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Preparation of Environment and Social Management Guidelines (ESG) including Monitoring Plan for HP Mid-Himalayan Watershed Development Project

HP Mid-Himalayan Watershed Development Project

Draft Report On

Environment and Social Assessment (ESA) including Monitoring Plan

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter No.

Title Page No.

Abbreviations Used i-ii List of Tables iii Executive Summary iv 1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Project components 1 1.2 Scope of ESA 2 2 METHODOLOGY 3 3 BACKGROUND OF HIMACHAL PRADESH 3

3.1 Project area 4 3.2 Poverty Alleviation Impacts 4 3.3 Stakeholder Consultations 4 3.4 Environmental and Social Setting of Panchayats 5 3.5 Socio -economic Profiles of Sample Panchayats 7 3.6 Natural Resource Management 12 3.7 Integrated Pest Management 23 3.8 Carbon Financing/Sequestration 23 4 NRM PROJECTS IN THE STATE 25

4.1 Convergence 27 4.2 Need for Mid Hills Project 28 5 POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF PROJECT

INTERVENTIONS 30

6 LEGAL AND REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT 34 6.1 Settlement o f Forest Rights in HP 34 6.2 Right to Information Act and need for a Legal Literacy

Campaign 38

6.3 Political, institutional and conflict risks surrounding NRM

40

7 STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS 41 7.1 Equity & Gender Perspective 43 8 INSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS 44

8.1 Institutional Learning in IWDP (Hills II) 45 8.2 Component wise learning from IWDP 46 8.3 Geographic Unit for Project Implementation 47 8.4 PRIs As Implementing Institutions 48 9 PROJECT STRATEGIES 54

9.1 Equity, Inclusiveness, Participation and Transparency 54 9.2 Tribal Strategy 57 9.3 Gender and Vulnerable Groups (other than

nomads/transhumants) 58

10 Environment and Social Cell 59 10.1 Scope and function of the cell 59 11 Training & Capacity Building 61


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Chapter No.

Title Page No.

11.1 Improvement of Information Support Systems 61 11.2 Training needs 63 11.3 Suggested Training 64 11.4 Training Institutions 66 11.5 Proposed Budgetary Allocations for Capacity Building 66 12 Monitoring Plan and Indicators 68

LIST OF ANNEXURES Annexure

I Stakeholder Consultations I

Annexure II

Environmental Assessment Matrix XIII

Annexure III

Protected areas of HP in various districts along with their important faunal species

XX

Annexure IV

List of Medicinal Herbs and other Non-Timber Minor Forest Produce for which Panchayat has been empowered to give export permit

XXII

Annexure V

Strategy for Integrated Pest Management XXIII

Annexure VI

Aboveground carbon stocks (quintals/ha) in agroforestry systems in sub temperate and sub tropical zones in HP

XXXII

Annexure VII

Format for Project Concept Note (PCN) XXXIII

Annexure VIII

Institutional Arrangement Models for Project Implementation

XXXIV

Annexure IX

Tribal/Transhumant Strategy XXXVIII

Annexure X

Training courses available at various institutes L


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Abbreviations used

BPL : Below Poverty Line CDM : Clean Development Mechanism CF : Conservator of Forests PCCF : Principal Chief Conservator of Forests CER : Certified Emission Reduction CPR : Common Property Resource CIG : Common Interest Group DFID : Department For International Development DFO : Divisional Forest Officer DNA : Designated Nodal Agency DWCRA : Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas ESA : Environmental and Social Assessment ESG : Environmental and Social Guidelines FYM : Farm Yard Manure GP : Gram Panchayat GIS : Geographic Information System GHNP : Great Himalayan National Park GoHP : Government of Himachal Pradesh GoI : Government of India HP : Himachal Pradesh HPFD : Himachal Pradesh Forest Department HPSFC : Himachal Pradesh State Forest Corporation HPFSRP : Himachal Pradesh Forest Sector Reforms Project HVC : High Value Crop HP-MHWDP : Himachal Pradesh Mid Hills Watershed Development

Project IEC : Information Education Communication IGA : Income Generati0n Activities IPM : Integrated Pest Management ICDS : Integrated Child Development Services IWDP : Integrated Watershed Development Project IUCN : World Conservation Union JFM : Joint Forest Management LPG : Liquefied Petroleum Gas MAP : Medicinal and Aromatic plants M&E : Monitoring and Evaluaton


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MTR : Mid Term Review NRM : Natural Resource Management NGO : Non Governmental Orga nization OBC : Other Backward Class PFM : Participatory Forest Management PRA : Participatory Rural Assessment PRI : Panchayati Raj Institutions PA : Protected Area PCN : Project Concept Note PDD : Project Design Document PWC : Panchayat Watershed Committee SC : Schedule Caste SPCB : State Pollution Control Board SGSY : Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna SHG : Self Help Group ST : Schedule Tribe SVY : Sanjhi Van Yojna TD : Timber Distribution UG : User Groups VDC : Village Development Committee VFDC/S : Village Forest Development Committee/ Society VLI : Village Level Institutions WLS : Wildlife Sanctuary


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List Of Tables

Table Number

Table Title

1 Selected sample sites and their landholdings/land use 2 Population details of Panchayats/ VDCs 3 Caste distribution and BPL families (%) in sample Panchayats 4 Occupational Pattern (%) in selected Panchayats 5 Year-wise comparison of fertilizers used in HP 6 Income and spending priorities in selected Panchayats 7 Family Assets (%) in selected villages 8 Main problems faced by sample Panchayats visited for ESA 9 Plant species and their threat categories (IUCN) 10 Species and quantities exported 11 Livestock population in Himachal Pradesh 12 District-wise area of pastures (2000-2001) 13 Various NRM schemes/projects in HP 14 Sub-projects and their potential impacts and mitigation measures 15 Various State Acts/Rules/Notifications and their implications 16 Various National Acts and their implications 17 Various World Bank Safe Guard Policies and their implications 18 Salient features of HP State Forest Policy and National Forest

Policy 19 Stakeholder analysis 20 Village institutions in selected Panchayats 21 Status of ‘pillars of social development’ in on-going schemes


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Executive Summary

1 INTRODUCTION Himachal Pradesh is a mountainous state in northern India known for its forests, rivers, and valleys, a rich cultural heritage. The Outer and lesser Himalayan watersheds of the state covering 28,970 sq km area are of great national importance, as entire northern India depends largely for water and power produced by runoff from this region. The mid Himalayas are fragile ecosystems due to topography and soils as well as because of high intensity rainfall that fall mostly in three months i.e. July, August and September. Long dry spells ranging from 3-4 months before and after the monsoon are also common, which affect the perenniality of the watercourses and bring in, ironically, acute water scarcity as well. 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed Project Himachal Pradesh Mid-Himalayan Watershed Development Project is consistent with the World Bank’s Country Assistance Strategy that has a priority to "Support better management of watersheds, while enhancing the livelihood opportunities of the poor". As a repeater project, it will resemble closely the objectives and components of IWDP, i.e. a focus on protection of watersheds, along with community-level capacity building and promotion of livelihoods. However, there are two important changes. The first involves shifting from the Shivalik region (foothills of the Himalayas) to higher altitudes (the mid and high-hills region). The second innovation will support the State’s decentralization process by working with and through local governments - Panchayati Raj Institutions, rather than the village development committees, which were created to implement IWDP. It will concentrate on higher elevations as compared to the earlier IWDP. The Mid -Himalayas cover about one third of the State and covers ten out of total twelve districts of the state. It will include Chamba, Kangra, Hamirpur, Mandi, Bilaspur, Solan, Sirmaur, Kullu, Una and Shimla ranging between 600 to 1800 meters. The development objective of this Project is to improve the productive potential of natural resources and increase incomes of the rural households in selected watersheds in Himachal Pradesh using socially inclusive, institutionally and environmentally sustainable approaches. A secondary objective is to support policy and institutional development in the state to harmonize watershed development projects and programs across the state in accordance with best practices . As a repeater project it focuses on poverty alleviation and watershed development. It has four components Institutional Strengthening, Watershed Development and Management, Enhancing Livelihood Opportunities and Convergence.


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3 METHODOLOGY ESA was conducted in close consultation with IWDP Project Directorate and World Bank Specialists. All along, inputs from community, staff of IWDP and the line departments including Forest, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj were sought and stakeholder analysis was facilitated. Six sample Panchayats were visited and interactions with stakeholders at village, community and PRI levels were held. ESA and ESGs were developed using matrix, checklist and other tools. The procedures were developed primarily through collation/synthesis of secondary data/information; however, primary information/data was also collected to supplement the secondary information/data. 4 EXPECTED PROJECT BENEFITS The project is likely to impro ve PRI and other village level institutions’ capacities to plan, implement and maintain the watersheds. In the process the stakeholders from communities and line departments are expected to benefit through participatory natural resource management. The project is likely to create new knowledge and information with respect to novel ways of resource utilization and rehabilitation. New models of watershed treatments and management may emerge based on experiential learning. The project would facilitate institutional linkages and convergence that will sustain the assets and resource sharing mechanisms developed during the project cycle. The project will bring in new technologies that would support agricultural, horticultural and livestock development and could contribute to enhanced production and income levels. In all this, the project will retain focus on inclusion of women and marginalized groups who are equitably benefited through project interventions. 5 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS Stakeholder consultation sessions were held with various stakeholders (Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Communities and villagers in sample Panchayats and Nomads among others). These sessions brought out the main problems like shortage of drinking and irrigation water, high dependence on natural resources, lack of employment opportunities, as felt by people and communities. These sessions provided a platform to the stakeholders for raising the concerns and suggestions, as felt appropriate by them. The line departments outlined the possibilities of achieving some level of convergence by linking sub-projects and other interventions with the on going schemes of the respective departments. The stakeholder consultation sessions provided an opportunity to assess how the various concerns and suggestions of stakeholders would be incorporated in the project 6 GEOGRAPHIC UNIT FOR IMPLEMENTATION As was seen in IWDP, there are more benefits when treatment covers the whole watershed rather than only Panchayat lands. Treatment of degraded lands shall form part of the holistic treatment. Other areas cannot be excluded. Safety of structure


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and vegetative measures cannot be ensured unless treatment follows top to bottom (ridge to valley) approach and is location/site specific, need based and demand driven. Sporadic treatment could cause failures of structures and not produce desired results in view of highly degraded conditions of landscapes. 7 ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT Considering the multiplicity of institutions and their implications at village level, working through Panchayats could be a better option since it has a constitutional sanctity and despite its several shortcomings that have reasons like shortage of staff, large geographical areas, uncertain funding, activity based grants etc, people still felt that Panchayats are their own institutions and they wanted to strengthen the functioning provided long term assured funding is available so that professional support could be hired to implement activities in a better and sustainable manner. Low levels of development, poor accessibility and land degradation characterize the proposed project area. Land holdings are small (average 1.2 ha), and the farming system is largely rainfed and dependent on traditional cropping practices. Small and marginal farmers (constituting 83.7% of the land owners) own 44.5% of the total cultivated area and remaining 16.3% semi medium, medium and large land owners own 55.4% of the total cultivated land. Only about 10-12% area is irrigated. The entire rural economy of the state centres on agriculture and the mid hills are no exception. Ninety percent of the population (mainly women) is engaged in agriculture. In all the sample watersheds visited during the study, it was observed that agricultural practices are contributing to soil erosion and people are facing marketing related challenges. Consequently, this forms an important component of the arable land treatment interventions that the project is likely to implement. Project activities would have to consider improvements in soil fertility of the existing arable lands through environmental friendly technologies by emphasizing the use of biological inputs instead of a heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers. mid-hill areas are also suitable for horticulture particularly for citrus, mango and other high value fruit crops which can be promoted. The investment input in forestry is grossly inadequate compared to economic output derived from the forests. Appropriate land use policy for the state needs to be adopted, absence of which is impacting on NRM activities. Stakeholder analysis revealed that women are one of the most important stakeholder groups within the project context and there are critical issues concerning them and other marginalized groups that have a bearing on project implementation and outcomes. Although women are the traditional managers of the natural resources, these roles are taken away as new technologies are introduced on the assumption that men (not women) should be trained in the maintenance of the facilities. Women, mostly of lower castes, are engaged in fire wood collection.


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8 PRIs AND THE NEW PROJECT In a given Panchayat within the project area, there is a multiple institutional mechanism that exists. A number of VLIs (averaging 6-7) were observed in the sample Panchayats. Projects of various Departments are implemented, mostly through PRIs, since they have constitutional validity. In fact PRIs are the local institutions of governance, which places the decision-making at the level of the community. However, PRIs are ill equipped with inadequate capacities and support to effectively undertake implementation of the tasks of 15 departments devolved to them. Strategies on capacity building and equity, inclusiveness, participation and transparency have been included. Institutional arrangement models have been worked out to facilitate project implementation through the Panchayats. There are gaps and conflicts in NRM and resource accessing at the PRI, village, community and individual level. Poor and marginalized groups are often sidelined and are under represented in decision-making processes, which in turn affects them the most, as they are largely dependent on natural resources. Consequently, equity, inclusiveness, participation and transparency issues become potential sources of conflicts, especially in context of NRM. 9 LEGAL AND REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT Several Acts, Rules and Polices (World Bank safeguard and Forest Policies) of the GoI and the State of HP exist pertaining to the Forest sector as well as safeguarding the physical and social environment. The implementation of the mid hills project would be in consistency with the existing legal and regulatory mechanisms. It has to comply with the provisions of the Indian Forest Act. The safe guard policies of the World Bank which are triggered are Environmental Assessment (BP/OP 4.01), Forestry (OP 4.36), Pest Management (OP 4.09), Indigenous Peoples (OD 4.20), Natural Habitat (OP 4.04). To ensure that sub-projects are consistent with the relevant Acts and Policies, provisions the proposed establishment of the Environment and Social Cell should be taken up in the pre-project phase itself. 10 TRIBALS/TRANSHUMANTS AND VULNERABLE STAKEHOLDERS Tribals (Gaddis and Gujjars) are a vulnerable community and are prone to exploration and marginalization. In conformity to the objectives, efforts shall be made through the project to ensure distribution of project benefits to poor and vulnerable sections of the society of which tribals form a part. The need for Tribal Plan shall be triggered by presence of significant tribal population in the project area. Special measures shall be undertaken for upliftment of the tribal communities. Women are vulnerable in the project area owing to their comparative backwardness in terms of health, education, income, decision-making, access to and control over resources (as identified during consultations).


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11 NATURAL HABITATS AND RESOURCES Besides some Protected Areas, there are some good quality patches of natural habitats falling in the project zone of mid hills and these areas may require special attention, as like other areas, these are also facing pressures from surrounding population. Some of these are Janjheli (Karsog Division), Jhungi (Sunder Nagar Division), Sahu valley (Chamba Division) and Baghani (Paonta Division) Livestock constitutes an important component of rural economy. Since most land holdings are small, there is little surplus left with small farmers to convert in cas h. Consequently, most families have some livestock population, such as, goats, sheep, buffaloes, cows etc. Though there is some decrease in the livestock population of the state yet it exerts tremendous pressure on the forests, grasslands and grazing lands due to the practices of open grazing, the pressure being three times the carrying capacity. The cattle are of poor quality and there is general shortage of fodder resulting in low milk yields and other animal products. Therefore there is a need for improved cattle management practices, improvement in feed and fodder, up-gradation, reduction of scrub cattle and better animal health services. There is likely crop intensification both in horizontal and vertical dimensions during the implementation. The incidence of insect pests and disease problems as well as other problem manifestations (weed pressure, nutrient disorder, etc.) are likely to intensify with increased agricultural intensification in terms of enhanced cropping intensity and crop diversification with inclusion of fruits, vegetables and other high-value plants. Pest Management Plan shall be required for all sub-projects. ESA and ESG process has highlighted need for modification in the project framework where there is potential of having a separate Environment & Social Cell (ESC) within the project, without which the ESA/G recommendations would be little difficult to focus and implement upon. 12 PROJECT IMPACTS The project is likely to have both direct and indirect negative and positive impac ts. Whereas positive impacts would be realized in the form of reduced soil erosion, decreased siltation, increased green cover, development of fodder sources, increased participation of people, equitable sharing of benefits, increased transparency leading to enhanced incomes, potential/likely negative impacts will be reflected as loss of grazing lands due to increased plantations, increased risk of forest fires, introduction of exotic and weedy species that are fast growing, changes in flow rates, surface runoff patterns, siltation of water harvesting structures, increased use of fertilizers, pesticides etc leading to chances of pollution of potable water sources etc. Mitigations measures have been suggested. 13 MONITORING AND EVALUATION Core and sub monitoring indicators for the project has been suggested for which the project should shall develop a baseline (pre -project status) and there should be


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provision for Mid-Term Evaluation by an external agency in close collaboration with the Project Directorate. Learning from monitoring of indicators should be built into project implementation processes for improving project performance. At Mid-Term an outside agency be contracted for conducting an external audit of investments and expenditures. Monitoring should be participatory and be done by the M&E and ESA cell of the Project Directorate in collaboration with the community. The suggested indicators includes process monitoring and self/participatory monitoring to ensure equity, inclusiveness, participation and transparency issues are adequately addressed Core indicators include, among others, changes in land use, water resource development, soil and water conservations, increased agricultural productivity, social gains etc. 13 TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING Capacity building becomes critical for the sustainability of the project where it would be necessary to assess the capabilities of Panchayat representatives, Panchayat Watershed Committee members, user groups, farmers, women self help groups etc. and state training institutions and enhance them as per the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders. The project could develop the capacities within the existing training institutions besides developing the required infrastructure, which will be a long-term asset to the state. The capacity building efforts will emphasize on knowledge development, perspective & skill building and ability to train further. The process would entail creating a resource base amongst the community, Panchayats and relevant line departments. The capacity building would entail structured trainings, on the job support, workshops, exchange/exposure visits, demonstrations etc. The current document is the output of the ESA facilitated and the ESG developed thereof. It is envisaged that this would serve as a tool for decision-making to promote environmental and socially sound sub projects and also deliver the envisaged project objectives.


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1. INTRODUCTION With the increasing population, there is a heavy pressure on natural resources in the proposed project area. Village common lands and forests are badly degraded due to high incidences of grazing, demand for fuel wood and timber, and soil erosion. Over exploitation of medicinal plants from forests that is also an important source of income to the communities living near the forests has pushed a few species towards extinction. More than half of the state’s agricultural land falls under the proposed project area and needs concerted efforts to increase the overall productivity. The proposed Himachal Pradesh Mid -Himalayan Watershed Development Project is a follow-on project from the Integrated Watershed Development Project (IWDP) that closes on September 30, 2005. The development objective of the Project is to improve the productive potential of natural resources and increase incomes of the rural households in selected watersheds in Himachal Pradesh using socially inclusive, institutionally and environmentally sustainable approaches. A secondary objective is to support policy and institutional development in the state to harmonize watershed development projects and programs across the state in accordance with best practices. As a repeater project it has similarities and differences with IWDP.

Similarities Differences Primary focus continues on protection of watersheds

Change in altitude – from foothills to mid-Himalayas

Project strategy centers around community-level capacity building

Supports the decentralization philosophy and process of the state by working through and with local governance institutions (PRI) rather than creating VDC. This is also the cornerstone of the project’s strategic framework.

Project’s approach of livelihoods promotion for poverty alleviation

Poverty alleviation has a bigger focus

1.1 Project components A. Institutional Strengthening: This component would support capacity building at several levels, including communities, PRIs, and state-level agencies. The principal activity at the local level would be social mobilization, i.e. training for participatory watershed planning at the village level along with establishment and training of watershed development committees. The latter would constitute sub-committees of the Gram Panchayats (GPs) and would require training of elected officials in administrative functions and sensitization to issues of watershed development and natural resource management. B. Watershed Development and Management: This component would finance watershed treatments (sub-projects) as identified and prioritized through participatory appraisal arising from the first component. Communities and/or constituent resource user groups would be required to contribute to the costs of each sub-project and be responsible to operate and maintain the investments. The main thrust of this


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component will not only be on resource protection and utilization but on resource regeneration. Agricultural and livestock activities, as well as a small number of rural infrastructure activities, will also be included. The following sub-components are proposed:

• Non-arable land development program: including catchment treatment (soil and water conservation works); biological works such as plantations; and water harvesting.

• Arable land development program: including agricultural land development, crop demonstrations, promoting integrated pest management, and organic farming.

• Fodder and livestock development program : covering fodder augmentation, development and conservation programs; livestock management; genetic upgrading; institutional and veterinary treatment, primarily through para-vets.

• Rural infrastructure development program: covering short lengths of rural roads, footpaths, and footbridges, as well as potable water supply.

C. Enhancing Livelihood Opportunities: This component would finance

investment and training aimed at making farming systems more lucrative and supporting income-generating activities, primarily related to increased value-added in natural resource use from forested and cultivated lands. The following sub-components are proposed:

• Agricultural marketing and processing: would co-finance sub-projects to

introduce cost-effective pre and post-harvest technologies and supply-chain development for promising farm commodities (crops and livestock) as well as non-timber forest products such as medicinal plants.

• Income-generation for vulnerable groups: would finance micro-enterprises for particular groups (women, landless, and nomadic tribal groups) who would normally not benefit from (land-based) watershed development activities. Tribal action plans would assist nomads in defining specific development activities.

D. Project Coordination: This component will finance staff training,

consultancies, vehicles, and office infrastructure. It will establish a management information system with GIS capacity. The Project Directorate will cover oversight over implementation of the environmental and social management framework. This component would also finance a communication strategy to increase awareness of the goals, modalities, and accomplishments of the project.

1.2 Scope of ESA The current assignment is to conduct Environment and Social Assessment that would serve as a tool for decision-making to promote environmental and socially sound practices and also deliver the envisaged project objectives. Besides, guidelines for mitigation based on experience with previous project will be developed keeping interests of both the Project Directorate and the community, so that the


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impacts of the interventions made for watershed development are environment friendly, socially acceptable and economically feasible to make them long lasting. The assignment would also look in monitoring procedures that need to be developed and followed in executing the interventions and monitoring their performance over the long term from an environment and social perspective. The stakeholder analysis would identify the role of different stakeholders based on their skills, capabilities and responsibilities. The relevant Laws and Acts for the state and in general will also be kept in mind while developing the ESA outcome of which will form the basis for developing the ESGs, which would be integrated into the Project Operations Manual. 2. METHODOLOGY ESA was conducted in close consultation with IWDP Project Directorate. All along, inputs from staff of IWDP and the line departments including Forest, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj were also sought. ESA and ESGs were developed using matrix, checklist and other tools. The procedures were developed primarily through collation/synthesis of secondary data/information; however, primary information/data was also collected to supplement the secondary information/data. The data/information collected from Government departments, University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni and NGOs was synthesized so as to delineate micro perspectives of problems and develop/ modify strategic formulations. Primary data was collected using a set of 12 schedules that included interviewing key informants/stakeholders from the rural communities in the representative watershed areas. For organizational structure discussions were held with stakeholders at different level. A sharing/feedback workshop will be organized later on. 3. BACKGROUND OF HIMACHAL PRADESH Himachal Pradesh is a mountainous state in northern India known for its forests, rivers, and valleys, a rich cultural heritage. The Outer and lesser Himalayan watersheds of the state covering 28,970 sq km area are of great national importance, as entire northern India depends largely for water and power produced by runoff from this region. The mid Himalayas are fragile ecosystems due to topography and soils as well as because of high intensity rainfall that fall mostly in three months i.e. July, August and September. Long dry spells ranging from 3-4 months before and after the monsoon are also common, which affect the perenniality of the watercourses and bring in, ironically, acute water scarcity as well.


4

3.1 Project Area The proposed project will concentrate on higher elevations as compared to the earlier IWDP. The Mid-Himalayas cover about one third of the State. The ten districts included in the project are - Chamba, Kangra, Hamirpur, Mandi, Bilaspur, Solan, Sirmaur, Kullu, Una and Shimla ranging between 600 to 1800 meters. This area form the catchments of major rivers of north India, namely the Ravi, Beas and Satluj and is a rich source of biodiversity and agricultural potential, with more than half of the state’s cultivated land. 3.2 Poverty Alleviation Impacts It is estimated that the project would positively impact farm families moving them above poverty line. Project interventions are likely to generate additional employment opportunities leading to more incomes 1. Activities tailored to the needs of specific groups including poor, marginal farmers, vulnerable groups (SC/OBC) and women specially in context of natural resource dependencies will bring forward adaptive livelihood strategies that would lead to poverty reduction and social upliftment along with sustainable management of natural resources. Actual impact on employment and income could be higher than the above levels in view of off-farm employment likely to be generated in marketing and agro-processing through diversified farming activities as envisaged in the project. Implementation of this project involving civil works will further add, temporarily, to the employment opportunities during the project execution phase. 3.3 Stakeholder Consultations As part of ESA, stakeholder consultation sessions were held with various stakeholders. Consultations were held with Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Communities and villagers in sample Panchayats and Nomads among others. Details of these sessions are given in Annexure I. These sessions highlighted that low levels of development, poor accessibility and land degradation characterize the proposed project area as was also observed during the field survey. These sessions, on one hand, brought out the main problems like shortage of drinking and irrigation water, high dependence on natural resources, lack of employment opportunities, and on the other hand, also provided a platform to the stakeholders for raising the concerns and suggestions, as felt appropriate by them. The line departments outlined the possibilities of achieving some level of convergence by linking sub-projects and other interventions with the on going schemes of the respective departments. The stakeholder consultation sessions provided an opportunity to assess how the various concerns and suggestions of stakeholders would be incorporated in the project. These stakeholder consultations sessions revealed that the mid hills face poverty and related challenges due to small land holdings. As per HP Year Book 2003, land

1 IWDP led to a 32% increase in net household incomes


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holdings 2 are small (average 1.2 ha), and the farming system is largely rainfed and dependent on traditional cropping practices. Small and marginal farmers (constituting 83.7% of the land owners) own 44.5 percent of the total cultivated area and remaining 16.3% semi medium, medium and large land owners own 55.4% of the total cultivated land. Table 1 gives the cumulative landholding and land use for sample Panchayats visited.

Table 1: Selected sample sites and their landholdings/land use Sample Nanowal Rangar Kyarad

Kalog Rantari Namhol Karganu

Landholding Panchayat N.A. 3 kanal N.A. 500 bigha 11 bigha N.A. Shamlat 500 bigha 50 acre 192 ha 1500 bigha 100 bigha 2500 bigha Forest 2500 bigha N.A. 128 ha 1500 bigha 50 bigha 700 bigha Private 1600 bigha 450 acre 120 ha 3000 bigha 2500 bigha 5000 bigha Land use Agriculture 1600 bigha 100 acre 88 ha 700 bigha 1200 bigha 3500 bigha Horticulture N.A. N.A. 20 ha 2500 bigha 20 bigha 200 bigha Grazing 500 bigha 50 acre 192 ha 1500 bigha 1200 bigha 2500 bigha Wasteland N.A. 350 acre 12 ha 200 bigha 50 bigha 1300 bigha Source: Panchayat Secretaries, Forest Guards & Patwaris

The data presented above is collected from Panchayat Secretaries, Forest Guards & Patwaris. In some locations, this type of physical data is not available with them highlighting gaps in availability of information with them. Keeping in view of that larger percentage of population is with small landholdings, the project design must have a balanced focus on small, medium and large landholders in sub-projects related to agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry. 3.4 Environmental and Social Setting of Panchayats Since the HP Mid Himalayan Watershed Development Project aims to alleviate poverty and lead to enhancement of natural resource base, the six Panchayats visited during the ESA were studied to ascertain the extent of social and environmental challenges faced by them. For social screening, 19 parameters and for environment 9 parameters were allocated a range of scores from 1 to 4 (1 being minimum and 4 maximum) depending on their status and tabulated. Higher the score more is the criticality of the attribute to which the score has been assigned. The matrix revealed the maximum scores in each parameter and Panchayats that are substantially degraded.

2 For marginal farmers (with less than 1 ha land) the average land holding is just 0.4 ha


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Diff

eren

t tra

inin

g un

derg

one

by c

omm

unity

Tota

l Sco

re

Rantadi 3 3 3 2 4 4 2 4 4 4 2 3 2 3 4 47 Rangad 4 4 3 4 4 4 2 4 4 3 3 3 2 3 4 51 Kargaanu 1 1 3 1 3 2 2 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 4 40 Namhol/Ghial 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 4 4 4 3 2 2 2 2 41 Kyarad kalog 1 2 2 4 3 3 2 4 4 2 2 3 1 3 1 37 Nanowal 4 3 2 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 2 3 1 3 1 46 Total 16 16 16 17 21 18 14 24 24 21 15 17 11 16 16

During field visits to the six Panchayats and watersheds, a number of critical environmental concerns were identified. While, the environmental screening of Panchayats is based on environmental concerns that directly impact livelihoods of people, Annexure II elaborates an Environmental Assessment Matrix of the critical environmental concerns identified in the project area.

Parameter/Panchayats Namhol Kyarad Nanowal Karganu Rantari Rangar Soil erosion 1 1 2 3 2 3 Pasture degradation 1 1 2 3 3 2 Farmland degradation 2 2 1 1 2 3 Habitat destruction 1 1 2 3 2 3 Debris production 2 1 1 2 3 2 Run off 1 1 1 3 3 3 Gully formation/ stream bank erosion

1 2 1 3 3 3

Overall ecosystem degradation

1 1 2 3 3 4

Drinking water problem 1 2 1 1 3 3 Total 11 12 13 22 24 26

From the above matrices, it is clear that Rangar and Rantari face most challenges. These two matrices also points to the fact that many of the social challenges arise due to overall degradation of natural resources. Degradation of pastures, reduced soil fertility, drying of water sources lead to increased workloads, particularly on women, creates friction in accessing remaining resources etc. The link between poverty and natural resource dependency is elaborated under section 4.2. While areas like education and literacy are not in the scope of project activities, the project design and subsequent interventions could substantially address issues such as strengthening village institutions, ensuring equitable distribution of benefits among the weaker and poor sections, empowering women and building gender sensitivities, capacity building and training of rural poor and other stakeholders, reducing soil erosion, arresting degradation of pastures and other natural resources, improving agricultural practices and augmenting facilities like drinking water supply.


7

3.5 Socio-economic Profiles of Sample Panchayats A glance at the demographic, agricultural, infrastructural, social and economic characteristics would reveal significant variations in the problems, needs and potentials of the sample villages. Table 2 below gives the population details and average size of households in sample Panchayats.

Table 2: Population details of Panchayats/ VDCs Population

Population Av. size of household (%)

Name of Panchayat/

VDC* Total Male Female

Sex

Ratio

No. of households

1-3 4-6 7-10

Nanowal* 600 280 320 1142 70 15 50 35 Namhol/ Ghial

2407 2604

1186 1352

1221 1252

1029 926

460 450

45 40

50 55

5 5

Kiarad Kalog* 3800 2090 1710 818 340 30 60 10 Karganu 2000 1050 950 904 323 40 50 10 Rantadi 3000 1500 1500 1000 275 50 40 10 Rangad 1680 840 840 1000 316 25 45 30

While Nanowal is the smallest of the sampled villages (70 households/600 population), Namhol has the maximum number of households (460) but Kiarad kalog has maximum population (3800). Maximum households have an average family size 4 to 6 in the study area. The percentage of males out of the total population varies from 280 to 2090 and that of females from 320 to 1710 respectively, in the sampled villages. The sex ratio in the sample villages was 974 as against 970 of the state (HP Year book 2003). The study villages have mixed caste composition. Table 3 below shows Nanowal, an IWDP village had 80% muslim Gujjars and among others Kiarad Kalog and Rangad have maximum SC population, whilst Namhol and Rantadi have a maximum of general, comprising mainly of Rajputs and Brahmins. The overall BPL population in the sample comes to about 27.14% with Ghial and Rangad having 35% each and Karganu having the least as 15%. The focus of the project design should be on including different sections of the society with in a Panchayat especially women, Scheduled Castes, Gujjars and the BPL families in particular. Creating employment opportunities could replicate the success of IWDP in increasing household incomes.

