FORESTRY:

When MVF started work in this programme the forest cover in Reserve Forest areas was minimal and there was frequent soil erosion and extensive tree felling. The incidence of sand mining and tree felling was extensive in the villages and forests. Excessive grazing was prevalent in the areas. The organisation promoted the construction of field bunds, gully controls, deep ploughing, ploughing across the slope, tank silt application and vermi-composting in order to address these issues. The programme has strengthened the forest community groups and they were empowered to campaign against sand mining and tree felling. They also filed petitions with government officials on many issues. Communities were motivated to adopt measures such as land treatment, saucering, mulching, trenches, checkdams, pruning, repair of encroachments by stone crushers and small business groups, forest ponds/lakes and social fencing . PRI members levied penalties on erring individuals for illegal tree felling and sand mining.

The VSS has played an active role in managing forest resources. Members of the 25 VSS meet every month at the village level to plan for conservation of forest resources and utilisation of forest produce. They have been linked to the Forest Department and trained in gap plantation, water harvesting, construction of check dams, social forestry, bio-fuel plantation, pruning and Soil and Moisture Conservation. They were also provided with market linkages for sale of forest produce. Endangered forest species are being protected with their involvement. 25 VSS groups in the project area have earned an average of Rs. 28000 p.a. from sale of minor forest produce. No forest fires have been recorded in the last 4 years. The incidence of soil erosion has also gone down as a result of the WHS constructed by the organisation. The face of the undulating, dry terrain has given way to lush greenery over the last 8 years.

The ecological impact of these activities has also been significant. There has been an improvement in soil fertility and moisture levels. Availability of pasture lands has gone up and there has been significant increase in the numbers of livestock & ruminants in the villages and peacocks, snakes, rabbits and other wildlife species in the forests. Green cover has also increased and dried up lakes and ponds have been regenerated in the village & forest. Quite a few plant species that were not to be seen around in the project area now abound in these villages. Communities in a number of villages have taken up the responsibility of managing village ponds / rain water structures and lakes. The average temperature in these villages has come down by approximately one degree over the last decade due to increased green cover.

Achievements:

• Geographical Area – 9248 Hec
• VSS members – 5202
• Pruning – 1553.50 Hec
• Gully control – 1107 Nos.
• WHs – 54
• Gap Plantation – 546.58 Hec
• SMC Works – (Field bunds) – 6412 Hec