee being registered as VSS by the FD under JFM women have been enrolled as

members. Presently where there are 21 members in Dhani Panch Mouja committee only

3 are females. Though they have been included as the members but they have never been

consulted while taking any decisions or forming rules for the management of the forest.

There is a growing concern about gender equity in terms of women representation their

and participation in the management of the common forest resource more among the

forest dependent women groups and wish to get involved in the process.

FOREST PRODUCTS COLLECTED

WHO COLLECTS PURPOSE WHO SELLS

WHERE

MC FC MA FA Self Use Sale

FW from gramya jungle

T&H Gen. T & H

T & H √

FW from Dhani forest

Gen. T & H

T & H √ √

FW from Dhani forest

KT √ √ Women Local villages, Tangi/ Chandpur

Siali leaves H √ √ Women Local traders, Tangi/ Chandpur



Edible leaves T & H √ √ Women Local villages

Kendu leaves KT √ √ Women Local traders

Khajur leaves KnT KnT √ √ Men & Women

Local villages

Mushrooms T & H √ √ Women

Berries from Dhani forest

T & H √ √

Berries from GJ

T&H √ √

Tubers KnT T & H √ √ Women Local villages

Creeper (lai) Gen. T & H

T & H √ √

Creeper (lai) T T & H √ √ Women Local villages, Tangi Chandpur

Tooth sticks T & H √ √ Women Local villages

F C - FE M A L E C H IL D F A - FE M A L E A D U L T G E N . - G E N E R A L C A S T E

K N T - K A N D H A T R IB E T - TR TB A LS (IN C L U D IN G K A B A R I & K A N D H A T R IB E )

M C - M A L E C H IL D M A - M A L E A D U L T H - H A R U A N S K - K A B A R I T R IB E F W - FU E LW O O D



ANNEXURE

Landscape Elements Map a. i

Balarampur Habitation Map a. ii

Arjunpur Habitation Map a. iii

Panasapur Habitation Map a. iv

Barapalli Habitation Map a. v

Forest Resource Map a. vi

Identified Landscape Elements b. i

List of Forest Products Collected b. ii

List of Prioritised Wild Species b. iii

List of Plants c. i

List of Animals c. ii

List of Birds c. iii

List of Reptiles c. iv

List of Insects & Fishes c. v

Pictorial Representation of Institutional Arrangements d. i

Flow Diagram of Forest Fund d. ii Annexures a.i-a v – End of document



Aimexure- b. i

ID E N T IF IE D L A N D S C A P E E L E M E N T S Landscape Elements

Local Name Present Ownership

Use Pattern

D hani R .F Dhani mundia People & FD Forest Produces, Grazing

P ro tec ted F o re s t

Gramya Jungle Revenue department

Collection of Forest Produces, Grazing

P lan ta ti on Kaju jungle Acacia jungle

FD & OFDC Forest Produces

O rch ard Tota Village Grazing, fuelwood

G razing Land

Gochar Village Grazing

C heck D am Bandha Village Irrigation

S tream Jharana Village Irrigation, bathing

P ad d y F ie ld s Chasa jami Village Paddy Cultivation, Other seasonal crops, Grazing

W ell Kuan Village Drinking Water

Pond Pokhari Village Pisiculture, Irrigation to vegetable fields, bathing

H abita tion Gaon Village Homestead land

G rass L an d Anabadi Village Grazing

Thicket Padar Village Collection of Forest Produces, Grazing

Annexure-c.i

PLANT SPECIES LIST:

