National Afforestation Programme Implemented through Forest Development Agency

A.1. PROJECT IMPLEMENTING FDA : RAMBAN 2. FDA : Ramban

Forest Division : Ramban Forest Circle : Chenab District : Ramban State : Jammu and Kashmir

3. PROJECT LOCATIONS Ramban Forest Division falls in revenue district of Ramban. River Chenab forms

the South and South West boundary with Batote Forest Division, Pir Panjal Range forms

North and North East boundary with Anantnag boundary, East by Dhupdana- Sharwa

Dhumani- jwarta- Dandal- Gown ridge forms boundary with Doda Forest Division and

West by Didon- Achan -Mal –Reliar- Munimal- Sarkanthamal - Pahlbathali- Sinkhali-

Cotag ridge forming boundary with Anantanag and Mahore Forest Divisions. The gross

area of the catchment is 82,178 ha, out of which 48,279 ha (59%) is under forest cover.

Major portion of the track lies above 1500 meters altitude and experiences subtropical

and temperate climate. Temperature varies from 10 C in winter to 400C in Summer

Maximum precipitation is received in winter in form of snow and rain. Ranges: 3 (Two Territorial Ranges and one Soil conservation Range overlapping)

Territorial : Ramban and Benihal

Soil conservation : Banihal

4. Total Area : 2205 ha

Project Cost : Rs. 149.98 lakhs Project Period : 2003-04 to 2007-08

A.2. PROJECT PROPOSAL 1. Introduction: Earlier forests were managed mainly for commercial exploitation to

generate revenue. But now the priority has been changed with the global focus on

sustained use of Natural Resources and their conservation. As a result, there is a

perceptible change in the forest management wherein stress is now mainly on

conservation of forests and the biodiversity. However, it is widely observed that our rural

population living close to the forests has not changed their day to day lifestyle with

respect to their dependence on the forest produce viz., timber, firewood, fodder

grazing practices, shifting cultivation and encroachments etc. They continue with the

indiscrimination exploitation of forests to quench their thirst. To put an end to this want on

destruction of our forests, it was felt essential to involve these local communities living

close to forest areas in the protection, rehabilitation, and development of forests. Direct

participation of the local communities in the rehabilitation of forests gave birth to the

concept of “Joint Forest Management” and to carry out this challenging task effectively,

creation of the “Forest Development Agencies” for each territorial forest division resulted.

To reduce the impact of degradation of forest cover, the Chairman, Forest Development

Agency, Ramban have formed forest development agency, Ramban in 2003.Initially 44-

village forest committees were registered. At present, only 35 VFCs are functional.

2 Project areas and location: The total area of the division is 82.178 ha. The forest

area of this division falls under revenue district of Ramban. Earlier forests were

managed mainly for commercial exploitation to generate revenue. But now the priority

has been changed with the global focus on sustained use of natural resources and their

conservation. As a result, there is a perceptible change in the forest management

wherein stress is now mainly on conservation of forests and the biodiversity. However, it

is widely observed that our rural population living close to the forests has not changed

their day to day lifestyles with respect to their dependence on the forest produce viz.,

timber, firewood, fodder grazing practices, shifting cultivation and encroachments etc.

They continue with the indiscrimination exploitation of forests to quench their thirst. To

put an end to this wanton destruction of our forests, it was felt essential to involve these

local communities living close to forest areas in the protection, rehabilitation, and

development of forests. Direct participation of the local communities in the rehabilitation

of forests gave birth to the concept of “Joint Forest Management” and to carry out this

challenging task effectively, creation of the “Forest Development Agencies” for each

territorial forest division resulted. To reduce the impact of degradation of forest cover,

the Chairman, Forest Development Agency, Ramban have formed forest development

agency, Ramban in 2003.Initially 44-Village Forest Committees were registered. At

present only 35 VFCs are functional.

The project areas experiences varying climatic conditions ranging from subtropical to

temperate climate which is supporting variety of vegetation. Tree species found there

are fir, spruce, kail, deodar, Quercus spp., Berberis, Rogosus and Bibernum shrubs are

very common at higher elevation. Other species found are walnut, apricot, Robinia,

Ailanthus, almus, Pyrus, apples and hazel chest nuts etc. Quercus incana and Quercus

deltoid are common species used for fodder and fuel purposes. Good patches of Alnus

nitida are also found along Nullahs (riverbeds).

3. ANY PREVIOUS PROJECT: Nil

4. Socio economic profile of villages covered

Villages selected for the project activities are mostly close to the forest. The land

holdings of the inhabitants are small to marginal. The socio economic status of the

inhabitants is not good. The literacy rate is low (< 40 percentage). Most of the area

comes under backward region. The main source of income of people is agriculture and

daily paid works. Now they are getting some employment from this FDA programme. The

higher ridges of this division are enriched with medicinal plants but as there is complete

ban on the extraction of medicinal and aromatic plants, therefore, people are demanding

extraction and selling permits to improve their socio economic status.

5. OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHEME

Forests have always played a vital role in the maintenance of ecological balance at all

levels. Rural committees have been for ages; depend on forest to meet their requirement

of fodder, fuel wood, timber, fruits, fibers, flosses, and medicinal herbs for sustenance.

Even increasing population, urbanization, industrialization, construction of roads and

other development activities resulted in the shrinkage of the natural vegetation cover of

the state. Following short terms as well as long-term objectives are under taken in forest

development agency, Ramban to increase the forest cover of the state.

Short Term Objectives

• Regeneration and Eco-development of degraded forest and adjoining areas on

a watershed basis

• Augmenting the availability of fuel wood, fodder and grasses from the

regenerated areas

• Securing people’s participation in planning and regeneration efforts to

ensure sustainability and equitable distribution of forest products from the

regenerated lands and also to promote partnership concept in the

management and administration of forest and common property resources

• To promote agro forestry and development of common property resources

• Promotion of fuel saving devices to encourage efficient use of fuel wood and

to reduce drudgery of rural womenfolk in cumbersome collection of wood, as

also to improve the environment therefore

• Conservation and improvement of non-timber produce, viz. medicinal plants,

herbs and shrubs, etc.

• Encourage production of non timber products such a wax, honey, fruits, nuts

and other cash corps from the regenerated areas

• Develop water resource through plantation and water harvesting programme

• Development and extension of improved technologies such as clonal

propagation and use of root trainers for raising seedlings

• Employment generation for the disadvantaged sections of the society,

particularly women, SCs/STs, and landless rural labourers inhabiting the forest

and adjoining areas.

Long-term objectives

• Protection and conservation of natural resources through active involvement

of the people

• Checking land degradation, deforestation and loss of biodiversity

• Ecological restoration and environmental conservation

• Eco development

• Evolving mass people participation at the forest village level for the long term

management of natural resources in and around villages in a sustained

manner

• Fulfillment of the broader objective of productivity, equity and sustainability

for the general good of the people

• Improve quality of life and sustenance aspect of people living in and around

forest areas

• Capability endowment and skill enhancement for improving employability of

the rural people.

6. PROJECT COMPONENTS/ INTERVENTIONS

The first phase of the programme has been started during 10th Five-year plan (2003-04

to 2006-07) and initially 44 Village Forest Committees were registered by the Chairman

Forest Development Agency, Ramban but at present 35 VFCs are functional. The major

components of FDA, Ramban include Natural Regeneration (NR), Aided Natural

Regeneration (ANR), Artificial Regeneration (AR), Silivi Pasture Development (SPD),

Regeneration of Medicinal Herbs (RMH), Soil and Moisture Conservation (SMC), Entry

Point Activities (EPA), Extension and Awareness through trainings, microplanning

through PRA, Fencing, Monitoring, and Evaluation. All these activities were decided by

people and implemented through people’s participation. The main objective of the

intervention was primarily to rehabilitate the forests with the active participation of the

local people. The entire planning for forest development agency, Ramban has been

done on the basis of microplanning of each village by calling general as well as

executive body meetings with the technical advice of the forest department. Various

components of interventions are shown in table number 1 and 2.