Table 3: Caste distribution and BPL families (%) in sample Panchayats Panchayat/ VDC* General SC OBC Others BPL

Nanowal* 10 10 - 80 (muslim gujjars) 30 Namhol Ghial

65 50

20 30

15 20

- -

20 35

Kiarad Kalog* 25 75 - - 25 Karganu 45 35 - 20 15 Rantadi 75 25 - - 30 Rangad 25 65 10 - 35


8

In Himachal Pradesh, maximum people are into agriculture3, however, in combination with horticulture. For example, in Kiarad Kalog in addition to wheat and maize, people are also into growing tomatoes, so much so that as of now tomatoes are major income source and with this year the price of tomatoes going down to Rs.1.50 per kg, which is the lowest in past 20 years, community is really worried. Rantadi on the other hand falls in upper Shimla area which is the fruit bowl of the state, here again people are also growing apples and that is their main source of living. Vegetable is also grown and little of peas, but entirely dependent on water availability. In Karganu, peas are grown but again that is rainfed. Small quantities of pear and peach are also grown here. In view of the ESA findings above, the project interventions should relate to the needs of the agriculturists and the horticulturists with an inbuilt provision for increasing access to irrigation and marketing facilities. Table 4 below gives the occupational pattern of Panchayats visited during ESA.

Table 4: Occupational Pattern (%) in selected Panchayats Panchayat/ VDC* Agriculture Labour Business Government

service Nanowal* 60 50 - 2 Namhol Ghial

95 80

50 70

2 3

10 2

Kiarad Kalog* 90 (+hortic) 45 5 5 Karganu 85+45

(agr+hortic) 20 2 5

Rantadi 85+75 (agr+hortic)

- 10 5

Rangad 70 40 5 5 The findings related to the occupational pattern brings into focus that employment opportunities for villagers within the area, needs to be increased through the project so that the marginal/small farmers and labourers could benefit. 3.5.1 Agriculture and Farm Sector The entire rural economy of the state centers on agriculture and the mid hills are no exception. This sector has large implications for the watersheds, which are highlighted below: • Ninety percent of the population (mainly women) is engaged in agriculture • Soil erosion and water scarcity, the main twin problems of watersheds, both

originate and affect agricultural landscape in the watersheds • Agriculture is mainly subsistence type • Production of cereals and pulses has increased from 923 thousands tones to

1446 thousand tones over last 30 years. • During the same time period, total cropped area declined marginally from 874

thousand hectare to 822 thousand hectare

3 It provides direct employment to 71% of working population


9

• Area under vegetables has registered an increase of 300% during the last three decades

• Vegetable production has increased from 135 to 520 (thousand tonnes) • For traditional crops, fertilizers use is generally 40 kg/ha, whereas for both HVC

and fruits, this is up to 60kg/ha • For 2002-03, among the project districts highest use of fertilizers was seen in

district Shimla at 8,032 mt and minimum in Chamba at 871 mt • Use of fertilizers has increased to boost production and diversification (Table 5)

Table 5: Year-wise comparison of fertilizers used in HP Year Kharif Crop (NPK)

(in metric tones) Rabi Crop (NPK) (in metric tones)

Total (in metric tones)

1992-93 15,599 15,006 30,605 1998-99 17,004 21,553 38,557 2002-03 15,640 24,081 39,721

In all the sample watersheds visited during the study, we observed that agricultural practices are contributing to soil erosion and people are facing marketing related challenges. In Rantari, outward sloping of terraced farms contributed to run off and associated soil loss. In Karganoo Panchayat, farmers were not harvesting the tomato crops and were allowing it to rot in the fields, as they were unable to get a fair price for their produce. Consequently, this forms an important component of the arable land treatment interventions that the project is likely to implement. 3.5.1.1 Farming systems of mid Hills Out of total 55.67 lakh hectare area of the state, 5.82 lakh ha (12%) is net sown out of which only 1.04 lakh ha (17.7%) is net irrigated and remaining 82.3% is rain -fed. Due to increased use of fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides for maintaining high yields of crops, soils in most arable lands are becoming nutritionally poor. However, none of the stakeholder has got the soil tested. As a result, farmers in the mid-Hills have started building terraces on moderate to steep slopes that are not suitable for large-scale agricultural activities. Most terraces are also faulty with an outward sloping resulting in high loss of water as run-off and also trigger soil erosion. Such terraces were observed in Ghiyal and Rantari Panchayats. Pollution of local water sources as also of the streams is another outcome of over-use of fertilizers and wrong agricultural practices. Project activities would have to consider improvements in soil fertility of the existing arable lands through environmental friendly technologies by emphasizing the use of biological inputs instead of a heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers. A success story to this effect was seen in Kayard Kalog where farmers have adopted vermi-compost through IWDP, as a principal input and are satisfied with its positive impacts. The use of vermi-compost was confirmed from the fact that the trader selling chemical fertilizers has seen a three-fold reduction in sales. Taking the learnings from IWDP forward, use of vermi-compost and bio-fertilizers should be integrated in the project design as part of promoting organic farming across the project area.


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Labour is second highest occupation that was seen in the sample. The poorer the area, the less the accessibility, the more truant the rainfall, the greater the percentage of population that goes into labour. Interestingly, the findings revealed that people who are into labour do not mind working in areas that are far off from their native village, and in their local areas and in government schemes like JRY etc, the labour comes from outside and among local populace it is usually the old who work. Businesses that people adopt as per sample are primarily provision stores, cosmetic shops, small time electrical repair shops, sweet shops and dhabas. Assessment revealed that remoteness of the Panchayat has a direct relationship with the number of persons in services. Efforts in the new project should be made to increase the access of villages that are still cut-off and are not connected to road, this would in turn support in improving the occupations of the rural community in the region. Factors, for high incomes, include among others cultivation of cash crop, IGAs (due to IWDP), nearness to markets. Remoteness affects incomes due to distance from markets, cost of carriage etc. Table 6 lists the incomes and spending priorities of people in selected Panchayats.

Table 6: Income and spending priorities in selected Panchayats Spending priorities (%) Name of

Panchayat/ VDC*

Income (Rs/month)

Food Clothing Education Medicines Others

Nanowal* 2000-2500 60 -- 20 15 05 Namhol Ghial

750-1000 500-1000

55 60

15 20

15 10

5 5

10 5

Kiarad Kalog* 3000-4000 50 20 20 10 - Karganu 2500-3000 60 10 10 10 10 Rantadi 3000 65 25 20 15 - Rangad 2500-3000 55 - 20 15 20

The income earned is spent mainly on food, clothing, education of children and accessing health facilities. The discussions revealed that any increase in income gets top priority in terms of spending on nutritious food followed by clothing. Education for children are important as are better health needs. Discussions also revealed that people also like to spend their income on renovation of houses, buying furniture and furnishings, household gadgets etc. Interestingly, for none savings was a priority. People save less, as cash in hand is limited. The new project should make efforts on strengthening village based income generation activities to increase the cash flow and cash in hand with the people. And as a strategy for bringing the community together and collective sharing of available money SHG formation could also be promoted as was experimented in IWDP. Table 7 below gives the percentage family assets in selected villages.


11

Table 7: Family Assets (%) in selected villages Panchayat/ VDC* Gas TV Phone Scooter/bike Fridge

Nanowal* 10 30 5 15% - cycles 10% - Auto

10

Namhol Ghial

5 3

10 8

15 15

- 2

- -

Kiarad Kalog* 50 85 60 10 10 Karganu 55 80 75 20 35 Rantadi 85 65 65 15 Rangad 45 70 40 - 10

In terms of assets owned by the community, LPG is now quite common, however its usage depends on the accessibility conditions in terms of proximity to the roads and altitude. In Rantadi, cold weather throughout the year increases the need for hot water, cooking and heating the house. In such areas, the dependence on fuelwood is more as it is comparatively eas ily available at no cost and LPG cannot meet so many demands. It would be ideal if the new project promotes extensive use of non-conventional energy sources including solar energy and biogas. In flat and easy terrain (Nanowal), people prefer cycles, as riding it is easier and cheaper.

Kuchcha houses, another criteria to assess the economic status, are quite high in Panchayats. Climate and the cost of carriage of construction material from road head determine costs for a Pucca house. Some Pucca houses double up as storage for HVC. The above social and economic profiles reflect some of the problems encountered in the sample Panchayats, which are also typical state features and are given below in Table 8.

Table 8: Main problems faced by sample Panchayats visited for ESA Panchayat/ VDC* Main problems Nanowal* Water, housing, roads, health, unemployment

Namhol/ Ghial Health, sanitation, water, unemployment Kiarad Kalog* Drinking water, health, alcoholism, sanitation, veterinary Services,

unemployment Karganu Water scarcity, paths, health, sanitation, marketing, unemployment Rantadi Health, sanitation, unemployment, alcoholism, roads Rangad Health, housing, alcoholism, unemployment

The proposed project should consider and build the strategies that help address the problems that are common to villagers like water, accessibility, creating employment opportunities, improving veterinary and marketing services and besides all the technical aspects there is dire need for focusing upon the social issues like rural health and sanitation that affect mostly women, girl child and the elderly population. Overall, a poverty focus with stress on self-employment along with the main objective of watershed development will probably bring some difference in lives of com munity.


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3.6 Natural Resource Management Natural resources form the livelihood basis for most people of the state. There is a high degree of dependence on these resources and as a result often conflicts are observed between resource managers and other stakeholders mainly due to increasing demand for timber, fuelwood, fodder and water. In the sample Panchayats it was found that during summer there are conflicts among the forest staff and the community over grazing, and amongst the community over the use of water from the limited sources. In Rantadi and Rangad community shared that the nomadic graziers who pass through the Panchayat area destroy plantations and also add to the cases of forest fires. Last year two forest fires were reported in Rangad due to the Gaddis. As reported in Ghiyal, Rangad, Nannowal and Kargaanu, women are primarily involved in collecting fuelwood and fodder from the common land or nearby forests and they often have conflicts over collecting the available resources mainly with the villagers or the foresters. Under the new project, resource management could benefit through establihment of User Groups and it could lead to equitable sharing of the available natural resources as is done in Choker Panchayat in Sirmaur district where the forests are being managed by the community through its own committee formed 30 years ago. The dependence on forest resources has been dealt under section 3.5.3 and the nature of conflicts is highlighted under section 7, Table 19. 3.6.1 Livelihoods Focus under HPMHWDP The state has a high 27% of its people living below the poverty line (Statistical Outline HP 2003) and there is a wide diversity in terms of assets within and between rural communities. This is reflected in the study findings in terms of possessing colour TV, vehicles, telephone/ mobile etc. the accessibility of the house is also to a great extent related to how well off the family is. This clearly came out in all consultations with community in all six sites. Livelihood dependence on forest goods and services is very high amongst poor people in sample sites and this also relates to the similar scenario in the state. This was revealed during discussions that it occurs in case of fuelwood, for poor it is cheaper to get fuelwood and for the rich, they can afford the LPG in terms of both costs and carriage from roadhead. There are limited opportunities for poor to earn their livelihoods and in search of employment people have to go out as was stated in Rangad, Karganu and Namhol. The youth especially prefer office jobs and cited that if they do want to begin something of their own then infrastructural facilities are wanting. The livelihoods focus within the current project should ideally contribute to improvement in the economy of the watershed areas besides influencing policies, institutions, markets and processes in developing assets, access to assets, and demand for products of livelihood strategies. The project should focus primarily on the most needy poor and marginalized sections including women, Scheduled Castes, Tribals (Gaddis/Gujjars) and disabled from the project areas for which the project design should focus on these vulnerable groups through supporting village based small income generation


13

activities, which would also reduce out migration of males and therefore also reduce burden on women. 3.6.2 Identification Of Target Groups For Livelihoods Support Since the project’s livelihoods interventions would target the poor sections, it becomes critical to define who will be those poor since many of the criteria for defining and understanding poverty at the village level may not be uniformly applicable. For instance, at high altitude, remote village or Panchayat land holdings may be comparatively larger than in the valleys or livestock numbers may be greater, but total rain fed conditions and lack of access to markets alone can make the people of such areas much poorer than those who hold less land but live in the valley. For the marginalized groups who are generally the poorest, traditional occupations like grazing the village livestock, fuel wood and fodder collection, tree cutting and timber conversion, NTFP collection, etc still form major livelihood activities. Furthermore, the gender dimension of poverty at the village level is not always well understood. This is particularly so in rain fed, agrarian economies of the hills where women’s unmeasured and unpaid contribution is generally not considered in developing criteria to assess poverty. In the given context, defining the poor becomes critical which is not based on subjective or political biases. Identification of poor has been elaborated in strategy on equity under section 9.1 An overview of natural resources, dependence of people (who earn their livelihoods from these resources) and their management is presented below. 3.6.3 Forests as Livelihood Sources Forests, the life-supporting systems, are presently under great stress due to growth in human4 and cattle population (see section 3.5.8 on livestock). Besides reduction in extent5, there is degradation in quality of forest habitats. Proliferation of invasive species has also negatively impacted the forests. With the decline in forest quality, livelihoods are also affected. Total economic value of HP forest is around Rs 106,664 crore, excluding Rs 40,860 crore of the growing stock. The economic value of HP forests’ watershed functions appeared to be the single highest value, at nearly Rs. 74,000 crore6. Yet this critical resource is under pressure. People are variously dependent on forest resources: • Large number of households depends upon firewood. Recorded extraction of

firewood increased from 1.6 to 5.4 (‘000 m3) from 1998-99 to 2002-03. Unregulated and unrecorded removals of firewood from forests by right holders and others to meet domestic requirements are quite high.

4 From 1991 to 2001 population has increased by about 10 Lakh (Statistical outline of HP 2002-03) 5 Area of Rakshit Van reduced from 33,16529 ha in 1992-93 to 33, 04,277 in 2002-03 (Statistical outline of HP 2002-03) 6 Forest Sector Review (2000)


14

§ The average annual consumption of firewood ranges between 3-6 tonnes/ household/year. HP has a total of about 9.69 Lakh households of which 90% are rural and are primarily dependent on firewood for their cooking/heating needs. Total extraction of firewood could be as high as 25-30 Lakh tones annually.

§ It is mostly the women who collect firewood and, thus, are directly involved with management issues of natural resources.

• Extraction of timber is another activity that depletes the forests. Although timber extraction from forests by the HPSFC far exceeds that by the right holders and free grantees, there are cases in particular Forest Divisions where the opposite is true. For timber tree Cedrus deodara total extraction by HPSFC for entire HP was at 16232 m3 and by Right Holders was 39424 m3 in 2001-2002.

• Forest management vis -à-vis rights is beset with conflict issues. § Right-holders having large number of trees on their lands prefer to take timber

trees from the forestland against their rights instead of felling from their own lands, as was observed in case of private pine plantations in Hamirpur. Many tree owners circumvent the provision of no timber for 10-years, by first taking the concessional timber and then selling their own timber trees.

§ Rights to timber are subject to the availability so as to maintain ecology and carrying capacity of the forests. The supply is often less than the demand. The poor and needy are often sidelined by the powerful ones who get the trees allotted to them. TD applications can be processed through the Gram Sabha to ensure equitable benefits to the poor and needy.

§ At present the availability of trees is assessed by the DFO and the community advocates that they should be given this responsibility. The community at present has inadequate skills to undertake such an assessment on its own.

§ Capacity building for undertaking such tasks is highly specialized and may take a longtime to bring the community to such a level. However, the community can be actively involved in making such an assessment so that they do not feel alienated while their capacities are built.

3.6.4 Forest Fire

Forest fire has assumed alarming proportions in the recent times and also leads to loss of green cover. Total forest area burnt during 2001-2002 was 1684 ha, which was quite less than the area burnt during 2000-2001 (6216 ha). In 2001-2002, maximum area (745 ha) burnt was in Nahan Circle followed by Rampur Circle (272 ha), Chamba Circle (169 ha) and Mandi Circle (145 ha). Fire caused by accidents or careless burning during fire lines and villagers/travelers passing through forests are two main causes of reported fires. Though temporarily the nutrient flux appears to increase after fire incidence due to accumulated ash, it is easily blown away. The denuded hills unable to regulate storm water would erode relentlessly causing flooding and sedimentation in the rivers. These fires also affect the livelihoods that are dependent on forest goods and services.


15

3.6.5 Identification of Protected and other Natural Habitats in the Mid Hills There are a number of PAs in HP. Access denial to resources affects livelihoods of communities in and around PAs. Annexure III gives the district-wise distribution of PAs in HP along with the important fauna found in them. As per the location of the PAs, a few will fall in the project area (mid hills; see map). Besides the PA, there are some good quality patches of natural habitats falling in the project zone of mid hills and these areas may require special attention. § Janjali: Forest range in Kasog Division falling in Mandi district. Located at about

1500-1800 m it is close to the Shikari Devi WLS. This forest patch is composed of prime conifers, including, Picea smithiana, Abies pindrow and Cedrus deodara.

§ Jhungi: Forest range under Sunder Nagar Division of Mandi district. Its altitude also ranges from 1500-1800 m. This significant patch of legally unprotected natural habitat is also a pristine area harbouring fir, spruce and deodar trees.

§ Jot: Watershed area below Jot is a significant patch of natural habitat. Located at about 2500 m it falls under Chuari range of Dalhousie Division in Chamba district. The area has deodar, pine and oak trees, among other species of plants and animals.

§ Sahu valley: Located in Chamba district, it is at an altitude of about 1400-1800m. § Baghani: Forest range under Paonta Division of Sirmaur district, it is located at

an altitude of about 800 m. This area is basically Sal forest area and also has species belonging to the lowland mixed semi-evergreen forests and riperain species. Some of the other species found are Mallotus phillipensis, Nyctanthus arbor-tristis, Bauhinia variegata, Flemingia sp etc.

Although, Protected Areas are excluded from project, there could be interventions in the buffer zones that may have implications for PAs (NP/WLS). No significant negative impact is expected from project interventions on PAs. Interventions that could have some negative impacts in the form of reduction of species diversity, introduction of exotics, increased risk to wildlife, encroachment etc must be avoided in the buffer zones or adequate mitigation measures should be put in place. Some of these are discussed in Section 5 (Table 14). The following sub-project interventions could have impacts on PAs and other biodiversity rich areas if undertaken in buffer zones:

Activity Mitigation Measure Improvement of Livestock without developing alternate fodder resources on common or private lands could lead to increased extraction of fodder from PAs.

Ensure that adequate fodder options are available before undertaking livestock breed improvement.

Non-reduction in stray cattle after introduction of improved breeds could lead to increased grazing within PAs and can also be a potential source of spreading diseases to wildlife.

Provide improved breeds only after reduction of stray cattle. Bulls should be castrated. All livestock should be vaccinated and disease -free.

Increased possibility of weed invasion in PAs when exotic species are introduced in

Ensure that exotics are avoided near PAs and regularly monitor PAs for spread of


16

Activity Mitigation Measure plantations and pasture development. exotic weeds. Eradicate weeds when found

in PAs. Possibility of firewood/timber extraction from PA in garb of taking it out from afforestation plots raised through project interventions.

Ensure involvement of community in monitoring access to resource and its utilization.

Emphasis on increased productivity of arable land could increase use of fertilizers and chemical pesticides, insecticides etc that could pollute land/water within PAs.

Ensure that IPM strategy is introduced and adopted early in the project.

Many natural areas are facing threats, like habitat conversion through ecncroachment and subsequent change in land use (conversion of forest areas to apple orchards, potato fileds etc), as has been listed in Annexure II. The following points could help address these issues: § Sensitize locals regarding habitat degradation and their sources, as participatory

monitoring involving local communities/individuals is part of project strategy and could help address the issue of encroachment.

§ The Legal Expert of the Environment and Social Cell should monitor, document and share information with concerned DFO to curb undesirable land use conversions/changes and this arrangement should be institutionalized.

§ Since the Himachal Pradesh Natural Resource Management Society, charied by the Chief Minister heads the project, intervention at the appropriate level of policy and decicion-making could help enforcing the legal and regulatory provisions.

§ Legal literacy campaign proposed in ESA to target both encroachers and potential encroachers to reduce such incidences.

§ Encourage reciprocal commitments from project beneficiaries. Consider linking benefit flow from project with prevention of encroachment and protection of natural habitats. For example, if within a Panchayat/beneficiaries are found involved in fresh encroachments, then as a regulatory control project benefits could be temporarily withdrawn or budget cuts could be imposed. Names of encroachers will be deleted from microplans and no benefit will flow to them.

3.6.6 Species requiring special considerations A number of species, mostly important herbs of mid hills and particularly high hills require special attention for conserving them. These species are threatened primarily due to habitat degradation, weed invasions and over exploitation (rampant extraction), as these are sources of livelihoods for poor. A list of species with the threat status faced by them is given below in Table 9:


17

Table 9: Plant species and their threat categories (IUCN) S. No. Species Threat Category

(IUCN) Mitigation Measures

1. Acer caesium Vulnerable 2. Berberis apiculata Rare 3. Berberis pseudoumbellata Indeterminate 4. Campanula wattiana Rare 5. Silene kunawarensis Rare 6. Saussurea bracteata Rare 7. Saussurea costus Endangered 8. Allium auriculatum Endangered 9. Lilium polyphyllum Indeterminate 10. Calanthe pachystalix Endangered 11. Aconitum falconeri Vulnerable 12. Aconitum ferox Vulnerable 13. Aconitum heterophyllum Indeterminate 14. Picrorhiza kurrooa Vulnerable 15. Selaginella adunca Endangered

• Identify areas/habitats with these species and accord protection to them.

• Involve Panchayats in protecting these species and consider declaring habitats with them as Panchayat Protected Areas (PPA).

• Train Panchayat representatives in identifying these species and encourage self-regulation while collection.

• Promote nursery plantations of some of the tradable species.

Besides these listed species, other species, such as Taxus baccata, Nardostachys jatamansii, Podophyllum hexandrum etc are some other floral species, amongst other, that are inching towards one of the threat categories. Amongst the faunal species that are endangered and require special conservation programmes are Snow leopard, Musk deer, Ibex, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Tahr etc.

Map showing location of NP and WLS and the new project area


18

3.6.7 Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Forest settlements carried out during 19th century in different parts of the state, formalized the right of the villagers to collect medicinal and aromatic plants and they have been exercising these rights in the past mostly for use in local medicines but with the establishment of new pharmaceutical units, the demand of this resource has increased manifold. Collection of medicinal plants is a good source of income to the villagers in some parts of the state. During the year 2001-2002 a total of about 25,000 quintals of MAP7 were exported 8 from the State. The state government gets about Rs 40 lakh per annum on account of permit fees for export of this raw material out of the state. It is suspected that a parallel illicit trade in medicinal plats also takes place from the State. However, quantum of such trade is not known. Trade of some medicinal plant species like pushkarmool, kala jeera, kali zeeri etc from cultivated sources also takes place. However, data related to volume of such trade is not available. The trade in medicinal plants from the state involves about 165 species, growing wild or cultivated in the sate. An important aspect of this trade is that 24 species out of the top 100 medicinal plant species traded in the country are found in the state. However, contribution of the plant species found in the state towards export is negligible. Table 10 lists selected species and quantities exported from HP. An assessment in the buffer zone of Great Himalayan National Park about the contribution of medicinal plants to the economy of forest side people reveals that harvesting and trade of medicinal plants gets every household an average annual income of Rs 14,000.

Table 10: Species and quantities exported Species Quantity exported in quintals

Berberis 13452 Picrorhiza kurroa 41 Morchella 85 Jurinea macrophyla 393 Potentilla nepalensis 1499 Pistachia integerima 4 Angelica glauca 104 Salvia moorcroftiana 188 Ainselea aptera 335

The trade in medicinal plants is largely unregulated, secretive and exploitative and takes place in the form of raw material. People, therefore, do not get benefits of possible value addition to this raw material. 3.6.7.1 Legislative Provision for Export All medicinal herbs and plants fall under the category of minor forest produce, therefore, their movement and export is regulated under Forest Produce Transit (Land Routes) rules, 1978. The DFO has been empowered to issue export permits

7 Herbs 70%, climbers 5%, trees 10% and shrubs 15% 8At prevailing market prices, this trade is worth about Rs 10 crore


19

under these rules but now (since March 2003) the Government has entrusted the regulation of collection, trade and export of 37 species to the Panchayats (Annexure IV). The State Government by a notification issued in early nineties has levied export royalty at variable rates for different medicinal plants applicable all over the state so as to rationalize the export of these plants. But there are no uniform rules in the state for their collection and extraction. Although empowering Panchayats for issuing licenses for MAP is an encouraging step as it should increase their participation in conservation of this resource, at present Panchayats do not have adequate capacity to regulate this trade. Many times, due to difficulties in identification9 of MAP people extract plants that are not included in the list of 37 species. Safeguard measures in the form of training and capacity building of Panchayats is required. The following safeguard measures are suggested: § Collectors should be given training in identification of MAP. § Information on life cycle, optimum season of collection, growth rates, yield per

unit area, extraction cycle, regeneration cycle of MAP needs to be collected and share with Panchayats/collectors.

§ The methods of extraction, nursery techniques and their cultivation in conjunction with trees (in afforestation plots) need to be developed.

§ Technology for extraction of active alkaloids for different species also needs to be introduced in the area.

§ A common Act for the entire state for regulating cultivation, extraction and trade of medicinal and aromatic plants is required.

There are opportunities in the project to promote MAP cultivation, particularly in areas where plantations are to be raised. This will ensure availability of intermediate harvest and incomes on a regular basis. The Forest Conservation Act (FCA), 1980, prohibits the breaking up or clearing of any forest land for the cultivation of coffee, spices, rubber, palms, oil bearing plants, horticulture crops or medicinal plants without prior approval of the Central Government under FCA. But a recent clarification dated 8th June, 2005 from GO I on plantation of an oil bearing plant Jatropha on forestland under National Afforestation Programme, it has been clarified that though plantation of oil bearing plants like Jatropha is prohibited on forestlands under FCA but where this plant is indigenous to the area in question and such plantation activity is part of an over all afforestation programme in the area concerned, it will not require approval under FCA, 1980. As such plantations of medicinal plants in the forest area, which are indigenous to the area will not require any approval under FCA, 1980. Similarly wild fruit trees indigenous to the area can also be raised in the forest area. However, commercial horticulture plantations cannot be raised in the forest area. There exist good scope of JFM practices in the project. The JFM rules may require to be amended for implementing works through Panchayats, as currently Village

9 Drying of plants before export further complicates species identification


20

Forest Development Committees (VFDC) are constituted for JFM related works. JFM may also be extended to good forest areas in addition to degraded forest areas. Only people willing to participate may be made beneficiaries and granted access and benefits. As far as possible selected sites should be free from the claims of anyone who is not beneficiary. Participatory Forest Management: The National Forest Policy of 1988 outlined the scope for people’s participation in Forest Management as one of its basic objectives. The broader parameters of people’s participation were determined by June 1990 circular of the Government of India to the State Governments and it became the basis for a new system of Management known as “Joint Forest Management” or “Participatory Forest Management”. As a result of June 1990 circular, the JFM was launched in HP. The Participatory Forest Management Rules – 2000 were notified on 23.3.2001 and this paved a way for involvement of local communities in the Management of Forests. To start with the system will be applicable to degraded forests only, though the term ‘degraded forest’ is vague and needs to be defined properly. The scheme Sanjhi Van Yojna 2001 has been launched in the State to put JFM into practice. Sanji Van Yojna: This was promulgated after clubbing together the Sanji Van Yojna Scheme 1998, the Parisharam Hamara Van Hamara Scheme 2000 and the Apna Van, Apna Dhan Scheme, which was to be launched during 2001 with the objective of Participatory Forest Management by involving Panchayats, Mahila Mandals, FDSO and other CBOs and NGOs for sustainable forest management. VFDCs and Panchayats will share hundred percent incomes from final harvest of plantations raised through the scheme in the ratio of 75% and 25% respectively. However, out of its share of 75% from final harvest, 40% shall be earmarked for regeneration/conservation activities in VFDC area. There is also 100% sharing of forest produce, including NTFP, and all intermediate harvest from the closed areas to the VFDC. The project could adopt similar sharing arrangements in the related sub-projects. 3.6.8 Livestock Livestock constitutes an important component of rural economy. Since most land holdings are small, there is little surplus left with small farmers to convert in cash. Consequently, most families have some livestock population. Based on the total households in the state and the 2003 livestock census, there are about 5.15 cattle per household. Comparison between various livestock censuses in HP is given in Table 11.

Table 11: Livestock population in Himachal Pradesh Livestock census Name of livestock

1987 1992 1997 2003

Cattle (Cows & Bulls) 2244815 2165034 2001826 2196538 Buffaloes 794991 703549 652373 773229 Sheep 1112768 1078940 908831 906027 Goats 1120139 1118094 946529 1115587

Total 5272713 5065617 4509559 4991381


21

An analysis of the above table reveals the following: • From 1987 to 2003, livestock count reduced by just above 2,81,000 • Although in the long run (1987-2003) cattle population decreased by almost

48,000, in the short timeframe (1997-2003) cattle population has increased again by about 1,94,000

• Similar trend is observed for buffaloes • The maximum reduction over base year is in sheep at 2,06,741, which is the

single largest contribution in total livestock reduction count • The total area available for grazing is 0.306 ha per livestock10 • Average fodder requirement of a milking cattle is about 30-35 kg/day (10

tonnes/year); the productivity of natural grasslands is only about 5 tonnes/ha • The gap is often met with from other fodder sources, such as, crop residues from

farmlands, fodder from village common lands and other forest areas • With increase in cropping area under vegetable production (300% increase)

alternative sources of fodder are shrinking and thus pressure on natural pastures is increasing

• Livestock enterprises in mid hills accounts for about 30% of the total household income and, in some cases, can go up to 50%.

• While women are the primary stakeholders in respect of livestock management, it is the men who are decision makers. Involvement of women in selecting interventions in the livestock sector is minimal to non-existent and needs to be promoted in the proposed project.

While visiting Kairad Kalog we observed that the total livestock population is 545 (cows 161, Buffaloes 117, Bullocks 138 and sheep 129) and total pastureland is 192 ha amounting to 0.35 ha of pastures/livestock. This figure also resembles the state average. 3.6.8.1 Inter- relationship between Livestock, Soil and Plants Livestock convert crop residues and fodder/forage to soil nutrients through manure. Application of manure improves soil texture, decomposes litter easily and contributes to increased productivity. Under the traditional feeding system and FYM preparation method, a large adult ruminant provides approximately 1,140 kg of FYM and potentially approximately 29 kg of nitrogen (N) per year. However, decrease in supplies of bedding materials due to degradation of forest resources and the decreasing number of livestock affects sufficient production of FYM. Up to 90 per cent of Nitrogen produced by an adult ruminant may be lost in the stall if too little bedding material is used. If urine is not collected in closed pits, rain and sun cause leaching and volatilization of N from the urine, which contains up to 65 per cent of the nitrogen excreted. Dung contains 35 per cent N, so loss of nitrogen through uncollected urine is greater. If bedding material is not sufficient or is of low quality, it will not absorb moisture from dung and urine efficiently and will not prevent nitrogen

10 Based on total available pastureland and 2003 livestock census


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loss. Capacity building needs and necessary training in this sector should be targeted for women, as they are mainly involved in collecting FYM. 3.6.8.2 Livestock and IWDP Experience The IWDP (Hills II) project laid emphasis on the livestock sector and established Buffalo semen processing lab for breed improvement, emphasized mineral-mixture feed supplements, provided chaff cutters and promoted stall-feeding. The performance of the activities implemented for the livestock component showed encouraging results. Forage yield on private lands increased from 1.16 t/ha to 7.0 t/ha and on Reserve Forest land from 0.42 t/ha to 4.4 t/ha. The milk yield also registered an increase from 1.69 litres/day to 2.56 litres/day for local cow and from 3.52 litres/day to 5.12 litres/day for buffalo. Fodder plantations were also done on about 2600 ha. 3.6.9 Pastures and grasslands Natural grasslands and pastures are the major source of fodder for wild animals and cattle and play critical role in livelihoods of transhumants and locals alike. Table 12 gives the district-wise area of pastures. The project could significantly improve the status/quality of these pastures with its non-arable land treatment component. Dependence and management issues are discussed below: • The production of dry grass ranges from 10-50 quintal/ha, which can be raised up

to 150 q/ha with better management. The vegetative growth takes place only during 4-5 months in a year and during rest of the period there is shortage of green fodder

• Grasslands are facing major threats from invasion of weeds rendering them unproductive and women do not prefer cutting grass from such areas. Common weeds are Ageratum conyzoides, A. houstonianum, Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus, Eupatorium adenophorum, E. odoratum and Erigeron canadensis .

• The problem of grazing is further accentuated due to stopping of winter grazing facilities of transhumants, which were earlier available to the graziers of the state in adjoining states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and the flocks of these grazers had to be accommodated in the state for winter grazing

• Natural pastures are reported to be overgrazed to the extent of three times their carrying capacity

• The grasslands of mid-hills have poor yields due to overgrazing and improper scientific management, which is leading to replacement of legumes by hardy unpalatable grasses and bushes and disallowing regeneration and growth of native species. Delayed harvesting results in reduced nutritive value and protein content.

