SOCIAL FORESTRY DIVISION, AKOLA.
CHAPTER-I
GENERAL INFROMATION.
1.
BACKGROUND
The National Forest Policy drafted in the year 1952 and 1988, envisaged bringing 1/3 rd of
total Geographical area under tree cover. This entailed bringing of 10 to 12 % of non forest area
under green cover in order to achieve environmental balance.
Central Government in the year 1970, directed National Agricultural Commission to study
status of forests in the country and submit its report. The commission after undertaking indepth
study had mentioned in its interim report of 1996 that it is neither possible to cater to the needs of
people or the industries nor it is possible to bring in 33% under tree cover through traditional
forestry. The commission thus indicated towards the concept of Social Forestry.
2.
OBJECTIVES
National Agriculture Commission Report adopted following as the objectives of the Social
Forestry, being the basic and economic need of the community aimed at bettering the conditions of
living.
1.
Fuel wood supply to rural areas and replacement of cowdung.
2.
Small timber supply.
3.
Fodder supply.
4.
Protection of agriculture field against wind and
5.
Recreational needs.
Accordingly, the scope of social forestry was defined by the commission to include, farm
forestry and extension forestry, reforestation and in degraded forest and recreation forestry.
3.
CREATION
The government of Maharashtra under General Administration department G.R. No. ROB-
1181/55/XVIII(O&M), dated 17/7/1981 created new department of Social Forestry and
Horticulture. The Social Forestry Department actually became functional from the year 1982.
4.
ORGANISATIONAL SET UP
With similar objectives, Social Forestry Division, Akola was formed in year 1982, having
its head quarter in Akola headed by Deputy Director. Office of Joint Director, SFD, Amravati
circle is located at Amravati. Head quarter (Directorate) of Social Forestry is located at Pune
headed by the Director of the rank of Chief Conservator of Forests.
Afterwards, department of water Conservation was created vide General Administration
department notification Dated 5/6/1992 and the department of Social Forestry was attached to it.
The Social Forestry Department
Conservation.
still continues to be associated with department of Water
Presently Social Forestry Division, (SFD) Akola has its jurisdiction over both Akola and
Washim districts. There are a total of 10 Social Forestry Ranges (SFR) spread in 13 Talukas.
S.No.
A
Name of district
Akola
Name of Social
Forestry Range
1. Akot
2. Balapur
3. Akola
B
Washim
2 Districts
5.
4. Murtizapur
1. Washim
2. Karanja
3. Malegaon
4. Manora
5. Mangrulpir
6. Risod
10 SFR
Taluka includes
Akot,
Telhara
Balapur,
Patur
Akola,
Barshitakli
Murtizapur
Washim
Karanja
Malegaon
Manora
Mangrulpir
Risod
13 Talukas
STAFF
The cadrewise staffing pattern of SFD Akola is tabulated as below
Sr.
No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Cadre
Deputy Director
Assistant Director
Plantation Officer
Assistant Plantation Officer
Ropwan Kotwal
Surveyor
Chief Accountant
Accountant
Steno
Clerk
Driver
Cleaner
Peon
Chowkidar
Mali
Social Forestry labourer
TOTAL
Sanctioned
Posts
1
2
10
22
7
3+1
1
2
1
14
6
2
3
1
1
18
95
Posts filled up
Akola
Washim
District District
1
1
2
2
7
12
5
2
3+1
1
2
1
10
3
5
1
2
0
3
0
1
0
1
0
10
8
55
29
Total
1
1
4
19
7
4
1
2
1
13
6
2
3
1
1
18
84
Vacant
Posts
0
1
6
3
3
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
11
(As on 31st August, 2005)
At division level, Deputy Director is assisted by Assistant Director. Incharge of Social Forestry
Range (SFR) is Plantation Officer, of the rank of Range Forest Officer. At field level, Plantation
Officer is assisted by Assistant Plantation Officer and Ropwan Kotwal. Social Forestry Labourer
are posted on supernumerary posts at range level.
CHAPTER-II
IMPLEMENTATION OF VARIOUS SCHEMES BY S.F.D. AKOLA.
1.