Table 1: Statement showing the area covered during project period 2003-04 to 2006-07 and 2007-09 under FDA Ramban

Project period Target Achievement

Physical (ha) Financial (lacs) Physical (ha) Financial (lacs)2003-04 to 2006-07

1500 212.23 926 95.8414

2007-09 705 71.06 705 54.134 Table 2: Component wise area covered under different VFCs during 2008-09

Sr. No. Name of VFC Components (ha) Grand total ANR AR SPD PHS

1 Alanbass 12 6 2 0 20 2 Bhourdhar 12 6 2 0 20 3 Bhangara 10 5 2 2 19 4 Bhangna 9 6 3 2 20 5 Bradsool 10 5 2 3 20 6 Batoo 12 6 2 0 20 7 Draman 9 6 3 2 20 8 Dhak 11 6 3 0 20 9 Demote 12 6 2 0 20 10 Ganote 12 6 2 0 20 11 Gam 11 6 3 0 20 12 Jaradi 10 6 2 2 20 13 Jatgali 12 6 2 0 20 14 Kot Pogal 12 6 2 0 2015 Baragadi 11 6 3 0 20 16 Kanthi 11 6 3 0 20 17 Kumetsooli 10 5 2 3 20 18 Paristan 9 6 3 2 20 19 Ramban 11 6 3 0 20 20 Sildhar 12 5 3 0 20 21 Senabhati 10 5 3 2 20 22 Ukhral 11 6 3 0 20 23 Bajmasta 11 6 3 0 20 24 Chirwari 9 5 3 5 22 25 Chareel 12 6 2 0 20 26 Chanjloo 9 5 3 3 20 27 Duligam 9 6 3 3 21 28 Dalvakhoura 9 5 3 5 22 29 Khari 11 6 3 0 20 30 Mamna 12 6 2 0 20 31 Mangit 9 5 3 5 22 32 Nowgam 9 5 3 3 20 33 Neeltop 9 6 2 3 20 34 Sarbagni 10 6 3 0 19 35 Serachi 12 6 2 0 20 Total 370 200 90 45 705

Work programme under maintenance of the plantation raised during 2006-07 VFC wise under Forest Development Agency, Ramban S N

Location VFC Areas(ha)

Maintenance Total BUC Fencing Repair Watch & Ward Phy Fin Phy Fin Days Fin Fin

1 Co.19/R Alanbass 10 500 3580 398 1480 90 6300 11360 2 Co.11/R Bhourdhar 10 500 3580 398 1480 90 6300 11360 3 Co.27b/R Bhangara 13 650 4654 1025 3814 90 6300 14768 4 Co.42/R Bhangna 10 500 3580 398 1480 90 6300 11360 5 Co.16/R Bradsool 12 600 4296 816 3036 90 6300 13632 6 Co.9/R Batoo 10 500 3580 398 1480 90 6300 11360 7 Co.66/R Barman 11 550 3938 607 2258 90 6300 12496 8 Co.12/R Dhak 10 500 3580 398 1480 90 6300 11360 9 Co.49/R Demote 10 500 3580 398 1480 90 6300 11360 10 Co.57/R Ganote 12 600 4296 816 3036 90 6300 13632 11 Co.39/R Gam 12 500 4296 816 3036 90 6300 13632 12 Co.5/R Jaradi 10 500 3580 398 1480 90 6300 11360 13 Co.48/R Jatgali 10 550 3580 398 1480 90 6300 11360 14 Co.18/R Kot Pogal 11 550 3938 607 2258 90 6300 12496 15 Co.37/R Baragadi 11 650 3938 607 2258 90 6300 12496 16 Co.52/R Kanthi 13 600 4654 1025 3814 90 6300 14768 17 Co.70/R Kumetsooli 12 550 4296 816 3036 90 6300 13632 18 Co.20/R Paristan 11 600 3938 607 2258 90 6300 12496 19 Co.45/R Ramban 12 600 4296 816 3036 90 6300 13632 20 Co.60/R Sildhar 12 600 4296 816 3036 90 6300 13632 21 Co.23b/R Senabhati 12 600 4296 816 3036 90 6300 13632 22 Co.33b/R Ukhral 13 650 4654 1025 3814 90 6300 14768 23 Co.2/R Bajmasta 12 600 4296 816 3036 90 6300 13632 24 Co.19/B Chirwari 11 550 3938 607 2258 90 6300 12496 25 Co.47/ B Chareel 11 550 3938 607 2258 90 6300 12496 26 Co.47/ B Chanjloo 11 550 3938 607 2258 90 6300 12496 27 Co.50/ B Duligam 12 600 4296 816 3036 90 6300 13632 28 Co.30/ B Dalvakhoura 11 550 3938 607 2258 90 6300 12496 29 Co.10/ B Khari 12 600 4296 816 3036 90 6300 13632 30 Co.55/ B Mamna 12 600 4296 816 3036 90 6300 13632 31 Co.36/ B Mangit 12 600 4296 816 3036 90 6300 13632 32 Co.46/ B Nowgam 11 550 3938 607 2258 90 6300 12496 33 Co.53/ B Neeltop 11 550 3938 607 2258 90 6300 12496 34 Co.4/ B Sarbagni 11 550 3938 607 2258 90 6300 12496 35 Co.40/ B Serachi 12 600 4296 816 3036 90 6300 13632 G Total 396 19800 141768 23544 87588 3150 220500 449856 7. SALIENT FEATURES INCLUDING PROPOSED STRATGIES FOR

TREATMENT

Heavy biotic pressure and existing topography has resulted in environmental

degradation, resulting in erosion to top fertile soil, which results in low productivity

of the area. Involvement of local masses in dealing with these problems is the

focus of this FDA project. The choice of the plant species under different

components is governed by suitability of the area and needs of the local peoples.

Strategies for Treatment

a) Aided/Promotion National Regeneration (ANR): To restrict and reverse the

environmental degradation process the existing forest areas requires immediate

attention to increase their natural regeneration. In order to select appropriate tree

species to be planted in the area, the choice of local inhabitants taken into

consideration. The plantations will also serve the purpose for rejuvenation of

degraded lands. Wherever plantation is not possible, efforts would be made to

establish a permanent soil cover by sowing seeds/tufts of grasses and legumes.

In Aided Natural Regeneration (ANR) 200 plants/ha were planted.

b) Rehabilitation of Degraded Forests through Artificial Regeneration/ Management Intervention (MI): In order to rehabilitate the degraded forest area,

afforestation, and protection to existing stock was provided. It was also proposed

to educate and motivate inhabitants of the project villages to take care of the area

during and after project implementation in order to achieve success and bring

sustainability in the project.

c) Silvipasture Development (SPD): Under silvipasture Development component,

planting of fodder and other economically viable plants at the rate of 400 plants/ha

was done. It would also include sowing of palatable grasses and legumes.

d) Soil and Moisture Conservation (SMS) : This component was implemented

through following strategies :

• Checking of soil erosion : Checking of rill and gully erosion through check

dams, vegetative bunding, etc

• Nullah treatment works

• Conservation of water harvesting structures – Ponds, tanks, etc

• Other activities as mutually decided by the Village Forest Committees and

FDA authorities from time to time.

e) Regeneration of Medicinal Herbs: The regeneration of medicinal herbs requires

immediate remedial measure to reverse their reduction in frequency and

regenerate them since they are of importance in the socioeconomic of the

inhabitants. The species would be protected and regenerated through plantation

at the rate of 1,000 plants/ha.

f) New Technologies in Nurseries Creation: The success of any afforestation

programme depends on the quality of planting stock that is proposed to be

propagated for FDA plantations. Latest technologies were adopted to raise quality

plants.

g) Entry Point Activities (EPAs): Involving local masses in protection,

conservation, and development of natural resources including forest through Joint

Forest Management Mechanism is the prime motto of FDA. It is now believed that

more people involved in FDA activities would lead to greater success. Thus, in

order to build initial rapport among the local people, EPAs works was taken up in

the project areas.

h) Microplanning: Microplanning is the major component of FDA project. In

microplanning exercises, area and village specific requirements were identified,

prioritized, and then selected. After that project, implementation was done in

accordance with the local people. All microplans put together would help in

constituting an action plan for FDA project.

i) Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitoring and evaluation would be done by the

departmental monitoring cell of any of the government agency of state and central

level or NGO from time to time.

8. CREATION OF JOINT FOREST MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES (JFMCs) AND VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT FUNDS

Thirty-five Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) have been constituted for the

afforestation work. Unfortunately, no Village Development Fund (VDF) was established

until date. Forest Department and a few active members of the committee were well

aware of the importance of Village Development Fund (VDF). In some of the VFCs, they

had initiated the creation of Village Development Fund. The authorities regularly motivate

the people for creation of VDF.

9. IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES

A two- tier set up namely FDA and JFMCs/VFCs has been created for the execution of

various works under Ramban Forest Division of various works under Ramban Forest

Division. The FDA Ramban came into being vide no. MoEF (NAEB): 35.11.2/2003-B-II

dated 04-07-2003. There was 35 VFCs working in this division. Total areas treated

during 2003-04 to 2006-07 and 2008-09 was 1500 ha and 705 ha respectively. The FDA

project has been extended for 11th Five Year Plan (207-08 to 2011-12) by the MoEF

(NAEB), GoI.

Composition and Constitution of FDA and Field Implementing Units

General Body of FDA The general FDA body comprises of the following members

• President of all the VFCs

• Member Secretaries of all the VFCs

• One non official representative to be nominated by the Panchayat

• ACF and Range Officers.