• The southern and western aspects are relatively bare and most pasturelands with skeletal soils are located on these aspects.

• Forest Department occasionally closes some parts, classified as forests, under the system of rotational grazing. During 2000-01 a total of 5037 sq km area was closed to grazing, which came down to 4837 sq km in 2001-2002.


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Table 12: District-wise area of pastures (2000-2001) District Pastureland

(2000-01) in ha District Pastureland

(2000-01) in ha Bilaspur 44800 Lahaul-Spiti 220100 Chamba 352600 Mandi 96300 Hamirpur 5800 Shimla 252300 Kangra 91200 Sirmaur 57800 Kinnor 318000 Solan 77700 Kullu N.A. Una 12600

Total 1529200 ha 3.7 Integrated Pest Management Use of IPM has become imperative as continuous and indiscriminate use of agricultural chemicals leads to development of resistance in target insects, resurgence of pests, destruction of useful insects, pesticidal residues, secondary outbreak of pests, health hazards and environmental pollution. IPM concept was introduced in some villages under IWDP (Hills II), but its implementation remained partial. While visiting the old project Panchayats, it became clear that IPM implementation has suffered due to lack of knowledge regarding complete package of practices. While visiting Karganoo, Namhol and Rantari Panchayats (new areas for the proposed project), no IPM based practices were observed. It would be crucial to introduce IPM at an early stage in the proposed mid hills project. There exist a good scope for implementing IPM in the mid hills, as many farmers are facing problems due to increasing area being brought under vegetable crops and associated rise in the use of fertilizers as key inputs. Effective implementation of IPM will also reduce the risk of water pollution through leaching of chemicals from farmlands to water sources, both surface and sub-surface. A detailed strategy for implementing IPM is given in Annexure V. 3.8 Carbon Financing/Sequestration Article 3 of the Kyoto Protocol allows for the offset of emissions by investing in activities that increase carbon sequestration. One tonne of CO2 (carbon dioxide) reduced through a CDM project, when certified by a designated operational entity, is known as a CER, which can be traded. 3.8.1 Potential of selling greenhouse gas (carbon) credits under the Kyoto Protocol There are varying estimates of the potential opportunities under the CDM. Some estimates put annual flows of as much as 1 billion dollars into India11. If India can capture a 10% share of the global CDM market, annual CER revenues to the country could range from 10 million to 300 million dollars

11 TERI


24

Afforestation under the project can be a potential source for selling carbon credits. By quantifying the area under afforestation activities and taking up fast growing species, the project can earn substantial revenue out of its activities. In fact, it is generally believed that CDM could be an important vehicle for reducing rural poverty by extending payments to low-income farmers who provide carbon storage through land-use systems such as agroforestry. Average Carbon storage by agroforestry practices has been estimated as 9, 21, 50 and 63 tonnes of Carbon/ha/year in semi-arid, sub-humid, humid and temperate regions respectively. Such climatic zones are available in the Shiwaliks and mid hills in HP. PRIs can be made partners in this by making them aware of the financial resources that can be generated. Scattered plantations, raised by the PRIs/villages can be counted together and a substantial ‘carbon sink’ can be created. Many countries have opted for plantation of exotic species, which are fast growing. However, a number of indigenous species within India, such as, Grevia optiva, Ficus palmate, Toona ciliata, Morus alba, Albizzia lebbek, Bauhinia variegata, Populus ciliata, Pinus roxburghii etc have a good potential for sequestering carbon. A study in HP revealed that there is very good potential for small farms (1-2 ha) under various agroforestry systems for acting as carbon sinks. As much as 982 quintals/ha of aboveground carbon can be stored under agri-silvi-horticultural system in the sub-tropical zone (Balh valley, Mandi), 1828 quintals/ha under agri-silvipasture system (Kuthar valley, Solan) and 1978 quintals/ha under silvi-pasture system (Kuthar valley, Solan). Annexure VI gives the results of the study. Average global prices per tonne of carbon are about 2.5 dollars. Assuming, based on the study findings, that on an average about 1500 qunitals (150 tonnes) of carbon can be sequestered, about 375 dollars per ha carbon could be sold. A plot of 100 ha will, therefore, could provide revenue of up to 37500 dollars or Rs 16,87,500. Large wastelands and private lands are available in the project area, for example, in Rangar Panchayat about 324 ha of area is classified under private or wastelands and could be used for raising plantations for selling as CER Such an area could roughly fetch Rs 50 Lakh over a ten-year cycle. Similarly, Pancayats like Karganoo and Rantari could be potential sites for raising agri-silvipasture, agri-silvi-horticulture or silvi -pasture plantations as sub-projec ts that can also be sold as CER. Consequently, mid hills offer good potential for selling CER. The following sub-projects could be taken up for selling carbon credits: 1. Afforestation component on both natural and disturbed areas 2. Pastureland management that leads to addition of biomass and storage of carbon

in soils 3. Farm forestry


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Steps, risks and mitigation measures for developing sub-projects that could be sold as CER are outlined below:

Step Risks Mitigation Measures Project Conceptualiztion The project may not qualify

under CDM Clarify with DNA regarding eligibility

Host Country Approval Approval may not be given Clearly understand the interim approval criteria

PDD preparation § Set baseline boundaries § Define baseline scenario

and additionality § Set baseline emission

level and crediting period § Adjust for leakage § Adjust for risks

Demonstrating additionality is difficult and there is lack of approved methodologies

Use methodology approved by the CDM Executive Board.

Validation of PDD by Designated Operational Entity (DOE)

Buyer may dictate selection of internationally renowned DOE

Select renowned DOE (could increase costs of project preparation)

Registration with CDM Executive Board

Registration may be turned down

Review project for leakage, risks etc and monitoring methodologies prior to submission

Project Implementation Non-delivery of CER due to non-performance

Ensure risk mitigation measures are in place

Monitoring Rigorous monitoring cold increase project costs

Take advantage of rules for small scale projects to gain relief

Verification and certification of emission reduction/ carbon storage

Lower frequency of verification could reduce costs but also reduce market value of CER

Ensure that verification and certification are carried out at agreed intervals

Issuance of CER May take time after submission to CDM Executive Board

Transfer legal titles of CER only after actualization of revenues

The project would have to develop a Project Concept Note (PCN) and a Project Design Document (PDD) for submitting it to the Designated Nodal Agency (DNA) – the National CDM Authority, which is located at the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The address of the DNA is also given in Annexure VI. The framework to be followed for preparing the PCN is given in Annexure VII. Form for PDD is 11-page long and can be accessed from the site of Ministry of Environment and Forests (www.envfor.nic.in/CDM). Both hard copies and soft copies are required to be submitted to the DNA and the total time involved in approving/rejecting the proposals takes about two months from submission. 4 NRM PROJECTS IN THE STATE Dependency profile, as discussed above clearly outlines the need for having proper approaches for NRM. The approaches must be people-centered, low cost and indigenous with a greater participation by the people. State government through its own resources and bilateral projects have to some extent initiated the process for natural resource management as shown below in Table 13:


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Table 13: Various NRM schemes/projects in HP Scheme/ Project

Funded by Implementing agency/

Department

Area Duration Budget (Rs)

Haryali (watershed)

GOI (MoRD) Rural Development/ Panchayati Raj

Across the State (1310 watersheds)

Annual 20 crore (limit Rs 6,000/ha)

FDA GOI (MoEF) HPFD through JFMCs

28 Forest Divisions

Annual 10-12 crore

Sanjhi Van Yojna

GoHP VFDS/ HPFD State Annual 1 crore

HP Forest Sector Reforms Project

DFID HPFD through Panchayats

85 Panchayats

4 years 65 crore

Indo German Eco-dev for Changar Area

German Government/ (GTZ)

HPFD (through village committees & Panchayats

593 villages/ 100 Panchayats of Palampur

7 years 30 crore

Integrated Watershed Development Project

GOI/World Bank

HPFD through VDCs, SHGs & User Groups

835 villages/ 135 micro-watersheds

5 years 163 crore

Soil & Water Conservation

GOI (MOA) HPFD & Agriculture Department

RVP (Satluj-Beas-Ravi basins) Flood prone (Giri-Bata, Pabbar-Tons, 15 micro-watersheds of Ghaggar )

Annual 7-8 crore

Horticulture Mission

GOI Department of Hortculture

Entire State 10th Five Year Plan

80 crore

CAT Plan Areas

Project Promoters

HPFD 12 CAT plans in operation (Sutluj, Beas & Ravi) and 6 in pipeline

5 to 10 years

Sutluj – Koldam (65 crore), Nathpa Jhakri (26 crore), Karchamwangtoo (31 crore), Baspa (21 crore) Beas - Parbati Stage II (26 crore), III (25crore), Allain


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Scheme/ Project

Funded by Implementing agency/

Department

Area Duration Budget (Rs)

Dhundan (6 crore) Ravi - Chamera II & III (10.7 crore)

Plan and Non-Plan funds

State Government and GOI

HPFD State Annual Plan funds – State Sector (121.91 lakh), Central Sector (322.41 lakh); Non-Plan funds – State Sector (328.13 lakh)

4.1 Convergence All programmes and funds in various schemes related to watershed development should be pooled for systematic utilization. However, in achieving this there are several challenges, which cannot be addressed over a short span of time. • Schemes are often area specific, e.g. Changar project is to operate in a small

pocket and they have limited funds. • Some programmes are activity specific like water storage tanks by District Rural

Development Authority, treatment of arable lands by Agriculture Department, promotion of fruits and vegetable by Horticulture Department etc. The catchment area treatment plans are also area specific and needs intensive operations over a given area.

• Some projects are near the completion stage, i.e. Changar project would come to close in the year 2006 and any sharing after 10 years of project operation may not be feasible.

• Projects have been earned from different funding agencies with a commitment to operate in a given mode, which cannot be changed without their concurrence.

• Different departments have earned the projects and deployed their own manpower against positions created for project implementation. Any alignment move would collapse their programmes.

• Often when a large project, like IWDP, with multi-sectoral approach comes in an area, other line departments withdraw and the funds that were coming from line departments are replaced by the project funds, thus the total quantum of financial resources remains, more or less, same.

It is, therefore, suggested that long-term measures are required to merge future projects in the Watershed Development Authority. After the establishment of such an authority, the state may make rules to unify all such programmes and submit proposals through this agency.


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Not withstanding above, one possibility of convergence could be at the Panchayat level where a microplan would be prepared indicating the varied interventions and the required funds. In these Panchayat areas if there is a scope of compensatory afforestation or works under catchment area treatment, the funds from the concerned agencies can be pooled with the mid hills project funds and Panchayat funds. Local Area Development Funds available from Members of Legislative Assembly could also be dovetailed with project funds, depending on the willingness and commonality of objectives. In such an eventuality, separate areas or activities can be earmarked for proper implementation and subsequent monitoring, accounting and accountability. This would, however, depend upon the willingness and mandate of such agencies to work through the Panchayats. Another level at which convergence could be successfully attempted at the district level is to integrate the different projects supported by a single donor agency (e.g. World Bank). Different externally aided projects are implemented by different agencies, for instance, National Agriculture Technology Project (NATP) by Agriculture Department, IWDP by Forest Department, which are both World Bank supported implying that norms, specifications and implementing arrangements are more or less similar giving rise to opportunities for convergence. While discussing the issue of convergence with different line departments during stakeholder consultations (Annexure I), some policy level changes were suggested: § Line Departments should develop a policy of encouraging implementation of

programs through PRIs. Since PRIs tend to be seen as institutions of the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, many departments remain indecisive in devolving implementation roles to PRIs. When all schemes will ultimately converge at one implementing agency, convergence could be possible.

§ The Panchayat may create specific use-based sub-committees for implementing schemes of different departments with support from the line department. The Panchayats are now empowered to create sub-committees.

§ Schemes or specific components of schemes that serve similar objectives could be pooled together. For example, schemes that provide connectivity, loans, irrigation facilities, employment, skill building trainings etc can be dovetailed to achieve some level of convergence. However, this policy level change has to be at the Government level.

§ Coordination meetings between the BDO and other departments should also be at the block level and not only at the district level.

4.2 Need for Mid Hills Project Although many NRM schemes are being implemented across the state, there coverage remains partial. Often the problem of thin-spread of finances limits potential and desired outputs of these schemes. The integrated watershed approach as was followed in IWDP (Hills -II) and proposed in mid hills project aims at treating degraded lands with the help of low cost and locally accessed technologies through


29

a participatory approach leading to overall economic development and improvement of the socio-economic conditions of the poor sections of society. The proposed Project is consistent with the World Bank’s Country Assistance Strategy that has a priority to "Support better management of watersheds, while enhancing the livelihood opportunities of the poor". The World Bank also has a long tradition of financing watershed development projects in Himachal Pradesh. The Bank will also be able to bring international experience with respect to natural resource management and participatory planning process and support to decentralization. The micro-watersheds were identified using GIS mapping and the selection criteria placed 50% weightage on degradation of the area, 30% on poverty indicators and 20% on access to public and economic services. The ESA clearly indicates the need for mid hills project that has a focus on addressing sustainable NRM and poverty alleviation.

Triggers Needs Solutions Results Outcome

Population increase

§ Need for more food, fiber, timber

§ Need for more space

§ Expansion of agriculture, livestock, horticulture

§ Enhanced productivity

§ Infrastructure development

§ Reduction in forest areas

§ Farming on steep slopes

§ Depletion in green cover

§ Overgrazing § Reducing

water sources § Mining for

construction material

Reduction in Natural

Resource

Low development

inputs and employment

avenues

§ Boost productivity

§ Income enhancement

§ Increased inputs in terms of fertilizers, irrigation

§ Shift to better areas

§ Shrinkage of natural resource base

§ Loss of top soil and reduced soil fertility

§ Pollution of land and water

§ Migration

Widespread Poverty

Natural Resources Dependence


30

5 POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF PROJECT INTERVENTIONS An assessment of potential direct and indirect impacts of project interventions on natural areas (protected or otherwise) are given below in Table 14:

Table 14: Sub-projects and their potential impacts and mitigation measures Project and Sub-project Activity

Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures

Afforestation § Tree plantation

(afforestation) § Silvipasture

development § Vegetative

shrubs in trenches/ contours

§ Loss of grazing lands, (if afforestation programmes are undertaken on grazing lands).

§ Proper Silivpasture development would increase yield of grass.

§ Increased risk of forest fires. § Changes in the species composition of the area,

when exotic fast growing species are used. § Encouraging continuous dependence on use of

firewood. § Invasion by exotic species in PAs. § Development of good resource base could

reduce dependency on forest resources. § Conflicts may arise in accessing resources and

ownership claims. § Some people may utilize more of resources

than others. § Overexploitation of natural resources, as they

are made available. § Threat to indigenous species through plantation

of exotics. § Increased burden of costs and management, if

exotic species escape the plantations and invade natural communities.

§ Changes in diversity of flora and fauna and the need to periodically update checklists.

§ Chance/accidental introduction of disease causing vectors through the introduction of primary or secondary host plant or animal.

§ More rainwater interception by layered vegetation and leaf litter and increase in competitive use of water by trees, bushes and grasses.

§ Improvement in natural regeneration. § Increased leaf litter resulting in improved

nutrient cycling and population of decomposers and burrowing animal increase.

§ Ensure that large areas of pastures are not selected for afforestation/plantations

§ Opt for border line plantations on pastures

§ Ensure that ESG on afforestation/muti -tier plantations is followed (involve local communities in selection of areas for plantations)

§ Do not undertake afforestation on grazing lands that fall on the routes of nomads/transhumants

§ Develop appropriate fire lines before fire season.

§ Avoid dry deciduous species. § Choose evergreen species that do not

become flammable during summers. § Avoid choosing exotic species and select

only native species, particularly in buffer zones.

§ Regularly monitor PAs and eradicate any new exotics that may have proliferated.

§ Workout ownership and resource accessing mechanisms by involving the community.

§ Ensure that equitable distribution of resources is documented in microplans.

§ Promote non -conventional sources of fuel, like LPG and electricity along with popularization of fuel-saving devices like pressure-cookers, improved chullahs etc.

§ Particularly encourage use of fuel-saving devices in buffer zones of PAs to reduce dependence on natural resources.

§ Monitor exotic species if introduced and control their spread.

§ Introduce concept of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

§ Encourage conservation of natural resources through participatory management practices.

§ Involve local users in monitoring of natural resources.

§ Raise awareness through celebration of World Forestry Day, World Environment Day, Van Mahotsava, Water Conservation Day etc involving Panchayats, communities and school children.


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Project and Sub-project Activity


Pastureland development § Grass

plantations § Closing of

areas § Introduction

of fodder trees/ plants

§ Risks related to selection of exotic species. § Livestock population may increase by assuring

enhanced fodder availability, which may be a potential threat to natural areas.

§ Shifting of grazing pressure in other areas after closing selected areas for grazing may speed up the degradation of remaining pastures nearby.

§ Conflict with people when areas are closed for grazing.

§ Stall-feeding practice may increase. § Increase in biodiversity, legumes and other

annuals reappears. § Resource utilization withour permission

§ Ensure sufficient area for grazing to avoid excess biotic pressure.

§ Increase plantations and biomass. § Promote cut and carry methods, stall-

feeding, bree d improvement and reduction of cattle.

§ Develop fodder sources on forest, community, private non-arable and arable areas. Do not exceed 500 trees per hectare in pasturelands.

§ Take community in confidence before closing areas and include these arrangements in the microplan.

§ Alott resource distribution responsibility to communities.

Soil and Water Conservation § Gully

stabilization § Water

harvesting structures (village tanks/ponds)

§ Stream bank protection

§ Rainwater storage/reuse

§ Erosion control practices on roadsides due to faulty road building practices

§ Infrastructure works may bring localized changes in soil structure, eliminate certain soil biota and may impact soil productivity.

§ Changes/alterations in the surface runoff patterns, possibly leading reduction in runoff.

§ Flow peaks moderation and delay and shifting from seasonality to perenniaility of streams.

§ Changes in the landscape and topography, which may further alter tertiary drainage line.

§ Changes in vegetation profile/cover around water harvesting structures and increase in wildlife.

§ Failures of check dams. § Siltation in water harvesting structures (village

tanks/ponds) and exposure of borrow areas. § Changes in local water abundance leading to

alterations in hydrological regime (groundwater) and may impact water quality.

§ Interference in stream flow for land reclamation. § Increased water availability may change

cropping pattern leading to increased use of fertilizers, insecticides etc, which may pollute local water sources and stream system.

§ New breeding grounds for mosquitoes and possible increase in waterborne and water related diseases if village tanks/ponds are not routinely cleaned reducing water quality.

§ Changes in micro-climatic variables – temperature and humidity and localized water logging.

§ Eutrophication/algal growth due to increased nutrient levels in local streams.

§ Reduction in stream bank erosion and reduction in channel-bed gradients.

§ Use of water resources by influential farmers more than those with small land holdings giving rise to inequity in r esource sharing.

§ Proper design of spillways for disposal of excess water.

§ Ensure strong apron, deep toe wall and sufficient foundations for safety of erosion control structures.

§ Locate structures on stable sites. § Spurs or other stream bank protection

measures must not cause drainage congestion. Design spurs with narrow angles.

§ Avoid major water harvesting structure near/above habitation.

§ Take proper measures against siltation. § Undertake regular participatory

monitoring and cleaning of water bodies. § Make rehabilitation/planting of borrow

areas a part of plan. § Select borrow areas preferably in gully

beds, not above the submergence area. § No earth be taken from down stream

sides. § Design deflecting type spurs not

attracting/repealing types. § Prefer retaining walls over spurs at

narrow area. § Integrate vegetation along spurs to

reduce velocity of flow. § No spurs be made opposite to each other

on both banks. § Workout resource sharing systems along

with cost sharing mechanisms with user groups.

Arable land development (Agriculture/ Horticulture/

§ Increased use of fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides leading to pollution of streams/rivers.

§ Unsafe use practices of insecticides leading to

§ Implement IPM strategy. § Encourage use of bio-fertilizers and

organic arming. § Set up vermi-compost units.


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Agroforestry) § Farm bunding § Vegetative field

boundaries § On farm fodder

production § Rain-fed crop

demonstration § Promotion of

high value crops

§ Introduction of IPM measures

health hazards. § Majority farmers taking up single high value

crop over a large area leading to problems of surplus.

§ Monoculture of high value crops leading to deficiencies in soil nutrient status.

§ Depletion of soil fertility due to extensive farming.

§ Expanding agriculture and horticulture (establishment of orchards), which is economically viable, results in increased number of cases of encroachment on forestlands.

§ Horti cultural crops may bring in additional pests and related problems.

§ Increased irrigation requirements leading to exploitation of groundwater and also pumping of water from streams/rivers.

§ Fruit crops may compete with food crops for water, space, sunlight and other inputs.

§ Farmers will large landholdings may benefit more economically than others.

§ Promote use of mulch, where useful, for moisture conservation and organic matter buildup.

§ Promote a mix of vegetables, fruits and other profitable farm practices.

§ Develop and maintain marketing tie -ups. § Ensure proper awareness and

demonstration packages for popularizing IPM approach.

§ Ensure that bio-control agents are available on time.

§ Identify and correct unscientific farm practices that allow pest buildup.

§ Ensure that small and marginal farmers are covered in the sub -rojects and are given priority over owners of large landholdings.

Animal Husbandry § Livestock

healthcare § Breeding

centers § Stall feeding § Livestock

reduction § Supplementary

livestock feeding

§ Multiple fodder options

§ Increased risk of high incidence grazing/browsing in natural areas.

§ Non-availability or inadequate nutritious fodder may reduce the number of improved cattle and also lead to decline of yield/productivity.

§ Increased incidences of bacterial and parasitic diseases and increase in ticks and lice.

§ Increased chances of spread of diseases by livestock to wild animals in PAs when freely grazing in buffer zones.

§ Lack of cryogenic storage facilities for preservation of vaccines and pre and postnatal care of animals and associated costs.

§ Post project maintenance of improved cattle. § Change in work profile of community for

collection of fodder to maintain stall-feeding. § Improper collection and storage of heaps of

dung. § Stall-feeding may increase workload for women

due to collection of fodder.

§ Introduce and encourage livestock owners to adopt IPM approach.

§ Ensure that livestock is disease free in buffer zones, especially freely grazing livestock that may enter PAs.

§ Promote stall -feeding and hygienic conditions of cattlesheds.

§ Replicate ‘Paravet’ model of IWDP (Hills II) and ensure proper training of ‘paravets’.

§ Simultaneously develop alternate fodder sources on farms etc.

§ Supplement fodder with nutritive feeds. § Introduce improved cattle breeds after

some development of fodder resources. § As far as possible develop fodder

sources close to villages/on farms.

Rural Infrastructure § Rural roads § Potable water § Marketing/post-

harvesting infrastructure

§ Need for additional land. § Encroachment on agricultural/ forestlands for

road building. § Increased risk of landslides due to faulty road

building activity. § Risks associated with construction activities,

dumping of material, increased roadside erosion.

§ Increased silt load in streams through improper and casual disposal of debris leading to obstruction of drainage system.

§ Loss of vegetation cover in road repair and chances of fire incidence.

§ Increased risk of weed invasion on freshly

§ Encourage Panchayats to locate infrastructure on barren and wastelands

§ Make use of recent Government guidelines (F. No. 11-9/98 -FC dated 03 January 2005) for diversion of forestland for non-forest purposes to Government Departments

§ As far as possible locate infrastructure on Panchayat lands; minimize diversion of forestland for non-forestry purposes.

§ Avoid fragmentation of intact habitat patches.

§ Ensure proper road orientation and stabilization structures (toe walls etc).


33



created roadside habitats and slopes. § Limited use of assets created. § Facility for enhanced transportation of

agricultural produce. § Decision for laying connecting paths/roads may

be influenced to favour some and thus give rise to issues related to inclusiveness.

§ Slope stabilization and transportation of debris to an environmentally safe disposal site.

§ Undertake constructions during dry season.

§ Form user groups for working out access arrangement, upkeep and maintenance of roads.

§ Implement proper monitoring plan for performance of assets by involving local people.

§ Develop cost-sharing norms. § Ensure that decision-making process

includes poor and marginal communities and that they are given preferance in connectivity.

Project Coordination § Staff training § Office

infrastructure § MIS § Communication

& Awareness

§ Staff trained is transferred or given responsibility not in line with training received.

§ Training provided much later than the implementation of activity for which training is required.

§ Project cost increased due to expensive trainers and training modules.

§ Duplication of existing office infrastructure to meet financial targets.

§ Heavy reliance of MIS on GIS. § In appropriate selection of scale and frequency

in GIS based monitoring. § Concerns raised in ESA not properly addressed. § Stakeholders not fully aware about project

interventions and their roles. Responsibilities and impacts.

§ Take a policy decision and document it that post training staff will not be transferred for at least two years.

§ Ensure that the training schedule/ calendar is developed, disseminated and adhered to.

§ As far as possible, encourage use of local resource persons and institutions for training.

§ List available and essential office items; avoid allocating huge outlays for office infrastructure.

§ Encourage use of GIS in planning, e.g. identification of priority watersheds, land use, vegetation cover, extent of soil erosion, representation of topography etc.

§ For impact assessment/evaluation, capture signatures over large areas (capture cover change in 4-5 years).

§ Environment and Social Cell to ensure ESA concerns are addressed during sub -projects implementation.

§ Ensure IEC and Capacity Building strategies are implemented as per timelines and community is sufficiently mobilized to receive information and act on it.

Whereas, likely negative impacts of project activities are listed above, some of the positive impacts are mentioned below:

• Increased crop production. Vegetable cultivation could promote use of organic manures, including vermi-compost and reduce use of inorganic fertilizers.

• Farmers could replace scrub cattle with jersey cows, which are essentially stall-fed leading to decreased grazing pressure on grasslands.


34

• Farmlands could support lot of multipurpose trees and fruit plants with large number of environmental benefits and increased biomass that could supplement fodder sources.

• Most farmlands can be protected by stone walls/berms and develop bench-terraced lands leading to reduced incidence of soil erosion. The land quality could be improved to get higher yields of vegetable crops.

• The practice of burning pasturelands for promoting growth of grasses, once bushes dominate them could be checked with the improvement of pasturelands.

• The project, with its soil and water conservation measures, could reduce soil, water and nutrient losses from the treated watersheds.

• Project activities could lead to moderation of floods and down stream damages to infrastructure, inundation of lands and sand casting can be reduced.

• Project could result in increased perenniality of streams and springs, augment clean drinking water, groundwater regime and soil moisture.

• Increase employment opportunities and incomes could lead to poverty reduction.

• Project activities could empower women and other marginalized groups through skill -development and capacity building.

6 LEGAL AND REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT Several Acts, Rules and Polices (World Bank safeguard and Forest Policies) of the GoI and the State of HP as listed below in Tables 15, 16, 17 and 18 exist pertaining to the Forest sector as well as safeguarding the physical and social environment. The implementation of the mid hills project should be in consistency with the existing legal and regulatory mechanisms. 6.1 Settlement of Forest Rights in HP Indian Forest Act defines three classes of Government forests – Reserved Forests (Chapter II), Village Forests (Chapter III) and Protected Forests (Chapter IV). The most restricted category is “reserved forests” where most uses by local people are prohibited unless specifically allowed in the course of “settlement”. In “protected forests” the Govt. retains the power to issue rules regarding the use of such forests, but in the absence of such rules, most practices are allowed. In the case of “village forests”, the state Government may assign to village community the rights of the Government over any land, which has been constituted a reserved forest, but no use of these provisions has been made so far. The Forest Settlement under IFA has resulted in configuration of settled rights in HP, the most noteworthy feature of which is the system of Timber Distribution (TD) rights where by landholding households are entitled to periodic grant of valuable timber at nominal rates for domestic use.


35

Table 15: Various State Acts/Rules/Notifications and their implications Act/ Rules/ Notification

Regulatory

Authority

Provisions for

People’s access to

forest produce

Process of Implementatio

n

Who gives

Permission

Implications Recommendations

H.P. Land Preservation Rules, 1983

HPFD & Revenue Department

Felling of trees from private lands is regulated under the Rules

Application to DFO. Area to be demarcated by revenue Officer and Range Officer. Marking of trees by Forest Officer. Felling at 10 year cycle.

DFO/CF/PCCF depending upon the number of trees to be felled.

No trees granted at right rates for next 10 years who sells timber trees from his private land. Permission Process is generally time consuming.

Six species viz., Poplar, Eucalyptus, Albizia, Bauhinia, Willow and mulberry exempted from the purview of 10 years felling program. Owner can fell up to five trees from his land for personal use without permission every year. To exempt more trees GO No. 15-4/ 71 S- II (27-8-80) under LPA needs amendment.

H.P. Forest Produce Regulation of Trade Act, 1982

HPFD Felling trees of scheduled species for sale is regulated under this Act.

Application to DFO. Area to be demarcated by Revenue Officer and Range Officer. Marking of trees by Forest Officer. Felling at 10 year cycle. Trees to be sold only to Forest Corporation.

DFO/CF/PCCF depending upon number of trees to be felled.

No trees granted at right holder rates for next 10 years who sells trees from his private land. Permission Process is generally time consuming. Some time price of trees received from Forest Cor poration is not remunerative.

Some suitable method needs to be evolved to ensure proper price of trees to the owners. Payment of price of trees to the owners should be fast. Section 7 of the Act needs review.

H.P. Resin & Resin products (Regulation of Trade) Act, 1981

HPFD and Forest Corporati-on

Tapping of private pine trees for resin.

Application to DFO. Tapping to be done by registered persons

DFO Price of resin to be fixed by Govt. in consultation with Advisory Committee.

If the owner is unable to tap trees on his land, the Govt. can get these tapped on his behalf. Payment to owners should be fast and remunerative. Section 7 of the Act needs review.

H.P. Forest Produce Transit (Land Routes) Rules, 1978

HPFD Forest produce can only be transported with a pass from DFO

Forest produce must bear an imprint of registered mark. Valid pass to be shown at check post.

DFO Forest produce without valid transport pass can be detained along with vehicle. Forest produce Without registered mark can also be detained along with vehicle.

The forest produce obtained from exempt trees growing on private land should be exempt from the provisions of Transit rules. Section 11 of the Rules needs amendment.


36

Act/ Rules/ Notification

Regulatory

Authority

Provisions for


forest produce


n

Who gives

Permission


H.P. Forest (Sale of Timber) Act, 1968 Rules, 1969

HPFD Depot for timber sale, saw mill is opened only with the permission of Govt.

Registration of marks. Maintenance of registers/record. Inspection of register by forest officer.

DFO/ Govt.

By amendment (1985), saw mills are included in the definition of depot. Procedure to set up a saw mill is lengthy.

Presently, Govt. permission is needed (DFO) to establish a saw mill to check uncontrolled proliferation of saw mills. Process is very lengthy, these powers should be decentralized.

PFM Rules, 2000

HPFD The members will be entitled to usufruct sharing on equity basis. The family will be one unit for usufruct sharing. 75% of net sale proceeds will go to society and 25% to G.P.

Any Govt. forest and Govt. land including common land can be brought under JFM on request from 50% of the members of G.P.

DFO Since presently only degraded forests will be brought under JFM, these areas may not provide immediate and quick benefits to the community.

JFM should be extended to good forest areas also. Recorded rights should not be affected by benefits available to the members in JFM areas. These should be equitable benefit sharing. Sanjhi Van Yojna – 2001 Clause 4(IV), which provide for only degraded forests need amendment so as to include good forests .

The Chamba MPF exploitation and Export Act, 1946

HPFD Chamba state land holders who pay revenue can collect MAPs on permit on payment @ Re.1, non right holders pay Rs 15

Application to DFO for collection of MAPs Export permit shall be obtained from DFO specifying the person from whom the product was purchased

DFO Rotational closure of area for collection of MAPs This act applicable only within territory of chamba district (Erstwhile Chamba Estate)

Uniform regulation/ rules/act for collection of MAPs for entire HP Right holders should be free to collect MAPs as per rights Single Act for the entire State need to be enacted.

