Chhattisgarh Forest Department / NWFP Certification

The group was taken to the People's Protected Area (PPA) at Dugli-Jabbarra area in Dhamtari Forest Division at Dhamtari. The participants were taken to Compartment no. 383, which is famous for quality and scientific management in Sal (Shorea robusta) forests of Dhamtari Forest Division of Chhattisgarh State.

The quality of forests is II to IV with a density of 0.5 to 0.7. Regeneration is generally inadequate but at some places it is adequate. Variety of medicinal plants are present in the forest areas but previously forest fire, irrational exploitation, grazing were causing damage to valuable medicinal plant gene pool and NWFP species and these were never managed scientifically in this area.

The People's Protected Area falls under Dugli range of Dhamtari Forest Division. The total catchment area of the project covers 37774 ha. of Sal and Miscellaneous forests of varying density from 0.6 to 0.8, out of which 20,269 ha. area is kept under in-situ Conservation and 17505 ha. area is left for "Nistar" from where villagers can get fuel, fodder, small timber and bamboo for their bonafide domestic use. This area is mainly kept for the grazing of 4988 Cattle. 15 villages fall under the project area of which 12 are forest villages and 3 are revenue villages. 5 VFCS and 10 FPCs are already working in this area. The project area comprises of 108 Compartments of Dugli, Nagri and Dhamtari ranges.

15 villages, with a total population of 5742 are covered under this project. Most of the villages are homogenous and tribal dominated. The demographic profile of the area indicates 88 Scheduled Caste, 4818 Scheduled Tribe, 164 other back ward class and 672 Kamar (which is primitive tribal group recognized by Govt. of India) families. The percentage of women population in project area is 57 percent. Out of 15 villages 6 villages are well electrified. Almost all villages are connected by fair weather roads. Generally all women in these villages are actively participating in forest protection. They are members of VFC/FPC. In each village they have formed Self Help Groups (SHGs) to promote savings. Most of SHG's are under capital building stage. The average literacy rate of these villages is 67 percent.

In Dhamtari Forest Division, Forest Protection Committee and Village Forest Committees were formed in the year 1995-96. These Samities and its members/villagers have been protecting the forests very vigilantly. Due to their efforts, incidents of fire and illicit felling have reduced to a great extent. Villagers are being encouraged to develop strong social fencing in which all the villagers take active part and sincerely protect the forests. A strong sense of belonging and ownership may be seen among the villagers.

Under In-Situ conservation 1000 ha. of the project area has been treated. 4000 ha. area will be treated in next 4 years. The operation includes demarcation, cut back operation, plantation of suitable indigenous species like Safed Musli, Baibirang, Chirayata, Tikhur, Dasmul, Shatawar etc.; broadcasting of seeds of Ashwagandha, Ishabgol; adopting of young seedlings of Harra, Bahera, Aonla and those of non-timber species having, medicinal and economic importance. This 5000 ha. area will be free from biotic pressure like grazing, fire and illicit felling. The main idea is protection of locally available species from extinction. Samiti will protect the demarcated area and will get 'nistar' facilities for their daily domestic needs. Rs. 800.00 ha. per year will be given to Samitis as Protection Money.

Field Visit