Summer 2012 Activity Update: Pench, Maharashtra

Team: Anoop Awasthi – Conservation Officer

            Bandu Uikey, Dilip Lanjewar – Field assistants

Highlights

• Team was busy working on micro-plans for Kolitmara, Narhar, Khapa, Tuiyapaar, Mehkepaar, Surera, Ghatkukda, Kirangisara, Usaripar, Sawara, Wagholi
• One shramdhaan to clean a waterhole at Ghatpendari
• One shramdhaan to clean a water tank , hanging water pots for birds  at Ghoti
• Field assistant Bandu Uikey joined Forest Department staff in water hole census
• Field assistant Bandu Uikey joined Forest Department staff on anti-poaching patrols four times
• Assisted in fighting fires in forest once
• 6 medical camps – 183 patients treated
• Tribal Dance group earned Rs 4,000 during the month
• 6 unemployed youths placed in jobs

Conservation work:


On May 6, field assistant Bandu Uikey joined local staff of the Forest Department in a water hole census at Bailghat waterhole.

Field assistant Bandu Uikey joined local staff of the Forest Department in anti-poaching patrols on four occasions in May - on May 16, 17, 28 and 31. Members of the eco-development committee (EDC) of Ghatpendari and Bandu took part in the patrols in the jungle near Ghatpendari. Normally, there is a rise in poaching and fire incidents during the peak summer season.

On May 19, Bandu Uikey and  EDC members saw a fire in the forest area of  near south Matamai beat adjoining Ghatpendari village. They informed forest officers. A team of 6 Forest workers, 2 EDC members and Bandu doused the fire using leaves and branches from the trees.

On May 27, Bandu Uikey led a team of 6 unemployed youths of Ghatpendari village along with 3 staff of the Forest department in a programme to clean a waterhole near Ghatpendari in core area of Pench Tiger Reserve. Leaves and other organic matter had fallen into the waterhole and clogged it up, making it difficult for wildlife to drink.

Waterhole cleaning at Khamba

On May 17, Dilip led 9 children from Kadbikheda village on a nature trail in the jungle adjoining the village. On the trail, Dilip explained to the children them the importance of trees and wild life in our ecosystem.

During the month, our team also worked with the Forest Department in preparing micro-plans. As part of this exercise, we held awareness programmes jointly with the Department in villages to explain to the villagers about micro-plans, Joint Forest Management and Eco-Development Committees.

The meetings were held at :

 
















 









Employment Cell

During May, we helped 6 unemployed youths get temporary jobs with the Forest Department. Local youths interested in such jobs inform us and we, in turn, keep track of vacancies with the Forest Department. When vacancies arise, we introduce the youths to the Department and give feedback to them about the abilities of the youths. 

A tribal dance group, comprising villagers from Sawara, earned Rs 4,000 in May through 2 programmes. The group was set up with our assistance and we help it by speaking to resort owners to organize performances by the group. 

 

Tribal dance performance at Royal Jungle Retreat

Mobile Health Unit (MHU)

There were 6 camps in May.