Manufacture of drugs and their export rules, Chamba 1947

HPFD Permission for grant of license for manufacture of herbs/drugs can be obtained from DFO

Application to DFO DFO verify source from which MAP procured Trade name of manufactured produce to be exported will be mentioned in application Name of exact place where manufacture done should be given in

DFO Export of manufactured MAP will be done thru specified routes export after sunset can only be done with permission FD can stop and check forest produce in transit Rules are applicable in

Uniform regulation/ rules/act for collection of MAPs for entire HP Uniform Rules for entire State need to be notified


37

Act/ Rules/ Notification

Regulatory

Authority

Provisions for


forest produce


n

Who gives

Permission


application Quantity exported be mentioned

chamba only

Mandi state minor forest produce exploitation and export act 1940

HPFD Right holders can collect MAPs as per rights Export of MAP with permit from DFO export permit is issued on payment of Rs25/ annum

Except by right holder collection will be done with permission from DFO Area of collection to be mentioned in application

DFO No license holder shall exploit sources in a ruthless and haphazard manner Rotational closure of area for MAP collection

Uniform Act for the whole Act should be enacted. Right holders should be free to collect MAPs as per rights Single Act for the entire State need to be enacted.

6.1.1 Impact of TD Rights As the Rights are extended to landless or persons with small holdings, naturally the resources will be further burdened with increase in number of holdings and dwelling units as a result of family division and succession. TD Rights are exercised as per provision of forest settlements carried out more than hundred years ago. The rights are generally specific to the revenue village where the habitation is located. Many a time exercise of TD right is done unmindful of the silvicultural availability or forest conservancy. Also it leads to sporadic and unsystematic felling near the village, which makes closure of areas and process of regeneration difficult. Successive State Governments have tried to curb the misuse of TD, by bringing in proposals to enhance TD rates and give these some semblance to the market rates12, but these have fallen through due to political compulsions. Allotment of timber need be regulated in relation to quantity and frequency of granting and the process will be more transparent if allotment is done through Gram Sabhas. Although the project is not going to include TD or related issues as its sub-projects, it could, however,

12 Rates for TD vs Market Rates are in a ratio of about 1:5000

Extension of rights to landless and tribals • As per notification dated 13.3.1987 the persons who acquired ownership of land under tenancy act or

under the provisions of land reform act, or Govt. scheme providing land to landless will enjoy the concession of getting trees for bonafide use.

• As per Govt. order dated 16.10.89 the persons who pay land revenue less than 50 paise will also be entitled for one tree at right holder rates for construction of a new house.

• The Govt. vide its orders dated 10.12.1986 decided that: Min-Khata holders of Kullu who acquired ow nership of land under land tenancy or under any other provisions of Land Reforms Act or any Govt. Scheme will enjoy the concession of getting timber for their bonafide domestic use.

• Tribal Min-Khata holders of Himachal Pradesh settled in Kullu will get the concession on timber for bonafide domestic use at one place of their choice including Kullu district after getting their rights of getting TD in other districts extinguished.

• Tribals will be allowed to enjoy their rights/ concessions once in seven years at one place starting from the latest grant in an area.


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gnerate awareness regarding systemic felling and ensuring natural regeneration in areas from where timber has been taken out in the long run. 6.2 Right to Information Act and need for a Legal Literacy Campaign

Meaningful involvement of people requires better and timely access to information, which at times is denied/withheld. The Right to Information Act, could ensure timely access to information regarding project activities. This will pave the way to more transparent working. The necessary information may be displayed on the notice boards kept outside Range/DFO/Panchayat Office. Detailed work plans; financial outlays and expenditure incurred should be displayed. School walls could be used for writing the necessary information. The information about the grantees of TD, work orders, recipient of export permits for MAPs etc should invariably be displayed prominently so that general public has an easy access to such information. This would also build synergy in the implementation framework and reduce conflicts. Since a large number of Acts/Rules etc are prevalent in the context of the project, it would be useful to implement a legal literacy campaign for various stakeholders.

Table 16: Various National Acts and their implications Act/Policy Relevance to the Project Status

Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

The project is not likely to support any activity that entails discharging of effluents or sewage, untreated or otherwise, into the streams or other water bodies and, therefore, will not be affected by the provisions of this Act.

Not applicable

Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

The project is unlikely to support any activity that may lead to air pollu tion and, therefore, the provisions of this Act will not apply.

Not applicable

Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and EIA Notification, 1994

The proposed mid-Himalayas project is not likely to support large civil projects or entail any activity that has a negative bearing on the environment, hence the provisions of this Act will not be applicable.

Not applicable

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

If the project extends to PA, then the relevant clearances under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) will be neede d. The project is not going to be implemented in PAs so provisions will not apply.

Not applicable

Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

Any non-forest activity undertaken on forestland with the objective of providing benefits to individuals, communities, villag es, Panchayats will require clearance under the Forest Conservation Act (1980). GOI has recently issued guidelines (F. No. 11-9/98-FC dated 03 January 2005) for diversion of forestland for non-forest purposes under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 – General Approval under Section 2 of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for diversion of forest land to Government Departments for certain developmental activities.

Applicable


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Table 17: Various World Bank Safe Guard Policies and their implications

Act/Policy Relevance to the Project Status Environmental Assessment (BP/OP 4.01)

Activities like prevention of soil erosion, reducing run off, promoting proper water resources management, development of arable and non-arable lands, restoration of pastures etc will be undertaken. It would also undertake construction, repair, rehabilitation, reconstruction and upgrading (where necessary) of damaged or new water harvesting structures, connecting roads/paths, footbridges etc.

Triggered

Forestry (OP 4.36) Activities have the potential to impact significantly upon forest areas. The forestry component proposed in the project promotes afforestation, enhance environmental contribution of forest areas and encourage economic development. Logging operations are not part of the activities.

Triggered

Pest Management (OP 4.09)

Application of pesticides is envisaged under the project to combat various pests. The project may affect pest management in a way that harm could be done (improper handling of pesticides)

Triggered

Indigenous Peoples (OD 4.20)

There are indigenous peoples (tribal people in Indian context) in the project area and potential adverse impacts on indigenous peoples are anticipated. Indigenous peoples are among the intended beneficiaries.

Triggered

Natural Habitat (OP 4.04) The project is not likely to support/finance any activity that would entail significant conversion, loss or degradation of natural habitats (directly or indirectly).

Triggered

Involuntary Resettlement (OP 4.12)

There is no land acquisition in specific subproject areas proposed under the project and the project does not involve any involuntary resettlement.

Not triggered

Cultural Properties (OPN 11.03)

There is no risk of project activities damaging cultural property.

Not triggered

Safety of Dams (OP/BP 4.37)

Small dams (lower than 15 m height) include farm ponds, local silt retention dams, and low embankment tanks etc for whom generic dam safety measures designed by qualified engineers are usually adequate. No big dam is located in the project area and the project also does not envisage construction of a new large dam.

Not triggered

Projects in Disputed Areas (OP/BP /GP 7.60)

There are no disputed areas within the project area.

Not triggered

Projects on International Waterways (OP /BP/GP 7.50)

There are no international waterways in the project area.

Not triggered


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Table 18: Salient features of HP State Forest Policy and National Forest Policy Name of Forest

Policy Salient features

H.P. State Forest Policy, 1980

• Forest Policy is to be an integral part of land use policy and is to take into account the available land resources to meet the conflicting dem ands of different segments of the society for land.

• A crash afforestation programme to be formulated to increase the area under forests.

• Fellings to be carried out strictly in accordance with the prescriptions of sanctioned working plans.

• Rationalisation of timber distribution rights for bonafide domestic use. • Demarcation of all un-demarcated and un -classed forests and completion

of forest settlements in ext 10 years. • Wild life wing to be strengthened.

National Forest Policy, 1988

• Ensure environmental stability and maintenance of ecological balance and must be sub-ordinated to this principal. Forests not to be looked upon as source of revenue.

• Conservation of total biological diversity through Protected Area network. • Massive afforestation programme with emphasis on fuelwood and fodder

development. • No forest to be worked without the approved management plan. • The requirements of the community based on rights and concessions

should always remain within the carrying capacity of forests. • The domestic requirement of tribals and other poor should be the first

charge on forest produce. • The right holders in forest should be motivated to identify themselves with

the protection and development of forests from which they derive benefits. • A massive peoples movement with the involvement of women needs to be

created. 6.3 Political, institutional and conflict risks surrounding NRM

• The investment input in forestry is grossly inadequate compared to economic output derived from the forests

• Appropriate land use policy for the state needs to be adopted, absence of which is impacting on NRM activities

• Liberal rights and concessions granted to local people more than a century ago are impacting upon sustainable management of forests and are also a source of potential conflicts between HPFD and right holders and also amongst the right holders

• The conflict between the pressure on forests to meet ever-increasing demands of the village communities, which are to be considered the first charge on forests and the principal aim of the policy to ensure environmental stability needs to be resolved

• The provision in the National Forest Policy that the requirements of the community based on rights and concessions should always remain related to the carrying capacity of forests presents difficulties in implementation

• The problem of grazing of a large number of livestock in the forests beyond the carrying capacity is a conflict risk

• The goal laid down in the National Forest Policy, 1988 to bring two thirds of geographical area in hilly state of HP needs review in view of the large proportion of the state area lying under permanent snows and above tree limit

• JFM rules need amendments to allow works through PRI


41

7 STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS A stakeholder analysis (Table 19) was carried out to find out who are the stakeholders and what are their rights, responsibilities, returns and relationships with regard to natural resources in context of the project. It not only maps the stakes on natural resources but also shows where there is synergy and conflicts with regard to sustainable natural resource use and enhancement.

Table 19: Stakeholder analysis STAKEHOLDERS RIGHTS RESPONSIBILITIES RETURNS RELATIONSHIPS Nomadic group (ST)

Customary rights (for which official recognition is sought) – grazing in open areas Limited formal rights, particularly because the group has no administrative ‘home’

Traditional management and protection of natural resources No formal, legal responsibilities related to natural resources.

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs), crops and other forest goods; environmental services, homesteads;

Customary rights over land and forest resources not recognized by the state - conflict Weak relationship with villagers - conflict Weak relationship with public bodies - conflict Social security through patron – client relationship with some villagers – synergy Use of livestock for manuring farms of villagers in return of grazing – synergy

Villagers (SC/OBC/Children/ Men)

Customary rights on some resources - NTFPs Formal rights on timber, grazing, firewood, lopping, resin Compensation for wildlife damage

Traditional management and protection of natural resources Formal, legal responsibilities related to natural resources protection of forests against fire, illicit felling, encroachments and no grazing in new plantations Very nominal fee for TD (1:5000 – right rate: market rates)

Timber and NTFPs, income, labour in forestry works, and other forest goods; environmental services; benefits from land (including grazing)

Formal rights over land and forest resources recognized by the state – synergy Weak relationship with nomads because the latter were officially allowed to ‘occupy’ customary lands – conflict Access to natural resources (grazing, TD, firewood), delay in compensation controlled by Forest Department – conflict

Women Customary rights on fuel wood and fodder – free collection from forest Leaves for manure and dona/pattal

Report illicit felling/ theft Prevent grazing in closed areas Protect new plantations

Income from NTFPs (MAP) Basic needs met with free fuelwood and fodder Stakes for vegetables

Most dependent stakeholders self-prompted to manage resources – synergy Good relationship with project activities – synergy Ownership of assets not defined; often struggle with equity and inclusiveness issues – conflict

Panchayats and village institutions (VDCs, VFDS, SHGs)

Specific wildlife species damaging crops may be killed with FD permission

Prevent illicit felling Protect young plantations Support Forest

Income from PFM forests Royalty proceeds from

Being constitutional body Panchayats are well -accepted by community as well as government –


42

STAKEHOLDERS RIGHTS RESPONSIBILITIES RETURNS RELATIONSHIPS Role in identifying beneficiaries for TD Maintenance of assets and natural resources Rights to access resources developed through project

Department in preventing forest fires Fair identification for TD – prevent misuse Issue permits for collection of MAP Formal responsibilities for increasing natural resources through projects

MAP Cost-sharing mechanisms established for increasing resource base at village level Increased participation in decision-making

synergy Planning for management of natural resources during microplan preapartion – synergy Roles of VLIs in implementation overlap with those of Panchayats – conflict

Settlers (Gujjars) Formal rights over registered land-holding under resettlement programs (rights of inheritance)

Develop agricultural land-holdings under resettlement program No formal, legal responsibilities related to forest resources Respect customary rights of original inhabitants over land and tree resources

Crops and perennial products from registered land -holdings under resettlement program

Even though land holdings have been awarded, the community largely remains nomadic exerting pressure on resources – conflict

Sawmill owners Official license-holders hold official permits for sawing

No formal, legal responsibilities License-holders pay levies

Income from the sale of products, the services provided, or wage labour

Working and commercial relationships with villagers Official relationship with government in the case of license-holders – synergy

Himachal Pradesh State Forest Corporation

Logging rights Job Creation Sustainable practices of natural resource management

Financial benefits Homes for staff

Poor relations hip with villagers, as logging is pitted against rights – conflict Official relationship with Panchayat – synergy

Forest Department Rights to give permits regarding forest products (including timber) Rights to arrest illegal users Rights to propose resource management policies/procedures

Implement government forestry policies, programs and management plans Arrest illegal users Implementation of management/working plans

Policy and program objectives met Recognition of authority (respect/fear) Financial benefits

Relationship with villagers by and large congenial, improving with PFM approach and various projects – synergy Relationship with stakeholders stressed due to protection of PA where dependence on forests is high – conflict

Line Departments (Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, RD and Panchayati Raj)

Support social and economic development of communities through schemes/projects Technical support and resources development – fodder, livestock, crops, fruit trees

Implement watershed development and pro-poor schemes like sericulture, dairy development, rural roads, orchards, farm practices etc Formal responsibility to enhance natural resource base

Poverty alleviation Policy and program objectives met Financial benefits

Relationship with community good, as they augment natural resource base and provide alternatives to meet communities’ needs – synergy Participatory planning and implementation issues like equity and inclusiveness – Conflicts


43

7.1 Equity & Gender Perspective Stakeholder analysis revealed that women are one of the most important stakeholder groups within the project context and there are critical issues concerning them and other marginalized groups that have a bearing on project implementation and outcomes. The extent to which concerns relatet to gender, equity, inclusiveness and transparency are addressed in various on going schemes in the State are deliberated under Section 8.4.1, Table 21. Based on the field survey during ESA, identified critical issues are highlighted below: • No woman has legal ownership of land or any other economic assets, except

when it is transferred in a women’s name after husband’s death. • In absence of any economic asset in their names, and since credit availability is

linked to land tenure, banks are unsympathetic to women borrowers. The proposed project should emphasize on giving ownership of assets to women to make them economically independent and empowered.

• Women are often marginalized in the implementation of watershed projects at community level due to community attitudes. Although women are the traditional managers of the natural resources, these roles are taken away as new technologies are introduced on the assumption that men (not women) should be trained in the maintenance of the facilities. For example, men are trained and employed fully as nursery labour, while women are only trained to fill packets for potting material and are expected to work as volunteers.

• Landless women, agricultural workers of SC categories are skeptical of any of the benefits trickling down to them, as per their experiences with earlier projects. The project must have institutional mechanisms that ensure equity and inclusiveness, such as their representation in VLIs and decision-making processes, which should be adequately monitored during implementation.

• In common, marginal and small landholdings of poor people do not allow them to earn substantially to feed large-sized families. Low income and more mouths to feed significantly affects quality of life of the poor.

• Low affordability for health and education services affects the well being of poor people in the village. Poor, women headed households and settled Gujjar families lack health and basic sanitation facilities.

• Men consider water as women's responsibilit y and place a lower value on saving women's time and effort. Women are caught in a vicious circle - without improved water supplies they have no spare time for income generating activities, but without the income they cannot pay for new facilities. In prac tice, the water using community is predominated by women, whereas men form and control decision-making. Hardships faced by women increases in summer when most of the water sources provide very little water and hand pumps go dry and they have to travel over large distances to fetch drinking water.

• Women, mostly of lower castes, are engaged in fire wood collection. Upper caste women do not venture out to collect wood. Restriction on entering forests and collection of forest products has affected natural resource-based economy of many poor households of the villages.

• Limited income options for the disabled due to inaccessibility and their subsequent exclusion in mainstream development process lmit their participation.


44

• People belonging to vulnerable groups (other than traibal communities) are often leftout in equitable benefit flow and access/sharing mechanisms (connecting paths not passing through their hamlets, projects/schemes operating in more affluent wards/villages).

8 INSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS In a given Panchayat within the project area, there is a multiple institutional mechanism that exists. Projects of various Departments are implemented, mostly through PRIs, and in turn PRIs are an institution in themselves with constitutional validity. In fact PRIs are the local institutions of governance, which places the decision-making at the level of the community. However, PRIs are ill equipped with inadequate capacities and support to effectively undertake implementation of the tasks of 15 departments devolved to them. There are gaps and conflicts in NRM and resource accessing at the PRI, village, community and individual level. Poor and marginalized groups are often sidelined and are under represented in decision-making processes, which in turn affects them the most, as they are largely dependent on natural resources (as discussed earlier). Consequently, equity, inclusiveness, participation and transparency issues become potential sources of conflicts, especially in context of NRM. However, a number of VLIs (a veraging 6-7) were observed in the sample Panchayats, as given in Table 20. Women’s institutions that include SHGs and Mahila mandals and Devta committees together with forest institutions like VDC/VFDS/C are probably the most important local institutions, which are involved in some or the other way in natural resource management. It is these bodies that link more strongly to SC and ST who are often dependent on natural resources. Institutions have different objectives and except for Panchayat also seemed to be of ad-hoc nature. Apart from Devta/ Masjid committee and Gaon sudhar sabhas that people consider their own institutions, the rest appear13 externally thrust VLIs that are in some way linked to a government or external program.

Table 20: Village institutions in selected Panchayats Panchayat/ VDC* Village institutions Nanowal* Gram Panchayat, mahila mandal, yuvak mandal, SHG, masjid committee,

VDC, user groups (IWDP) Namhol/ Ghial Gram Panchayat, mahila mandal, yuvak mandal, SHG, Mandir committee,

dairy cooperative, Ward Yojna Dal (HPFSRP), VFDS (SVY), watershed committee

Kiarad Kalog* Gram Panchayat, mahila mandal, yuvak mandal, SHG, VDC, user group Karganu Gram Panchayat, mahila mandal, yuvak mandal, VFDS, gram sudhar

sabha Rantadi Gram Panchayat, mahila mandal, yuvak mandal, SHG, VFDS, watershed

committee, devta committee, PTA Rangad Gram Panchayat, mahila mandal, yuvak mandal, SHG, watershed

committee 13 As shared by stakeholders in most Panchayats


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8.1 Institutional Learning in IWDP (Hills II) Three-village level institutions VDC, SHG and User Group were observed in sample Panchayats of IWDP. VDCs with a general house included all households who paid a token membership fee. Different sections of the society were given representation by nominating or electing them to the executive committee. Women were given reservation of minimum 33% where as in some VDCs it even reached 50% reflecting the importance women got in the project. This success was credited to the efforts of Participatory Development Coordinator and the team of Facilitators who themselves being women ensured that the women members get maximum benefits. To further strengthen their contribution in the project SHGs were formed which gave them the opportunity for being together and taking collective decisions, handling the money tha t they saved and revolved as loan for meeting emergency and production needs. These SHGs and User groups helped the village economy grow through income generation activities that were supported by the project. A total of 254 SHGs were formed of which 170 were found to be very good in terms of sustainability during the final impact evaluation of IWDP. Though during the project period these institutions got continuous support from the project in terms of capacity building, monitoring and hands on experience, but it was too early to withdraw from the area as these institutions got into the functional mode only post MTR and there was very little time left for working on sustainability plans. The ESA reflected that the institutions still needed support in terms of group development, capacity building efforts for operation and maintenance of assets and establishing proper linkages. To ensure sustainability of institutions, it would have required minimum three more years. Still it could be well assumed that the SHGs and the user groups that have their own financial resources could sustain better than the financially weak VDCs. Still the project institutions would stand better chances of sustainability than the other government schemes like SHGs formed under ICDS, SGSY and agriculture department where the focus remained on organizing the groups to meet the targets and limited efforts have been made to strengthen the institutions with a long term vision. Important lessons emerged from IWDP in context of ensuring equitable benefit sharing, inclusiveness of marginalized groups, participation of landless/poor/nomads and transparency in the implementation process. These lessons are presented below.

Lessons learnt from IWDP (Hills-II) • Through the institutional development focus under IWDP (Hills-II), Village Development Committees, User Groups and Self

Help Groups process of empowerment was initiated among different sections of the community and a feeling of inclusiveness was also developed.

• The VDC revolving fund and savings generated by Self Help Groups (SHGs) remained the most powerful vehicle for economic participation and social change at village level, involving the community around common economic interests.

• Access to credit through the village level funds had been critical in ensuring the project sustainability. • VDC, User group and SHG members through trainings and exposure visits, have build capacities to develop/evolve

effective institutional procedures for managing group processes, fund growth and for protection of common property resources.

• The provision of social fund in the post Mid-Term, marginalized sections especially women proved to be more responsive to project interventions. Landless, artisans and marginalized farmers were also integrated through conscious efforts to bring them in the mainstream.

• Community assets were better managed and a feeling of ownership emerged through cost-sharing mechanisms under the project.

• Transparency of decision-making and resource allocation is important to ensure that all community members are fully aware of project activities and benefits. Several participatory planning tools, such as social mapping and detailing of project interventions along with the amount spent displayed through project boards at central places, have been used successfully for ensuring transparency at village level.

• Watershed interventions as a land-based approach, needs to take into account the marginal groups including women, landless and nomadic tribes, who may not directly benefit from project interventions unless targeted efforts are made by the project to cater to their specific needs.

• The scope for replication was visible, but within same Panchayat few areas remained untreated, thus proposed project should leverage its resources going beyond target watersheds and encouraging statewide initiatives in capacity-building and policy reforms that will yield wider benefits, especially when a strategy to work through Panchayats is to be actualized.


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8.2 Component wise learning from IWDP Forestry

q Under the strategy of 100% works through VDCs all plantations were raised by VDC except for the areas far from the villages. Community took the responsibility to protect and manage the plantations.

q The village institutions gained confidence, their capacity to manage plantations and decision making for sharing usufructs increased by training and exposure visits.

Agriculture q Through awareness camps and demonstrations to ensure environmental safeguards, use of

IPM and bio-pesticides was increased and farmers became aware about the restricted use of pesticides, which led to increased awareness on harmful banned pesticides.

q The project interventions supported increase in crop yield through better variety seeds and inputs provided on cost sharing basis.

q Majority of the cultivated area is rainfed, the use of chemical fertilizers was not much in use, and vermicomposting was adopted as a good manuring practice besides promoting it as an income generating activity for SHGs of women.

Livestock q There has been increased adoption of stall-feeding instead of open grazing through provision

of cattle sheds, chaff cutters and mangers. q Artificial inseminations and natural bull breeding activities have been quite helpful in livestock

development and increasing milk production. q Veterinary camps, mass drenching, vaccination and first aid services provided at the farmers’

doorstep through paravets boosted livestock development. q Support provided through mobile veterinary services to Gaddis and Gujjars helped them save

flocks and herds dying due to hailstorm and diseases. Horticulture

q Community was motivated to use the rainfed area unsuitable for agriculture by cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers and medicinal plants.

q Availability of suitable planting material and package of practices helped increase production. Water resource management and harvesting

q Water resource management through construction and repair of bawadis, ponds, rain water harvesting, and creating new sources for irrigation by way of constructing irrigation tanks and WHS, helped in bringing large area under irrigation in the project area.

q Reducing their time to fetch drinking water for family and cattle benefited women. q VDCs and User groups carried out works on their own thereby facilitating employment

generation for margi nal groups. Soil conservation woks

q Top to bottom catchments treatment for soil erosion and degradation helped in restoration of watershed areas.

q This intervention helped in increasing the area under agriculture. q Local community members got trained for maintenance and upkeep of the structures made.

Infrastructure support q Increased accessibility of villages through village paths and footbridges helped in easy

marketing of agriculture produce, children could go to school without breaks during monsoon, increased access to health services especially during emergencies.

q Ponds and bawadis provided water facility for gaddis and gujjars. Income Generation Activities

q Diversification of income generation opportunities supported the marginalized, who have limited options and capital to pursue business.

q Out migration of youth in search of livelihoods was checked to some extent. q Increased access to cash in hand through different IGAs helped women to attend to

emergency needs.


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8.3 Geographic Unit for Project Implementation In IWDP Hills II, silt deposition behind drainage line treatment structures expressed as annual deposit rate indicated that it was below 2 t/ha/year for 10 out of 15 micro watersheds surveyed. Flow volume increased by 10 to 50% of the baseline values and perenniality of water channels increased by 16% on the average. This is possible only when the whole watershed is treated to contain erosion and consequent soil loss covering both arable and non-arable lands. The watershed management literature also suggest that a micro-watershed of about 1000 ha be taken as unit of development in which site specific and need based package of practices be adopted on all land use systems and land forms starting from top to bottom. A study on hydrological behaviour of small watersheds conducted by HPKVV assessed (i) the hydrological processes under different land use systems; (ii) effects of conservation measures on major components of watersheds hydrology, sediment yield and availability of water; and (iii) models for optimum management of natural resources for sustained productivity in analogous ecosystems. They considered three land use scenarios involving pasture micro-watershed, mixed land use sub-watershed and whole watershed. After three years of treatment (2002-2004), runoff obtained as percent of rainfall varied approximately between 47-55%, 41-46% and 33-38% in pasture, mixed land use and the entire watershed respectively indicating that treatment of whole watershed yields better results than treating only part of it. As was seen in IWDP, there are more benefits when treatment covers the whole watershed (top to bottom) rather than only Panchayat lands or sporadic treatments. Analysis of the new areas also supports this. Upper steep sloping parts of mid hills watersheds are under forests and the private and Panchayat lands are located below the forestlands. Analysis of two sample Panchayats revealed that there is no uniformity in land use systems and pasturelands are variously located occupying degraded lands. Safety of structure and vegetative measures cannot be ensured unless treatment follows top to bottom (ridge to valley) approach and is location/site specific, need based and demand driven. Sporadic treatment may not produce desired results in view of highly degraded conditions of landscapes. Perhaps, best results are obtained when watersheds are treated contiguously at the landscape level, rather than taking up sporadic treatments here and there. However, selection of project areas (Panchayats) may not result in a continuous run of watershed and may be separated by river/stream divides or other geographic units. The selected watersheds under the proposed project may be located at quite a distance from each other with areas in between that will not be treated. Therefore, a patchy-distribution of treated watersheds may emerge later on. Such a situation further warrants that treatments in the selected watersheds should be complete, which can be achieved by following ‘top to bottom’ approach rather than taking up sporadic and discontinuous treatments within the selected Panchayat/watersheds.


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Proposed mid Himalayan Watershed - Karganu

Flat agricultural land is located in one bank of river Giri, which is mostly irrigated with Kuhl and does not require any special treatment except bank protection to save lands from frequent floods. Ghasni is located above the farmlands and forestland is on upper reaches.

In this case forest and Ghasni are equally degraded and hence both would need location specific treated from top to bottom. Agricultural land as such is not eroded by the runoff of Ghasni or forest, as these areas directly drain into river. Proposed mid Himalayan Watershed - Rantari

In this micro watershed of about 8000 ha area, pastureland is clearly located from top to bottom on one side of the Khad on southwestern aspect. On the eastern aspect, farmlands are located from base to about 60 percent of topo-sequence. Coniferous forests are located above the farmlands at higher elevations.

Taking this watershed as an independent geographic unit we find that pasturelands shall have to be treated as one unit for treatment, farmlands as another unit and forestlands as yet another. The treatment in the drainage lines shall have to be started from the top to bottom or till the Khad enters Pabbar river. 8.4 PRIs AS IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTIONS Considering the multiplicity of institutions and their implications at village level, working through Panchayats could be a better option since it has a constitutional sanctity and despite its several shortcomings that have reasons like shortage of staff, large geographical areas, uncertain funding, activity based grants etc, people still felt that Panchayats are their own institutions and they wanted to strengthen their functioning provided long term assured funding is available so that professional support could be hired to implement activities in a better and sustainable manner. The Panchayati Raj Department has also shown interest in supporting any such initiatives. This model will also have political support. However, for implementing the project thorugh Panchayats with the purpose of integrating PRIs with Integrated Resource Management will require suitable models for institutional arrangements involving PRIs, User Groups and common Interest Groups. A model of this nature will necessarily place decision-making authority on the Gram Panchayat for selecting and implementing sub-projects. The institutional framework should be such that it strengthens relationships at the Gram Panchayat level as well as the linkages with the Project. It should also conform to the legislative provisions of the various Acts and statutes and is in line with the guidelines of the Haryali scheme. Finally, the primary focus of institutional arrangement should be on community participation that ensures equity, inclusiveness and transparency. The on-going consultancy on Accounting and Accountability Arrangments has proposed three institutional framework models involving a single Panchayat and one


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model involving multiple Panchayats. Salient features of these models are presented below and the institutional framework for each model is given in Annexure VIII.

Model A (Single Gram Panchayat)

Model B (Single Gram Panchayat)

Model C (Single Gram Panchayat)

Model D (Multiple Gram Panchayats)

Involves user groups and the Up Gram Sabha at the Ward level linked with the Gram Panchayat.

Does not involve the Up Gram Sabha but proposes its capacity building for involvement at a later stage

Involves inclusion of a specialized body attached with the Gram Panchayat for assisting it, as Panchayat alone may not be able to deal with the additional workload of the project

There is a provision of Joint Committee of Gram Sabhas that can be formed for pursuing business of mutual interest, contractually linked through a written instrument (MoU)

Gram Panchayat is assisted in the management and administration of the Project by the statutory Standing Committees (the Budget and Works Committee)

User Groups directly intera ct with Gram Panchayats (sending of budgets etc)

This body would coordinate the various activities, consolidate the various outputs and also be an initial body for conflict resolution. The body could be a Watershed Development Committee. Plans and budgets would be sent by the User Groups to the WDC for consolidation and verification who would forward the same for further approvals.

The Joint Committee would consist of maximum three members of each of the participating Gram Sabhas .

Gram Sabha (the General Body) to play an active role for Social Audit at this level and also at the level of the Up Gram Sabha.

Up Gram Sabha not involved in Social Audit

Up Gram Sabha not envisaged to play any role

The Gram Sabhas delegate to the Joint Committee the power, subject to terms and conditions, to frame any scheme binding on each Gram Sabha

The Project would be contractually linked with the Gram Panchayat and the latter with the village level institutions.



The Project would be contractually linked with the Joint Committee

Provision of a Project Assistant is recommended.



--

While working through PRIs is an encouraging initiative to empower local governance institutions, there are inherent gaps, weaknesses and inadequacies of PRIs that give rise to critical challenges that would have a bearing on the performance of the project. Some of the pertinent issues are presented below in the matrix that would require interventions as a prerequisite to project implementation.