SI.N O Local Name Habit Form Scientific Name

01 Ankukoli Herb Alengium hexapetalum

02 Acacia Tree Acasia formis

03 Achu Tree Morinda pubescence 04 Agabathu Herb

05 Agara Shrub

06 Agasti Herb Sesbania grandiflora


Institute of Science 07 Amari Shrub Ipomea sepiaria

08 Amba Tree Mangifera indica 09 Ankaranti Herb Solanum xanthocarpum

10 Ankul Tree Alangium lamarckii

11 Aonla Tree Emblica officinalis

12 Arakha Shrub Calotropis procera

13 Arjamapudi Tree

14 Arjuna Tree Termirialia arjuna 15 Asan Tree Terminalia tomentosa

16 Asaruda Herb

17 Ashoka Tree Saraca asoca

18 Aswastha Tree Ficus religiosa

19 Atundi Climber Combretun decandrum

20 Bakula Tree Mimusops elengi

21 Baaunsa(kanta) Grass Bambusa arundinacea 22 Bada limba Tree Azadirachta indica

23 Badhiaak Tree Annona squamosa

24 Bahada Tree Terminalia bellerica

25 Bahadabhadaliya Herb

26 Balikhai Herb

27 Banamali Tree Millingtonia hortensis

28 Banasabati Herb 29 Barabakula Tree Dalbergia paniculata

Annexure-b.ii

list of forest products collected

F o r e s t Produces

Species T ype

Fuelwood Kalucha, Halda, Dhaman, Phatabarang, Jamu, Phuluri, Akandi, Jantari, Moriyan, Bhurukundi, Giringa, Chaluniya, Atundi



Leaves Siali, Kendu, Khajuri

Tubers Karba, Tunga, Kanta alu, Kasa alu, Pita alu, Masiya alu, Leu alu Pichuli alu

Mushrooms Luni chatu, Nada chatu

Bamboo Kanta baunsa

Berries Jhumpuri koli, Kusum koli, Jamu koli, Khajuri koli

Tooth sticks Muturi, Karanj

Creepers (lai) Khalua, Panua, Chemani, Siali, Atendi

Edible leaves Sambar kansiri, Naturi, Chakunda, Jhumpuri, Lahanga, Bhadaliya, Juan, Gandhana, Dhuanla, Pitasag, Madranga

Annexure-b.iii

LIST OF PRIORITISED WILD SPECIES Tree & Herbs

USER GROUP USE PRIORITY SPECIES

A gricu ltu rists Wood for agricultural implements

Moriyan, Majurgudia, Kasi, Piyasal, Kusum, Moi, Giringa, Phasi.

All Wood for house construction

Kasi, Lembur, Sisoo, Bamboo, Piyasal, Kurum, Moi, Batra.

F u elw o o d C o llec to rs Livelihood Dhaman, Bhurukundi, Giringa, Chaluniya, Phatabarang, Atundi, Kalucha, Bamboo.

T u b er C o llec to rs Self consumption & for sale

Tunga, Karaba, Pichuli.



D airy farm ers & o th ers Fodder Phasi leaves, Peepal leaves, Grass

H erb alm an Medicine Harida, Bahada, Amla, Neem, Patalagaruda, Sahajamari, Khirakanchini, Bhuinkakharu, Krushna.