Executive Body of FDA

The FDA executive body comprises of the following members Chairman : Conservator of Forests, Chenab Circle, Doda

Member Secretary : DFO, Ramban

Other members : Deputy Director, Agriculture

Chief Development Officer

Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry

District Soil Conservation Officer

District Education Officer

District Panchayat Development Officer

District General Manager Industries

Chief Medical Officer

Executive Engineer (Public Health)

Executive Engineer (B&R)

40 nominees from the VFCs (including two Women)

Village Forest Committee (VFC)

• Implementing Agency at Village Level

• Registered with Conservator of Forest

• Member Secretary : Forester/Block Officer

• There are 12 to 20 members in each VFC in Ramban FDA

• Panchayat Mukhia of most of the villages are acting as the President

10. MICROPLANNING AND JOINT FOREST MANAGEMENT Micro plans of all the 35 VFCs have been prepared.

11. ENTRY POINT ACTIVITIES (EPA) In FDA Ramban, the Entry Point Activities (EPAs) have been carried out in 35 VFCs

proposed by the Village Forest Committee. An amount of Rs. 149.98 lac has been spent

until March 2010. An amount of Rs 60.50 lac has been spent under development and

EPA works during the year 2007-2008 and 2008-09.

Main Entry Point Activities undertaken were 1. Bathroom with tanks

2. Bridal paths

3. Ponds

4. Trangri (wooden bridge)

Table 3: Areas wise list of Village Forest Committees during 2008-09 Sr. No. Name of VFC Creation work (705 ha) Advance work (555 ha) 1 Alanbass 20 18 2 Bhourdhar 20 18 3 Bhangara 19 19 4 Bhangna 20 18 5 Bradsool 20 19 6 Batoo 20 0 7 Darman 20 19 8 Dhak 20 0 9 Demote 20 0 10 Ganote 20 0 11 Gam 20 18 12 Jaradi 20 0 13 Jatgali 20 0 14 Kot Pogal 20 0 15 Baragadi 20 18 16 Kanthi 20 0 17 Kumetsooli 20 0 18 Paristan 20 0 19 Ramban 20 19 20 Sildhar 20 19 21 Senabhati 20 0 22 Ukhral 20 18 23 Bajmasta 20 0 24 Chirwari 22 0 25 Chareel 20 18 26 Chanjloo 20 19 27 Duligam 21 20

28 Dalvakhoura 22 0 29 Khari 20 18 30 Mamna 20 19 31 Mangit 22 20 32 Nowgam 20 20 33 Neeltop 20 20 34 Sarbagni 19 19 35 Serachi 20 19 36 Nilman 0 20 37 Thata 0 20 38 Manhall 0 20 39 Krawha 0 20 40 Fagoo 0 20 41 Chabba 0 20 42 Lamber 0 20 43 Pogal 0 20 Total 705 555 Table 4: VFC wise entry point activities details of Forest Development Agency,

Ramban Sr. No.

VFC EPA of 2008-09

Location Beneficiaries Estimated cost

1 Alanbass Bathroom Hochak 34 19620 2 Bhourdar Path Googni Shekhpur 25 19620 3 Bradsool Bathroom Bradsool 50 20710 4 Bhagna Path Karol to Doli 40 19620 5 Sildhar Path 2.6 km Bom to Sildhar 15 20710 6 Ramban Bathroom Pursul 25 20710 7 Chareel Path Chareel to Nowa 100 19620 8 Sarbagni Water tank Upper Palbass 70 20710 9 Khari Water tank Khowda 60 19620 10 Mangit Tangri Senabal 30 21800 11 Sarachi Tangri Sarachi 30 20710 12 Nowgam Repair of khul Upper Mohala Nowgam 40 21800 13 Chanjloo Bathroom Peerpora 30 2071014 Duligam Water tank Duligam Naibasti 20 21800 15 Neel top Bathroom Zanchoos 60 21800 16 Mamna Path 2.6 km Sherbibi to Levera 15 20710 17 Bhangara Path 2.6 km Bhangara to Chapangali 50 20710 18 Ukhral Water tank Near P/S Ukhral 56 19620 19 Gam Bathroom Mandlar 26 19620 20 Bradgadi Harvesting

tank Naunkoot 24 19620

21 Draman Path 2.6 km Wangn Shergali 18 20710 22 Nilman Bathroom Nilman 20 21800 23 Thatha Path 2.7 km Thatha to Guladhar 15 21800 24 Chabba Bathroom Gawari 8 21800 25 Fagoo Harvesting

tank Thandishah 105 21800

26 Kanihal Water tank P/School Kanihal 60 2180027 Pogal Water tank Pogal 25 21800 28 Lamber Water tank Near Masjid 42 21800 29 Krawa Bathroom Gujar Naad 250 21800 Total 1343 604950 Table 5: Statement showing the list of VFC’s for the year 2008-098

Sr. No. Name of VFC Sr. No. Name of VFC 1 Alanbass 23 Bajmasta 2 Bhourdhar 24 Chirwari 3 Bhangara 25 Chareel 4 Bhangna 26 Chanjloo 5 Bradsool 27 Duligam 6 Batoo 28 Dalvakhoura 7 Darman 29 Khari 8 Dhak 30 Mamna 9 Demote 31 Mangit 10 Ganote 32 Nowgam 11 Gam 33 Neeltop 12 Jaradi 34 Sarbagni 13 Jatgali 35 Serachi 14 Kot Pogal 36 Nilman (New) 15 Baragadi 37 Thata (New) 16 Kanthi 38 Manhall (New) 17 Kumetsooli 39 Krawha (New) 18 Paristan 40 Fagoo (New) 19 Ramban 41 Chabba (New) 20 Sildhar 42 Lamber (New) 21 Senabhati 43 Pogal (New) 22 Ukhral

Table 6: VFC wise plantation planted under FDA Ramban during 2008-09

SN VFC Areas in ha. Species of plantation planted Sowing MFP ANR AR SPD MFP Robinia Ulmus Ailanthu

s Walnut Fruit Dibbling Patch

sowing Dicories Rosent

1 Alanbass 12 6 2 0 5080 2700 900 20 200 920 1867 0 0 2 Bhourdhar 12 6 2 0 5080 2700 900 20 200 920 1867 0 0 3 Bardsool 12 6 2 0 3730 2700 900 20 200 765 1867 4000 2000 4 Batoo 9 6 3 2 5180 2700 900 20 200 920 1867 0 0 5 Dhak 12 6 2 0 5180 2700 900 20 200 920 2799 0 0 6 Jaradi 12 6 2 0 4680 2700 900 20 200 920 1867 2000 2000 7 Kot Pogal 10 5 2 3 5080 2700 900 20 200 920 1867 0 0 8 Bhangara 10 5 2 2 3880 2700 850 20 100 765 1867 4000 0 9 Ukhral 9 5 3 5 5180 2700 1000 20 200 920 2799 0 0 10 Paristan 11 6 3 0 7580 0 900 20 200 920 2799 4000 0 11 Senabhati 9 6 3 3 6730 0 1000 20 200 765 2799 4000 0 12 Gam 12 6 2 0 7880 0 900 20 200 920 2799 0 0 13 Ganote 10 6 2 2 7780 0 900 20 200 920 1867 0 0 14 Baradgadi 9 6 3 2 7980 0 900 20 200 920 2799 0 0 15 Jatgali 11 6 3 0 5180 2700 900 20 200 920 1867 0 0 16 Draman 11 6 3 0 4880 2700 900 20 200 920 2799 4000 0 17 Kumetsooli 11 6 3 0 6530 0 900 20 200 765 1867 6000 0 18 Bhagna 10 5 2 3 5680 2700 0 20 200 920 2799 4000 0 19 Demote 11 6 3 0 6080 2700 0 20 200 920 1867 0 0 20 Kenthi 10 5 3 2 7980 0 900 20 200 920 2799 0 0 21 Ramban 9 5 3 5 7880 0 1000 20 200 920 2799 0 0 22 Sildhar 9 5 3 3 7230 0 900 20 200 765 2799 0 0 23 Chareel 9 5 3 5 5080 2700 1000 20 200 920 1867 0 0 24 Chanjloo 9 5 3 3 3930 2700 900 20 200 765 2799 6000 0

25 Duligam 9 6 2 3 7480 0 900 20 200 920 2799 6000 0 26 Sarbagni 12 5 3 0 7780 0 900 20 200 920 2799 0 0 27 Khari 12 6 2 0 5180 2700 900 20 200 920 2799 0 0 28 Chirwari 12 6 2 0 6530 0 900 20 200 765 2799 10000 0 29 Bajmasta 11 6 3 0 5280 2700 900 20 200 920 2799 0 0 30 Mangit 12 6 2 0 6530 0 900 20 200 765 2799 10000 0 31 Dalvakhoura 10 6 3 0 6780 0 850 20 100 765 2799 10000 0 32 Serachi 12 6 2 0 5080 2700 900 20 200 920 1867 0 0 33 Neeltop 11 6 3 0 7280 0 900 20 200 920 1866 6000 0 34 Mamna 9 6 3 2 7880 0 900 20 200 920 1866 0 0 35 Nowgam 11 6 3 0 6630 0 900 20 200 765 2799 6000 0 Total 370 200 90 45 213900 48600 30000 700 6800 30650 83983 86000 4000

Work programme under creation for the year 2008-09 VFC wise under forest development agency, Ramban Table 7 (A): Aided Natural Regeneration (ANR) of Rs. 3150/Ha

Sr. No.