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Institutional Assessment Matrix Issue Related

sub-issue Causes Example Impacts

Different Objectives

Image of an institution gets reflected with the kind of work they do and restricted only to a specific target group as in Yuvak mandal and Gaon Sudhar Sabha

People get confused

Overlap of membership

Women are member of Mahila mandals, SHGs (may be more than one) as observed in Nanowal

One of the groups gets more leverage and others neglected

No synergy

Clash of interventions

Panchayat is responsible for development works but institutions like VDC undertake similar activities

Conflicts among institutions

Lack institutional linkages

SHGs were not linked to bank in most of the villages

Limited growth of group and people

Limited funds available

Activity based groups such as Yuvak mandals, Mahila Mandals

Can not fulfill desired objectives

Poor financial sustainability

Institutions are benefit centered

Watershed Committee defunct in Ghial Institution’s existence is lost

A d-hoc existence

Externally driven VFDS does not function in Namhol since Sanjhi Van Yojna is abolished

People lose faith in institutional mechanisms

No agenda for discussions

In Rantadi the Panchayat meetings have agenda only when there is some budget available for any work

Difficult to involve people for long with out any purpose

Shortage of training institutions

There was demand for IGA trainings in most the SHGs

Limited or out dated skills and restricted perspective, can not compete markets

Multiplicity of Institutions

Limited capacities

Good resource persons charge very high

In the interior Rangad villagers wanted to have some agriculture experts but the cost of bringing a person is too high including the taxi charges for travel

People depend on the traditional knowledge and feel isolated when present in a situation outside the area

Very large Panchayat area

Majority of Panchayats have coverage area of more than 15 kms

Representation of community is limi ted and the issues get lost in the distance they have to traverse

Political divide in community

Poiticisation of Panchayats could be seen every where

A large section not following same political ideology gets neglected

Lack awareness In Rangad there was a general house scheduled but people were not aware of what will be discussed in the meeting

Opportunity of innovative ideas and providing alternatives get lost

Limited participation of marginalised sections in decision-making

In Chhausha Panchayat the Pradhan never encourages SC members to share their views

People sit idle as spectators and keep waiting for change in leadership after five years

PRI capacity Limited participation

No mechanisms for awareness of schemes

Limited sharing of information with Gram Sabha in most of the Panchayats

Only who are close to leaders and have good resources are benefited


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Issue Related sub-issue

Causes Example Impacts

Limited capacity building interventions

The Pradhans have undergone just 5 day training when they joined in 2000 and after that no training or exposure visit held, many of the ward members never had a training in past five year tenure

If Pradhans and other members are not well versed with their roles and responsibilities, they can not do justice to their job

Trainings not held frequently

Microplanning is a process oriented activity and once a plan is developed no where the community was trained to review the plans and update on their own

No review, monitoring and updating skills acquired

No idea of availability of funds, erratic budgeting

In Rangad during last five years Panchayat received Rs.20 lac as grant out of that 15 lac was under backward sub-plan for school building through Sarv Siksha Abhiyan

Fund driven interventions can not integrate all sections of people

Political interests

With the change in government there is always a conflict, if the MLA is from opposition then area gets less attention, so restricted funds are available

Holistic development does not take place

Microplanning

Multiplicity of microplans in same Panchayat

Namhol has a microplan of Panchayat and another one of Ward Yojna Dal under HPFSRP

Panchayat gets less importance if funds are available for another microplan

Access of selected few restricts others to be part of the development process

It was observed during the consultations that usually the government officials visit the resource rich and thus restricting development process as per their wish and understanding

The most needy sections have to suffer and remain as mute spectators or simply the back benchers during monitoring visits

Difficult to sustain interest of community for long

During the Gram Sabha meetings there is always an agenda that too budget oriented and has limited scope for other burning issues, so people who are not involved or benefiting lose interest and walk out

Since people have now become more materialistic, collectivism is lost.

Conflicts over resources and personal reasons

Family dispute came to forefront in one of the discussions where one of the brothers opposed the sanction of irrigation tank in land belonging to the other.

Good developmental initiatives are diverted to other areas

Dominant leadership

Autocratic Institution heads are not liked in many Panchayats

Institutions lose cohesiveness

Limited participation

Strong attitudes The traditional mindsets have been observed as barriers in the development process as in case of rural sanitation

New development scenario takes place after taking lot of time and energy of the process facilitators

Management and control of resources with powerful

TD is sanctioned to powerful in most of the Panchayats; Bank accounts of majority of institutions are operated by people wielding clout

Poor have limited benefits and practically no control

Equity

Productive roles of women and resource poor widely remains unnoticed or under reported in household or village economy

Women groups work voluntarily in village development works without any cost implications, but institutions under Projects project voluntary labour as their cost-sharing

Due credits tend to miss for voluntary work and the cost of works go high


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Poor can not afford to entertain demands of implementation functionaries

For accessing loans and subsidies poor reported inability of giving additional money in the name of service charges (bribe)

Poor remains poor

Limited flexibility of mechanisms

Cost sharing is same for all in different programs

Poor who can not contribute are left out

Male dominated society, limits women to take lead

Majority of village institutions are headed by male and women if any in the executive are made Vice Presidents with out any responsibilities

Holistic perspective is lost and people think in a manner as men decide.

Opportunity of expression is restricted

Women are trained to keep quite when men talk and follow what has been told

Reasoning opportunity lost, free expression restricted especially in case of women

Gender disparity

Limited role of women in decision making

The microplans observed in few sample villages had very limited mention of activities affecting drudgery of women in rural setting

Limited interventions benefiting women who are affected on daily basis

Caste/religion division affects

In Ghial the benefits of watershed project were limited only to general caste groups

Create social divide

Marginalised not included in project interventions

Earlier in IWDP there were only Executive Committees comprising influential people, there was no general house of VDC

No membership, decision making, benefits for marginalised

Inclusiveness

Transhumants treated as resource encroachers

FD staff and community has conflicts over use of resources that are depleting as in Pilohdi Panchayat

Resource was over exploited and relationship was not cordial

Departmental top down approach;

SHGs from different departments/ programs like SGSY, ICDS have almost similar members but are maintaining different records for the reporting purposes

People get confused and at times share objectives and benefits of one program to the functionaries of other during review and monitoring, every time they have to be tutored and credibility of both gets reflected badly

Working in isolation

Looking for individual appreciation, authority and targets

Watershed development and other such projects work for natural resource development but do not relate to other departments like forest, agriculture and use Panchayats just for paper participation

The impact of interventions get diluted

Lack of aw areness

Very few SHGs linked to banks, none found in sample

Sustainability is compromised

Weak Linkages

Power dynamics In most of the integrated projects the sectoral rivalry is reflected in functioning and for outside linkages authorities feel why should they involve others and try to build their own internal capacities

Technical components suffer and focus remains on the expertise of the incharge defeating the purpose of integrated model


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Dilemma over initiating dialogue

Every program has a mandate to work with PRIs but hardly any one involves them at all the three levels in actual implementation and monitoring

PRIs never get strengthened; there is always a conflict and dilemma of finding ways to have Panchayats as partners but only on papers.

8.4.1 On-going Projects and PRIs While interacting with the PRIs and other stakeholders some of the on-going schemes were analyzed to assess PRI capacity with respect to addressing issues of equity, inclusiveness, participation and transparency. The analysis is presented below in Table 21. Table 21: Status of ‘pillars of social development’ in on-going schemes

Scheme/project Inclusiveness Equity Participation Transparency Rural Development/ Panchayati Raj SGSY Women SHGs

formed but few women are part of it

Focus on BPL/youth yet unemployment is a major issue

PRI follow group approach but all wards are not covered

Process for Identification of beneficiaries by Gram Sabha controlled by Pradhan

73r d Constitutional Amendment

33% reservation for women but limited roles in decision making

Proportional representation for SC/OBC/ST; reports of influential people getting more benefits

Gram Sabha Up-gram Sabha Quorum incomplete

Sharing of expenses and income in gram sabha meetings done occasionally by PRI

Haryali Women representation in WDC limited

Opportunities for self employment for poor created

Microplanning process to cover entire wards

Microplanning has positively facilitated transparency in PRI meetings

Forest Sanjhi Van Yojna (JFM)

Representation of women and marginalized in executive of VFDS a useful intervention

Benefit sharing mechanisms are inbuilt and allows access to resources by the poor as well as PRI

Access to usufruct promotes participation; no formal management rights with PRI

People aware about resource sharing mechanisms

HP Forest Sector Reforms Project

Coverage partial; only in 85 locations

Small IGAs for women and marginalized has been useful

Ward Yojna Dal promotes participation

Microplanning process transparent

IWDP Coverage good; 50% representation to women in general house and VDC executive inclusion of nomads in VDCs

Project implemented through VDCs; all Panchayats not fully integrated in the process, only few pilots were tried under 100% works through Panchayats

Although PRI were not central in the project, peoples participation through general house of VDCs was adequate

Community walks, self monitoring, works through VDCs promoted transparent mechanisms for sustainability


54

Scheme/project Inclusiveness Equity Participation Transparency Social & Women Welfare

ICDS Project support to pregnant and Lactating women helpful; SHGs of poor Women formed

Equity not ensured due to remoteness of households; registration incomplete in some cases

Limited to Anganwadi workers

Provisions of scheme well known to target group; transparency is good

Tourism Development of Tourism in Tribal Areas

Special focus on tribals; but benefits do not trickle to needy ones

Restricted coverage; tribal lifestyle is a hindrance (nomads)

Infrastructure support to community to enable them to play hosts to tourists useful

Low awareness levels regarding provisions

9 PROJECT STRATEGIES 9.1 Equity, Inclusiveness, Participation and Transparency The above matrix shows ample scope and opportunity for the proposed project to bridge the gaps and create model of decentralized project implementation by working through Panchayats. Equity, inclusiveness, participation and transparency issues are interlinked and cannot be seen in total isolation with each other. The strategy for one often overlaps with that of another. For example, ensuring participation by all sections of society also helps achieving inclusiveness, which in turn leads to equitable distribution of benefits. Also during implementation these four social issues do not follow any sequence and are almost always simultaneous. Addressing all of these social issues requires that the social processes, through which these should be addressed be strengthened. The following strategy, therefore, centers on social processes to ensure that equity, inclusiveness, participation and transparency are adequately built in the project design and addressed during implementation.

Processes Steps/Mechanisms Time Identify target groups and facilitate interaction with community

having focus on women, tribals and other vulnerable groups Identify poor by defining poor not based on subjective or

political biases. Define poor based on Low literacy levels, Landholding <5

bigha, Annual family income <Rs 18000, Assets - TV, Phone, Vehicle, Less than two cows of local breed, Kuchcha houses, Part of SGSY program, Women headed households, Widow headed household, Dependency on forest goods for sale and Daily wage earner.

The budgetary provisions should commensurate the needs of poor population with limited assets. Allocate a minimum of 30% project funds for poor and other vulnerable households

Awareness generation and access to information on project related activities with all stakeholders to be a part of preliminary consultations

Preliminary consultation

Conduct joint transects in the early stages of planning

First 3 months


55

Processes Steps/Mechanisms Time Identify training/communication needs Build positive relationship Create opportunities for marginalized groups for participation in

decision-making Involve NGOs in consultations Orient VLIs on project goals and strategies Social

mobilization Organize meetings/consultations, conduct PRA, share information, impart trainings, organize exposure visits, use IEC material and folk media

3-6 months

Identification of Motivators

Through meetings with community members; minimum of one male and one female motivator per Panchayat be selected

By 3rd month

3 types of groups are to be organized at the ward/village level - Panchayat Watershed Committee (PWC) as part of Panchayat, Self Help Group (SHG), User Group (UG)

Form specific UGs for the inclusiveness of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups - women, poor, transhumants, landless/small/marginal landholders

Group formation

Encourage UGs to participate actively in the meetings and project staff should create environment for them to play proactive role in decision-making

3-6 months

Self Help Groups

The motivators and Facilitators could organize a group after about 3-4 meetings in the village. 3-6 months

User groups Formed for a particular activity, as and when activity picks up 3-6 months Panchayat

Watershed Committee (PWC)

One male and one female from each household in the ward of a Panchayat, which constitutes general house of the committee First 3

months

PWC to meet every quarter along with the Up Gram Sabha, to discharge the functions entrusted to it as per the project guidelines

Ensure more than 70% attendance in all meetings The general house will elect a 7-15 member Executive and will

have annual elections for electing President, Secretary and Treasurer of which one should be a woman

The Executive shall have a minimum of 40% women and representatives from different castes, hamlets, including landless, SCs, Gaddis and Gujjars wherever applicable

The Executive will meet at least once in a month The Secretary will be responsible for maintaining records

related to physical and financial progress, disbursement of wages to the laborer, purchase of material; supervision of work of Motivators; maintaining the measurement book etc, so has to be a literate member

Ward Member and two other members of which one should be a woman will jointly operate the Bank Account

PWC functioning

Panchayat Pradhan will be ex-officio Chairman of the Panchayat Watershed Committees with in the Panchayat area and will be special invitee to all the meetings

All through the project

cycle

Facilitate training since many of these representatives would come for the first time in an institutional working

Building PWC capacity

These trainings will range from project orientation, perspective building to skill building and leadership in the initial rounds, which will be followed by need-based technical training

6-9 months

PWC fund management

The village or Ward will have a PWC, SHGs and User groups primarily handling and managing the funds



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Processes Steps/Mechanisms Time Financial management and fund growth become critical and

would require frequent rounds of trainings in record keeping, functional literacy especially for illiterate members, financial sustainability etc

One woman should be co -signatory of the project accounts at Panchayat level

Develop simple and transparent rules and guidelines for management and utilization of project funds and ensure that these are circulated in local language in Gram Sabha

cycle

Prepare Panchayat level microplans, on the basis of ne eds emerged from the ward-level committees, for implementation and review them from time to time

Ensure that the microplan clearly documents the needs and requirements of the poor and vulnerable groups and a time-based action plan to ensure that these groups receive benefits

Microplanning

Develop microplans with involvement of all wards

6-9 months

Implementation Through ward level Committees and interest groups From 9 th month

Institutional strengthening

Through capacity building, skill up gradation and perspective building interventions in the form of trainings, exposure visits, demonstrations etc


cycle List our the excluded, poor and other vulnerable and

marginalized groups Ensure that their names are included in the microplan List out their requirements (assessed through PRA) Set a quorum for all meetings of Gram Sabha, User Groups

and any other committee wherein excluded and marginalized groups must be at least 40% of all present

Document all decisions in the Gram Sabha and have them signed/thumb impression by all members

At least 2 Chairmen of User Groups within a Panchayat must be from vulnerable groups

Involvement of community in all stages i.e planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation

Project implementation through PRIs and other VLIs, as and if appointed by the Panchayats

Contribution for individual/family membership and willingness for cost sharing and operate revolvi ng fund

Encourage cost sharing in the form of cash Cost sharing can also be in the form of labour from poor

households who cannot contribute cash Allow people to sell their share in resources (e.g. landless oor

marginal farmers may sell their share of water from water harvesting tanks in exchange of cash), which could be used in cost sharing

Create stakes of community in the resources and assets through membership fees, service charges, cost sharing etc

More than 50% community members t o participate in the implementation of the project

Delegate responsibility for maintenance and monitoring of works and assets by work committees formed for the purpose

Ensure minimum 50% participation of women in the committees and groups formed under the Project

Encourage community walks to monitor works Develop livelihood support system through UGs/SHGs

Community involvement and Participation

Operation and maintenance of assets


cycle


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Processes Steps/Mechanisms Time Contribute in the form of voluntary labour Strengthen mechanisms for benefit sharing Display project related information – work plans, budgets,

expenditure etc and also circulate in Gram Sabhas Have separate records for the Project institutions and

interventions Hire a contractual staff, preferably B.Com, responsible for

record keeping to support the Panchayat Secretary The committee members should be trained in account keeping Carry out internal auditing (once in three months and a

quarterly report prepared an d shared in Up Gram Sabha meeting) and external auditing (once in a year)

Record keeping & Audit of Accounts

Make records available for review by Government, people and Panchayat


cycle

Strengthen social auditing process that would help in increasing transparency at community level

Operationalize social audit by constituting a social audit team comprising of four members – one women, one ward member, one member from general house and one member from poor or vulnerable community

The team will place its audit report in the Gram Sabha after which a new team will be elected

Social auditing

The audit report summary be pasted on walls/notice boards etc

Annual

Approval of proposals by project authorities and subsequently release of funds as advance grant to PWC for which audited accounts be submitted through Panchayat to the project annually


cycle

Fund flow

Ensure that at least 40% works and budget should be handled directly by the Panchayats

Cost recovery Effective cost recovery mechanism for sustainabl e operation and maintenance will be established


cycle Database Develop reliable database on social, environmental,

economical and institutional parameters Continuous

Linkages Adopt an integrated approach to natural resources management through coordination and linkages – line departments, banks and other financial institutions, training and Research Centers, NGOs etc

2nd year onwards

Follow the strategy to maintain inclusiveness, equity, participation and transparency throughout the project period. 9.2 Tribal Strategy A tribal/transhumant strategy and action plan was developed in IWDP (Hills II) that attempted to integrate the nomads into project activities. Annexure IX gives a detailed tribal/transhumant strategy in context of the proposed mid hills project. The strategy also highlights the migratory routes, problems faced by tribals, regulatory mechanisms and suggested interventions.


58

9.3 Gender and Vulnerable Groups (other than nomads/transhumants) § Ensure that microplans include names and requirements of other vulnerable

groups and that they are subsequently given preference in providing employment opportunities in project works.

§ The landless, poor, SC, OBC and disabled members would be included in the project committees and user groups to help them integrate in the mainstream development process.

§ Project to emphasize on giving ownership of assets created under the project to women to make them economically independent and empowered. In each microplan at least 20% assets should be provided in name of women.

§ Women and community members below poverty line will be given priority in income generation activities and will be supported by the project in establishing small enterprises that could provide direct income to the most needy sections.

§ Encourage transferring decision-making roles for women. Some user groups, e.g. for drinking water, livestock development etc could be exclusively of women as they are primarily responsible for these activities

§ Form SHGs early on in the project and link them up with NABARD. § At least 50% of all skill building training should be imparted to women and

beneficiaries of vulnerable groups, particularly on issues related to livestock development (management of mangers/feed), nursery establishment, plantation technology etc.

§ Establish a women’ monitoring team to monitor equity, gender and inclusiveness issues during project implementation. The team should have 70% women members of other vulnerable groups (SC/OBC/BPL families etc)

§ Ensure that project benefits flow to women and other vulnerable groups in the initial stage of the project so as to encourage other such communities to actively come forward and participate in the project

§ Encourage IGA targeted at women and other vulnerable groups. Develop suitable criteria for linking IGA with landholding size, family size and current income levels for ensuring coverage of vulnerable sections of society.

§ Benefit sharing out of intermittent harvest and firewood (time to time) from afforestation/multi -tier plantation plots should be linked with household prosperity/ poverty, social status etc. Vulnerable communities, such as, SC, OBC, BPL families should have first rights and be given preference in accessing resources

§ Encourage members from vulnerable sections within the community to participate in Panchayat, Committee, SHG and User Group meetings and demonstrate their proactive role in the decision making process.

§ Encourage development of assets (water sources) in the poor dominated areas in Panchayats.

§ Make necessary efforts in increasing connectivity of villages especially linking the areas inhabited by vulnerable SC, poor and the settled Gujjar families.

§ Involve Gender/Social Experts and/or NGOs to facilitate the above strategy, as this requires specific focus and efforts to include the vulnerable sections of the society.


59

10 Environment and Social Cell 10.1 Scope and function of the cell Findings of ESA has amply highlighted and justified the need to have a separate Environment and Social cell within the project located at Project headquarters. 10.1.1 TOR of Environment and Social Cell § The proposed cell shall ensure that concerns raised and identified in the ESA are

considered in sub-project selection. § The Cell shall monitor that ESGs are duly implemented during sub-project

execution and that project interventions do not have negative impacts on Protected Areas.

§ The Cell shall depute personnel to undertake site visit to ensure compliance of the project activities with the existing legal and policy environment, including the safe guard policies of the World Bank.

§ The cell would undertake assessment of capacity building requirements of the project staff and other stakeholders to ensure that the project benefits are shared by all in a transparent way.

§ The Cell will monitor that project activities do not negatively impinge on environment and community involvement is ensured at planning, implementing and management stages.

§ The Cell shall facilitate linkages with relevant stakeholders including line departments, tra ining institutions, NGOs etc for ensuring ESA/ESG implementation and that equity, inclusiveness, participation and transparency issues are duly addressed.

§ The cell could also provide technical support to the M&E cell. § The Cell shall prepare guidelines for any new project activity that may be taken

up at any later stage. § The Cell shall ensure documentation of ESA/ESG related activities and

preparation of dissemination material. Composition of the cell is proposed below. Either of the Environment or Social Specialist could be the Coordinator of the cell.


60

S.

No. Position Role/Responsibility

1 Environmental Specialist equivalent to Deputy Director Reports to Chief Project Director

• Coordinate the functioning of the cell and map the progress of work

• Support the Chief Project Director in ESA/ESG related planning, implementation and monitoring

• Facilitate linkages with relevant stakeholders including line departments, training institutions, NGOs etc for ensuring ESA/ESG implementation

• Overall supervision of cell and timely preparation of reports • Contracting external agencies, individuals or NGOs for

trainings and monitoring & evaluations • Documentation of ESA/ESG related activities and preparation

of dissemination material 2 Social Development

Specialist equivalent to Deputy Director Reports to Chief Project Director

• Ensure that social mobilization process moves steadily and the processes are captured/recorded well in time

• Facilitate market surveys, identify viable IGAs, marketing linkages, credit linkages, quality check etc

• Develop case studies and process documentation • Develops dissemination material and facilitate workshops to

sensitize project staff and PRIs on ensuring equity, inclusiveness, participation and transparency objectives are integrated in project implementation

3 Compliance Officer Reports to Coordinator and Chief Project Director

• Ensure compliance of sub-projects with applicable laws and safe-guard policies

• Ensures necessary documentation and approval for sub-projects

• Coordinate with SPCB, Forest Department and other agencies in case of obtaining permissions

4 Junior Programme Officer – Environment Reports to Environmental Specialist

• Support the Environmental Specialist • Assess pollution load/levels of water sources and of soil • Assess productivity of farmlands and other natural areas • Testing of soil and water samples to ensure compliance with

prescribed norms (drinking water) • Undertake small action research at field level

5 Junior Programme Officer – Social Development Report to Social Development Specialist

• Support the Social Development Specialist • Monitors and ensure that process for ensuring equity,

inclusiveness, participation and transparency are being implemented

• Facilitate market surveys and linkages with relevant line departments/agencies for timely marketing of produce

6 Secretarial/Office Assistant

• Assist in data processing and reporting • Support ESA cell in correspondence, filling, documentation etc


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11 Training & Capacity Building The key to institutional reforms would be well-trained and motivated human resources. Competence levels of the project officials and their ability to adapt to the demand of integrated watershed management must be assessed and training in new skills provided. Cultural sensitivity, group dynamics, conflict resolution, leadership and ability to work with user population are as important as the technical skills, which are already in place. This will require the co-option into the project of social, gender and environmental subject matter specialists. This would also be an appropriate opportunity for assessing the capabilities of state training institutions, and enhance them if necessary. Enhanced training would also be required for Panchayat representatives, Panchayat Watershed Committee members, user groups, farmers, women self help groups etc. The need and desirability of private sector participation should be assessed. The need for training equipment, computers, and software, training aids must be assessed, and procurement procedures should be initiated. There could be a mobile media van/unit responsible for training and awareness activities with the project. 11.1 Improvement of Information Support Systems The institutional reforms require, as a pre requisite, better connectivity and communication links between service providers and the ultimate beneficiaries. It is essential to use Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy as a tool for information dissemination. The strategy starts from the very beginning of design phase where community needs to be sensitized towards the project concept and approaches and gradually it builds upon across the project cycle. It is necessary to improve as a first step. Improving agricultural systems, dissemination of operational, technological information through appropriate means like information kiosks should be undertaken. There should be effort to increase the exposure of the ultimate beneficiaries to the media like print, audio and video.

Time line for IEC strategy

Years Action Point

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Conceptualisation and Designing/ Developing IEC tools by project staff/ specialists/ NGOs

Awareness generation/ community mobilization (continuous)

Capacity building (continuous)

Linkages

Convergence

Sustainability

The staff (line departments/elected representatives of PRI/Panchayats) needs to be sensitized regarding the environmental & social issues. The Environment and Social Cell would organize training of the field personnel of Project. The broad training needs of the various stakeholders are described below.


62

The IEC S trategy

Communication Key to Participation, Convergence, Sustainability

Five ‘C’s of Communication Clarity, Completeness, Conciseness, Concreteness, and Correctness

Principles q Shared values, shared personal

experiences q Feedback, spontaneity q Willingness to accept differences in

opinion q Interest & needs, perspectives, motives q Space for expression q One idea at a time, understanding and

acceptance q Respect feelings

Strategies q Project to project q Project to community q Community to community q Among all stakeholders

Tools Posters Pamphlets Games Charts, wall writing Flipbooks Folk songs, magic shows Documentary films Tamashas Nukkad Natak Case studies Camps Demonstrations Nattis

Outputs

q Awareness generated q Capacity developed q Skills enhanced q Responsive stakeholders q Linkages established q Convergence q Sustainability

Stages in Project Environment building Implementation Monitoring Evaluation

Steps 1. Identify need for communication

2. Develop IEC material 3. Dissemination


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11.2 Training Needs To achieve the social and environmental objectives in the watershed and for proper implementation of the project, the persons involved in the implementation of the project need training. Both long term (2 to 3 weeks) and short term (1 week or less) programs need to be conducted in various subjects. Senior level officers may participate in the short-term programs in form of seminars, conferences or study tours to within the country or abroad, whereas middle level and junior level officers who are directly responsible for implementation may participate in the long-term trainings. Stakeholders Training Duration and

Frequency Mode

Staff - Project & Line Departments

PRA, Group development, Environment and social capacity-building, Identification of environmental and social issues and mitigating measures, Public relation and Reporting skill development, Impact Assessment, Monitoring skill development

3 days every year, to start at the beginning of the project, and repeated for new staff when a group of 10 is available

Seminars / workshops

Panchayats/ CIG Office bearers.

PRA, Group development and management, Project orientation, M&E, Record keeping, Awareness about environmental & social issues and their impacts, Addressing environmental and social issues and mitigating measures, Sustainable use of natural resources, Importance of soil and water conservation. Roles, Responsibility and Accountability, Leadership and Communication skill development.

Five days / Six months interval

Seminar/ workshops/ meetings, study tours and demonstrations, distribution of literature

Panchayats/ CIGs, Members /stakeholders and village community

Awareness about environmental & Social issues particularly gender related concerns and their impacts Addressing environmental issues and mitigating measures

One or two days / Once at the beginning of the preplanning, planning,

Meetings/seminars addressed by local NGOs, and

Disseminate

Deliver

Design

Develop

The Four ‘D’ Approach For IEC Strategy


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Stakeholders Training Duration and Frequency

Mode

including women Sustainable use of natural resources Importance of soil and water conservation. Training in improved farm practices, water use, crop diversification, IPM techniques, etc. Importance of sanitation for better environment, health, etc. Monitoring of environmental and social parameters, Functioning of the Panchayats/ CIGs and role and responsibility of the village community.

implementation and sustainability stage.

environmentalists

PRI (All three tier representatives)

Awareness about environmental & social issues and their impacts, Sustainable use of CPRs Promotion of environmental sanitation, public health, etc

One day / Annually Seminar / workshop

NGOs Environmental and social issues, Impact assessment, Mitigation and monitoring measures, skill development.

Two days / Once Seminar / workshop

11.3 Suggested Training

S. No. Training 1 Administration 2 Disaster Management 3 Gender, Women’s & Children’s Issues 4 Agriculture, Horticulture 5 Forestry, Wildlife, Eco logy & Environment 6 Maintenance of Water Resources 7 Rural Development 8 Social Development Perspective Building 9 Integrated Watershed Development Concepts 10 Computer Application 11 Watershed Management Approaches & Practices 12 Design of Water & Soil Conservation Structures 13 Orientation on Various components of Projects 14 Environmental Safeguards 15 Environment Impact Assessment 16 Group Organization & Management 17 Rain Water Harvesting 18 Monitoring & Evaluation of Projects 19 Sustainability 20 Fisheries Development 21 Socio economic Impacts Project 22 Agriculture use of Seeds, Fertilizers, Pesticides 23 Agriculture Cropping Pattern & Application of Water 24 Marketing of Agriculture Produce 25 Agro Industry Development 26 Agro Forestry Development


65

Objectives q Strengthening knowledge

base q Increasing awareness q Enhancing skills q Developing ability to

train further q Developing shared vision q Developing confidence

and self esteem

Definition Capacity building is a process for strengthening organizational and institutional capabilities of individuals, communities, project personnel and other relevant stakeholders. It is continuous and on going and may be structured or informal.

Tools q Training q Workshop q Seminar q Exposure/Exchange

visit q Demonstration q Tele-conferencing q On the job support

Capacity building team Responsibilities Master trainers at project level Identify and train core trainer team at project level Core trainer team at project level Identify members for resource group Develop training calendar Facilitate training for community Resource group at community level Support core trainer team in imparting training for

community

Training Strategy Project needs

Training needs assessment Setting objectives

Developing training design Identifying resource persons

Imparting training Evaluation of training

Supporting training with other capacity building tools

Methods Lecture Brainstorming Games Roleplays Group Discussion Fish Bowl Experience sharing Demonstrations Field Visit

Aids Black board/Chalk Flip chart/Marker Transparencies White board Computer/Projector Slide/film projectors Video films Posters Pamphlets Case studies

CAPACITY BUILDING STRATEGY


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11.4 Training Institutions The following training institutions are proposed that could be contracted for providing various training to project stakeholders, as required. Forest Training Schools: The HP Forest Department has three training schools in Solan, Mandi and Kangra districts, they have a training calendar and courses could be tailored as per the need also. Panchayati Raj Training Schools: Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj has two training schools in Craignano, Shimla and Baijnath, Kangra, where regular courses for the PRI representatives are conducted. Himachal Institute of Public Administration: HIPA based at Fair Lawns, Mashobra, Shimla, is a prime training institute where a variety of training programs are being conducted for government officials and PRI representatives, it also houses State Institute of Rural Development which is responsible for trainings related to watershed and rural development. National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad: National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), Hyderabad is one of the leading institutes for undertaking training, research, action research and consultancy functions in the rural development sector. It works as an autonomous organization supported by Ministry of Rural Areas and Employment, Govt. of India. Its efforts are directed towards development of human resources. It is a training institute for practicing managers engaged in rural development. Over 150 programmes involving about 3000 participants are organized annually mostly sensitizing policy makers, elected representatives, NGOs, civil servants and media professionals. It also trains functionaries from the Government and community based organizations to help carry forward and spread the message of all round rural development. List of training courses available at various institutes is given in Annexure X. 11.5 Proposed Budgetary Allocations for Capacity Building The following budgetary allocations are proposed for proposed capacity building initiatives. Outlays are expressed in terms of percent of total project budget.

Item Suggested Budgetary Allocation of Total Project Cost

Training for Capacity Building (including technical training of project staff/support personnel/ paraprofessionals/SHG/PRI/GP/WDC/UG etc)

1.6%

Demand driven capacity building 0.25% Refresher training (covering staff and other stakeholders, as and when required)

0.3%

International/National exposure 0.1% Total Budget for Capacity Building 2.25%


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Timeline for Capacity Build ing

Years Stakeholders Remarks Trainings (including refreshers)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Induction/ Or ientation PRA, Group formation & development, microplanning, Mapping

Training of Trainers Identification of environmental and social issues and mitigating

Communication Report writing Monitoring skill development

Staff - Project & Line Departments

Some trainings have been shown to be in all years as there will be staff turnover and transfers. Also includes refreshers

Technical Component Trainings

PRA, Group development and management, Project orientation,

M&E, Record keeping, mapping Social & environmental issues and their

impacts, Addressing mitigating measures, Sustainable use of natural resources etc

Panchayats/ CIG Office bearers.

Some trainings have been shown to be in all years as villages will be taken up in phases and there will be different villages in different stages in the project. Also includes refreshers

Roles, Responsibility and Accountability, Leadership and Communication skill development.

Awareness about environmental & Social issues particularly gender related concerns and their impacts

Addressing environmental issues and mitigating measures

Sustainable use of natural resources Importance of soil and water conservation.

Training in improved farm practices, water use, crop diversification, IPM techniques, etc.

Importance of sanitation for better environment, health, etc.

Monitoring of environmental and social parameters,

Stakeholders and Village community Including women

Some trainings have been shown to be in all years as there will be staff turnover and transfers in line departments, phasing of villages etc. Also includes refreshers

Functioning of the Panchayats/ CIGs and role and responsibility of the village community.

PRI (All three tier representatives)

Some trainings have been shown to be in all years as there will be phasing of villages etc. Also includes refreshers

Awareness about environmental & social issues and their impacts, Sustainable use of CPRs Promotion of environmental sanitation, public health, etc

NGOs Continuous and refreshers

Environmental and social issues, Impact assessment, Miitigation and monitoring, measures, skill development.

On the job support Continuous process

Workshops Continuous process

Exposure/ Exchange Visits

Continuous process


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12 Monitoring Plan and Indicators For all suggested indicators, the project shall develop a baseline (pre-project status) and there should be provision for Mid -Term Evaluation by an external agency in close collaboration with the Project Directorate. Learning from monitoring of indicators should be built into project implementation processes for improving project performance. At Mid -Term an outside agency be contracted for conducting an external audit of investments and expenditures. A final impact evaluation be also carried out. Monitoring should be participatory and be done by the M&E and ESA cell of the Project Directorate in collaboration with the community. A set of core indicators along with sub-indicators and their monitoring frequency are suggested below that includes process monitoring and self/participatory monitoring to ensure equity, inclusiveness, participation and transparency issues are adequately addressed. The Project Authorities could select appropriate indicators for monitoring, as required at different stages of the project. Besides process monitoring indicators have also been suggested to monitor the progress of ESA/ESG implementation.