A n im a ls

A ll Protection from outside threat

Tiger

A ll Ecological importance Maximum animal species

H erb alm an Medicine Buffalo, Bat

B ir d s

H erb alm an Medicine Kochilakhai

All Ecological importance Maximum bird species

30 Bara gachha Tree Ficus bengalensis

31 Bara koli Tree Zizyphus mauritiana

32 Baruana Tree Crateva relegiosa

33 Basanga Shrub Adhatoda zeylanica

34 Begunia Tree Vitax negundo

35 Bela Tree Aegle marmelos

36 Benta Tree

37 Bhalia Tree Semecarpus anacardium

38 Bhendiya mardana Tree

39 Bherasunga Tree Murraya koengi

40 Bheroo Tree Swetina macrophylla

41 Bhooinimba Herb Andrographis paniculata

42 Bhooinkakharu Climber

43 Bhrungraj Herb Wedelia calendula

44 Bhuinkhajuri Shrub



45 Bhurukundi Tree

46 Brahmi Grass

47 Chaakundi Tree

48 Chaaladhua Tree Enythrina stricta

49 Chakunda Tree Casia siamea

50 Chandan Tree Santalum album

51 Chara Tree Buchanania lanzan

52 Chatuari Climber

53 Chemani Climber

54 Chirugudia Climber

55 Chitaparu Herb Plumbago zeylanika

56 Dala singa Tree

57 Dhalaabegunia Shrub

58 Dhaman Tree Greura tiliaefolia

59 Dhanitiri Grass

60 Dhariti Grass

61 Dhaura Tree Annogeissus latifolia

62 Duba Ghasa Grass Cynodon dactylon

63 Eucalyptus Tree Eucalyptus spps

64 Gaikiria Climber

65 Gambhari Tree Gmelina arborea

66 Ganga siuli Tree Nyctanthes arborescens

67 Gandali Tree Sterculia urens

68 Gandha palasa Tree& Climber

69 Gandhana Tree & Shrub

70 Garagarra Shrub

71 Gayasa Herb Leucema leucocephala

72 Gharapudi Herb

73 Gheekuanri Herb Aloe vera

74 Gika Shrub Caesalpinia decapetala

75 Gohira Tree Acacia leucophylaea

76 Gohira Tree Acacia leucophloca

77 Gopa kanhu Climber

78 Guluchi Climber (Orchid) Tinospora cordifolia

79 Haragouri Climber



80 Harida Tree Terminalia chebula

81 Hartal Shrub

82 Hinjal Tree Baringtonia acutangula

83 Harh-Kacha Herb Acanthus ilicifolius

84 Indrajala Shrub Holarrhena antidysentrica

85 Indramaricha Herb

86 Ishwarajata Herb Uraria picta

87 Jada Tree

88 Jaisandha Tree

89 Jajangi Tree

90 Jammu Tree Szygium cumini

91 Jari Tree Ficus retusa

92 Jatajatia Shrub

93 Jharapana Tree

94 Jharajhampa Tree

95 Jhaun Tree Casuariana spp

96 Jhumpuri Shrub Streblus taxoides

97 Juahmari Herb

98 Kadamba Tree Anthocephalus cadamba

99 Kaindra Climber Abrus precatorius

100 Kainya Tree Tamarindus indica

101 Kaitha Tree Limonia acidisima

102 Kala begunia Shrub

103 Kalchua Tree Dispynes sylvatica

104 Kalibeti Creeper Anamirta coculus

105 Kamala gundi Tree Mallotus phillippinensis

106 Kanda Tree

107 Kandu alu Climber Atylosia cajanfolia

108 Kanisiri Grass

109 Kankanamali Tree

110 Kans Tree Hymenodictylon excelsum

111 Kanta koli Tree Flacourita indica

112 Karaba Climber Dioscorea pentaphylla

113 Karanj Tree Pongania pinata

114 Karikantia Shrub



115 Karuda Tree Chlorxdlylon sweitnia

116 Kashatandi Grass Saccharum spontaneum

117 Kasi Tree Bridellia retusa

118 Katakat Tree Pueraria tuberosa

119 Katha menjuati Shrub

120 Keli kadamba Tree

121 Kendu Tree Diospyros metanoxylon

122 Kerandakoli Herb Carissa carandas

123 Kesarqaia Herb

124 Ketaki Tree Ebenacea

125 Khair Tree Acacia catechu

126 Khakada Tree Casearia elliptica

127 Khalua Climber