Location VFC Areas Planting PBI Total Amount Phy Fin Nur formation Phy Fin

1 Co.19/R Alanbass 12 2400 11904 8700 669 17196 37800 2 Co.11/R Bhourdhar 12 2400 11904 8700 669 17196 37800 3 Co.27b/R Bhangara 10 2000 9920 7350 553 14230 315004 Co.42/R Bhangna 9 1800 8928 8400 429 11022 28350 5 Co.16/R Bradsool 10 2000 9920 7350 553 14230 31500 6 Co.9/R Batoo 12 2400 11904 8700 669 17196 37800 7 Co.66/R Barman 9 1800 8928 8400 429 11022 28350 8 Co.12/R Dhak 11 2200 10912 8800 581 14938 34650 9 Co.49/R Demote 12 2400 11904 8700 669 17196 3780010 Co.57/R Ganote 12 2400 11904 8700 669 17196 37800 11 Co.39/R Gam 11 2200 10912 8800 581 14938 34650 12 Co.5/R Jaradi 10 2000 9920 8300 517 13280 31500 13 Co.48/R Jatgali 12 2400 11904 8700 669 17196 37800 14 Co.18/R Kot Pogal 12 2400 11904 8700 669 17196 37800 15 Co.37/R Baragadi 11 2200 10912 8800 581 14938 3465016 Co.52/R Kanthi 11 2200 10912 8800 581 14938 34650 17 Co.70/R Kumetsooli 10 2000 9920 7350 553 14230 31500 18 Co.20/R Paristan 9 1800 8928 8400 429 11022 28350 19 Co.45/R Ramban 11 2200 10912 8800 581 14938 34650 20 Co.60/R Sildhar 12 2400 11904 8050 694 17846 37800 21 Co.23b/R Senabhati 10 2000 9920 7650 542 13930 3150022 Co.33b/R Ukhral 11 2200 10912 8800 581 14938 34650 23 Co.2/R Bajmasta 11 2200 10912 8800 581 14938 34650 24 Co.19/B Chirwari 9 1800 8928 7450 466 11972 28350 25 Co.47/ B Chareel 12 2400 11904 8700 669 17196 37800 26 Co.47/ B Chanjloo 9 1800 8928 7450 466 11972 28350 27 Co.50/ B Duligam 9 1800 8928 8400 429 11022 28350 28 Co.30/ B Dalvakhoura 9 1800 8928 7450 466 11972 28350 29 Co.10/ B Khari 11 2200 10912 8800 581 14938 34650 30 Co.55/ B Mamna 12 2400 11904 8700 669 17196 37800 31 Co.36/ B Mangit 9 1800 8928 7450 466 11972 28350 32 Co.46/ B Nowgam 9 1800 8928 7450 466 11972 28350 33 Co.53/ B Neeltop 9 1800 8928 8100 440 11322 28350 34 Co.4/ B Sarbagni 10 2000 9920 8600 505 12980 31500 35 Co.40/ B Serachi 12 2400 11904 8700 669 17196 37800 Total 370 74000 367040 291000 19741 507460 1165500

(B) Artificial Regeneration (AR) of Rs. 5017/Ha

Sr No Location VFC Area Planting Dibbling/sowing Total amount Phy Fin Phy Fin

1 Co.19/R Alanbass 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

2 Co.11/R Bhourdhar 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

3 Co.27b/R Bhangara 5 4750 23560 765 1522 25082

4 Co.42/R Bhangna 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

5 Co.16/R Bradsool 5 4750 23560 765 1522 25082

6 Co.9/R Batoo 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

7 Co.66/R Barman 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

8 Co.12/R Dhak 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

9 Co.49/R Demote 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

10 Co.57/R Ganote 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

11 Co.39/R Gam 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

12 Co.5/R Jaradi 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

13 Co.48/R Jatgali 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

14 Co.18/R Kot Pogal 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

15 Co.37/R Baragadi 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

16 Co.52/R Kanthi 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

17 Co.70/R Kumetsooli 5 4750 23560 765 1522 25082

18 Co.20/R Paristan 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

19 Co.45/R Ramban 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

20 Co.60/R Sildhar 5 4750 23560 765 1522 25082

21 Co.23b/R Senabhati 5 4750 23560 765 1522 25082

22 Co.33b/R Ukhral 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

23 Co.2/R Bajmasta 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

24 Co.19/B Chirwari 5 4750 23560 765 1522 25082

25 Co.47/ B Chareel 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

26 Co.47/ B Chanjloo 5 4750 23560 765 1522 25082

27 Co.50/ B Duligam 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

28 Co.30/ B Dalvakhoura 5 4750 23560 765 1522 25082

29 Co.10/ B Khari 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

30 Co.55/ B Mamna 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

31 Co.36/ B Mangit 5 4750 23560 765 1522 25082

32 Co.46/ B Nowgam 5 4750 23560 765 1522 25082

33 Co.53/ B Neeltop 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

34 Co.4/ B Sarbagni 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

35 Co.40/ B Serachi 6 5700 28272 920 1830 30120

Total 200 190000 942400 30650 60970 1003820

(C) Silvi Pasture Development @ Rs. 3617/Ha

Sr. No Location VFC Area Planting Sowing grasses Total amount Phy Fin Patch Fin

1 Co.19/R Alanbass 2 600 2976 2433 4258 7234

2 Co.11/R Bhourdhar 2 600 2976 2433 4258 7234

3 Co.27b/R Bhangara 2 600 2976 2433 4258 7234

4 Co.42/R Bhangna 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

5 Co.16/R Bradsool 2 600 2976 2433 4258 7234

6 Co.9/R Batoo 2 600 2976 2433 4258 7234

7 Co.66/R Barman 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

8 Co.12/R Dhak 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

9 Co.49/R Demote 2 600 2976 2433 4258 7234

10 Co.57/R Ganote 2 600 2976 2433 4258 7234

11 Co.39/R Gam 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

12 Co.5/R Jaradi 2 600 2976 2433 4258 7234

13 Co.48/R Jatgali 2 600 2976 2433 4258 7234

14 Co.18/R Kot Pogal 2 600 2976 2433 4258 7234

15 Co.37/R Baragadi 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

16 Co.52/R Kanthi 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

17 Co.70/R Kumetsooli 2 600 2976 2433 4258 7234

18 Co.20/R Paristan 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

19 Co.45/R Ramban 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

20 Co.60/R Sildhar 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

21 Co.23b/R Senabhati 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

22 Co.33b/R Ukhral 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

23 Co.2/R Bajmasta 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

24 Co.19/B Chirwari 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

25 Co.47/ B Chareel 2 600 2976 2433 4258 7234

26 Co.47/ B Chanjloo 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

27 Co.50/ B Duligam 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

28 Co.30/ B Dalvakhoura 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

29 Co.10/ B Khari 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

30 Co.55/ B Mamna 2 600 2976 2433 4258 7234

31 Co.36/ B Mangit 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

32 Co.46/ B Nowgam 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

33 Co.53/ B Neeltop 2 600 2976 2433 4258 7234

34 Co.4/ B Sarbagni 3 900 4464 3650 6387 10851

35 Co.40/ B Serachi 2 600 2976 2433 4258 7234

Total 90 27000 133920 109495 191610 325530

(D) Perennial Herbs and Shrubs @ Rs. 6000/Ha Sr. No Location VFC Area Planting PBI Total

