Odisha’s total geographical area is 15.5 million hectares out of which recorded forest area is 5.8 million ha. Reserve forest is 47 per cent of total forest and protected forest is 52.7 per cent. Actual forest cover is 4. 7 million ha out of which dense forest is 55 per cent and open forest is 44 per cent.
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments provide the framework for participation by the people in the development processes of the villages. A local Government has the in-depth knowledge of local areas and the ability to unite and lead people to make the changes needed in response to making greenery of the villages in Odisha.
The role of local governance is to identify innovations and learn from what is being done at other areas. It should build on the success and sharing of experiences for the structure and function of local governance bodies (Panchayat and municipalities). It can be expected that experience can pave the way towards institutionalisation for better preparedness of participatory governance, which is a need of the hour.
Green Odisha express for environment show for Panchayats and municipalities, where these local bodies can be encouraged to participate in the programme by offering to show their initiatives and practices in sectors like environment conservation, protection and sustainable development, can be conducted to enlighten the population on the necessity to incorporate best practices in local governance for their accessibility, affordability and flexibility.
Apart from local Government officials, individuals, and NGOs can be involved at the local level for developing sustainable models. There can be a coordinated approach on the issue from research outputs for making quality of governance which can be delivered at the grassroots level.
The State Governments and the extension agencies can play a key role to play in ensuring that good governance can be provided at the grassroots level. Green Odisha express can travel through all the Panchayats and municipalities in travelogue format. All the environment shows can be covered by local media. The Green Odisha express environment show will highlight the importance of setting of traditional knowledge institutions in environment and the research students will assist the village people and share their knowledge and wisdom for the benefit of society.
Environment inclusiveness is an important goal for local governance. It is just, democratic and productive. And perhaps most importantly, the ability of the poor to influence local decision-making greatly determines the “pro-poor” nature of local strategic planning, priority setting and capital investments.
(The writer is consultant, ISS, New Delhi. He can be contacted over sahayashok@hotmail.com)