SCHEMES PREVIOUSLY IMPLEMENTED
Various schemes , given as under, have been previously implemented by S. F. Dn. Akola in
Akola District which created awareness about tree plantation and also its conservation amongst
people. Apart from planting of trees, various measures for soil and moisture conservation have
been undertaken.
Sr.No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
▲
P-1
Name of schemes
Maharashtra Social
Forestry Project.
Maharashtra
Waniki project
Rural Landless
Employment
Guarantee
Programme
National Rural
Employment
Programme
Employment
Guarantee Scheme
Village Eco
development
programme
Adarsha Gaon
Yojana
Drought Prone
Area Development
Programme
Jalsandharan
Ashwashit Rojgar
Yojana.
Jawahar Rojgar
Yojana
Duration
1983-1992
Area tackled on
community land
No. of
Area in
sites
ha.
117
920
Area tackled on
pvt. Land
No. of Area in
sites
ha.
40
159
1993-1996
8
122
-
-
1985-1989
136
1017.75
4
6.00
1983-1989
76
518.37
-
-
1990-2005
94
1022.10
34
297.47
1994-1997
2
51
3
68.10
1997-1997
1
4
3
66.50
1997-1998
10
83.00
8
235.04
1994-1994
1996-2000
16
12
197.50
127.50
-
-
1993-1996
49
481.00
-
-
2.
SCHEMES UNDER IMPLEMENTATION
In its endeavor to bring more and more area under tree cover and also to conserve the soil
and moisture in-situ, various schemes sponsored by Central government as well as by State
government are being implemented by SFDn, Akola. The details are given as under.
2.1
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT SPONSORED SCHEMES.
2.1.1 SAM PURNA GRAMIN ROJGAR YOJANA. (SGRY)
This scheme is being implemented from 2002-2003 by Social Forestry Department, Akola.
The primary objective is to provide additional wage employment to rural areas and thereby provide
food security and improve nutritional level. The Secondary objective is creation of durable
community, social and economic assets and also infrastructural development in rural areas.
▲
P-2
Types of works which have been implemented under SGRY
2.2
Sr.No.
Year
1
2
3
4
5
2001.2002
2002.2003
2002.2003
2003.2004
2003.2004
Types of works
No. of Area tackled.
sites
In ha.
Continuous Contour Trenches
1
15.00
Continuous Contour Trenches
6
42.00
Plantations
2
20.00
Farm Ponds
3
3 Nos.
Water Absorption Trenches 1
10.00
(WAT)
STATE GOVERNMENT SPONSORED SCHEMES.
2.2.1 PLANTATIONS
A)
PLANTATION
ON
NON
FOREST
COMMUNITY
LAND
UNDER
SELECTED WATERSHED AREA. (PANVAHAL YOJANA)
This programme is under implementation from 1993-1994. The main objective of this
schemes are moisture conservation and water harvesting, stopping soil erosion, thus achieving
environmental balance, to cater to the needs of fuel woods, fodder and small timber of local people
also to provide employment in rural areas. It is expected that protection of the plantation is done by
the concerned gram panchayats. The details of area tackled under this scheme are as under.
Sr.No
Year
1
1994
2
1995
3
1996
4
1997
5
1998
6
1999
7
2000
8
2001
9
2002
10
2003
11
2004
12
2005
TOTAL.
▲
Types of works
Plantations
Plantations
Plantations
Plantations
Plantations
Plantations
Plantations
Plantations
Plantations
No. of
sites
25
7
10
6
4
4
1
1
58
Area tackled.
In ha.
80.50
125.00
92.00
78.00
22.00
20.00
10.00
8.50
436.00
P-3
B)
PLANTATION ON VILLAGE COMMUNITY LAND UNDER
EGS
a)
Selection of Area
Permanent Waste lands (for a period exceeding 5 years.), other waste lands
(for a period of 2 to 5 years), permanent meadows on grazing land, marginal
or infertile lands are mostly tackled.
b)
Nature of work
Major emphasis is laid on plantation of trees and grasses supplemented by
soil and water conservation works. Therefore, priority is given to digging of
continuous contour trenches and sowing of seeds on their sides. Gully
plugging to the extent of 20 to 40 cum for soil and water conservation is
done. The length of CCTs, distance between successive rows is decided in
accordance to slope of land, rain fall etc. Sowing of seeds of local trees
species and also planting of agave tubers is done on the mounds of CCT
Planting of seedlings is also done on CCTs.
c)
Funding source
d)
Information about the area tackled under the this scheme as follows.