Fin Total Fin Phy Fin Phy Fin

1 Co.19/R Alanbass 0 0 0 0 0 0 75136

2 Co.11/R Bhourdhar 0 0 0 0 0 0 75136

3 Co.27b/R Bhangara 2 4000 7000 194 5000 12000 75816

4 Co.42/R Bhangna 2 4000 7000 194 5000 12000 81303

5 Co.16/R Bradsool 3 6000 10500 292 7500 18000 81816

6 Co.9/R Batoo 0 0 0 0 0 0 75136

7 Co.66/R Barman 2 4000 7000 194 5000 12000 81303

8 Co.12/R Dhak 0 0 0 0 0 0 75603

9 Co.49/R Demote 0 0 0 0 0 0 75136

10 Co.57/R Ganote 0 0 0 0 0 0 75136

11 Co.39/R Gam 0 0 0 0 0 0 75603

12 Co.5/R Jaradi 2 4000 7000 194 5000 12000 80836

13 Co.48/R Jatgali 0 0 0 0 0 0 75136

14 Co.18/R Kot Pogal 0 0 0 0 0 0 75136

15 Co.37/R Baragadi 0 0 0 0 0 0 75603

16 Co.52/R Kanthi 0 0 0 0 0 0 75603

17 Co.70/R Kumetsooli 3 6000 10500 292 7500 18000 81816

18 Co.20/R Paristan 2 4000 7000 194 5000 12000 81303

19 Co.45/R Ramban 0 0 0 0 0 0 75603

20 Co.60/R Sildhar 0 0 0 0 0 0 73733

21 Co.23b/R Senabhati 2 4000 7000 194 5000 12000 79433

22 Co.33b/R Ukhral 0 0 0 0 0 0 75603

23 Co.2/R Bajmasta 0 0 0 0 0 0 75603

24 Co.19/B Chirwari 5 10000 17500 486 12500 30000 94283

25 Co.47/ B Chareel 0 0 0 0 0 0 75136

26 Co.47/ B Chanjloo 3 6000 10500 292 7500 18000 82283

27 Co.50/ B Duligam 3 6000 10500 292 7500 18000 87303

28 Co.30/ B Dalvakhoura 5 10000 17500 486 12500 30000 94283

29 Co.10/ B Khari 0 0 0 0 0 0 75603

30 Co.55/ B Mamna 0 0 0 0 0 0 75136

31 Co.36/ B Mangit 5 10000 17500 486 12500 30000 94283

32 Co.46/ B Nowgam 3 6000 10500 292 7500 18000 82283

33 Co.53/ B Neeltop 3 6000 10500 292 7500 18000 83686

34 Co.4/ B Sarbagni 0 0 0 0 0 0 72453

35 Co.40/ B Serachi 0 0 0 0 0 0 75136

Total 45 90000 157500 4374 112500 270000 2764400

B. Quantitative Analysis B.1 Classification of Area Covered/Treated for the year 2008-09

Category Added Natural Regeneration

Artificial Regeneration

Silvi Pasture Development

Bamboo plantation

Cane plantation

Mixed plantation

Regeneration of perennial herbs/shrubs

Total % of total Project Area

Forest land 360 ha 1128 ha 125 ha 3,00,000 plants

59 ha (9,0000 plants)

3,90,000 100%

Community

land

- - - - - - - -

Revenue

land

- - - - - - - -

Government

wasteland

- - - - - - - -

Private land - - - - - - - -

Others - - - - - - - -

Total 360 ha 1128 ha 125 ha 3,00,000 59 ha (90,000 plants)

3,90,000 plants

B.2 Physical and financial achievements During 2008-09 an areas of 55 ha was taken up under advance work, whereas an areas

of 705 ha under creation. The abstract of the works executed through 43 VFCs of FDA

Ramban during 2008-09 is given here under:

Table 8: Physical and Financial Achievements for the year 2008-09 Sr. No.

Item of Work Target Achievement

Physical Financial Physical Financial 1 Aided Natural

Regeneration a) Advance work b) Creation work

220 370

5.70 11.66

220 370

5.07768 10.93639

2 Aided Regeneration a) Advance work b) Creation

200 200

15.17 10.03

200 200

15.07927 10.00851

3 Silvi-Pasture Development a) Advance work b) Creation work

100 90

3.40 3.26

100 90

3.17505 3.21693

4 Perennial Herbs & Shrubs a) Advance work b) Creation work

35 45

2.80 2.70

35 45

2.59690 2.2799

Total 555 705

27.7 27.65

555 705

25.9289 26.44173

5. Maintenance & plantation raised during 10th Five year plan

386 4.50 386 3.08107

6. Balance work of 2007-08

- 11.57 - 10.22314

7. Soil & Moisture Conservation

8.21 8.21

8. Entry Point Activities 555 6.05 555 6.04709 9. Fencing 2.74 2.35710 10 Microplanning 1.09 0.665 11 Monitoring and

Evaluation 1.09 1.00761

12 Awareness 0.55 0.2214 13 Overhead 5.47 5.46599 Total 41.27 37.2784 Grand total 95.99 89.64903

Table 9: Under Entry Point Activities (EPAs) the following item of work have been

carried out during 2008-09

Sr. No. Main Activities Numbers 1 Water tank 7 2 Bathroom 9 3 Harvesting tank 2 4 Tangri 2 5 Repair of Kuhls 1 6 Path (No of units) 8 Table 10: Advance and Creation work 2008-09 Sr. No.

Advance work Creation work Item of work Physical Financial Item of work Physical Financial

1 Fencing 78381 1732916 Fencing 23759 525311 2 Plant

production 304000 352640 Plantation 300000 1488000

3 MFP 70000 135100 MFP 90000 157500 4 Dibbling 156500 302045 Dibbling 30650 59160 5 Patch sowing 100000 175000 Patch sowing 83983 146970 6 Entry Point

Activities 29 units 604950 Maintenance of

Nursery 300000 300000

7 0 Balance work 2007-08

0 1022314

Total 3302651 3699255 B.3. PEOPLES’ PARTICIPATION

3.1. Participatory Rural Appraisal/ Microplanning

Before the initiation of project activities, village meetings were held with the VFCs

members and in each village microplans were prepared. Time schedules of different

works to be carried out were also highlighted. All the executed works had their approval

by the villagers as documented in the respective micro plan. As per the records

available in the office of Divisional Forest Officer-cum-Chief Executive Officer of FDA, it

was found that microplanning of all the executed VFCs was completed well in time.

3.2 Entry Point Activities The main Entry Point Activities (EPAs) undertaken were

• Construction of cattle ponds

• Bathrooms with tanks

• Wooden crossing over Gorges and streams

• Bridal paths

• Construction of bowlies and

• Construction of water tanks

3.3. Joint Forest Management

The details of JFM committees formed and other details are presented in Table-8.

Table 11 (a): JFMC formed with other details Sr. No.

Particulars Numbers

1 Number of villages where formation initiated in the division 44 2 Number of villages where committees established in the division 35+8 3 Total number of committees established so far in the project area 43 4 Total membership 8744 persons5 Percentage of SCs, STs in the VFC 15 % (b) Particulars Male Female Total (No.) Scheduled Caste 599 0 599 Scheduled Tribe 579 0 579 Others/ General 7560 6 7566 Total 8738 6 8744

a) Establishment of village funds : In progress

b) Joint Forest Management Committee/ FDA Meetings held

Name of Meeting JFMC Meetings FDA Meetings Number of General Body meetings held 170 7 Number of Executive Body meetings 90 5

h) Microplanning

Yes, the microplanning procedure has been carried out and microplans prepared accordingly.

i) List of important Registers/Records Maintained by VFC

• Only the document of micro planning is available with the VFC committees

whereas some of the VFC has maintained the meeting and resolution register

also.

FDA • Cash book, meeting and resolution register, voucher file, expenditure file

(actual), payment, micro plans, etc., are maintained properly at FDA level.

3.4 Capacity Building: Training of JFMC/Community Participation Conducted

Nil 3.5 Monitoring and Evaluation

Number of inspection by

a) Chief Conservator of Forests = 02 per annum b) Conservator of Forests = 08 per annum c) Divisional Forest Officer = 10 per annum

Whether FDA Conducted Regular Monitoring and Evaluation of Project Activities Yes, but in the middle of the project, monitoring could not be conducted.

Year Wise Expenditure Incurred on Monitoring and Evaluation

An expenditure of Rs 38600 during the year 2007-2008 and 2008-09 was come out.

Whether any Independent Agency Involved in the above Monitoring Process?

Yes. B.4. FOREST DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (FDA) MECHANISM 1. Outlines of the constitution of FDA, i.e., composition of general non

executive bodies along with deviations, if any, reasons therefore and concurrence of MoEF thereof.

Constitution of FDA General executive body is constituted as per the guidelines of National Afforestation

Programme (NAP)

General Body Chairperson of all Village Forest Committees is Conservator of Forests and Divisional

Forest Officer is the CEO of the FDA.

Members All the Presidents and Member Secretaries of VFCs. One woman from each VFC and

concerned Forest Range Officer.

Executive Body

• Chairperson : Conservator of Forests

• Member Secretary-cum-Chief-Executive Officer-Divisional Forest Officers

• Members : District officers of line Departments

• 25 members from the VFCs, including women.

2. Highlight the strengths and weakness, if any, pertaining to mutual responsibilities assigned to FDA (Administrative, Supervisory, and Monitoring), and VFCs/EDCs (Execution of field works.).

Strengths

• By involving the people, damage to flora (especially trees) and fire incidences

reduced considerably. The VFC members help in catching the culprit who

damages the forest and they actively participate in extinguishing the forest fire.

• Rural economy has improved.

• All the FDA activities have been carried out well in time and proper records of

the FDA project maintained.

Weaknesses

• Threat posed by the nomadic grazers (Gujjars and Bakarwals) to the plantation

after repeated consultation with them.