Parameters Process Monitoring Indicators Monitoring & Evaluation Process Surface water Quantity & Quality Ground water Quantity & Quality Agricultural Productivity – crop yield Soil Quality – nutrient profile Increase in Vegetation cover

Environment Impact

Livestock – increase in milk yield, improved breed/ health Participation and Community Mobilisation – institutions formed, representation of marginalized groups, attendence in meetings Inclusiveness – Involvement of vulnerable groups in decision making, coverage of sub-projects (mainstreaming of gaddi/gujjars), changes in socio-economic profile Equity and Livelihoods – opportunities created for employment, cost sharing, equitable use of resources, benefit sharing Rural Infrastructure/ Resource Development – micro-enterprises developed, increased income levels, change in status of families, assets

Social Impact

Transparency – Social audit held, information sharing and display, awareness regarding sub-projects

q Input/Output for monitoring the progress of various activities proposed in the plan and whether the inputs have resulted in outputs as desired

q Process for monitoring Strategies/ Guidelines and how they have been actualised

q Impact for whether long term goals of project have been fulfilled

q Participatory to enable community and other stakeholders to give feedback


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S.

No. Core Indicator Sub Indicators Monitoring

Frequency 1 Land use i. Area increased under afforestation/plantation

(changes in green cover) ii. Area reclaimed (brought under agriculture)

Six monthly Yearly

2 Water resource development

iii. Water storage created iv. Additional area brought under irrigation

Yearly Six monthly

3 Soil and water conservation

v. Runoff measurements through SOP/storage structures

vi. Soil loss (erosion) vii. Area saved from erosion (stream banks) viii. Changes in perenniality of streams due to upper

catchment treatment ix. Water table (groundwater increase)

Yearly Two years Two years Three years Yearly

4 Increased agricultural productivity

x. Increase in crop production xi. Use of pesticides/ insecticides xii. Area increased under HVC xiii. Area brought under fodder crops xiv. Cultivation of MAP

Six monthly Yearly Six monthly Six monthly Six monthly

5 Livestock xv. Reduction in scrub cattle xvi. Increase in fodder biomass xvii. Increase in stall feeding (reduction in open

grazing) xviii. Increase in milk/meat yields

Yearly Six monthly Yearly Yearly

6 Economic gains xix. Families benefited xx. Changes in net income xxi. Number of IGA and their impact xxii. IRR of sub-projects xxiii. User charges levied xxiv. Creation of revolving funds (amount available)

Six monthly Yearly Yearly Mid-term/Final Yearly Six monthly

7 Social gains xxv. Establishment and functioning of VLI and User Group xxvi. Benefit flow to landless/ weaker sections/ women

(inclusiveness) xxvii. Net increase in assets of individuals of weaker

sections/women xxviii. Percent participation of marginalized

groups/women in Gram Sabha xxix. Equity in benefit sharing (access to res ources) xxx. Involvement in decision making xxxi. Conflicts resolved xxxii. Information (outlays/expenditure) displayed

Yearly Six monthly Six monthly Six monthly Six monthly Yearly Yearly Six-monthly

8 Tribal and Nomads

xxxiii. Inclusion/participation in VLIs xxxiv. Support services extended (shelter, breed

improvement, veterinary camps etc) xxxv. Improved role in NRM xxxvi. Reduced conflicts with local community in sharing

resources xxxvii. Changes in available resources (biomass)

Yearly Six monthly Two Years Yearly Three Years


I

Annexure I

Stakeholder consultations During the course of the study, multi-stakeholder consultations were conducted involving various line departments, intended project beneficiaries, IWDP Hills -II beneficiaries etc. Following stakeholder consultations were held:

Stakeholders Date/Place Consulted With Project Directorate 13 June 2005

in Project Headquarters, Solan

Project Director and Subordinate Staff

Community in Nanowal 14 June 2005 in the village

SC, BPL, mahila and yuvak mandals, self-help groups, the gaon sudhar sabha, village forest institution, GP, PRI members

Community in Namhol/Ghiyal

15 June 2005 in the village and circuit house

-do-

Community in Kayrad Kalog

18 June 2005 in the village

-do-

Department of Agriculture 22 June 2005 in Shimla

Director, Joint Director and Subordinate Staff

Department of Horticulture 23 June 2005 in Shimla

Director and Subordinate Staff

Department of Forests 23 June 2005 in Shimla

PCCF and CF

Department of Animal Husbandry

24 June 2005 in Shimla

Director and Subordinate Staff

Community in Karganoo 25 June 2005 in the village


University Nauni 25/26 June 2005 in campus

Scientists

Community in Rantari 26 June 2005 in the village


Community in Rangar 03 July 2005 in the village

-do-

Changar Project 04 July 2005 Director and Subordinate Staff Nomads 04 July 2005

at Palampur Gujjars

A detailed list giving names of individual stakeholders with whom consultation sessions were held is given in Table at the end of this Annexure.


II

Consultation Process The consultation process varied with different stakeholders. Essentially, two strategies were followed while holding the consultation sessions, one with the line departments and another with communities/individuals, as detailed below. Each session was divided into four part – (i) introduction; (ii) rapport building; (iii) discussions; and (iv) conclusions. The flowcharts presented below sums the consultation processes: With Line Departments

Mandate/Roles and Responsibilities

Schemes under Implementation

Views on IWDP (Hills II)/Proposed Project

Possibilities of Convergence

Concerns/Suggestions

With Communities/individuals

Social fabric of the Community/Panchayat

Current economic scenario

What schemes are in operation and how do they cover beneficiaries

VLIs and their roles

NRM dependence

Main problems faced in the area

Concerns/Suggestions Concerns/Suggestions Raised

Stakeholder Concern/Suggestion Department of Animal Husbandry

§ Inability of people to properly manage genetically improved livestock. Lack of awareness and funds disallow adopting modern management techniques in housing and rearing of animals. Therefore there should be provision of housing modification assistance in the project so that livestock owners are encouraged to adopt scientific housing and rearing practices.

§ Paravets and other youth trained in Dairy Technology later pressurized the Government and demanded permanent jobs. Such incidents should be avoided.

§ The project should facilitate registration of crossbred


III

Stakeholder Concern/Suggestion animals by forming village level societies.

§ There should be provision of calf ration at 50% cost so that nutritional needs of genetically improved livestock are take care of to a large extent.

§ As the climate of the state is favourable, wherever possible in the project area, people can take advantage of the Angora Rabbit Breeding Program scheme to augment their incomes. For this training and infrastructure support is provided to interested persons.

§ As nearly 37% of agricultural families rear sheep, people can access Sheep Breeding Farms and Ram Center to bring desired increase in quality and quantity of wool produced by the indigenous sheep.

§ Under the ‘100 eggers poultry development scheme’, the poor farmers are provided 100 No. eggers (6-8 weeks age) along with feed, equipment, medicines etc. The project could facilitate beneficiaries in taking advantage of such schemes.

§ Department is supplying certified seed of cultivable fodder crops to farmers either at full cost to all farmers and at 50% subsidy to IRDP, SC/ST and women.

§ The project should place emphasis on propagating better breeds of cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats.

§ The HP State Milk Federation Limited could assist livestock improvement program by helping in procuring milk at a minimum support price.

§ While convergence of schemes with schemes of other department is difficult due to their very specific nature, people, particularly the poor could be facilitated by the proposed project in taking advantage of the on-going efforts of the Department.

Department of Horticultu re § The project could tie -up with the 104 departmental nurseries and 629 registered private nurseries for supply of quality planting material.

§ Growers may avail free leaf analysis facility in three -plant nutrition Laboratories set up at Shimla, Dharamshala and Kullu for achieving balanced fertilizer use.

§ The capacity building component of the project should make use of Marketing and Post Harvest Management trainings provided by the department. The following trainings/facilities could be particularly useful 1. Training in picking, grading and packing of fruits 2. Market surveys and intelligence services. 3. Implementation of packing material and carton

testing facility. § The scheme for production and supply of quality

mushroom compost could be used as an IGA. Training and technical guidance is also provided for this.

§ The Horticultural Mission could be a useful vehicle for the project to promote (i) production of fruits, flowers, vegetables, spices, mushroom and other horticultural


IV

Stakeholder Concern/Suggestion crops; (ii) constructor of water storage structures and drip irrigation; (iii) production of planting material; (iv) popularization of organic forming and use of bio fertilizers; (v) promotion of integrated pest management; and (vi) Entrepreneurial developmental of Women.

Department of Agriculture § Line departments depute their staff for working in several projects including IWDP. The posts thus falling vacant are not filled affecting work in the departments. The State Government must allow the filling of such vacant posts.

§ Soil and water conservation works are small; therefore, their number must be large to create real impact.

§ Since HP is a power surplus state, water lifting should be attempted wherever feasible, as energy charges are nominal.

§ The arable land development component of the project should coordinate and make use of on going schemes of the department that will strengthen the project. The department helps farmers in procuring certified seeds, distributes improved vegetables seed mini-kits at no cost basis, provides subsidy on hybrid seed of vegetables and on green houses, net houses, plant protection material, agriculture implements, seed dressers to promote vegetable cultivation.

§ Many proposed sub -projects could greatly benefit from on going efforts of the Department leading to convergence. Some noteworthy activities include (i) Check dams (masonry and create wire) for erosion control/water harvesting; (ii) Vegetative and mechanical spurs to check stream bank erosion; (iii) Lining /Renovation of irrigation kuhls; and (iv) Lift irrigation schemes.

§ The Department assists farmers in constructing water storage tanks and gives 25% subsidy (limited to Rs 8,000) for 9 m3 capacity tanks.

§ 100% subsidy is provided for soil conservation works in community lands through people’s participation (Krishak Vikas Society)

§ Avail comprehensive crop insurance scheme, which is in operation in 56 blocks of 10 districts.

§ The project could promote use of vermi-compost and no-till farming (particularly in valley lands) to increase carbon pool of agricultural systems. Certification facilities have been created for bio fertilizers, bio manures and bio pesticides. Two Bio -control labs have been established at Palampur and Shimla.

§ Water resource development works have great scope in Kangra, Mandi, and Bilaspur, parts of Solan and Sirmaur districts.

§ Soil and water conservation works should be executed through beneficiary groups and common works like link


V

Stakeholder Concern/Suggestion roads, footpaths, culverts, bridges, chetna kendras etc be executed through Panchayats.

Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj

§ IWDP could generate limited publicity of the project among other departments and this aspect should not be overlooked in the new project.

§ Institutional linkages and mechanisms would require strengthening.

§ Project implementation through PRI could encourage convergence, as funds could ultimately be pooled at Panchayat level.

§ Level of involvement of Panchayats will depend upon the capcity building efforts and these efforts would be rewuire more in the initial project phase.

§ A concern in relation to financial transactions of the project with the Panchayats, was shared, wherein the main issue centered on maintaining the records and expense statements of the project money and the overburdening of the Panchayat Secretaries with project related record keeping.

§ The project could explore, on a pilot basis, channeling of funds through the existing account of the Panchayat to mainstream and integrate the project interventions.

§ Massive awareness campaigns must be facilitated at ward levels.

§ Frequent meetings and dialogue with PR and RD department could help addressing the bottlenecks and taking timely corrective actions.

Scientists of UHF, Solan § Integration of trees with forage grasses on marginal lands should be encouraged.

§ Bamboos should be promoted in soil and water conservation package and Robinia for fodder production on field bunds.

§ Trees should be planted on very shallows soils by planting in FYM filled crow bar holes.

Scientists of HPKVV, Palampur

§ The 5-year study on “hydrological behaviour of small watersheds and sustainability of production systems ”under the World Bank supported National Agricultural Technology Project supported a ‘top -to-bottom’ approach for watershed treatment.

Changer Project Director and Staff

§ Capacity building of Panchayats and Staff preceded implementation of activities yielding good results.

§ Involvement of Department of Rural Development could be attempted at the Block Level

§ In case of Block Level Planning involving several micro-watersheds, BDO, Block Samiti and Members of Zila Parishad should be involved for convergence and resource sharing.

Discussions with communities and individuals in the six sample Panchayts revealed both common and location-specific concerns and suggestions. Variations in opinions were also recorded and are mentioned wherever observed. Common and specific points are presented below:


VI

Stakeholder Concern/Suggestion Common concerns/suggestions Communities of the Six Sample Panchayats

§ There is multiplicity of institutions creating confusions for community in the sense that many are members of various institutions. Different departments/projects have different objectives, but community representatives are same.

§ Overall the stakeholders expressed concern on ad-hoc nature of institutions created under the projects.

§ During project period these institutions are focused and project staff interacts frequently with community, but post-project sustainability of these institutions is doubtful.

§ Community felt closest to their Devta Committees and such institutions that they have themselves formed, the reason being that such institutions are not fund driven and are not temporary in nature.

§ In general, stakeholders felt that Panchayat is best suited for project implementation, as it is a legal body and is not ad-hoc in nature. However, stakeholders in Nanowal and Kayrad Kalog (both IWDP Hills-II sites) suggested the VDCs are better vehicles for project implementation.

Specific Concerns/Suggestions Nanowal § Area Problems

o Accessibility problems during monsoon. o Lack of employment opportunities.

§ Resource Dependency o High with regard to grazing on unprotected

catchment area, as pressure on it increased after closing other areas.

o Use of firewood is continuing. § Concerns

o Linkage among institutions is weak and may become a concern in the post-project period.

§ Suggestions o The new project should emphasize on SHG

formation, as it has empowered women to a large extent.

o Water harvesting structures are useful in enhancing overall livelihood scenario through increased agriculture and these should be emphasized.

Namhol/Ghiyal § Area Problems o Monkey menace is a major problem and has

forced some families to completely give up agriculture.

o Scarcity of water is a problem. o Use of excess pesticides is leading to pollution

of water resources. § Resource Dependency

o Grazing incident is high. o Use of firewood is continuing.


VII

Stakeholder Concern/Suggestion o People involved in mining activities in nearby

areas. § Concerns

o Influential farmers may corner bulk of benefits leading to inequitable sharing of benefits.

o People are skeptical of the project as many earlier government schemes were good on promises but failed to deliver.

§ Suggestions o Activities should be through Panchayat. o Sub-projects should emphasize on arable land

development. Kayrad Kalog § Area Problems

o All major problems like drinking water and irrigation, connectivity etc addressed to some extent.

§ Resource Dependency o Reduced due to introduction better seeds, latest

farming techniques, improved fodder cultivation, improvement of cowsheds and mangers, construction of ponds/tanks etc.

§ Concerns o Sustainability of supplies of quality seeds and

organic manures during post-project period. o Breaking down of Shramdan system being

practiced. § Suggestions

o Implement project through VDC. o Emphasize adoption of vermi-composting.

Karganoo § Area Problems o Severe bank erosion caused by river Giri; 70

bighas of cultivated land was washed away. o Lantana invasion has resulted in low

productivity of grasslands. o Drinking water a problem.

§ Resource Dependency o Open grazing is a common practice leading to

degraded pastures. o Absolutely bare hill slopes, devoid of any good

trees except xerophytes. Very sparse cover of unpalatable, uneconomical bushes and grasses indicative of high resource degradation.

§ Concerns o Orchards of Plum, Peach and Apricot planted

earlier have been removed due to uneconomic returns and may fail again in the new project.

§ Suggestions o Stream bank erosion control measures must be

prioritized along with drinking water augmentation. o Support to farmers for timely marketing of

vegetable crops should be provided.


VIII

Stakeholder Concern/Suggestion Rantari § Area Problems

o Accessibility is a major problem and some villages are remotely located where line department representatives do not visit.

o The major problem of area is non-availability of drinking water. The ladies take their clothes to the water source for washing of clothes and while returning carry drinking water in small containers or plastic cans.

o Pasture is overgrazed and soil erosion is severe in the region.

§ Resource Dependency o Open grazing is a common practice leading to

degraded pastures. o Absolutely bare hill slopes, devoid of any good

trees except xerophytes. Very sparse cover of unpalatable, uneconomical bushes and grasses indicative of high resource degradation.

§ Concerns o People fear being left out from coverage of

project benefits. Both equity and inclusiveness are major issues to be addressed in this Panchayat.

§ Suggestions o Drinking water supply must be addressed

through the new project, as it will save a lot of time for the women.

o Connectivity/village paths are badly needed. o New technology for improving horticultural

produce should be introduced through the proposed project.

Rangar § Area Problems o Accessibility and non-availability of drinking

water are major problems. o High amount of soil erosion from farmlands.

§ Resource Dependency o Totally rain-fed area. o Scarce sources of fodder etc.

§ Concerns o Connectivity maybe overlooked as road building

etc are fund-intensive and time taking activities. § Suggestions

o Drinking water supply and water harvesting structures are main requirements.

o Livestock improvement along with raising of fodder plantations should be undertaken.

o Connectivity, paths, bridges should be taken up.

Nomads § Problems o Lack of adequate and proper shelter facilities

during migration. o Lack of awareness of better livestock


IX

Stakeholder Concern/Suggestion management practices and need for undertaking breed improvement programmes.

§ Resource Dependency o High, as totally dependent on pastures for

grazing. o Dependent on natural water sources for

drinking water. § Concerns

o Invasion of grasslands and pastures by Lantana is impacting quality of yields.

o Inadequate coverage under various government schemes may be repeated.

§ Suggestions o Increase coverage of project interventions to

include nomads and transhumants. o Provide improved breed of animals and also

services of a mobile veterinary clinic on migration routes.

The concerns raised by the stakeholders could well be addressed by the mid hills project. Most of the sub-projects would address specific needs of drinking water, irrigation through water harvesting structures, connectivity through rural roads/paths etc. Putting appropriate mitigation measures in place would minimize negative impacts of the sub-projects. Adopting the strategies as proposed in the ESA and monitoring the implementation of ESA and ESG by involving the community would address the concerns, especially post-project sustainability and equity/inclusiveness. Names and Addresses of Stakeholders

S. No. Name Designation Project/Government Department Officials 1. Shri R K Gupta CCF & Project Director, IWDP 2. Shri Surinder Paul Dy Project Director, Planning 3. Smt Anu Nagar DFO, Participatory Coordinator-IWDP 4. Dr Dinesh Gupta Dy Director, Livestock Development (IWDP) 5. Shri Bimal Executive Engineer, IWDP 6. Shri R S Thakur Incharge, Communication & Publicity (IWDP) 7. Dr N K Sharma Assistan t Project Director (IWDP), Nalagarh 8. Shri Ashwini Verma Range Officer & Sector Coordinator, Baddi 9. Kum Reena VDC Facilitator, Mandiyarpur (IWDP), Nalagarh 10. Shri Kulbir Singh Forest Block Officer, Sujanpur 11. Shri J C Rana Director, Agriculture, Shimla 12. Shri H R Sharma Deputy Director, Agriculture, Shimla 13. Shri Y P Thakur Divisional Engineer 14. Shri R A Singh PCCF, HP, Shimla 15. Shri Sinha Conservator of Forests, Shimla 16. Shri Dhyan Chand Deputy Director, Agriculture, Palampur 17. Shri H R Noor Project Director, NATP 18. Dr Singh Indian Veterinary Research Institute 19. Dr H C Sharma Indian Veterinary Research Institute 20. Shri O C Bhuteria Deputy Director, Agriculture and Project Director, NATP,

Hamirpur


X

S. No. Name Designation 21. Dr Kohli Head, Department of Vegetables, Nauni University 22. Dr Thakur Assistant Professor (Entomology), Nauni University 23. Dr Gyan Thakur Joint Director, Extension 24. Dr H N Verma Department of Soil Sciences, Nauni University 25. Dr S D Sharma Department of Soil Sciences, Nauni University

Project Beneficiaries/Stakeholders and Others 26. Shri Ram Das Panchayat Member, Village Nanowal 27. Smt Rani Vice-President (VDC) & Motivator, Nanowal 28. Shri Majid Farmer, Village Nanowal 29. Smt Mahanto Devi Resident, Village Nanowal 30. Shri Kesariya Farmer, Village Nanowal 31. Sm t Halima SHG President, Village Nanowal 32. Shri Gulzar Secretary VDC, Village Nanowal 33. Shri Shabbir Resident, Village Nanowal 34. Smt Gaffuran Resident, Village Nanowal 35. Shri Satya Resident, Village Nanowal 36. Shri Ulfat Resident, Village Nanowal 37. Smt Fazli SHG Member, Village Nanowal 38. Smt Rashandin SHG Member, Village Nanowal 39. Shri Yusuf Resident, Village Nanowal 40. Shri Rafique Resident, Village Nanowal 41. Shri Mushtaq Resident, Village Nanowal 42. Shri Dilbar Resident, Village Nanowal 43. Shri Noor Mohammed Resident, Village Nanowal 44. Shri Nek Mohammed Resident, Village Nanowal 45. Shri Raj Mohammed Resident, Village Nanowal 46. Shri Roshanddin Resident, Village Nanowal 47. Shri Umaruddin Resident, Village Nanowal 48. Shri Babu Khan Resident, Village Nanowal 49. Shri Babu Lal Village Namhol 50. Shri Rajinder Kumar Pardhan , Ghial Panchayat 51. Shri Shankar Singh

Thakur Chairman, Watershed Development Committee

52. Shri Param Vir Range Officer, Sadar-Bilaspur 53. Shri Ratan Lal B. O. Braham Pokhar 54. Smt Meena Thakur G.P. Panjai l Khurud 55. Shri Krishan Lal G.P. Namhol 56. Shri Jagdish Thakur Member Block Development Committee, Namhol 57. Shri Krishna Lal Thakur Pradhan, Namhol Panchayat 58. Shri Ram Lal Thakur Assistant Secretary, Namhol Panchayat 59. Shri Sant Ram Pradhan VDC, Village Kalog 60. Smt Bindu Devi Member, Village Kalog 61. Smt Sushma Motivator, Village Kalog 62. Shri Shyamlal Member, Village Kalog 63. Shri Nand Lal Member, Village Kalog 64. Smt Indu Member, Village Kalog 65. Shri Lumxi Dutt President VDC, Village Kalog 66. Smt Shanti Thakur Pradhan, Village Kalog 67. Shri Chander Shekher AEO, Village Kalog 68. Smt Rajni Thakur WPDF, Village Kalog 69. Shri Ram Lal Member, Village Kalog 70. Shri Anoop Member, Village Kalog 71. Smt Jyoti Member, Village Kalog 72. Smt Rekha Member, Village Kalog


XI

S. No. Name Designation 73. Shri Devi Ram Sharma Member, Village Karganu 74. Shri Kapur Singh Member, Village Karganu 75. Shri Roop Singh Member, Village Karganu 76. Shri Hari Nand Member, Village Karganu 77. Shri Bhinder Singh Member, Village Karganu 78. Smt Rita Pundeer Pradhan, Mahila Mandal, Village Karganu 79. Shri Gyan Chander Member, Village Karganu 80. Smt Savita Member, Village Karganu 81. Smt Kalvati Member, Village Karganu 82. Smt Geeta Devi Member, Village Karganu 83. Shri Mohan Singh Member, Village Karganu 84. Smt Kamlesh Devi Pradhan, Hiyun Panchayat 85. Shri Kuldeep Kumar Up-Pradhan, Sanora Panchayat 86. Shri Som Dutt Member, Hiyun Panchaya 87. Shri Beli Ram Member, Hiyun Panchayat 88. Shri Sukh Ram Member, Hiyun Panchayat 89. Shri Vijender Member, Village Dhanech 90. Smt Kamla Devi Member, Village Matiyana 91. Shri Madan Singh Member, Hiyun Panchaya 92. Smt Tara Devi Member, Village Shalamu 93. Shri Sant Ram Member, Palashla Panchayat 94. Shri Keshav Ram Member, Village Neri Jangla 95. Shri Chet Singh Member, Village Palashla 96. Shri Lekh Ram Member, Village Neri Jangla 97. Shri Amar Singh Member, Village Neri Jangla 98. Shri Baldev Singh Ranta Pradhan, Village Battoo 99. Shri Keshar Ram Sharma Vice Pradhan, Village Battoo 100. Shri Ajay Himalayan Pradhan Yuvak Mandal, Village Battoo 101. Smt Shrna Devi Pradhan, Mahila Mandal, Village Battoo 102. Smt Gokhadi Devi Pradhan, Mahila Mandal, Village Battoo 103. Smt Kaushalya Devi Member, Mahila Mandal, Village Zara 104. Shri Keshav Ram Member, Yuvak Mandal, Village Zara 105. Shri Ram Ravi Sharma Member, Village Rohru Sawra 106. Shri Surat Ram NOMAD of Palampur 107. Shri Kunju Ram NOMAD of Palampur 108. Shri Krishan Kumar NOMAD of Palampur 109. Shri Joginder Singh NOMAD of Palampur 110. Shri Surat Singh NOMAD of Palampur 111. Shri Puran Chand NOMAD of Palampur 112. Shri Sepu Ram NOMAD of Palampur 113. Shri Kanudi NOMAD of Palampur 114. Shri Kunju Ram NOMAD of Palampur 115. Shri Sohan Singh President, Watershed Committee, Karganu 116. Shri Madan Singh Chaukidar, Forest, Karganu 117. Smt Kamlesh Devi Panchayat Pradhan, Karganu 118. Smt Sushma Devi Motivator, VDC Kiarad Kalog 119. Smt Lata Devi Cashier, SHG Kiarad Kalog 120. Shri Kamlesh Kumar President, Yuvak Madal, Kiarad Kalog 121. Smt Kunta Devi Vice President VDC Kiarad Kalog 122. Shri Hira Singh Paravet, VDC Kiarad Kalog VDC Kiarad Kalog 123. Shri Jagdish Pal Panchayat Pradhan, Anji Matla, VDC Kiarad Kalog 124. Smt Kaushalya Devi Panchayat Member Rangad 125. Shri Suresh Katoch Panchayat Up Pradhan, Rangad 126. Shri Ramesh Thakur Panchayat Pradhan, Rangad 127. Shri Baldev Singh Panchayat Pradhan, Rantadi 128. Shri Ashok Sharma Secretary Yuvak Madal, Rantadi 129. Smt Shanna Devi Pradhan, Mahila mandal, Rantadi


XII

S. No. Name Designation 130. Shri Dhruv Sain Panchayat Member, Rantadi 131. Smt Bartu Panchayat Member, Rantadi 132. Shri Surat Ram Ex Pradhan, Panchayat Rantadi 133. Shri Jaisram Farmer, Rangad 134. Shri Ram Singh Retired Army Personnel, Rangad 135. Smt Parkashni Devi Landless member, Rangad 136. Smt Panno Devi Illiterate SC member, Rangad 137. Smt Gyani Devi Widow member, Rangad 138. Shri Pritam Chand Barber, Rangad 139. Shri Prakash Chand SC member, Rangad 140. Shri Ramesh Chand Carpenter, Rangad 141. Shri Naresh Kumar Horticulturist, VDC Kiarad Kalog 142. Shri Chint Ram SC labour, VDC Kiarad Kalog 143. Smt Kusumlata SHG member, VDC Kiarad Kalog 144. Shri Mahesh Dutt Tailor, VDC Kiarad Kalog 145. Shri Chain Singh BPL member, VDC Kiarad Kalog 146. Shri Baldev kumar Carpenter, VDC Kiarad Kalog 147. Shri Ramesh Rattan Horticulturist, Rantadi 148. Shri Krishan Lal BPL member, Rantadi 149. Smt Manelasi Widow, Rantadi 150. Shri Rajinder Singh BPL member, Rantadi 151. Shri Kewal Ram BPL member, Rantadi 152. Shri Keshav Ram Horticulturist, Rantadi 153. Shri Vijay Singh Negi Retd. Govt. Servant, Rantadi


XIII

Annexure II Environmental Assessment Matrix

Environmental

Issue Related

sub-issue Causes Example Impacts on watershed Project Interventions

Road building In Ghiyal Panchayat (upper catchment) and on way between Theog and Rohru

Increased silt in streams and rivers, damage to the agriculture land, destruction of water sources, unpleasing visual scars

Mitigative measures for related impacts proposed in ESG

Faulty constructions Unplanned houses on the valley side observed in Shimla, Namhol, Solan that are not in accordance to hill architecture and norms

Disposal of construction debris on slopes affecting watercourses, improper disposal of garbage, aesthetically poor landscapes

Mitigati on proposed for faulty road construction and debris disposal in ESG

Mining and related activities

Observed near Darlaghat on roadside

Damage to forests, agriculture and irrigation channels, impact of geology, soil erosion, dust leading to health hazard

Project excludes mining areas

Soil erosion

Lack of groundcover In Rantari Panchayat (near Bartu village) in UPF Manu

Potential spot for landslides and increased soil erosion

Afforestation sub-project activity built in project design

Use of excessive fertilizers

In Kargano and Namhol Panchayats

Pollution of water sources, increased irrigation requirements and impoverished soils

IPM strategy proposed in ESA

Top soil erosion In agricultural fields of Patlandhar (Hamirpur)

Loss of agriculture land leading to social problems of migration and economic hardships

Arable land treatments is a sub-project activity

Reduced productivity/ nutrient loss

Faulty step farming system

Terraced farms in Rantari showed outward sloping and in Bhadurpur terraced farms were created on steep slopes

Loss of soil productivity, soil erosion, increased runoff leading to low yields (socio-economic implications)


Land degradation

Aridity Loss of vegetation leading to increased evaporation

Observed while visiting Rangar and Rantari watersheds

Reduced fertility of agricultural system and moisture stress in soils



XIV

Environmental Issue

Related sub-issue

Causes Example Impacts on watershed Project Interventions

Less soil depth Matholi watershed where large areas are suffering due to loss of soil depth

The culti vation was abandoned on such terraces with socio -economic impacts


Seismic activity Landslides reported from Kinnaur and Kangra due to seismic activity

Seismic activity weakens the rock-system and makes it landslide prone

Mitigation measures provided in reducing landslides due to roads

Over burden Disposal of debris from tunneling by Naptha-Jhakri project in Shimla district

Such deposition increases the weight on the slope and during rains slope collapses causing landslides

--

Deforestation In Rantari Panchayat and Matholi below Taradevi

The capacity of soil to remain intact is lost, as a result landslides incidence increases

Increase in vegetative cover proposed as a sub-project

Landslides

Geology – fragile and brittle rocks

Rocks in Rantari area swells due to entry of water through cracks and crevices in rock structure

Reduction in soil strength leading to slope failure; the slope slips resulting in habitat loss

--

Barren ear th In Patlandhar (Hamirpur) non-arable areas showed high incidences of total lack of vegetation cover

Loss of water, reduced potential of groundwater recharge

Water resource development is a sub-project activity

Steep slopes Both in Patlandhar and Rantari

High runoff and associated soil erosion leading to deteriorating water availability

Ater harvesting proposed in project design

No/low storage capacity

In Rantari, no water storage structures seen

Low moisture regime and drudgery of women in fetching drinking water (poor quality of life)

Drinking water augmentation is a sub-project

Erratic rainfall and prolonged dry-spells

Seen in Nanowal and Rohru areas

Low water availability and associated loss of agricultural productivity

Water harvesting structu res to address irrigation shortcomings

Runoff

Increased evaporation (thin soils)

In Matholi abandoned terraces were observed due to thin soils

Reduced amount of water holding capacity of soils in root zone leading to loss in agricultural yields and lack of natural vegetation

Project interventions likely to increase moisture regime

Water scarcity

Depleting sources

Deforestation in upper catchments

Seen in Karganoo and Rantari regions

Loss of flora and fauna and water scarcity in lower areas

Plantations proposed as sub-project


XV

Environmental Issue

Related sub-issue


Fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides entering the groundwater system and watercourses

Seen in Nanowal, Namhol and Kargano Panchayats due to off-season vegetable crops

Irrigation and drinking water quality deteriorates, loss of aquatic life forms, health hazards

IPM strategy in ESA likely to reduce use of chemical fertilizers

No source/end of pipe treatment

Industrial pollution through discharge of untreated effluents reported from Baddi industrial belt

Reduced water quality making it unfit for consumption, increased incidence of diseases

--

Lack of awareness Observed in most Panchayats visited

Additional increase in pollution load of streams and water bodies

Awareness building as part of IEC strategy proposed in ESA

Increased silt/sediment load in streams (turbidity)

Observed in Sirsa and Pabbar river catchments

Increased incidences of flooding, stream bank erosion, reduced life of hydropower plants in downstream, reduced drinking water supply

Mitigation measures and sub-projects will address soil erosion and silt loads

Water quality Pollution of water sources

Unprotected water sources

Observed in Karganoo Panchayat where excessive fertilizers were being used very close to natural water spring