Sr.No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
▲
Employment Guarantee Scheme.
Year
1990
1991
1992
1993
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
TOTAL
No. of sites
8
8
29
12
2
14
10
7
3
1
94
Area in ha.
74.00
125.00
377.00
104.50
20.00
127.00
108.00
57.00
22.00
8.00
1022.50
P-4
C)
PLANTATION IN THE PREMISES OF SCHOOLS / COLLEGES
/ PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRES
a)
Objectives
i)
Greening of area by bringing areas devoid of trees under tree cover.
ii)
Persuading school / educational institutions primary health centres
etc. for tree plantation thus adding aesthetic value to their premises
and also bringing about improvement of environment.
iii)
Extending all help to those who voluntarily come forward for tree
plantation.
b) Selection of beneficiaries
i)
Interested agency to approach Plantation Office, of the Taluka and
apply in prescribed format and enclose map of the area to be planted.
ii)
Certificate from Gramsevak / Agriculture Assistant about area to be
planted / its suitability.
iii)
Undertaking about protection / maintenance of plantation.
iv)
Beneficiaries under this scheme:State govt. schools, primary and middle schools of zilla parishad,
govt. aided private schools and non aided schools, colleges,
Aganwadis, Balwadis, primary health centres / sub centres, hospitals,
grampanchayat, govt. rest houses, other govt. / semi govt. offices,
registered voluntary societies / cooperatives societies, libraries etc.
v)
Seedlings for plantation would be made available on concessional
rates as decided by State govt.
No. of seedlings distributed by this division.
▲
Sr.No.
Year
1
2
3
4
5
1994
1995
1996
1997
2004
Total
No.
of
beneficiary
967
633
685
403
304
2992
Seedlings distributed
(in lakhs)
21.95
17.07
9.26
3.10
0.82
52.20
P-5
D)
THE VRIKSHA PATTA SCHEME (REVISED)
A scheme under Rural Development Programme in which land available on both sides of
road or canal was allotted for afforestation to small farmers or people below poverty line was later
on revised vide Revenue & Forest Department G.R. No. SLF-1888/CN-1827/F-12, dated 16th
August 1990.
a)
Silent features of the scheme
i)
Afforestation of government wasteland and conservation with the
cooperation of voluntary organisation, cooperative societies, educational
institutions, industries or individuals.
ii)
Vriksha patta to the extent of 50% of govt. wasteland available with gram
panchayat, could be allotted with its prior consent.
iii)
Such allotment would be 75% (minimum 10 ha. & maximum 25 ha.)
of available land for an organisation and 25% (maximum 2 ha.) in respect of
individual.
iv)
Such allotment would be for a period of 30 years on nominal lease of
Rs. 1/- per ha. per annum.
v)
The area has to be planted with fast growing species to the extent of 1600
trees per ha.
vi)
Of the income generated from such tree plantations, 80% income would be
retained by the beneficiary organisation whereas 20% has to be deposited
with govt. Extent of such income would be decided by Deputy Director of
concerned Social Forestry Division.
vii)
Further, if the afforestation is done under EGS, the beneficiary would be
eligible for only 50% of the ensuing income, whereas, balance 50% would
vest with the govt.
viii)
Beneficiary may include organisation viz. Educational institutions
cooperative societies, voluntary organisations, industries based on forest
produce. Such organisation should have been registered under public trust
act or society registration act.
ix)
Individual beneficiary may include applicants under SC / ST, family
member covered under below poverty line. (BPL) educated unemployed, exservicemen or others.
x)
Allotment of such Vriksha patta is done by district level monitoring
committee constituted under the chairmanship of district Collector.
xi)
Beneficiary has to enter into an agreement thus abiding by certain terms and
conditions.
Further details could be had from Plantation Officer of concerned talukas.