• In snow bounds areas, the advance work cannot be completed well in time as

fund released late.

• The lowest women participation despite lot of efforts

• Some areas are affected by militancy.

3. Comment on whether the project implementing VFCs/EDCs are also being benefited through any other forestry/community development project from State/Central Government. If no, then what role and initiatives the FDA proposes in regard to the overall rural/eco-development of the project areas.

No such projects have been commenced in the area since the inception of FDA

project. The state Rural Development Department works in the project area. The

present FDA plays an important role in their development by creating various

works to their interest at the village under EPA. Plantation closures have also

been made for their benefits from where people are getting grasses and fodder.

4. Provide brief outline of FDA bank account, its mode of operation, auditing

status supported with programme of works as envisaged in the guidelines. Comment on the flow of funds to the VFCs. Disbursement of funds by JFMCs for works executed. If delayed; reasons thereof.

FDA Ramban has opened a separate bank account in State Bank of India,

Ramban. The VFCs have their account in State Bank of India, Ramban. The

Chairman of concerned VFC and Member Secretary, i.e., Forester/Deputy Ranger

of the FDA, operates the bank account jointly. After the completion of the works,

the report is submitted to CEO, and then only the CEO transferred the money to

the concerned VFC account through cheques. The Chartered Accountant duely

audits the accounts of the FDA every year.

AUIDIT REPORT: Rajan Gupta, PC Bindal and Co Chartered Accountant audited the

accounts, Jammu dated 18.06.2009. The amount received during different financial

years is presented in Table-10.

Table 12: Statement of FDA funds for Ramban

Sr. No.

Year Amount (Rs in lac) Funds released by NAEB (Rs in lac.)

1 2003-04 to 2006-07

95.84 212.23

2 2007-08 54.13 71.06 Total 149.97 283.29

5. Similar details should also be provided for the individual VFC/EDC whose works were assessed and interactions held. Details of statement of account and progress reports sent by VFC/EDC to the FDA. Comment on the receipt of funds by VFCs/EDCs.

After verification of the bank passbooks of the concerned VFCs, it was found that

amount from FDA account was transferred to the VFC accounts and withdrawn

jointly by the Chairman and Member Secretary of the VFC after completion of a

particular work. During the discussion with other members, it was found that the

money was properly distributed to the client. Regular funds have been received by

the VFC from the CEO. Regular progress reports have also been sent to the CEO

through concerned officers.

C. QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

C.1. Assessment of Plantations, SMC Works, and their Output

The plantation areas were selected with consultation of VFCs for execution of

works under the project. As per the opinion of the people and the project staff,

most of the areas nearby forest fringe villages were selected for treatment under

FDA. 1. Brief comment on the suitability of areas selected for project

implementations

The area selected for treatment under FDA programme is degraded and

species planted in the areas are suitable as per the requirements of the area.

2. Assessment of the work as seen in the field including quality of work

It was observed during the field visit that all the enclosures (planting areas) were

fenced with wooden poles on which four strands of barbed wire were affixed,

which not only give protection to the newly planted saplings but also provide

protection to the natural regeneration. It has been observed that different types of

species were planted according to the choice of local people but erratic and rain

fed conditions resulted in mortality of species in most of VFC visited.

3. Sampling Procedure Survival Survival rate of different species planted under selected VFCs was estimated by

taking 10 per cent of the total areas under each sampled VFC with unit size of

0.10 ha i.e.10 x10 m2. Observations like number of plants species wise, girth,

height of the plants and their survival percentage were observed. The overall

survival of the plants was found to be 55 per cent. The highest survival of 80

percent was observed in Khari VFC and the least survival of 40 per cent was

reported in VFC Alanbass. The plantation work was carried out under AR, ANR,

SPD, and RMH components. It has been observed that main species planted

were Alnus, Ailanthus, Apricot, Apple, Fir, Spruce, Walnut, Horse Chestnut,

Robinia, Kail, and Poplar etc. Red clove grass and Discordia were also observed

in some of VFC visited. The average height of tree species was 2 to 3 feet. The

maximum average height was observed in popular and minimum in horse

chestnut. The list of the VFCs visited is given in the following table.

Table 13: Details of selected Village Forest Committees of visited Ranges

Sr No Name of Ranges Selected VFCs 1 Ramban Alanbass, Gam and Duligam 2 Banihal (Territorial) Neeltop, Khari and Serachi 3 Banihal (Soil conservation) Chanjhoo and Chareel

The survival rate of the species planted in different selected VFCs was found very

well. The overall survival was found to be 55.125 i.e. 55 per cent. The survival

rates of plantation under randomly selected VFCs are presented in following table.

Table 14: Survival rate of randomly selected VFCs in FDA Ramban.

Sr.No. Ranges Name VFC Areas Plants Survival % 1 Ramban Alanbass

Gam Duligam

20 18 15

9720 9200 6200

40 54 52

2 Banihal (Territorial) Neeltop Khari Serachi

20 18 20

8400 9000 9100

65 80 55

3 Banihal (Soil conservation) Chanjhoo Chareel

20 18

9320 9150

50 45

Overall survival rate 55.13

4. Assessment of regeneration/rehabilitation status of degraded lands treated

The natural regeneration has been found in good condition. Large numbers of kail

seedlings were observed in Neeltop VFC. Area of all selected VFCs was properly

fenced with barbed wire to protect new recruits from cattle.

5. Technology used in the project: Technology or methodology adopted under

each of the components sanctioned by NAEB. An analysis of the technology used and its effectiveness in brief

Methodology: Various works performed by the project authorities as per the approved

technical programme and microplans were evaluated through random sampling

techniques using integrated and comprehensive methodologies, which are

1. Collection of secondary data and its analysis

2. Field visits and survey of work done under different components

3. Assessment of plantations through laying of plots and measurements of plants

under AR, RMH, SPD component, fencing status, EPA works, soil and moisture

conservation measures, adopted and executed

4. Discussions with the beneficiaries of the selected VFCs in order to assess

people’s participation in the project activities

5. Assessment of nursery stock both quality and quantity for afforestation work under

different components

6. Discussions with the project officials regarding execution of works, microplaning,

budgets, bank accounts and other related activities executed

7. The data collected were analyzed by adopting suitable statistical tools.

Technologies

No new technology was adopted so far. As discussion made with CEO of the project,

trench-planting technique would be adopted for plantation from the next season as most

of the area is rain fed and receives less rainfall. Mostly pit planting technique was

adopted. The pit size was 0.40m x 0.40m x 0.30 m with spacing of 3m x 3 m. On an

average one thousand one hundred plants have planted per hectare under ANR

component, 400 plants (1100) under SPD and 200 plants under NR component. Plant

species, which can grow easily by direct sowing, patch sowing (0.45m x 0.45m x 0.15 m)

technique, was adopted at a spacing of 2 x 2 m2.

6. Increase in availability of biomass (fuel-wood, fodder and other NTFP,

fodder and small timber, etc.)

The biomass production of fuel wood, fodder, and medicinal plants did not

increase because the plantations were too young, only the production of grass

increased in the enclosures due to protection measure. 7. Improvement in quality of life of people in project area (status of health and

education, availability of drinking water, increases in per capita income)

Although the project area covers far-flung villages, there was improvement in the

quality of life of people because of the employment they are getting from FDA

activities. The health status of the residents is fare. To avail the health services

one has to walk 10 to 15 km or even more. The literacy rate is low as most of the

population is poor and engaged in their routine work of agriculture and rearing of

husbandry. Thus, they were not interested to send their children to school. The

drinking water facilities are not good in most of the VFC visited. The per capita

income has increased little bit as the villagers get employment through wages in

project area.

C.2. PEOPLE PARTICIPATION 1. Whether the choice of species has been decided in consultation with the

local people. Also, please comment briefly whether these are in consonance with the local needs

Yes, the choice of species to be planted was finalized after discussions with local

people. The species planted is an indicator that VFCs have their say in selection

of the species and implementing agency impart proper technical knowhow to

them.

2. Briefly comment on the suitability of species taken up for NTFP and medicinal plants (perennials) from economic point of view.

Selected species were suitable for their utility point of views as NTFP. The

medicinal plants, which have more economic value and native to the area, were

planted. However, the implementing agency still has to create more awareness

about cultivation of such species and their marketing.

3. Whether the project has created awareness among local population about the responsibilities they expected to discharge and benefits that are likely to accrue from the project

The implementing agency has been quite successful in raising of awareness

among local masses about the project activities and their benefits. The VFCs were

also made aware regarding their responsibilities and maintenance of their

accounts and creation of the development fund.

4. What approach has been adopted by the project authorities for motivating

the public? The villagers were motivated by organizing camps in their villages. The project

officials and staff have made direct dialogue/communication with different VFCs at

regular interval of time. The exposure visit of the VFCs members to successful

JFM areas is scheduled to be held shortly.