128 Kharakhari Tree

129 Kharisiju Tree

130 Khira baincha Tree

131 Khira kanchini Herb

132 Khira koli Shrub Carissa spinarum

133 Khunta palasa Climber Butea superba

134 Kiya Shrub Smilax zeylanica

135 Kochila Tree Strychnosnux- vomica

136 Kota kolia Climber Caaesalpinia bondue

137 Kujala Tree Acacia catechu

138 Kumbhatua Shrub

139 Kumvi Tree Careya arorea

140 Kuradia Shrub

141 Kuruma Tree

142 Laajakoli Herb

143 Lal sweta gulubasa Tree

144 Lambaniswar Tree

145 Lankaamba Tree Anacardium occidental

146 Lekhankoli Tree Uvaria hamilton

147 Lembu Shrub

148 Leutia Herb

149 Maankada kendu Tree Dispyrus malabarica



Madanamastaka 150

Herb

151 Madarangaa Herb

152 Maha Shrub

153 Mahalimba Tree Melia composita

154 Maharadaa Tree

155 Mahula Tree Madhuca latifolia

156 Mai Tree Lannea coromandalica

157 Majurugodia Tree

158 Malanda Tree Adina cardifolia

159 Mandaara Tree

160 Manga Tree

161 Masaania Tree

162 Massu Tree

163 Mathura Tree

164 Matikinia Tree Mitragyna parvifloraa

165 Mayurchulia Herb

166 Naatagacha Climber

167 Naraguni Tree Atalantia monophylla

168 Naturi Climber

169 Nila ghasa Grass

170 Olua Herb

171 Paaladhva Tree Erythrina variegata

172 Paatala garuda Herb Rauwolfia serpentina

173 Paatuli Tree Lagerstroemia reginae

174 Paga siju Shrub

175 Pagaairi Climber

176 Palasa Tree Butea monosperma

177 Panua lai Creeper

178 Pasaruni Creeper Paldinia scandens

179 Pathara giridhini Creeper

180 Phanphania Tree

181 Phasi Tree

182 Phirika Shrub

183 Pimpoli Herb

184 Pita gacha Shrub



185 Pita keruan Tree

186 Pitaalu Climber Dioscorea wallichi

188 Piya seal Tree Pterocarpus marsupium

189 Poichandi Tree

190 Rahana Tree

191 Rakta pitchi

192 Raktachi taparu Herb Plumbago rosea

193 Sadapa Tree

194 Saguan Tree Tectona grandis

195 Sahada Tree Streblus asper

196 Sahaja Tree

197 Sajana paturia Tree

198 Sal Tree Shorea robusta

199 Salpani Climber

200 Sidha Tree

201 Silai Climber Bauhinia vahilii

202 Simuli Tree Salmalia makbarica

203 Sirish Tree Albizzia lebbeck

204 Sishu Tree Dalbergia latifolia

205 Sunari Tree

206 Sweta gulubasa Tree

207 Sweta kaincha Climber Abrus precatorius

208 Sweta kaniari Tree

209 Sweta kanteikuli Shrub Zigiphus oenoplia

210 Sweta lajukuri Creeper

211 Sweta lal arakha Shrub Calotropis procera

212 Sweta Puruni Creeper

213 Tal Tree Barassus flabelifer

214 Tangini Tree Xyla dolabriformis

215 Thenta kusuma Tree

216 Tinia Tree Albizzia odoratisima

217 Tulasi Shrub

218 Tunda phada Climber

219 Tungaa Climber



Annexure-c.ii

L IS T O F A N IM A L F A U N A

SI No

Local Name Common English Name Scientific Name

01 B ad a B a g h a Tiger Panthera tigris tigris

02 B a g h a h a ta Leopard cat Felis berigalensis

03 B h a tia ( s m a l l & big)

04 B arha Indian wild boar Sus scrofa cristatus

05 B ajrakap ta Indian pangolin scaly anteater Manis crassicaudats aurita

06 B ad a b ha lu Sloth bear Melursus ursinus ursinus

07 B an a b h u a Jungle cat Felis chaus

08 G u nd uch i m usa Fine striped palm squirrel Funambulus pennanti

09 G adh ia Striped hyaena Hyaena hyaena hyaena

10 G ayala Indian Bison, Gaur Bos gauras gauras

11 G urandi Indian Charotain Tragulus meminna