▲
P-6
2.2.2 SOIL AND MOISTURE CONSERVATION WORKS.
A)
CONTINUOUS CONTOUR TRENCHES (CCT)
To facilitate raising of ground water level through in-situ percolation of incoming rain
water and also to restrict erosion of soil, works of digging CCT have been done under various
schemes viz. EGS, SGRY , RLEGP, etc. by SFD Akola in Akola district from 1993-1994 to till
date. Until now 1400.53 ha. community land and also 826.22 ha. of private land in 159 villages has
been given this treatment.
▲
P-7
B)
WATER ABSORPTION TRENCHES (WAT)
Works of digging up of continuous contour trenches of the size 1 m. width and 1 m. depth
separated by buffer wall for the purpose of harvesting of rain water and enhancing ground water
level have been done under EGS, SGRY, etc.
Sr.No.
Year
1
2
3
2003.2004
2004.2005
2005.2006
TOTAL
No. of sites Area in Remarks
ha.
3
23.00
11
121.00
6
87.00
Works are in progress
20
231.00
▲
P-8
C)
FARM PONDS ON VILLAGE COMMUNITY LANDS
Farm Ponds of size 20 m x 20 m x 3 m have been dug in village community land with
objectives of harvesting of rain water which could cater to the drinking water needs of cattle, wild
animals water for irrigation for agriculture upto small extent, pisciculture etc.
Uptill now 50 farm ponds in 42 villages have been dug under EGS, SGRY, from 1997-98
till date by SFD Akola in Akola district.
▲
P-9
2.2.3 NURSERIES
A)
KISAN NURSERY SCHEME
This scheme is being implemented from 1986.
a)
Objectives :i)
To make available seedlings for various tree plantation programme
undertaken by Social Forestry Department, other govt. or semi-govt.
departments.
ii)
To elicit more and more cooperation of the people for raising of
seedlings and tree plantations.
iii)
To make available seedlings on local level for popularising tree
plantation.
iv)
To fetch nursery technique to the people.
v)
To make available alternative source of income to small and
marginal farmers of economically weaker sections helping them to
become self reliant without government aid.
b)
Selection of Beneficiaries
Small and marginal farmers of weaker section, women organisation, non
govt. organisations, societies working for physically challenged etc.
c)
Guidelines
i)
Receiving applications from beneficiaries upto 15th September.
ii)
Beneficiaries should fulfil following criteria.

Availability of land for nursery to the extent of 2 R/ 2 Gunthas

All weather approach road to nursery for transportation.

Adequate availability of water.

Capacity of beneficiary either to work self and through family
members or get work done by engaging labourers.
iii)
Selection of beneficiary and getting into agreement upto 30th
September.
iv)
Putting up target of raising 20 to 25 thousand seedlings.
v)
Selection of species- As decided by Deputy Director of concerned
Social Forestry Division in respect of 50% of seedlings to be given to
govt. and as decided by beneficiary in respect of balance of 50%
seedlings to be sold by him.
vi)
d)
Giving priority in next year to successful beneficiary.
Advance for raising seedlings.
(i) Cost of material
1. Polythene bags
2. Seeds, fertilizers, insecticides
(ii) Cash advance for labour.
TOTAL
e)
per seedling cost (Rs.)
0.12
0.03
0.10
0.25
Purchase of seedlings from beneficiaries
S.F.D. guarantees purchase of maximum 50% of seedlings from
beneficiaries @ Rs. 1/- per seedling.
f)
Disposal of seedlings
i)
Beneficiary should hand over 50% of seedlings to Social Forestry
Department by 30th June.
ii)
Balance 50% seedlings be sold by the beneficiary at the cost decided
by him.
g)
Recovery of advance
At the time of repurchase of 50% seedlings.
Plantation Officer of the concerned taluka may be contacted for further information.
Number of seedlings raised under Kisan nursery schemes since 1986 to 2005. In Akola
Division (Akola & Washim Districts)
Sr.No.