5. Whether the means of communication adopted have been successful and have there been a favourable response?

The means of communication adopted by the implementing agency have casted a

direct impact on people and were successful in eliciting their participation. The

favourable response was observed from the villagers during field visits.

6. Whether the village communities have been involved in

a) Project planning Yes

b) Project implementation Yes

c) Usufruct sharing mechanism Not yet.

d) Are the people aware of GOI issued (if any) with regard to JFM usufruct sharing mechanism?

The people are not much aware of the GOI issued instructions regarding

JFM, but regarding usufruct, sharing the staff has been made aware for the

collection of grass, fodder, fuel wood from the enclosure by sharing among

VFCs member.

e) Has any formal arrangement been involved for sharing the

intermediate and final produce of the project activities

Not at present

f) Evaluation and comments on the effectiveness of the mechanism evolved and the equitableness of the same.

The local communities/committees are actively involved in the entire

process.

2. What role has been played by local communities/committees in arriving at the mechanism?

Not decided yet but in future they will share produce according to the guidelines of

FDA and NAEB.

C.3. ASSETS: Protection and Maintenance

What measures have been used for protecting the assets created in the project? State the quality and quantity of measures adopted and their effectiveness. The evaluator may state whether in spite of measures the plantation are subjected to grazing or other abiotic damages. Whether these issues were placed before the VFC. If so, with what results. If not, why? Whether VFC has been effective in sorting out these issues? Various assets, viz., plantation, soil and moisture conservation works and EPA works

were created under the FDA project. Protection and maintenance measures of the

plantation include fencing with barbed wire having four strands fixed on wooden poles.

The fencing protects the plantation from biotic interferences. Protection of plantation by

fencing is very effective. The maintenance of the plantation enclosure is satisfactory.

Advance works mostly done in the month of March include fencing of area, bush cutting,

and pit digging. The assets created under soil and moisture conservation works include

loose boulder, dry check dam, protection wall, etc., which control the soil erosion, were

found satisfactory. Various assets were also created under Entry Point Activities (EPAs)

in different VFCs, which are being looked after by the concerned VFC now. Due to

common responsibility for caring the EPA works and other assets is not very strong. In

this direction, village development fund be collected so that the fund created under this

head could be utilized for the protection and maintenance of the created assets after the

project is over. The quantity and quality of protection and maintenance was found

satisfactory. No grazing fire and illicit felling incidences were observed during field visit.

C.4. Maintenance of Records

a) Whether record of nursery indicating the number and species of seedlings raised has been maintained?

The nursery record was well maintained. Records also include species wise detail

and nursery stock raised.

Table 15: Status of the nurseries developed under forest development agency

Ramban during 2008-09 Range Nursery Location Constituency

& NES Block Areas Species wise plants raised Plants

supplied 2009-10

Total areas

Effective area

Robinia Ulmus Ailenthus Apricot Total

Banihal Zaban 45/Bnl Banihal 2.5 2.0 85400 40100 5000 19500 150000 131240

Tanjiwar 46/Bnl Banihal 1.0 0.8 20000 0 0 0 20000 20000

Krawa 42/Bnl Banihal 2.5 2.5 67200 0 0 0 67200 60000

Mangit 36/Bnl Banihal 2.0 1.5 15800 5000 0 0 20800 20800

Ramban Karol -- Ramban 2.0 1.5 40000 .0 5000 0 45000 45000

Total 10 8.3 228400 45100 10000 19500 303000 277040

Note: 70,000 MFP Perennial Herbs and Shrubs (MFP) also raised in VFC closures, besides conifer seeds

have also been raised in polybags, in addition sowing of different species also done in Krawa Nursery for raising of pricking for 2010-11.

b) Whether these are adequate and posted from time to time. If not, the reason for not posting of these records and effect of unposted records on the implementation of the project.

Yes

c) Whether plantation journals have been maintained and posted up to date. Whether a surveyed sketch of plantation has been posted on the register?

Yes.

d) Whether inspecting officials of the implementing agency like DFO, CF, and CCF have recorded their observation/ comments, if any.

Yes.

e) Whether record/register of FDA general body and executive body meetings

maintained? Yes.

C.5. PROJECT BENEFITS

The implementing agency did not quantify the intangible benefits provided to the villagers

due to lack of experts in this field and non-availability of fund under this head from

regenerated areas. However, some of the tangible benefits like collection of grass from

enclosures, soil conservation due to SMC works and EPAs work only on visual basis are

quantified. No suitable and appropriate system to forecast such benefits is being

adopted, because all the plantations were small and other works are in remote area,

which is very difficult to evaluate scientifically. People are getting benefits in the form of

labour and grass from closures.

In all the project areas, employment in the form of wages is being provided to the local

communities. Due to cultural and religious restrictions, women are mostly engaged in

domestic and fieldwork, women do not participate in the project activities, hence, there is

no such benefit, which goes directly to the women.

Man-days Generated

Total man-days generated 83,000 during the year 2007-08 and 92,214 in the year

2008-2009.

C.6. PROJECT REPORTING ACTIVITIES

a) What returns (reports) have been submitted by implementing agency to the state/Central government whether these reports were sent regularly on due dates. If not, the reasons, therefore?

Regular quarterly and annual progress reports both physical and financial are

being sent to the concerned offices well in time.

b) Whether any state level agency has monitored project activities. If so the outcome of such monitoring/evaluation and the comments, if any?

Yes, National level agency, the Panacea headed by Mr. Nageshwar Sharma

(2005-06) has monitored the project activities. The Conservator of Forests

(Chairman) and CEO (DFO) monitored the project activities from time to time.

Physical and financial verification is done by the officials at regular intervals. Any

type of shortcomings, querries and grievances of the VFCs are being dealt

efficiently.

C.7. PROJECT CONSTRAINTS/LIMITATION

a) What constraints/limitation were faced by the project authorities, if, any?

Various constraints faced by the project authorities are listed below

1. Shortage of trained staff/manpower

2. Difference in wage rate. Locally the prevailing wage rates are of Rs 150/day

whereas in FDA it is Rs 100/day. Therefore, it is very difficult to execute the

works.

3. Funds under protection of plantations are low. Due to heavy grazing

pressures, the plantation can only be protected if watch and ward is there. The

project has kept watch and ward for protection of plantation, so the available

funds do not meet the requirement of the protection activities.

4. Lack of infra structure

5. Instability of staff

b) Whether the fund flow was smooth and without delays?

The fund flow was regular and smooth. The FDA and VFCs has received regular

fund.

c) If flow was not smooth, where did the delay arises / this must be checked with

record.

The flow of fund was smooth

d) Whether the project authority made adequate efforts to get the funds released in time? Yes, the project authorities had submitted all the progress reports and GUCs of

fund to the NAEB and received the fund in time.

C.8. Suggestion for Improvement

8.1. From the implementing/supervising agencies a) Whether there is any scope for improving the project output?

Yes, the plantation of more fruit trees, medicinal and aromatic plants having

economic values should be encouraged. The cultivation of kala zeera (Bunium

persicum) should be encouraged among the different VFCs. The protection of fruit

plants like apple, walnut, apricot, etc., should also be increased under AR

component. The collection of guchhi (Morchella esculenta) should be promoted.

To create more village development fund in order to sustain the project activities,

the villagers must be motivated and encouraged through regular consultation

meetings.

b) Whether the project authority have felt any need for improving upon any

particular activities or methodology?

Yes, plantation should be done in the months of Jan-Feb and separate temporary

nursery should be there for each VFC to reduce the cost of transportation and

injuries to seedlings etc.

c) Whether the people of the area feel any need to improve any particular aspect of the project?

Yes, people of the area feel that more funds should be allocated under Entry Point

Activities and rural artisan should be promoted. More trainings and exposure visits

should be conducted to create awareness among people. People also want

forestland for agriculture purpose since they have small land holdings.