Health hazards and reduced quality of life Awarenes s building and protection of water sources envisaged in project

Encroachment Observed in Rohru/Jubbal Forest Divisions where apple orchards and potato fields are encroaching on forestlands

Reduced forest cover, loss of biodiversity, loss of top soil, implications on water sources; social friction

Green cover enhancement likely to be taken up

Illegal felling Reported to be in Shimla and Kullu districts

Lack of tree cover, reduced biodiversity, increased incidenc es of landslides, higher soil erosion

Alternative sources through afforestation to be raised

Commercial extraction

Reported in Chamba, Kullu and Shimla (Kotgarh area) districts for timber and packing cases

Thinning of forests, reduction in dense forest, reduced capacity for holding soil water, changes in micro-climatic conditions, impact on biodiversity

--

Habitat degradation

Depleting forest cover

Customary/traditional rights (timber rights)

Rights available all over the State

Reduction in density of forests Development of alternative sources


XVI

Environmental Issue

Related sub-issue


Lack of groundcover Observed in Rantari, Matholi areas

Increased soil erosion, reduced land productivity, high runoff, increased silt load in streams

Green cover enhancement is a sub-project

Habitat conversion Forests converted into apple orchards a nd further converted in hotels in Kullu, road-making in many parts of mid hills, construction of houses on slopes

Reduced natural habitats with implications for biodiversity, increased debris deposition and associated damages

Mitigation measures proposed in ESA to accord protection to natural habitats

Forest fires (man-made)

Reported from Chir and Kail growing areas in the mid hills (10,993 ha forest area affected by fires in 2003)

Loss of biodiversity, loss of regeneration, loss of forest

Mitigation measures included in ESA to reduce incidence of forest fires

Overgrazing Seen in Rantari and Karganoo Panchayats

Reduced productivity of pastures and inability to support livestock, conflicts with transhumant and nomadic tribes, low natural regeneration, low quality of cattle, poor yield of animal products

Sub-projects include livestock development, fodder sources enhancement in project design

Lack of protection/ Rotational grazing

Seen in Rantari region Fodder scarcity, increased scrub cattle Fodder development included as sub-project

Elimination of legumes

Most pastures of mid hills are facing depletion of soil Phosphorus due to overgrazing, as a result legumes are unable to form nodules and are depleting

Reduced fertility of soil in pastures Pastureland development included as a sub-project

Faulty and unsustainable management practices

Allowing of overgrazing and not following rotational grazing, as observed in Rohru areas

Continuous decline in pasture productivity, increased incidences of fires, loss of natural regeneration

Stall-feeding to be promoted through project interventions

Degrading pastureland

Grazing rights Prevalent throughout HP Poor quality of pastures, depletion of ground flora, social conflicts (between PRI and nomads)

Fodder resource enhancement part of project activities


XVII

Environmental Issue

Related sub-issue


Man-made fires Reported from Rantari and Rohru areas (high incidences in mid hills)

Loss of biodiversity, increased soil erosion, increased grass production in next cycle (due to lack of bushy growth)

Community involvement a part of project design to check impacts

Uncontrolled extraction of firewood

Seen throughout all Panchayats visited

Thinning of forests, removal of deadwood from forests impacting detritus and other decomposers, reduced habitat quality, carrying of head loads by women (poor quality of life)

Alternate sources to be developed as part of sub-project on afforestation

Rampant collection of NTFP

Occur in many areas, most pronounced in Kullu, Shimla, Chamba and Mandi areas

Reducing population sizes of medicinal herbs, restricted distribution of many species, loss of biodiversity, exploitation of marginalized communities (cheap labour)

Mitigation measures proposed in ESA

Customary/traditional rights

Rights, throughout the state, to extraction of timber, NTFP, firewood, fodder and grazing has implications for habitat quality

Habitat degradation, reduced productivity of habitats, low natural regeneration


Reduced habitat quality

Proliferation of weeds Prosopis juliflora, Ageratum sp in Shiwaliks and Lantana camara in Shiwaliks as well as mid hills

Threats to indigenous species, simplification and reduced productivity of ecosystems, loss of grazing areas, fodder, forest cover, reduced production of NTFP


Increased pollution of water bodies

Observed in Sirsa watershed, high silt load of Sutlej and Beas

Loss of aquatic biodiversity, reduction in water quality, available but wasted resource, health ha zards

Water resource enhancement is part of sub-projects

Encroachment on riverbanks (wetlands)

Hotel constructions in riverbanks in Manali area

Reduced potential of riverbanks to act as buffers against floods, implications on fisheries, damage to habita t

Stream bank erosion measures may be taken up

Loss of aquatic habitats

Biological invasions Duck -weed infestation reported in Renuka lake

Loss of biodiversity, reduced dissolved oxygen (spread of floating weeds), fish kills

Avoidance of exotics proposed in ESG


XVIII

Environmental Issue

Related sub-issue


Drought and flash floods

Flash floods frequent in Kullu and Rampur area, mid hills becoming drought-prone

Damage to habitats, loss of life, reduced productivity of habitats

--

Sand/stone mining from river beds

Observed in Rohru region (incidences have reduced)

Damage to riverbed, disturbance in river flow, increased incidences of stream bank erosion

Stream bank erosion control may be taken up

Reduced natural regeneration

Reduced regeneration of species observed in slopes in Manali region in the Beas valley, Shoja area (Banjar)

Reduced carrying capacity in the long run, thinning of forest cover, loss of biodiversity

Project design addresses concerns of biodiversity loss

Weed infestation Shiwaliks (Nanowal) and mid hill areas are facing the threat of weed infestation

Reduced productivity, competition between different species for resources, changes in community structure and composition, lack of ecosystem and community processes

Mitigation measures proposed in ESG

Loss of useful microbes

Possible in areas where all dead wood is removed from forests for firewood, reduced accumulation of leaf litter in forests of mid hills

Disturbed nutrient cycle, reduced organic carbon in soil, disappearance of decomposers, loss of biodiversity, reduced health of habitats

--

Habitat conversion Observed in Kullu and Rohru areas where forests are being converted into apple orchards

Reduced forest cover, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion

Green cover enhancement is a sub-project

Biodiversity Loss of species

Unsustainable harvesting of medicinal herbs and timber

Observed in Kullu, Mandi, Shimla districts

Removal of medicinal herbs, reduced population sizes and restricted distribution, loss of forestland, exploitation of labour, social inequity issues related to T.D. rights

Mitigati on measures proposed to address issue of medicinal herbs

Rural sanitation Garbage disposal

Lack of awareness Observed in Ghiyal/Namhol Panchayats

Spread of polythene on slopes, choking of small rivulets, health hazard for cattle

Awareness building a part of IEC strategy


XIX

Environmental Issue

Related sub-issue


No disposal system/ lack of collection services

Not seen in any Panchayat Gradual increase in heaps of garbage and its spread over slopes, odour problems

Project could help linking large villages with municipality for garbage collection and disposal Sanitation and hygienic conditions a likely outcome of project

Lack of toilet facilities Not seen in most Panchayats

Open defecation leading to pollution of water sources, increased chances of bacterial infections, odour problems

Project to encourage linking with line department to address this issue

Open defecation

Lack of water Toilets lying unused due to lack of water (made under CRSP)

Same as above --

Untreated sewage

No sewage treatment plans

Observed in some small towns, like Rohru

Pollution of streams and rivers, reduced water quality, pollution of drinking water sources

Project could facilitate linking with State Polluton Control Board to enforce regulatory mechanisms

Soil erosion in the mid hills is an environmental conc ern and, as per National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land use Planning most of the mid-hills are covered under severe and very severe category. Road construction has become a source of additional silt in the region. There are reports that a kilometer of road cutting in Himalayan region produces 8000 m3 debris. For 4940 km of single- lane roads (developed from 1992-93 to 2002-03), debris produced is 39520000 m3 over 10 years. This is only due to construction. Debris and silt continue to be released from road construction sites year after year. The muck produced in the mine areas may still be very high; becoming 10,000 m3 to 22,000 m3 for kilometer of road length, thus, the roads in a way has become permanent sources of siltation in the rivers. All this ultimately finds its way into the drainage system. The Dhauladhar Project reported that soil loss could range from 1.5 to 4.0 tonnes/ha/year from conventional tillage bench terraced (well maintained farmlands). After the adoption of complete watershed treatment including plantation and conservation measures, the run off decreased from 60-65 percent in 1974-80 (pre-treatment) to 30 to 34 percent in 1985 – 86 (post treatment). The soil loss also deceased from 18.3 to 33.5 t/ha/year in pre project period to 3.6 to 4.6 t/ha/hr in 1985-86.The project suggested that: (i) The problem of run off and soil loss is not that serious from well-terraced and well-maintained bench terraces. But total area under such land use is only 10-12 percent in a sub watershed; (ii) Large watersheds of mid-hills when not treated may produce run off of 60-65 percent and soil loss of 18-34 t/ha/year with mean annual rainfall of 1500 to 1900 mm; and (iii) The holistic watershed treatment has the potential to reduce runoff by 50% and soil loss may come down to 15-20 % of the original


XX

Annexure III Protected areas of HP in various districts along with

their important faunal species

The State Government has taken initiatives for in situ conservation of the wide variety of floral and faunal species found in HP. A network of Protected Areas, comprising 2 National Parks and 32 Wildlife Sanctuaries has been established. The two NP cover an area of 1440 sq km, whereas the 32 WLS have a total coverage of 5562 sq km. The PAs of HP cover all biotic provinces. Two PAs are located in the Trans-Himalayan; 17 PAs in Northwest Himalayan (west of Sutlej river); 13 PAs in west Himalayas (east of Sutlej river); and 2 PAs in Semi-Arid zone. No PA is located in Una and Bilaspur districts.

S. No.

District Forest Division

PA Fauna

1. Bilaspur Bilasapur Naina Devi WLS Sambhar, Wild Boar, Monkey, Goral, Red Jungle Fowl, Barking Deer, Pea Fowl

2. Govind Sagar WLS

Egrets, Ducks, Pochards, Mallards etc

3. Chamba Chamba Gamgul-Siyabehi WLS

Himalayan Tahr, Brown Bear, Black Bear, Goral, Monal, Koklas

4. Chamba Kugti WLS Himalayan Tahr, Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Leopard, Monal, Koklas, Snow Pheasants

5. Dalhousie Kalatop-Khaijiar WLS

Serow, Goral, Black Bear, Barking Deer, Monal. Koklas

6. Dalhousie Tundah WLS Himalayan Tahr. Ibex, Goral, Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Black Bear, Martins, Monal, Snow Cock, Koklas, Chukor

7. Pangi Sechu-Tuan Nalla WLS

Himalayan Tahr. Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Snow Leopard, Monal, Snow Cock, Chukor, Tragopan

8. Kangra Dharamshala

Dhauldhar WLS

9. Nurpur/Dehra

Pong Dam Lake WLS

Sambhar, Wild Boar, Red Jungle Fowl, Partridges

10. Nurpur Bassa-Waziram Game Reserve

Wild Boar, Red Jungle Fowl, Sambhar

11. Kinnaur Nichar Sangla WLS Bharal, Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Black Bear, Monal, Tragopan, Snow Leopard

12. Nichar Rupi Bhaba WLS

Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Goral, Monal, Koklas, Tragopan

13. Pooh Lippa Asrang WLS

Ibex, Brown Bear, Black Bear, Chukor, Monal, Tragopan

14. Kullu Kullu Kanawar WLS Himalayan Tahr. Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Monal, Snow Leopard, Tragopan

15. Kullu Sainj WLS Leopard, Black Bear, Kalij, Ibex, Snow Cock

16. Kullu Khokhan WLS Black Bear, Musk Deer, Snow Partridges, Monal, Koklas

17. Parabati Kias WLS Musk Deer, Black Bear, Tragopan, Goral


XXI

S. No.

District Forest Division

PA Fauna

18. Kotagrh Manali WLS Black Bear, Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Goral, Monal

19. Seraj Tirthan WLS Himalayan Tahr. Ibex, Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Black Bear, Koklas, Monal, Snow Leopard

20. Parbati Great Himalayan National Park

Musk Deer, Barking Deer, Snow Cock, Ibex, Himalayan Tahr, Snow Leopard, Monal, Cheer Pheasant, Kalij, Koklas, Black Bear, Western Tragopan

21. Lanhaul & Spiti

Spiti Kibber WLS Snow Leopard, Goral, Monal, Koklas

22. Spiti Pin Valley National Park

Snow Leopard, Snow Wolf, Chukor, Snow Pigeon, Marmots, Ibex, Snow Cock, Bharal

23. Mandi Mandi Nargu WLS Goral, Barking Deer, Serow, Black Bear, Musk Deer, Monal, Kalij

24. Suket/Nachan

Shikari Devi WLS

Musk Deer, Serow, Barking Deer, Goral, Black Bear, Monal. Koklas

25. Suket Bandli WLS Goral, Barking Deer, Black Bear, Kalij, Red Jungle Fowl

26. Shimla Shimla Shimla Water Catchment Area WLS

Goral, Barking Deer, Koklas, Red Jungle Fowl, Kalij

27. Kotgarh Daranghati I & II WLS

Goral, Serow, Black Bear, Monal, Kalij, Koklas, Chukor

28. Rohroo Chopal

Talra WLS Musk Deer, Goral, Black Bear, Panther, Kalij, Koklas, Monal, Chukor

29. Sirmour Nahan Simabalbara WLS

Sambhar, Goral, Cheetal, Nilgai, Barking Deer, Leopard, Wild Boar, Red Jungle Fowl, Partridges

30. Rajgarh Renuka WLS Sambhar, Goral, Barking Deer, Red Jungle Fowl

31. Solan Solan Chail WLS Red Deer, Sambhar, Goral, Barking Deer, Red Jungle Fowl, Kalij

32. Kunihar Majathal WLS Goral, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Panther, Sambhar, Chir Pheasant, Red Jungle Fowl, Chukor, Kallej

33. Kunihar Daralaghat WLS Barking Deer, Goral, Langoor, Wild Boar, Chukor, Kalij, Red Jungle Fowl

34. Solan Shili WLS Goral, Barking Deer, Panther, Kalij, Chukor, Black Partridges

35. Kunihar Ghanna Ki Hatti Game Reserve

Ghoral, Langour, Barking Deer, Leopard, Kalij, Chukor

36. Solan Taradevi Game Reserve

Barking Deer, Kalij, Red Jungle Fowl

37. Sirmour/ Shimla

Renuka/Chopal

Churdhar WLS Goral, Barking Deer, Musk Deer, Panther, Black Bear, Monal, Koklas, Kalij, Chukor


XXII

Annexure IV

List of Medicinal Herbs and other Non-Timber Minor Forest Produce for which Panchayat has been empowered to give export permit

S. No. Species Local Name Royalty

(Rs per quintal) 1. Ainslea aptera Sath Jalori 50 2. Picrorhiza kurroa Karoo 540 3. Jurinea macrophylla Dhoop 500 4. Angalica glauca Chura 125 5. Viola odorata Banafsha 2250 6. Valicriana wallichii Mushk Bala N.A. 7. Thallictrum sp Mamiri 335 8. Thymus sephylum Ban Ajvain 100 9. Morchella esculenta Guchhi 10000 10. Potentilla nepalensis Dori 40 11. Pistachia integorina Kakarsinghi 1000 12. Polygonatum verticilatum Salam Mishri 1000 13. Salvia moorcroftiana Thuth 180 14. Bunium persicum Kala Jeera 2000 15. Salinium vaginatum Butkesh 400 16. Tinospora cordifoila Giloe 100 17. Orchis latifolia Salam Panja 6000 18. Valeriana hardwickii Nihani 600 19. Acorus calamus Vach 130 20. Pinus wallichiana Kail 1000 21. Adiantum annulatum Dasgtuli 80 22. Lichens Chalora 225 23. Abies webbiana Taispatra 85 24. Hedychlium accuminatum Kapper kuchri 70 25. Hraclium sp Patishan 25 26. Corardiana heterophylla Bichhu buti 150 27. Cedar rosette Deodar 150 28. Birch Pine Kush 150 29. Cehralla sp Bari Phool 50 30. Pyrus pashia Kainth 30 31. Coolbrookea oppositifolia Bindi phool 50 32. Rhododendron sp Buransh 150 33. Coleus aromaticus Pathan bail 30 34. Mosses Moss ghas 250 35. Hypericum patulaum Kharera 250 36. Curcuma sp Ban Haldi 50 37. Juniperus recurva Bether Patha 100


XXIII

Annexure V

Strategy for Integrated Pest Management Intensive and improved agricultural practices that boost farmland production have also led to an increase in pests and related problems. Introduction of high yielding varieties and excessive use of fertilizers has led to increased incidences of insect and pest attacks. Till recently, great emphasis was laid on application of chemical pesticides, which initially proved beneficial. But their hidden ill effects became evident only after continuous and indiscriminate use and are summarized below: • Development of resistance in target insects/pests and they are no longer

eliminated with recommended doses. Until 1984 more than 447 insect specie and 100 plant pathogens had developed resistance to various chemicals.

• Resurgence of pests, as they are not wiped out and reappear time and again. • Destruction of useful insects that were natural predators of problem-insects due

to continuous use of chemical insecticides • Pollution of soil and water sources resulting in reduced soil productivity • Deposition of pesticide residues in the environment that ultimately enters the

human food chain leading to health hazards in the form of severe disorders, such as, cancer, miscarriage, infertility, birth-defects, kidney problems etc

• Secondary outbreak of pests due to loss of natural enemies IPM is a broad ecological approach of pest control (insects, diseases, weeds, rodents etc) employing all methods and techniques viz. cultural, mechanical, genetical, regulatory, biological and chemical in a compatible manner to keep pest population below economic threshold level (ETL) and also reduces the residual effects of chemicals on both plants and animals (health hazard). The mid Hills will greatly benefit with the implementation of IPM but will require a lot of efforts and support, as at present there is very little or no awareness regarding IPM and various packages of IPM that are already available to farmers in mid Hills. Objectives of IPM approach • Maximize production minimize inputs • Minimize environmental pollution • Manage pests below ETL through bio-control involving release of indigenous

natural enemies of pests • Popularize IPM approach in remote areas through sensitizing line departments • Replacement of agricultural chemicals by substituting with biological inputs (bio-

fertilizers, FYM, vermin -compost, bio -agents, bio -pesticides etc) Components of IPM Cultural Methods: Cultural methods of pest control consist of regular farm operations so performed, which either destroy the pests or prevent them from causing economic losses. These practices have been used since long for pest control and needs thorough knowledge of crop production, biology and ecology of


XXIV

pests and their natural enemies. The various cultural practices can be grouped under the following heads: § Preparation of nurseries or main fields free from pest infestation e.g. removal of

plant debris, trimming of bunds, treating of soil and deep summer ploughing which kill various stages of insects.

§ Testing of soil deficiencies for micronutrients on the basis of which fertilizers should be applied.

§ Selection of clean and certified seeds and treating of seeds before sowing for seed borne diseases.

§ Selection of seeds of relatively past resistant/tolerant varieties. These resistant/tolerant varieties play a significant role in past suppression and thus avoid considerable economic losses arising out of pest attack. Many of such crop varieties have been released / are being released.

§ Crop rotation also plays an important role in pest suppression. § Synchronized sowing and proper plant spacing. § Optimum use of fertilizers at appropriate time. It is well-known fact that high

doses of Nitrogen fertilizers increase pest incidence. § Proper water management (alternative wetting and drying to avoid water

stagnation). § Harvesting as close as to ground level. § Proper weed management. It is well-known fact that the weeds besides

competing with crop for micronutrients also harbour many pests. § Educate farmers with the ecology of crops and pests for adjusting of time of

sowing and harvesting to escape peak season of pest attack. Explore and use traditional knowledge banks (old farmers) in the villages.

Mechanical and physical methods: In this process manual labour is involved where we also take the help of some tools. Various practices involved are grouped as under: § Collection of egg masses, larvae, pupae and adults where possible and either

destroy them or place them in cage-cum-bird purhers for conservation of natural enemies and withholding of pest species.

§ Removal and destruction of diseased or pest infested portion of plant parts. § Use of rope in rice crop before flowering for dislodging larvae of bests e.g. case

worm and leaf folder. § Use of light traps and destruction of trapped pests. § Use of pheromon traps for monitoring and suppression of pest population. Genetical methods: This involves both use of genetically superior crop varieties that are resistant to various pests and also genetical methods are used to increase competition between pest populations. For example, male inspects of a particular species are sterilized through chemosterilants or radiation in the laboratory and then released in large numbers to compete with fertile males. Regulatory methods: Rules formed by various agencies and Government are implemented under this method. Quarantine rules are enforced strictly disallowing


XXV

infected materials to be imported and transported to other parts where there is no pest problem. Ban on certain dangerous chemicals is also enforced and regulated. Bio-control methods: Control of insect pests and diseases through biological means is one of the most important components of IPM. In broadest sense, bio-control is use of living organisms to control unwanted living organisms (pests). In other words deliberate use of parasites, predators and pathogens to maintain pest population at a level below those causing economic losses either by introducing a new species into the environment or by increasing the effectiveness of those already present. The different types of biocontrol practices are grouped as under: § Introduction: In this process a new species of bio-agent is introduced to a

locality for its establishment against its host. Introduction is made only after laboratory examination and field trials for its efficiency.

§ Augmentation: In this process the population of natural enemies already present in an area is increased by releasing either laboratory reared or field collected bio-agents of same species in such number as would require to suppress the population in that area.

§ Conservation: This is the most important component of biological control and plays a major role in pest suppression. In this process natural enemies already present in the nature are protected from being hilled. The different practices required to protect the natural enemies are listed below:

§ Collection of egg masses and placing them in bamboo cage-cum-bird

percher for allowing emergence of parasites and withholding of pest larvae. § Educating farmers through field days, radios & T.V. to differentiate pests

and defenders and sparing the defenders during field spray. § Chemical spray should be adopted as last resort and that too after

observing pest defender ratios and economic threshold level (ETL). § Use of broad spectrum pesticides should be avoided. § Use of selective and relatively environmental friendly (REF) pesticides. § Strip or spot application of pesticides. § Growing trap crop on the borders of main fields before the actual sowing of

crop to trap pest and develop natural enemies. § Augmentation of crop defenders by release of egg and larval parasites and

predators § Root dip/seedling treatment for gall midge prone area. § Crop rotation and inter-cropping also help in conservation of defenders. § User recommended dose and concentration of pesticides.

Chemical methods: Use of chemical pesticides is the last resort when other methods fail to keep the pest population below economic threshold level (ETL). Although there is advancement in pest management research, pesticides would continue to play an important role in crop protection. Therefore, use of pesticides should be judicious, based on pest surveillance and ETL to minimize not only the cost but also reduce the associated problems. While going for chemical control the following points must be strictly followed:


XXVI

§ Economic threshold level should be observed. § Selection of relatively environmental friendly pesticides. § Ensure that farmers are sensitized to the use and safe disposal of

insecticides, fertilizers etc and that these harmful chemicals are not used beyond their expiry.

§ If the pest is present in strips or in isolated patches, whole field should not be sprayed.

§ Pest and defender ratio must be observed. If ratio is 1:1, there is no need of pesticide spray.

Flow Diagram of Problems, IPM Approach and Expected Outcomes IPM and livestock Pest of domestic animals predisposes animals to diseases, cause anemia (from blood loss), reduce weight gain, reduce feed efficiency and transport several important animals diseases. Pest control is, therefore, necessary but when control involves use of pesticides caution must be exercised to prevent contaminating

Farm Sector

Problems

§ High fertilizer use § High insecticide,

pesticide, weedicide use

§ Reduced soil productivity

§ Decreasing farm yields

§ Resistance in pests to chemicals

§ Secondary outbreaks

§ Wipeout of friendly insects

§ Pollution of natural environment

§ Cultural o Farming

techniques o Nursery

techniques § Mechanical

o Physical removal of plant hosts

o Removal of insects’ eggs, larvae

§ Genetical o Use of resistant

varieties § Regulatory

o Discontinue use of banned chemicals

§ Biological o Use of natural

enemies of pests o Switching to

biological inputs – bio-fertilizers, FYM, bio-pesticides

§ Chemical

§ Technically sound § Economically

viable § Environmentally

safe § Locally available § Easy to use

§ Increased productivity

§ Improved soil conditions

§ Better incomes

§ Safer and cleaner environment

§ Informed farmers

Pre -Requisites Of New Approach

Components Of IPM Approach

Expected Outcomes


XXVII

humans and their food supply and environment. Insecticides should be considered only as supplement and not replacement. IPM is a system approach that combines a wide array of livestock production practices with careful monitoring of pests and their natural enemies. Risks that necessitates IPM in livestock sector § Accidental ingestion of pesticides, suicide attempts or malicious poisoning § Consumption of freshly-sprayed crop by animal § Consumption of dairy products from intoxicated animals § Secondary poisoning in predators – fish, dogs, rats, birds etc Basic strategy for introducing IPM for livestock is similar to that of IPM for agricultural and horticultural practices. Following steps could facilitate introduction of IPM concept in livestock management: 1. Awareness:

• To keep livestock under hygienic conditions • About banned pesticides • Safe use of pesticides and safe disposal of empty containers

2. Priority for control of pests through biological, mechanical/eco-friendly measures 3. Chemical pesticides should be the last resort 4. Implementation in coordination with extension workers from agriculture,

horticulture and IPM Pest Surveillance As part of IPM strategy, pest surveillance should be undertaken. Though not a method of pest control, pest surveillance is a pre-requisite in adoption of IPM. Pest surveillance is an effective tool as an information system, which renders all pest control methods more effective. It aims at monitoring and forewarning of likely build up of pests in order to facilitate planning and adoption of suitable control strategy based on ETL. In other words pest surveillance acts as a guiding principle in determining the areas and time needing the pest control.


XXVIII

Strategy for Implementing Integrated Pest Management

Activity Years Action Points 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Training of Agri/Hort/AH staff (project and line department) in IPM

Train at CIPMC, Solan /Bio Control Lab Palampur/ CSKVV, Palampur/ UHF, Nauni. The trained personnel will act as in-house training team

Training of Facilitators/ Paravets in IPM

Will be useful for inclusion and orientation of women stakeholders in IPM approaches, as they are the main agricultural workers and attend to livestock needs

Developing relevant literature and pamphlets for distribution with list of banned chemicals (update lists as required)

Should be in local language and appealing visually. Distribute these during awareness camps. Involve Panchayats in enforcing the Insecticide Act, Obnoxious Weeds and Pests Act etc

Farmer and livestock owners awareness building

Organize awareness camps in villages on latest technology in production, organic farming, IPM concept, safe use and disposal of insecticides/pesticides, fumigation of shelters, identification and distinction between predators and pests. Aware livestock owners for keeping animals in hygienic conditions

Identification of potential stakeholders

Following mass-awareness buildup identify farmers and livestock owners that have potential to take up & sustain IPM

Provide technical inputs and support to identified farmers and later use them as models for replication by other interested farmers

Provide inputs in form of bio-pesticides, bio-weedicides, bio-fungicides, bio-fertilizers, bio-control agents (predators) etc

Develop and distribute guidelines on safe use of pesticides/insecticides

Emphasize avoiding use of broad-spectrum pesticides, chemicals that wipe out useful insects etc. Use recommended dose and concentration of pesticides. Do not support sale and use of banned fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides etc. Table 1 gives a list of some friendly pesticides etc

Organize lectures and presentations

Use Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayat meetings to give visually aided presentation

Soil testing Test for micronutrients deficiencies. Provide a list of soil testing laboratories to farmers/Panchayats and facilitate the process of getting samples tested. Encourage government-sponsored laboratories to visit the fields and collect samples.

Conduct bench-mark survey and prepare checklist of pests/pathogens

Assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of farmers and identify major pests responsible for low yield

Developing linkages with line departments for organizing farmers training and continued assistance in adopting IPM

Organize at least one linkage workshop every year. This would be critical to sustain IPM approaches beyond the project period.

Training of farmers in CIPMC Solan and other institutes

Training in improved farm practices, use of bio-fertilizers, switching to bio-manures, vermin-composting etc

Tie-up for supply of vermi-compost

Will be required for farmers to immediately switch over to bio-fertilizers, as absence may diminish interest

Legume plantations in farm bunds and fields, promoting use of mulch, setting up of vermi-compost units

Link with arable land development programme. Plantations be raised simultaneously with vermi-compost units so that increase in productivity can be seen in fields. Long-term availability of vermi-compost is needed to sustain IPM

Promote back-yard poultry Monitor biological control of pests and insects Encourage stall feeding and proper stall maintenance (including fumigation)

Restrict free grazing to avoid exposing animal to other pests and pathogens that may be free-roaming. Use dung and other wastes for FYM/vermi-composting, ensure proper drainage


XXIX

Activity Years Action Points 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

and hygiene Set up demonstration plots Set up demonstration plots once farmer awareness

and training has initiated and after setting up of vermin-compost units. This wi ll reduce delays in adopting IPM and will lead to quick results encouraging others to follow suit

Introduce and provide readily available IPM packages

Available IPM packages be provided to farmers for immediate adoption. Table 2 gives a list of available packages.

Provide, as required, available bio-control agents

Table 3 gives the indigenous and exotic bio-agents for release with State Bio-Control Lab (Palampur)

Introduce organic farming Organize training and exposure visits, supply bio-fertilizer mini-kits etc and identify and select at least two bio villages for demonstrating organic farming

Document progress Record changes in inputs and outputs and develop economic gains table for popularizing it among farming community

Milestones

Activity Milestones Awareness building § Cover at least 30% farmers in first year from project start

§ Cover the remaining by the end of second year Identification of potential farmers

§ Identify at least three farmers in each village (which have been selected under the project) within 15 days of awareness building for training and taking up IPM as demonstration

Training § Staff and line department training completed in 1st and 2nd year § Farmer training completed within th ree months of identifying potential

farmers § Training for other interested farmers completed within one year after

awareness building IPM coverage § Provide IPM package to trained farmer within 30 days of training

§ 10% farmers within project area be covered e very year § 50% farmers to be covered by fifth year

Use of Bio-fertilizers/bio-pesticides

§ At least 10% reduction in use of chemical fertilizers achieved every year § At least 10% reduction in use of chemical pesticides achieved every

year § 50% reduction achieved in use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides after

5 years Monitoring and evaluation

§ Formation of joint monitoring team (staff and community) within one year from project start

§ Monitoring schedule for each quarter prepared and implemented § Monitoring reports be prepared for each monitoring visit and compiled

annually to show progress Process documentation

§ Annual progress reports on IPM status prepared giving coverage, replication and sustainability

§ Knowledge, practice and coverage change documented


XXX

Table 1: A list of relatively environment friendly pesticides and insecticides I. Insecticides: Endosulfan, Monocrotophos, Phosphamidon, Phosalone, Malathion, Exydemeton

methyl, Carbofuran (for soil application).

II. Fungicides: Copper oxycholoride, Carbendaxim, Mancoseb, Thiram, Streptocycline. III. Weedicides: Anilofos, Pendimethalin, Thiobencarb, Butachlor, Oxyfluorfan, 2,4 – D. IV. Rodenticide: Zinc phosphide, Bromodiolone. V. New introductions: Neem based insecticides, such as, Neem oil based emulsion

containing 0.9% azadirachitin, Neem kernol based emulsion containing 0.15% Asadirachtin.

Table 2: Available IPM Packages through CSKVV (Palampur)

S. No Crop Pest/Disease

1. Rice Stem borer, Leaf folder, Rice Hispa 2. Potato Potato tuber moth 3. Rapeseed & Mustard Aphids 4. Ginger Rhizobium rot 5. Brinjal Fruit and shoot borer, Hadda beetle, Jassids, Mites, Bacterial

blight,Wilt,Fruit rot and Nematodes 6. Peas Leaf minor, Pod borer, White rot, Powdery mildew, Bacterial

blight, Rust and Root rot 7. Tomato Bacterial wilt, Fruit rot, Blight and leaf spot 8. Package for control of Heliothis armigera 9. Package for control of white grubs and cut worms Table 3: Bio- control agents of different pests with State bio control lab (Palampur) S. No. Name of bio-agent Target pest Crop Time of

application 1. Trichogama chilonis

(egg parasitoid) § Leaf folder § Fruit borer § Shoot/fruit borer § DBM § Pod borer § Shoot fly § Shoot/top borer § Hairy caterpillar

Paddy, Tomato, Brinjal, Bhindi, Cole crops, Gram, Pea, Millets, Sugarcane

As per emergence of pest

2. Trichogama japonicum (egg parasitoid)

§ Stem borer § Top borer § Shoot borer

Paddy Sugarcane Sugarcane

-do-

3. Chelonus blackburni (egg–larval parasitoid)

§ Tuber moth § Fruit borer § Pod borer

Potato Tomato Gram,Pea

-do-

4. Trichoderma viride (bio-fungicide0

Seed and soil borne pathogens

Cole crops, Ginger, Onion, Turmeric and Bhindi etc.