1
▲
Period
1986 to 2005
No. of beneficiaries
2106
Seedlings produced
333.39 lakhs
P-10
B)
CENTRAL NURSERYIn order to cater to the needs of seedlings required for plantations under various
schemes by Social Forestry Department, a nursery is established at a Central place
in every district. Works such as raising and maintenance of seedlings of various
species, raising of teak, bamboo seedlings in raised beds are done in Central
Nursery. Such a Central Nursery for Akola district is situated at Mauze Loni
(Barlinga) in Akola taluka. Approximately 1 lakh seedlings per year are raised in
this nursery.
▲
P-11
C)
VANAMAHOTSAVA NURSERY
For spreading awareness about conservation of trees amongst urban as well as rural
populace, various programmes of tree plantations are undertaken and also people are
encouraged for taking up such programmes under Vanamahotsava Programme
celebrated from 5th June to 15th August every year. Seedlings are made available
for tree plantation programmes and also to cater various plant based requirement
including farmers, social organisations, schools, educational institutions, govt. and
non govt. organisation, individuals etc. on concessional rates as decided by the state
govt. during the period from 5th June to 30th Sept, every year.
Since 1983-84 to 2004-2005, a total of 40.19 lakhs seedlings have been distributed or sold
by Social Forestry Division, Akola under this scheme. Information regarding no. of seedlings
distributed or sold and revenue generated is given as under.
Period
1983-84 to 2004-2005
▲
P-12
No.of seedlings sold
or distributed
47.56 lakhs
Revenue
generated (in Rs.)
27.50 lakhs
CHAPTER-III
EXTENSION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMME
1.
OBJECTIVE :Various programmes of peoples’ benefit such as tree plantation and conservation through
plantation on private wastelands, village eco development programme, kisan nurseries, tree
plantation in school or societies premises are undertaken by Social Forestry Department by
persuading and eliciting peoples’ cooperation. So as to desseminate this information amongst
people and seek their participation in tree plantation and its conservation, various media are
resorted to for extension and publicity purpose.
2.
PUBLICITY AND EXTESNTION ACTIVITIES.
2.1
▲
Publicity through educational institutions.
2.1.1 District level Organisation of essay, drawing and elocution contests at
district level.
2.1.2 State level Organisation of essay and drawing competition at State level. For
this, competitions are organised in 3 groups viz. Collegiate, middle and
primary school level for raising awareness of students in the field of tree
conservation, afforestation, waste land development etc. Only drawing
competition is organised for primary group.
P-13, P-14
2.2
External Publicity
2.2.1 Organisation of meetings at village level.
2.2.2 Raising awareness about tree plantation and conservation through
organisations Vriksha Dindis involving villagers, schools etc.
2.2.3 Organisation of Nature Photography competition for open category.
2.2.4 Participation in agriculture based exhibitions.
2.2.5 Holding of exhibition and presentation through slides, laminated
photographs, translides, banners etc.
▲
P-15
2.3
Publicity through print media
2.3.1
Printing of folders, wall papers, stickers and their distribution.
2.3.2
Printing of diaries and distribution.
2.3.3
News coverage.
2.3.4
Printing of articles and books about success stories, memoirs, poetries,
Vanshri prize and their distribution.
▲
P-16, P-17
2.4
Publicity through electronic media
2.4.1
Production of audio-visual tapes and their publicity.
2.4.2
Broad casting of Jingles through Akashwani.
CHAPTER-IV AWARDS
1
VANASHRI AWARD
The government of Maharashtra has instituted the State Level Vanshree award with effect
from 1988-89 with the purpose of raising awareness about plantation of trees and their
conservation in general populace and also for rewarding any outstanding works done in this
field.
1.1
Basic eligibility
Such individuals or organisations which are actively engaged in the tree plantation
and tree conservation for a minimum period of 3 years.
Such individuals or organisations which are recipient of state level or National level
award in the field of Social Forestry.
1.2
Categories for award
(i)
Individuals.
(ii)
Gram Panchayat
(iii)
Educational Institutions
(iv)
Voluntary Organisations (Women organisations, Youth organisations,
cooperative societies)
(v)
1.3
Block / Division / District.
Nature of award
Three awards are given in each category.
First award-
National Savings Certificates worth
Rs. 10,000/-
Second award- National Savings Certificates worth
Rs.
6,000/-
Third award-
Rs.