12 G ada bh alu (sm all) Ratel, Honey badger Mellivora capensis

13 H arina Black buck, Indian antelope Antilope cemicapra

14 Jh inka Indian porcupine Hystrix indica indica 15 K urunga (kutura) Muntjac, Barking deer, Muntiacus muntjak

16 K arlapa tu ria b ag ha Leopard, Panther Panthera pardus

17 K okisiali Indian fox Vulpes bangalenses

18 M usa Bandicoot rat Bandicoot indica

19 M iriga

20 N epali neula Common mongoose Herpestes edwardsi

21 O d ha Smooth Indian otter Lutra perspicillata

22 Saliapatin i Small Indian civet Viverricula indica .

23 Sambar Sambar Cervus unicolor miger

24 Sindhua


Institute of Science 25 T hekua Common Indian hare Lepus nigricollis

Annexure-c.iii

L IS T O F B IR D F A U N A S I N o Local Name C o m m o n E n g l i s h N a m e Scientific Name 1 B an a su a P a rro t

2 Bani C o m m o n m yna Acriddotheres tristis tristis

3 B ali sua L o rik ee t Loriculus vernalis

4 B an a ku k u d a R ed jung le fow l G allus gallus 5 B aia chata i W eaver b irds

6 B aga C o m m o n crane G ru s g ru s 7 B akua sun i

8 C hila E ag le

9 C h a n c h a n a T aw n y eag le A gu ila rapax 10 D ahuka W h ite -b re as ted w a te rh e n A m au ro rn is p h o e n ic u ru s 11 D am ara k au R a v e n C o rvu s corax 12 G o b o ra ch ad ei B u lb u l

13 G an d id ig an chade i

14 H uluhula

15 H alad i b asan ta O rio les

16 H atia guandu ri

17 H u n h u lia p echa B a rre d ju n g le O w le t G laucidium radiatum 18 H arad a ch ad ei C o m m o n g ree n p ig eo n T rero n p h o e n ico p b era 19 Koeli K o e l

20 K ajalpati D ro n g o s

21 K ua H o u s e c ro w C o rv u s sp le n d e n se sp len d en se 22 K arakhia

23 K aunjhara

24 K ochila khai C o m m o n g rey h o rab ill T o ck u s b iro str is 25 K anati chadei

26 K athahana M a h ra tta w o o d p e c k e r D e n d ro c o p o s m ah ra tte n s is 27 K opata S p o tte d d o v e S trep top elia ch in enesis 28 M ach h a ran k a B ro w n h e ad ed s to rk b illed

k ingfish er P ela rgo psis capensis

29 M ayura C o m m o n p e a fo w l P av o c ris ta tu s 30 P an ik u a L ittle co rm o ran t P halacrocorax n iger 31 P e c h a B a rn o w l T yto a lb a 32 P a n d u k a p a ta

33 P ara B lu e ro ck p ig e o n C olum ba livia 34 R aja ban i


Institute of Science 35 S a g u n a V u ltu re

36 S u n a K ap a ta

37 T entei R e d -w a ttle d L a p w in g A nellus ind icus

Annexure-c. iv

IN V E N T O R Y O F R E P T IL E S

Sl No

Local Name Common English Name Scientific Name

1. A hiraja /S ankhachuda King cobra Ophiophagus hannah

2. A jagara Indian python cat snake Python molurus, Boiga

3. A ndua Common garden lizard Calotes versicolor

4. B oda Indian gamma Trigouata oligodorisp

5. C h a m p a n a ga

6. C h a m p ei n e u la Mabuya Mabuya ribro

7. C h a n d ra c h u d a

8. C h itra b o d a

9. D h am a n a

10. D h an da

11. Jhitipti Bark geco Hemidactylus leschenauli

12. K alakuta

13. K an da na liya

14. K ola th ia na ga

15. M atia bo da Rusell's viper Vipera ruselli

16. N au dankiya Common green whip snake Dryophisnastus

17. Pathuria C hiti

18. P o h a la a n d u a Indian chameleon Chameleon zeycaniene

19. R an a Banded krait Bungarus fasciatus



Annexure-c.v.