-do-

5. Chrysoperla carnea (Predator)

Soft bodied insects, aphids, jassids, thrips,white flies etc.

Oilseeds, onion and other vegeta bles

-do-

6. NPV (Nuclear polyhedrosis virus)

H.armigera , S.litura & tobacco caterpillar

Tomato,Gram,legumes and cole crops

-do-


XXXI

Constraints/Risks in IPM Implementation and Mitigation Strategy

Constraint/Risks Mitigation

Availability of selective pesticides, effective against crop pests but not against natural enemies of pests, is a problem

Make available selective bio-pesticides to farmers, as per their requirements

One of the basic points of IPM is ETL, which have not been worked out for all the pests and combination of pests for different varieties and regions

Support research programmes to work out ETL for various pests within different project districts and areas and use this information to implement chemical pesticides, insecticides etc.

Potential of bio-control agents has not been evaluated fully for many agents

Do not introduce bio -control agents that have not been worked out in detail and are still in study stage. Use only ready to release and duly approved bio -control agents.

Techniques of mass rearing of several bio-agents are still not well developed

Ensure timely breeding and supply of predators to farmers; improve linkages with relevant line departments and other institutions

Farmers, by and large, are not well educated and have different socio-cultural environment, which is also a constraint in introducing a new technology

Ensure that demonstrations are alongside awareness building and that there is no gap between demonstration and supply of new technology, lest people will loose interest


XXXII

Annexure VI Aboveground carbon stocks (quintals/ha) in agroforestry systems in sub temperate and sub tropical zones in HP

Sub temperate (915-1523 m) Dharja, Solan

Sub tropical (915 m) Balh Valley, Mandi

Sub tropical (914 m) Bilaspur

Sub tropical (914 m) Kuthar Valley, Solan

Agroforestry

System LC PC Total LC PC Total LC PC Total LC PC Total Arable AS 28.13 101.81 129.94 41.76 144.30 186.06 19.17 71.04 90.21 26.18 1802.27 1828.45 AHS 45.94 259.71 305.65 -- -- -- 16.35 6.63 22.98 -- -- -- ASH 53.42 807.76 861.18 31.11 951.76 982.87 16.79 85.57 102.36 -- -- -- Non-arable PS 19.88 509.59 528.47 2.64 165.97 168.61 5.68 404.75 410.43 6.04 1972.61 1978.65 PSH -- -- -- -- -- -- 10.35 285.91 296.26 0.45 1737.62 1738.07 AS – Agri -silviculture ASH – Agri-silvi-horticulture PS –Silvi -pasture PSH – Pastoral -silvi -horticulture

PC – Permanent Carbon LC – Labile Carbon

Designated Nodal Agency Mr R.K. Sethi, Member-Secretary The National CDM Authority Ministry of Environment and Forests Room No. 115, Paryavaran Bhavan C.G.O. Complex, Lodi Road New Delhi – 110 003 Tel/Fax: 011-2436 2252 Email: [email protected]


XXXIII

Annexure VII Format for Project Concept Note (PCN)

Ministry of Environment and Forests , Government of India 01. Name of Project 02. Location of Project (Village/ District/ State) 03. Name of Project Sponsor(s) & Contact details 04. Name of Project (Developer/ Consultant) & Contact details 05. Ownership details of Project Sponsor(s) Company 06. CER sharing arrangements amongst Project Sponsors 07. Project description 08. Technology to be employed (Whether state of art/Technological innovation, if any) 09. Transfer of Technology (methodology) 10. Project start date 11. Project completion date 12. Project Life time 13. Status of Project Clearances 14. Status of Resource inputs 15. Financing details of the Project 16. Total CDM contribution sought 17. CDM contribution expected upfront 18. Indicative CER price 19. Name & Address of buyer of CER's 20. Cost of CER to the Company 21. IRR and DSCR without CER Revenue 22. IRR and DSCR with CER Revenue 23. Whether any ODA is flowing to the Project 24. Subsidy element if any in the project & source 25. Total cost of the Project

a) In Indian Rs. b) Break up of Foreign currency (if any)

26. Transaction Cost 27. Whether Project appraised by any Financial Institution 28. Financial Closure 29. Expected date of first CER delivery & CER (Revenue) flow yearwise 30. Crediting period 31. Estimate of GHG abatement in tCO 2 eq. (Year wise) 32. Baseline Methodology (Approved or New) 33. Whether EIA conducted for the project 34. Sustainable Development Criteria 35. Specific global & local environmental benefits 36. Socio -economic aspects 37. Local stake holders comments 38. Environment Management Programme 39. Project risks (Economic, Legal, Political, Social & Environmental) 40. Project promoter credentials (No. of Projects promoted in the past & their status) 41. Developer / Consultant credentials 42. Comments of MoEF/ Line Minis try (If any)


XXXIV

Annexure VIII

Institutional Arrangement Models for Project Implementation

MODEL A (Single Gram Panchayat)

Budget Committe

Works Committe

Watershed Development

Officer

Watershed Development Coordinator

(Frontline Multi Sectoral Team)

Gram Panchayat

Gram Sabha

Panchayat Secretary

Up Gram

Chairman

User Groups

User Groups

User Groups

Up Gram

Up Gram

Secretary Chairman Secretary Chairman Secretary

Ward Member

Ward Member

Ward Member

Gram Pradhan

Project Assistant

Contract/ MoU

between Project and

GP

Contract/ MoU

between GP and User

Group


XXXV

MODEL B (Single Gram Panchayat)

Budget Committe

Works Committe

Watershed Development

Officer (DDOs)



Gram Panchayat

Gram Sabha

Panchayat Secretary

Chairman

User Groups

User Groups

User Groups


Gram Prad

Project Assistant

Contract/ MoU

between Project and

GP

Contract/ MoU

between GP and

User Group


XXXVI

MODEL C (Single Gram Panchayat)

Budget Committe

Works Committe

Watershed Development Officer

(DDOs)



Gram Panchayat

Gram Sabha

Panchayat Secretary

Chairman

User Groups

User Groups

User Groups


Gram Pradhan

Project Assistant

Contract/ MoU

between Project and

GP

Contract/ MoU

between GP and

User Group

Works Committe


XXXVII

MODEL D (Single Gram Panchayat)

Joint Committee of Gram Sabhas

Principal Gram Panchayat

Gram Panchayat

Gram Panchayat

Gram Sabha A

Gram Sabha C

Gram Sabha B Watershed Development

Coordinator (Frontline Multi Sectoral Team)

Watershed Development Officer

(DDOs) Agreement vide written instrument

Contract/MoU between Project and Committee


XXXVIII

Annexure IX

Tribal/Transhumant Strategy/Plan The tribal strategy is in line with the letter and spirit of the World Bank Operational Directive 4.20 on indigenous people, which requires that the plan recognizes and respects cultural identity and traditional rights, involves tribals and transhumants groups in the planning process and decision making, ensure that approaches are culturally acceptable and minimize potentially adverse impacts such as restriction on grazing rights or access to forest produce. Statement of Objectives

o To integrate the tribals and transhumants for mitigating anticipated adverse impacts on environment in the mid Himalayas by recognizing them as key partners in the project

o To sensitise the community as well as staff on the needs and their related problems

o To support their livelihoods through project interventions o To provide support for taking up alternative livelihoods among the youth and

women Definition of the Areas In HP Kinnaur and Lahaul Spiti districts in their entirety, and Bharmour and Pangi of Chamba district constitute the tribal areas, fulfilling the criteria of 50% Scheduled Tribe population concentration in a community development block. These areas have also been declared as Scheduled Areas under the V Schedule of the Constitution as per the Scheduled Areas (Himachal Pradesh) order 1975 (CO 102) dated November 21, 1975. The tribal areas constitute 42.49% of the total geographical area of the state and represent 2.93% of the total population of the state (IX Five Year Tribal Sub Plan 1997-2002). Ninth Five Year Plan had a total outlay of Rs.496 crores with focus on employment, provision of basic minimum services, eradication of poverty, provision of food security etc. Socio-economic Profile of Transhumant Population The Scheduled Tribes inhabiting Himachal Pradesh are the Gaddis, Gujjars, Lambas, Khampas, Bodhs or Budhs, Kinnauras or Kinners, Lahaulas, Pangwalas and Swanglas. However recently in 2002 the Gaddis from district Kangra have also been considered as Scheduled Tribes. The whole of the districts of Kinnaur & Lahaul Spiti, and Pangi and Bharmaur tehsils of Chamba district constitute the tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh. These areas are situated in the north and northeast of the state forming a contiguous belt in the high mountain areas and are amongst the remotest and most inaccessible areas in the state and have extensive pastures and provide nutritive and luxuriant grazing facilities to the animals. Due to small


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landholdings and inclement weather, agricultural production is not sufficient to meet the needs of the family. Therefore, animal husbandry is the main occupation of the tribal people. Among livestock, sheep and goats are the major livestock reared by these people. Some sections of the local tribals leave their homes during the period of severe cold along with their flocks of sheep and goats in search of pastures and to avoid the extreme of winter. This search takes them to the areas on the boundaries of the state and across, located in the geographical limits of IWDP. Under IWDP, special focus was given to integrate nomads since they are key forest dependent stakeholders. There are two types of tribal population, Permanent/Settled and Migratory. The permanent tribals are those who have settled in the watershed areas for quite long. They have been covered under Village Development Plans of IWDP and are involved in the process like the other VDCs of the project. In Himachal Pradesh there are 89 Tribal Sub Plans and 5 Tribal Plans associated with Village Development Committees in the project area under treatment. There are about 11000 sheep and goat and 2500 cattle (IWDP-HP Tribal Action plan document 2001), which are maintained by the resident tribal groups in the project area. They live in harmony with the other groups of people and their customary rights for forest goods, fodder, fuel etc. are well protected. The other groups i.e. migratory (nomads/ pastoralists) visit the project area seasonally with their livestock mainly the sheep, goat and a few number of buffaloes comprising around 30000 heads of their livestock. They migrate from high hills of Himachal Pradesh to lower reaches of the state and also to Punjab, Haryana and Uttaranchal in winter. These nomads have adopted a permanent route for the migration of the flocks through the areas for the last many decades and have established a close rapport with local people. Even though they are migratory yet every individual of either group have established a close social relationship owing to the fact that they get mutually benefited viz. nomads/ pastoralists use the fields of the local community for the stay period and feeding the livestock, in return the locals get manure for their fields and also good variety rams (male sheep) used for genetic improvement of their local flock Occupational Pattern of Tribals/Transhumant Gaddis and Gujjars usually move along with their cattle and pursue animal husbandry as their primary activity. Gaddis and Hindu Gujjars own land in their native villages where they return after four-month tenure. Gaddis bring pattu and shawls, which they sell to the villagers where they migrate. They also sell goats, sheep and valued gaddi breed dogs; they pay some cash to the farmers enroute for sitting on the fields or barter in lieu of the products they carry from home. A few of the families have even purchased agricultural lands in the places of their winter abodes and are engaged in cultivation also. Only male members of the families from Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, and Kangra areas accompany the flock during migration and rest of the family is engaged in agriculture and shawl/pattu weaving. Gujjars primarily sell milk to the local shops and also engage themselves in the sale and purchase of animals during migration.


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Route Map N Kangra Kullu Mandi Hamirpur Kinnaur Una Bilaspur

Shimla Solan Sirmaur

Gaddi Gujjar

Migratory Routes Migration routes and patterns have evolved as a part of pastoralists’ strategies of resource use, which focus on risk management and food security. Mobility is the principal strategy for optimal utilization of available resources and for dealing with fluctuation and spatial variation in precipitation and feed supply. Generally, large seasonal shifts are supplemented by local and restricted migrations. Factors causing seasonal shifts in the mid hills include, among others, climatic factors, snow cover, lack of water, occurrence of disease, degradation of pastures etc. Chamba Lahaul & Spiti Shepherds from tribal areas (mainly Gaddis, Kinnauras, Lahaulas) migrate with their flocks of sheep and goats to low hills. The Kinnaur shepherds migrate to Markanda and Ghaggar catchment areas. Gaddis are mostly concentrated in Chakki, Swan and Sirsa watersheds. The Lahaulas mostly migrate to Swan and Sirsa catchments. The migrants of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Kangra, and Mandi move with their flocks to lower hills of Kangra, Chamba, Mandi, Hamirpur, Una, Bilaspur and Sirmaur districts of Himachal Pradesh and Gurdaspur in Punjab and Dehradun in Uttaranchal. They traverse the interiors and forest areas of Chamba, Mandi, Sirmaur, Bilaspur and Shimla districts. The gujjar economy is predominantly pastoral and thus demands extensive utilization of pastures. This non-availability of fodder is the major cause of this migration to higher hills, called ‘Dhars’. These migratory routes give tough time to the transhumants through medical emergencies of self and livestock, lack of shelter during vagaries of weather, lack of veterinary aid, confrontation with forest staff and of course poor quality of life. Migrants of Kinnaur, who have grazing permits in forest areas of Sarahan, Dharampur, Jabli and Arki, have grazing facilities available within Himachal Pradesh. Most of the flock owners of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Lahaul have rights for grazing in Himachal Pradesh. But now due to non-availability of grazing permits in


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Uttaranchal, the grazing pressure has intensified in IWDP area. The flocks are kept in lower hills for about four months; they start their return journey in the first week of April and reach back their native places in the last week of May. They generally use the same route as followed during winter migration for the back journey. The migratory routes are well defined bridle paths which begin in the plains and, after passing through the Shiwaliks, where the dominant vegetation is scrub forest, cross the mid Himalayas, which has open grazing areas and coniferous forests, and end in the sub-alpine or even higher, where the dwarf vegetation is treeless and comprises mostly grasses and a few legumes. Migratory routes are for transit purposes only; the flocks stay for most of the time either in the lower hills, plains or in the alpine pastures. The journey from Shiwaliks to the alpine areas takes about three months; the time is highly variable and depends on the distance. A flock covers 7-8 kms/day, starting at 6 A.M. and traveling until 6 P.M. At three night stops, the flocks stay overnight, but at the fourth stop they stay for two nights to graze, and rest the livestock and herders. The preferred movement to the mid hills is always through river valleys; riversides provide flat ground and an easily accessible water resource. In case of inclement weather, the riversides provide some shelter in the form of overhanging rocks. Most of the graziers do not carry camping kit but sleep in the open under blankets. This pattern of movement continues till the middle hills; above them the slope becomes as much as 70 percent and there are no suitable places to camp. A brief stop is made for a meal or a rest, otherwise the movement is continuous till the flat pastures of the sub-alpine or alpine regions are reached. After Independence, two Himachal Pradesh Commissions on Gaddis reported, in 1959 and 1970. The latter recommended a freeze on flock size. In 1972, the State Government again issued orders regulating flock size, but due to political pressure these decisions have never been implemented strictly. At present, the allocation of grazing lands and migration routes made in 1865-1872 are adhered to; the herders do not own the land but by usage they have the grazing rights, which pass on by inheritance in the family. Graziers have to renew their permits annually, paying a grazing fee of Rs 1 for a sheep and Rs 1.25 per goat. Asset ownership and its management A typical Gaddi dera (flock) consists of 5 to 6 men looking after 250–400 goats/sheep. On average, a gaddi dera has about 80% sheep and 20% goats. They have three or four dogs to protect their animals, and a few mules to carry their clothes, utensils and other utility items. During migration to these places the migrants move with their flocks in groups; each group consists of 5 to 20 flocks of various sizes, and may comprise flocks from different villages. The total number of sheep and goats varies from 500 to 800 per migratory group. While Gujjars move with their families and cattle including mostly buffaloes in the range of 80 to 100. The nomadic herders shared difficulties they face concerning adaptation to increasing flock sizes as follows:


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§ The number of animals included in the permits of shepherds has remained constant over the years, even as the flock sizes have undergone substantial increases.

§ Insufficient available fodder, compelling grazing on Panchayat and individual lands for which they have to pay in cash or kind. Gujjars face this problem despite the fact that they own small areas of land.

§ The overall availability of fodder has been shrinking due to uncontrollable incidence of Lantana and Ageratum in the pasturelands.

§ Due to poor feeding and indigenous breeds of animals the milk, wool and meat yields are very low.

§ There is reservation on the part of some tribals e.g. Bharmaur shepherds, to go in for crossbred animals as they regard them as less hardy.

Rights to natural resources There are mechanisms existing at different levels that cater to the protection of the rights of the various nomadic groups in the state. Some nomads (generally Gaddis) have acquired permanent grazing rights in the places of their winter migration. Migrants of Kinnaur who have grazing permits in forest areas of Sarahan, Dharampur, Jabli and Arki, have grazing facilities available within Himachal Pradesh. Most of the flock owners of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Lahaul have rights for grazing in Himachal Pradesh. But now due to non-availability of grazing permits in Uttaranchal, the grazing pressure has intensified in HP where their rights have been settled in Sirmaur district. Grazing charges depend upon the number of animals in the flock. The fees are paid to the Forest Department at the time of issuing the grazing permit; fees are set at Rs. 0.20 per sheep, Rs. 0.40 per goat and Rs. 8 per other animal (cows, buffaloes, horses, ponies etc.). Additional charges are payable to private landowners and the Panchayat if the animals are grazed on their lands. There are no fixed rates for these additional charges; they are mutually agreed upon depending upon the flock size, the amount of grass available and area sought for grazing. Relationship with communities and formal institutions Nomadic herders’ relations with settled villagers vary from place to place between animosity and cooperation over the herding of animals; such diversity requires situation specific, localised interventions rather than blanket solutions to resolve conflicts over resource management. Usually there has been a long-standing symbiotic relationship between the local farmers and these nomads, which has been institutionalised over a period of time. There is a particularly close rapport where the nomads have adopted a migration permanent route for many decades. The nomads receive a much-needed local support system from local farmers in the form of shelter and other facilities. In return, local farmers receive invaluable organic manure for their agricultural fields. Local people also traditionally receive lambs, blankets and shawls from the nomads. In the past, such exchanges were bartered, but more recently cash transactions have also been taking place. For example, a local landlord might charge Rs.2,000-5,000 for permitting gaddi deras (group or flock) to occupy his land for a season, and the gaddis might sell a shawl or blanket for a few


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hundred rupees. Some of the other positive aspects of the nomad-local farmer relationship could be seen as below.

Benefits to transhumant Benefits to local community Grazing on private land Cash or in -kind payments from nomads Resting place for shepherds; some payments in kind

Manure from sheep/ goats boosts productivity of crops

Farmers provide market for wool and animals for meat

Shepherds provide market for cereals, pulses etc.

Cash or in-kind payment Genetic improvement of local flocks Cash income from sale of dogs Opportunity to buy shepherds’ dogs (which

are much in demand) Provision of winter fodder Cash income from sale of dry and green

grasses Sale of manure during winter stall feeding Manure for boosting productivity of crops Cash income from sale of milk Increased availability of milk Greater acceptance by local farmers Technical knowledge regarding buffalo

rearing passed on by Gujjars Conflicts between migrant shepherds and local communities arise mainly from competition for scarce resources like fodder, grazing land as well as factors like damage to crops, theft of animals, spread of disease, illegal felling of trees, encroachment of common property land etc. Conflicts also arise between migrants themselves, for example due to encroachment upon the allotted grazing land of other shepherds. Regulatory Mechanisms Tribal Development Committees (TDC): This is an informal group, which is formed by the migrants who follow a specific route during their migration. Their main concern is to generate required facilities such as place for halts, fodder, provisions for human consumption, sale and purchase of products etc. while camping and enroute. They establish links between the migratory people and local villagers. State Tribal Development Advisory Committee: This group has been constituted at the State level and is headed by the Chief Minister of the State. The Secretaries and the Heads of the departments of Animal Husbandry, Agriculture and Forestry are the members of this Committee, with the Tribal Development Commissioner as the member secretary. It also includes the nominated representatives of the Tribal groups as members. The main function of this committee is to deliberate upon the policy issues concerning tribal development and to redress grievances if any. It meets twice a year. State Advisory Committee on Joint Forest Management: This body has recently come into being and has been constituted to look into and monitor the basic problem of grazing of flocks of the migrant tribals. Its constitution is the same as the State Tribal Development Advisory Committee with the addition of Secretary Finance as a member. The Committee meets under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister twice a year. The Committee has recently resolved that the flock owners of tribal


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community shall get permit for total number of cattle heads, unlike previously when the number was frozen at a fixed level, for grazing their flocks and also have earmarked the areas on priority basis. The arrangement has greatly addressed the issue of nomads. Key problems of Transhumants and Mitigation Measures § The number of animals included in the permits of shepherds has remained

constant over the years whereas the flock size has undergone substantial increase over this period (Project to support in entry of exact numbers)

§ During transit as well as at the destination the flock is often under danger of attack by the leopards. (Protective gears could be provided)

§ The route of migration and their destination is invariably away from inhabited places consequently problems are faced for procuring provisions for themselves and for the flock (Project mobile unit could also help for procurement of supplies and providing the graziers on payment basis)

§ During migration to high hills in summers, most of the gujjar family members also migrate with herd. The education of children in these areas is not available. Hence, literacy is low among Gujjars (Project could support by engaging locally hired contractual teachers or involving NGOs to support)

§ The fodder availability in the area allotted is insufficient compelling the grazing in Panchayat and individual lands for which they have to pay in cash or kind. The Gujjars too face the same problem despite the fact that they own small lands in the project area (Efforts to be made for increasing the fodder species in private and forest areas)

§ The overall availability of fodder has been shrinking due to uncontrollable incidence of Lantana and Ageratum in the pasturelands (Value addition of these invasive weeds could be explored - furniture or use in bio-manure)

§ The gujjars or nomadic buffalo graziers migrate to project area during rainy season affecting the supply of fodder during winter for the migrating shepherds (Through joint training sessions could be addressed)

§ The veterinary treatment is very difficult during migration as well as at destination. The transportation of diseased animal is not allowed in the public transport (Provision of Mobile veterinary units - 2 )

§ Limited access to drinking water for animals’ enroute – (Identifying possible spots and develop them)

§ Non-availability of shearing machines (Project to procure and provide) § There is a high prevalence of foot and mouth disease, skin disease, TB

among the flocks (Awareness and repeated trainings o the owners and helping them in develping local skills to address the emergencies)

§ Due to poor feeding and indigenous breed of animals, milk, wool and meat yields are low (Special sessions at the field level and demonstrating problems there itself would help)

§ The inhabited places are far off from their place of stay and hence the milk has to be transported through long distances for its sale. The prices are also uneconomical (Provision of motorcycles for the Gujjars could be


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explored and if they want to make cooperatives bigger vehicles could be the solution along the routes)

§ Landholding of Gujjar households is small and the quality of land is poor, consequently productivity of crop is low. Lack of technical know-how, irrigation is the main problem of Gaddis and Gujjar families (Trainings to be facilitated on the routes and in the clusters of Panchayats when the gaddis and gujjars are back home)

§ The conflicts between migrant shepherds and local community arise mainly because they compete for the scarce resources like fodder, grazing land and due to factors like damages to crops, theft of animals, spread of disease, illegal felling of trees, encroachment of CPR’s land etc (Joint training sessions and dialogue at frequent intervals could help)

§ Lack of awareness of better livestock management practices (Exposure visits and demonstrations alongwith display of video films would be useful)

§ There is reservation on the part of some tribals e.g. Bharmaur shepherds, to go in for crossbred animals as they regard them as less hardy (Awareness, training and demonstration could help)

There is a gradual decrease in the number of nomads coming to the area, some of the reasons are economic changes, increasing local population, decreasing sources of forage and gradual change in the life style of the younger generation among nomads. There has been a shift from the more open access to the land resources in the past to increased value being placed on the local land resources and growing of valuable tree crops on them by the local farmers. The nomads also distinctly prefer that their children should get into more rewarding professions rather than to follow the traditional occupation of their elders. Many of their youths are now successfully joining the army, becoming teachers or taking up other government jobs after completing their basic education. Also there is need for capacity building initiatives for nomads for strengthening their technical knowledge base and facilitate their interactions with various stakeholders. It will also be useful to document their good practices and traditional systems related to livestock management.


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Tribal Action Plan of IWDP The Tribal Action Plan (TAP) of IWDP focused on involving the transhumants with the management of watershed areas through integrating them in VDCs under the project. The interventions focused on technical, social, livelihood, capacity building and institutional issues. However the Tribal Action Plan was made after the VDC microplans were prepared. And efforts were made to integrate the action plan; while for the proposed project it should be integrated before finalizing the microplans so that community also owns the problems and issues pertaining to transhumants. Technical interventions were very sound that focused on livestock but nomads during the ESA discussions at Palampur in Kangra and Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur suggested that the new project could also think of integrating the human health component too. The table below reflects the interventions and their impacts as captured through discussions with the staff, nomads and the available documents:

Shifts Over the Years among Tribals

Increasing local population Decreasing

sources of forage

Increased level of literacy

Reduced access to open land for grazing

Farmer using available land for high value horticulture crop and tree/ silviculture

Policy influencing for alternate livelihood options and mechanisms

Increased preference of getting children into other occupations

Children/ youth joining army, becoming teacher and other jobs

Projects like IWDP, HPFSRP, IGCCP - raised awareness - increased

consciousness about conservation of NRM

- controlled land use/ grazing


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Interventions of IWDP (Hills II)

Impact Recommendations for Updating TAP for Mid Hills Project

Veterinary services Deworming of flock/ horses/ cattle and Dipping of flocks

Health of flock improved Coverage should be improved since the area is expanded

Supporting Equipments Veterinary kit Helped in attending to the

emergencies Arrangements should be made to replenish the kits while the nomads are back home

Hand shearing machines

Shearing was faster and gaddis could sell wool locally

Efforts for value addition of collected wool needs to be explored

Tarpaulins for shelter Protection from vagaries of nature, alongwith the new born lambs the gaddis could save on medical expenses for self too

Temporary tent ar rangements should be provided with support from Panchayats on the migratory routes

Animals Genetically improved Rams

Breed improved Breed improvement should continue

Veterinary Camps Mortality rate of flock declined

In addition to the vet camps, mobile vet dispensary should be operational on migratory routes with in project area.

Institutional Strengthening Integration of Nomads Gaddis and Gujjars included in

VDCs Ensure membership in general house and user group (fodder/forest) for the settled gaddis and gujjars in the project areas Ensure Pasture and grassland development alongwith adequate fodder plantations in Panchayats on migratory routes to reduce conflicts with the locals Frequent trainings for lopping, and other forest management practices needed Awareness and convergence of the schemes and benefits of Ministry of Tribal Affairs Youth should be trained as nature guide for establishing and running eco-camps, this effort should be linked to schemes of Tourism Department on promotion of Tourism in Tribal Areas


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Strategy for the Proposed Project The strategy also gives indicative budgetary outlays for the proposed activities, as percent of total project budget. The total budget for implementing the Tribal Action Plan could be up to 2% of the total project budget.

Activity Years Process/Mechanism Responsibility Identification of locations and the target groups (Budget: 0.05%)

I&II Follow tribal routes Facilitate consultations Registration on entering the Project area

VO & ESA unit Facilitators/VO Panchayats

Needs assessment (Budget: 0.05%)

I&II Focus Group Discussion/ Secondary data

collection

Meetings with the Tribal Advisory Committee

Facilitators/ ESA unit Chief Project Director

Project Orientation & Refreshers (Budget: 0.35%)

I&II, III-VII

Organize training camps at cluster of 5 Panchayats falling on the migratory routes

ESA unit, Watershed Teams

Plan Development & Approval (Budget: 0.05%)

I&II Based on needs assessment, TAP will be developed & endorsed by the Gram Sabha

Watershed Coordinator

Procurement of material & equipments (Budget: Linked with interventions below)

I-VII Project to procure before the visit of tribals every year

Watershed Coordinator

Project Interventions (Budget: 1.5%) 1. Capacity building 2. Service Delivery § Vet Kit § Shearing machines § Creating temporary

shelters and water sources

II-VII I-VII II,IV,VI II&III I-VII

Continuous Trainings on different aspects – first aid, cattle mgt., CPR & NRM aspects, vocational trainings, Veterinary first aid, promote dairying as a viable option Project to arrange material & provide through Panchayats on 50% cost sharing Replenish the Vet kit on 50% cost sharing Train the users & provide the machine on 50% cost sharing To protect self & the cattle temporary shelter could be developed on the migratory routes where they can take break also Exposure visit to Jammu, other places & procure sheep/goat

Watershed Coordinator VO & Watershed Team Watershed Coordinator Watershed Coordinator Watershed Coordinator


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Activity Years Process/Mechanism Responsibility § Breed improvement § Tents/Tarpauline § Health Camps § Vet Camps § Mobile Vet Units (2) § Linkages

II onwards I,II,V I-VII I-VII I-II II onwards

Provide for shelter of new born cattle Involve local medical practitioners for the Gaddis & Gujjars Organise at clusters Identify hot spots and followup through mobile vet units Dialogue with AH, Forest, RD&PR , Universities, KVKs, Tribal Department for better services and quality of life

VO Watershed Coordinator Watershed Coordinator VO Watershed Coordinator CPD/ other project staff


L

Annexure X Training courses available at various institutes

Training courses (NIRD, Hyderabad)

S. No. Particular Period 1 Course on Planning and Management of Rain Water Harvesting One Week 2 Course on Marketing of Rural Products One Week 3 International Program on Management of Micro Enterprises for Rural

Women Two Week

4 Community Resource Management for participatory Wasteland Development

One Wee k

5 Course on participatory Planning and Management of Agro- forestry for Sustainable Development

One Week

6 Course on Participatory Management of Natural Resources for Sustainable Livelihoods

One Week

7 Course on Agro based Enterprises One Week 8 Planning and Management of Poverty Alleviation Programs through

Decentralized Governance Two Week

9 Social Mobilization for Empowerment of Rural Poor One Week 10 ToT on Management of Drinking Water and Sanitation Programs One Week 11 Course on Participatory Approach for Rural Development One Week 12 Course on Participatory Watershed Management One Week 13 Course on sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development One & Two

Week 14 Course on Participatory Micro-level Planning One Week 15 Participatory Planning and convergence of Basic Services under

Panchayati Raj System One Week

16 Course on Social Sector Development in rural Areas One & Two Week

17 Course on Poverty Reduction and Environmental Issues One Week 18 Interface between officials and Elected Representatives One Week 19 Course on Project Development and Management for NGOs One Week 20 Course on Women Development One Week 21 Course on IT for management of Rural Development Programs One Week 22 Course on Management Trainees for NGOs One Wee k 23 Course on Motivation of Primary Stakeholders One Week 24 Course on capacity building of CBOs for Participatory Development One Week 25 Course on Planning, Implementation, Monitoring and evaluation of RD

Programmes One Week

26 Course on Building Partnership between PRIs and NGOs/ CBOs. One Week 27 Course on Application of GIS in Micro Level Planning Two Week 28 Course on Database Management for RD Functionaries Two Week 29 ToT on Planning and Management of Watershed Projects for District

Trainers One Week

30 Capacity building among Community Organizations in Watershed Projects

One Week


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Training Courses (HIPA/Forest Training School)

S. No. Particular Period 1 Watershed Development & Management Five Days 2 PRA Five Days 3 Integrated Pest Management Five Days 4 Disaster Management Five Days 5 Project Orientation Training Five Days 6 Rain Water Harvesting Recycling & Management Five Days 7 Self Help Group Empowerment (Women) Five Days 8 Computer Application & Information Technology Three Days 9 Management of village ponds, khatris, wells & other traditional water

systems Three Days

10 Master Training of Trainers Five Days 12 Planning & Implementation of Water Conservation & Management Three Days 13 Microplanning Five Days 14 Community Forestry Three Days 15 Group development and management Five Days 16 Financial Management Five Days 17 GIS Five Days 18 Monitoring & Evaluation Five days 19 Communication Skill building Three Days 20 Leadership Five Days 21 Conflict Resolution Three Days 22 Decision Making Three Days 23 Record keeping for SHGs Three Days 24 Roles & Responsibilities Five Days 25 Gender in watershed development Three Days

environment and social assessment (esa) including …€¦ · himachal pradesh is a mountainous...

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