4,000/-
National Savings Certificates worth
Apart from this a certificate and citation is given to each award winner.
Below given is the list of individuals / organisations from Akola district who have
been conferred the Vanashree Award.
Year
2.
1993
1994
Status of
award
rd
3 prize
3rd prize
1995
2nd prize
1996
1997
1997
1st prize
1st prize
2nd prize
Name of Individual / institution
Gram Panchayat Shirpur Jain, Taluka Malegaon Dist. Washim
Shri Rajenda Pandurang Bhatkar, President, Bhagirath Lokvindyan
Kendra, Muramba, Taluka Murtizapur, Dist. Akola.
Shri R.S. Bagade, Assistant Teacher, (Zilla Parishad, Akola)
Ramesh Nagar, Dabki Road, Akola.
Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh KrishiVidyapeeth,Akola.
Gram Panchayat, Khambala, Taluka Manora dist. Washim.
Superintendent, District Jail (Class I), Akola.
INDIRA PRIYADARSHANI VRIKSHA MITRA AWARD.
Government of India, instituted the Indira Priyadarshani Vriksha Mitra Award for honoring
those individuals or organisations who do extra ordinary works in the field of Social Forestry. The
award was instituted in the year 1986.
2.1
Eligibility for the award
Individuals / organisations / departments who have done exceptional work for
minimum of three years in the following fields.
Afforestation in village eco development programme and eliciting cooperation of
rural, tribal and specially women, extension works, raising of nurseries,
development of community land / grazing lands, Joint Forest Management etc.
2.2
2.3
Categories for award
2.2.1
Individuals.
2.2.2
Panchaya / Village Committee / Organisation on village level.
2.2.3
Educational Institutions,
2.2.4
Voluntary Organisations (Women’s organisation / youth organisations etc.)
2.2.5
Govt. agency (Not above district level)
2.2.6
Private sector (Private / Public sector undertaking)
Nature of Award
Two awards are given under each category. Each awardee is conferred cash prize of
Rs. 50,000/-, certificate, and citation. Previously awarded recipient are not awarded later.
The recipient of Indira Priyadarshani Vriksha Mitra award from Akola district is named as
below.
Year
Name & address of Individual / organisation
1998
Shri R. S. Bagade, Assistant Teacher, (Zilla Parishad, Akola), Ramesh Nagar, Dabki
Road, Akola.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
SOCIAL FORESTRY DN.AKOLA.
C:\MY DOCUMENTS\WebSite of SFD.doc
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, SOCIAL FORESTRY DIVISION, AKOLA.
Subject :- Submission of information
required for Web site of Akola distt.
of SFD Akola.
No. SFD/Surveyor/
/2005.06
Akola, Dated the
Sept. 2005.
To,
The Chief Scientist,
National Informatics Centre (NIC),
Collectorate,
AKOLA.
Ref :- Collector, Akola’s No. NIC/AKL/WEB-SITE/2005/589.
With reference to the above cited letter, the information on the above subject, pertaining to
Akola district of this Division, is submitted herewith alongwith hardcopy and softcopy (on C.D.).
A few suitable photographs 16 & folders, sticker etc. are also enclosed for appropriate use.
Encl : As above.
Deputy Director
Social Forestry Dn.Akola.
Copy submitted to the Collector, Akola with reference to his letter under reference for
favour of information.
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, SOCIAL FORESTRY DIVISION, AKOLA.
Subject :- Submission of information
required for Web site of Akola distt.
of SFD Akola.
No. SFD/Surveyor/
/2005.06
Akola, Dated the
Sept. 2005.
To,
The Chief Scientist,
National Informatics Centre (NIC),
Collectorate,
AKOLA.
Ref :- Collector, Akola’s No. NIC/AKL/WEB-SITE/2005/589.
With reference to the above cited letter, the information on the above subject, pertaining to
Akola district of this Division, is submitted herewith alongwith hardcopy and softcopy (on C.D.).
A few suitable photographs 16 & folders, sticker etc. are also enclosed for appropriate use.
Encl : As above.
Deputy Director
Social Forestry Dn.Akola.
Copy submitted to the Collector, Akola with reference to his letter under reference for
favour of information.