L IS T O F IN S E C T S

Sl No Local name Sl. No Local Name 1. Amba dahani 14. Mankadasa

2. Baghua mahumachi 15. Masa

3. Balijanda 16. Nikiti mahumachi

4. Binchani mahumachi 17. Patanga

5. Budhiani 18. Pimpudi

6. Chandrabali 19. Sadhaba bahu

7. Daunsa 20. Sambari

8. Guda poka 21. Sambula

9. Janda 22. Satapuri mahumachi

10. Jhinkari 23. Teluni kachara

11. Julujula 24. Tentuli bicha

12. Kankada bicha 25. Tinka

13. Machi 26.

LIST OF FISH FAUNA Sl. No Local Name Sl. No Local Name

1. Chenga 7. Kuchiya

2. Chingudi 8. Magura

3. Dandei 9. Mina

4. Gadissa 10. Pathara kankada

5. Kerandi 11. Sarana

6. Koi 12. Tudi













NEED

The committee permits Headloading fuelwood, an occupation of the poorest

After a decade of forest protection the Dhani people have been able to allow the poorest

among them to earn their upkeep from headloading fuelwood for sale. The forest are now

strong enough to provide their needs. Cycle loading, however, is strictly prohibited. A cycle

load is roughly thrice a headload and cycle loading means greater impact on the forest but a

lesser number of beneficiaries. The verdict is clear. Poverty can be a license for forest

based employment but one should never try to make too much out of that license.

Identifying the thin line between need and greed and keeping a check on the latter is

the key to better resource use.



GREED

Too much is too BAD ! This man was caught and fined for cycle loading





Forests for Shelter

The village school's asbestos roof came from the Village Forest Fund !

The forest have contributed to the setting up of a sizable common fund. Money from this

has gone in to various developmental activities like improving the school building.

The school has been a hub of environmental discussions, rallies and seminars. The children

of Dhani are thus initiated early in to the movement for a better environment in general

and better forests in particular.

The village milk cooperative started through the efforts of the forest committee. The

villagers have been trying to find out alternatives to forest based employment. The villagers

are also trying to provide the poorer people with cows through various Government

schemes.

Forests ensure the flow of streams and a flood of milk !





Community Enterprise. Most NTFP related activities are done in groups ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Non timber forest produce (NTFPs) constitute a profitable and sustainable use of

forests. NTFP income has typically gone augment the incomes of the poorest people and

contributed to improved income distribution. Better processing and marketing hold the key to

their emergence as a much more powerful source of income generation for the poor.

NTFP processing is mostly done by women. All the women of a family work together on

NTFP processing. Small girls learn skills very early in life. Younger boys also pitch in

sometimes but mostly not after they grow up. NTFP processing activities also ensure

that even older people are able to work and contribute to the family income, thus

cnhancing their status in the family.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No age of retirement for NTFP processors





The forests of Dhani are now Rich, Beautiful, Diverse and PROFITABLE

A decade's forest protection has made Dhani's forest vigorous and vibrant. The

villagers stress that the protection initiative had stemmed from the desire to ensure a steady

supply of fuelwood, especially for cremations, and a host of environmental benefits. The

sustainable supply of fuelwood has now increased manifold and the streams and

streamlets have regenerated, ensuring irrigation for agricultural land.

To ensure that the forests stay for ever the villagers are trying to reduce dependency on

wood based use of forests. The villagers are making efforts to provide alternative

employment to the fuelwood headloaders. The forest committee has had discussions in this

regard with the headloaders group.



Women have a big say in discussions on ways to reduce headloading



R E F E R E N C E S

1. Puri District Gazetteer

2. A Report on Community Forest Management : a case study from Orissa, Vasundhara

3. A Paper on Impact of forest degradation on Kabari women, Vasundhara

4. Padhi G.S, Forest Resources of Orissa

















Conserving Bio-Diversity

Documents