8.2 FROM THE EVALUATING AGENCY/CONSULTANTS

a) Whether the project should be continued/modified discontinued (give reasons)? The FDA project should be continued because of the following reasons

1. To improve the socioeconomic conditions of the local inhabitants

2. To increase the forest cover through afforestation activities by involving the

local communities

3. To generate employment opportunities at village level

4. To reverse the process of degradation of natural resources through people’s

participation

5. To increase the availability of fuel wood, fodder and small timber in order to

reduce the pressure on existing forests

6. To check migration of rural poor to the cities

7. To promote more people participation in resources management

8. To promote the concept of local governance

9. To increase the productivity of land per hectare

10. The productivity per unit area per unit time especially that of medicinal and

aromatic plants.

b) Any other relevant recommendation(s) 1. As most of the project area falls under rain fed conditions, trench planting

technique should be adopted for better survival of the plantation

2. Bio fencing of natural growing bushes/shrubs along with existing fencing

should be promoted so that long term protection of the planting areas could be

provided thereby reducing the cost of maintenance

3. As the area is suited for cultivation of medicinal and aromatic herbs, more area

must be brought under RMH component in consultation with the local

communities and helping them in nursery raising, plantation technology, post

harvest handling and also exploring the market availability

4. Women participation should be increased through continuous meetings

5. Root trainers technology to raise the nursery stock should be adopted in order

to reduce the nursery raising and plantation costs

6. Establishment of temporary nurseries near plantation sites.

14. Name and Designation of functionaries of FDA (DCF, CF, CCF) with whom evaluator has interacted.

Before the evaluation of the FDA, the following officials were interacted regarding

the project activities:

1. Mr. SK Gupta Chairman, FDA Conservator of Forests Chenab Circle, Doda District

2. Mr. QD Malik CEO, FDA Divisional Forest Officer Ramban Forest Division

Both the officers were actively interacted in the different project activities, technology

used, project reports, monitoring, trainings, and level of awareness created. Only CEO

was interacted regarding progress report, audit of accounts, transfer of fund to VFCs,

physical and financial targets and constraints, strength and weakness of the FDA project.

Mr. QD Malik, CEO, FDA opined that the wage rate fixed by state government and paid

to villagers is unattractive and need to be revised. He also emphasized that fund under

protection of plantation should be increased so that more and more area was covered

under plantation by engaging watch and ward to kept the area safe from encroachment

and nomadic grazers. He also informed that VFCs are more interested in Entry Point

Activities than other activities, which would defeat the purpose of the scheme. Some

times planting season goes off and target achieved in next year, which cause difficulty to

achieve the plantation target.

A telephonic discussion with CF Chenab, Mr. SK Gupta revealed that he had put lot of

efforts to involve the villagers through continuous meetings, trainings, supervision, and

visiting of the sites. He gave instructions to his subordinate staff time to time and gets

feedback from the field staff.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Forest Development Agency Ramban came into existence vide MoEF, GoI’s

Sanction letter no. : MoEF (NAEB): 35.11.2/2003-B-II dated 04-07-2003. The first phase

of the programme had been started during 10th Five Year Plan (2003-04 to 2006-07)

Ramban Forest Division has two territorial ranges viz., Ramban and Banihal and one

soil conservation range is overlapping. The forest area of this division falls in revenue

district of Ramban. The area of Ramban Forest Division is 82,178 ha, out of which 59

per cent (48,279 ha) is under forest cover. Major portion of the track lies above 1500

meters altitude and experiences temperate climate. Temperature varies from 10C in

winter to 400C in summer.

The project could not be completed during 2003-04 to 2006-07 period, so this

programme has been extended for 11th Five Year Plan (2007-08 to 2011-12). During

2003-04 to 2006-07, physical target achieved was 926 ha and financial was Rs. 95.8414

lacs. During 2007-08 the physical target achieved was 705 ha and financial was Rs.

54.13395 lacs while during 2008-09 physical target achieved was 705 ha and financial

26.44173 lacs. The major components of the Ramban FDA include Aided Natural

Regeneration (ANR), Artificial Regeneration (AR), Management Intervention (MI),

Silvipasture Development (SPD), Regeneration of Medicinal Herbs (RMH), Soil and

Moisture Conservation (SMC), Awareness, Training and Entry Point Activities (EPA) etc.,

Till the evaluation, a total of 8,744 households including 599 scheduled caste and 579

scheduled tribes were benefited from this FDA project. General body meetings (170) and

executive body meeting (90) of VFCs have been completed in all VFCs. The major

species planted in different VFCs were Alnus, Ulmus, Apricot, Apple, Ailanthus, Deodar,

Kail and Robinia etc. whereas, Entry Point Activities (EPAs) included construction of

Bathroom, Path, Watertank, Tangri, Water harvesting tank and Repairing of Kuhls etc.

The overall survival of plants has been assessed to 55 per cent. This was highest (80%)

in Khari VFC and least in Alanbass VFC. Various activities carried out under Ramban

FDA were found very well. It has been observed in the field that representation of women

in all VFCs was negligible because of Islamic norms. The staff of Ramban FDA was

interested to establish nursery at VFC level and release of more funds under EPAs.

People and members of VFCs were expecting more funds under EPA beside funds for

its care. As there is a ban on the extraction of medicinal plants in J&K, public is

interested in getting extraction and sale permit from the forest department.

Overall, the various activities carried out by the Ramban FDA were found to be in good

conditions. Despite of the tough terrain, constraints faced by local people and staff

members, physical and financial targets achieved has been commendable.

OVERALL GRADING OF THE PROJECT ON A SCALE OF 1-10

A Quantitative Aspects

Physical 9/10

Financial 9/10

Overall (% of A) 90%

B Qualitative Aspects

Survival of plantation 5.5/10

Health of plantation 6/10

Maintenance 8/10

Sustainability 7/10

Overall (% of B) 66.25%

C JFM

Degree of people’s participation 8/10

Satisfaction over perceived benefits by the local population 8/10

Overall (% of C) 80.00%

D FDA Mechanism

Composition of general and executive bodies 8/10

Role of FDA in Administration. Supervisory and monitoring Mechanism of

the project

8/10

Fund flow from FDA to VFCs 9/10

Measure taken for capacity building 8/10

Planning, implementation and maintenance of assets directly by

VFCs/EDCs

5/10

Overall (% of D) 76.00%

Overall all grade obtained (A+B+C+D) = 78.06 % (Very Good)

Overall Grading of the Project

Outstanding (8-10 Very good 5-<8 Good 3-<5 Poor <3

- - Very good - -

Evaluation Report First Concurrent

Evaluation of National

Afforestation Programme (NAP) of Forest Development

Agency (FDA) Ramban

(Jammu & Kashmir )

2009-10

REGIONAL CENTRE National Afforestation and Eco­development Board 

(Ministry of Environment and Forests, GoI) Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry 

 Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173 230 

Evaluation Report

First Concurrent Evaluation of

National Afforestation Programme (NAP) of Forest Development Agency (FDA)

Ramban (Jammu & Kashmir)

2009-10

P Kaushal HP Sankhyan

Kehar S. Thakur

Regional Centre National Afforestation and Eco-development Board

(Ministry of Environment and Forests, GoI) Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry

Nauni, Solan (HP) 173 230

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Regional Centre, National Afforestation and Ecodevelopment Board,

Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, Dr YS Parmar

University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP) has conducted the

First Concurrent Evaluation of Project Under National Afforestation and

Programme (NAP) Implemented through Forest Development Agency (FDA)

Ramban in J&K.

This evaluation is the outcome of sincere efforts of team who is associated

with preparation of this report.

We are thankful to the State Forest Department of Jammu & Kashmir for

providing necessary information and kind cooperation during the field visits.

Regional Coordinator / Director

Abbreviations Used

% : Percentage 2k1 : 2001 Adv. : Advance amsl : Above Mean Sea Level ANR : Aided Natural Regeneration AR : Artificial Regeneration CCF : Chief Conservator of Forests CEO : Chief Executive Officer CF : Conservator of Forests Comptt. : Compartments cu : Cubic DFO : Divisional Forest Officer EPA : Entry Point Activities FDA : Forest Development Agency Fin. : Financial GoI : Government of India ha : Hectare HQ : Head quarter p in : Inch JFMCs : Joint Forest Management Committees km : Kilometer lac : Lakh m : Meter Maintt. : Maintenance MI : Management Interventions NAEB : National Afforestation and Ecodevelopment Board NAP : National Afforestation Programme No : Number NTFP : Non Timber Forest Produce Nur. : Nursery PCCF : Principal Chief Conservator of Forests PD : Pasture Development Ph. : Physical PRA : Participatory Rural Appraisal RMH : Regeneration of Medicinal Herbs RO : Range Officer Rs : Rupees SC : Scheduled Caste SGVSY : Samanvit Gram Vanikaran Samridhi Yojna SMS : Soil and Moisture Conservation SPD : Silivi Pasture Development Sr.No. : Serial Number ST : Scheduled Tribe VDF : Village Development Fund VFC : Village Forest Committee Yrs : Years

To

Sh. Ashok Kumar Under Secretary to Government of India Ministry of Environment and Forests, GOI National Afforestation and Eco-development Board 7th Floor, Paryavaran Bhawan, CGO Complex Lodhi Road, New Delhi- 110 003 Fax No: 011-24361704 Subject: First concurrent evaluation of projects under National Afforestation Programme (NAP) being implemented through Forest Development Agencies (FDAs). Sir, Please find enclosed herewith five copies of first concurrent evaluation report of Forest Development Agency (FDA), Ramban (J&K) for the year 2008-09. You are therefore, requested to release the balance amount at the earliest.

Thanking you

Yours faithfully,

Regional Coordinator/Director

EVALUATION OF ADVANCE NURSERY WORK

EVALUATION OF PLANTATION WORK

EVALUATION OF ENTRY POINT ACTIVITIES