Joint forest management was initiated in 2006 and ever since the concept has been highly popular. Before implementation of the concept through a special law, the joint forest management in Odisha and other States had been in practice as well, though at a smaller scale.
The joint forest management means conservation of forest resources through joint participation of local people and the Government. The noble idea was first brought into action in Jaleher forests. The people of Jaleher actively participated in the protection of their forests to get rid of coal and dust pollution. Community participation in conservation of forests was the brainchild of NR Bohidar. The movement helped not only in the conservation of the forest but cater to the need of the local people for small size timbers and firewood.
The villagers used the forest resources for annual repair of their houses and agricultural implements. The forests also went in a long way in sub-soil water conservation.
All the coal-bearing areas of the State have undergone drastic changes due to mining of minerals and destruction of their rich ecological belts. Because of destruction of the forest cover and increasing pollution in the mineral rich areas, the local people have been suffering from a large number of diseases, including TB and cancer.
It’s estimated that there are 5, 35,849 TB patients in the industrial zone of Odisha. This is because of the alarming level of air pollution in the industrial belts. The local people are mainly suffering from several ailments related to their respiratory system. Water borne diseases are also spreading fast in the industrial areas. All the mines rich areas, which have been highly polluted, need to be paid urgent attention by the authorities. Their forest and ecological resources should be promoted and protected. The joint forest management can do wonder in these bald zones. The old forests should be protected with the active cooperation of the community members.
Besides, the priorities should be laid on tapping the tourism potential in these areas. Recently, September 16 was observed as the World Day of Ozone. Considering the depleting ozone layer, the day is accorded a great deal of importance.
The ozone layer, which helps the prevention of the harmful effect of the ultra violate rays of the sun, is fast getting weak and porous.
Atmospheric pollutions are to be blamed for this. The vegetative canopy which is formed by lush green forests minimizes the scourge of industrial pollutions. Therefore, joint efforts are necessary for the protection of the forests.
Recently, the Central Government has announced for rubber plantations in the Maoist prone zone to provide sustainable livelihood to the youngsters of these areas. All the hilly and forest rich areas in the State are prone to the Maoists. Here, the unemployed tribal youths are attracted to extremism by monetary allurements. Rubber plantation, which is a cash crop, will certainly wean the youths away from the extremist path as they would get ample of opportunities for generating income and earning livelihood. Vast patches of rubber plantations would give rich dividends from environmental point of view. Hill forests are essential for ensuring safe habitat for many primitive tribal groups and wildlife. The Government instead of pulling down mountains and rich forest clusters for mining and industrial projects should save them and take steps through community foresting for regeneration and creation of new forest patches. Mining areas can also go for this plantation, apart from decorative plants and biomass.
There are 18 wild life sanctuaries in the State which should be adequately protected to promote tourisms and water conservation measures as well.
At present, the State Government has decided to build jetties at the vulnerable sites of the main river banks for observation of scenic views of nature in different seasons. Undoubtedly, this can attract the people for recreation. Naraj on Kadhajodi river at Cuttack has been identified for establishment of jetties. Observation towers are scheduled to be created here. There would also be accommodation facilities for the tourists. The river based science and recreation spots should identified and promoted for giving a boost to tourism as well as saving the rivers and their ecology.
People’s participation in conservation of nature and natural resources can go a long way in scientific management of natural resources. If people’s participation in administration of forests of Keonjhar district had been entertained, the wanton smuggling of the minerals and forest resources would not have taken place. For various purposes, the hills and the ridges are dislodged in the name industrial activities, which cause immense environmental hazards. Recently, the Green Tribunal and as well as the Supreme Court have banned collection of earth for manufacturing of bricks. The brick manufacturing units have proved to be highly polluting over the years and destroyed the banks of the rivers. They are making many rivers flood prone and destroying large swathes of agricultural lands as well.
(The writer is a former senior forest officer and an environmentalist)