The City-dweller and the Tiger: Activity Update July 2013: Pench Maharashtra

Team: Anoop Awasthi – Conservation Officer

Saket Agasti – Assistant Conservation Officer

Bandu Uikey – Field assistant

Dilip Lanjewar – Field assistant

Highlights

· Celebration of "Van Mohotsav" at Ghatpendari

· One voluntary work project to repair damaged bridge on Ghatpendari-Narhar road

· One anti-plastic programme at Ghoti

· 3 plantation programmes at Khapa, Ghoti, Ghatpendari

· Village Eco Development Committee [VEDC] patrolling programmes at Sillari, Khapa, Ghatpendari

· VEDC Meetings at Ghatpendari, Ghatkukda, Kolitmara

· 12 classroom lectures on nature and wildlife conservation – attended by 290 students

· 12 film shows on nature and wildlife – attended by 513 people

· Organized medical camps in 5 villages where 110 patients were treated free

Conservation

On July 1, field assistant Bandu Uikey, along with VEDC members of Ghatpendari and Forest Staff, organized a meeting for villagers on the occasion of "Van Mohotsav". Villagers were made aware of the importance of the day, wildlife conservation and how environment impacts their lives and vice versa.

On July 9, Bandu along with VEDC members of Ghatpendari, forest staff and villagers repaired the bridge over Khekdi Nallah which was damaged due to heavy rains in the area. The bridge lies on the road from Ghatpendari to Narhar and is one of the key links between Ghatpendari, which adjoins the core area of Pench Tiger reserve, and the outside world. 22 people participated in the programme. The repaired bridge has greatly improved the public’s ability to commute. Photos below.

On 26 July, Field Assistant Dilip Lanjewar led a team of 15 students from Ghoti village in an anti-plastic drive. Plastic bags were scattered on both sides of the road, left after a plantation program held by Dahoda Gram Panchayat. Saplings were planted from the bags and the bags were not disposed of. Thanks to the clean-up programme, a major threat to animals from plastic was prevented. Photos below.

VEDC meetings were held at Ghatpendari, Ghatkukda, and Kolitmara on July 3, 20 and 23 respectively. Field Assistant Bandu Uikey actively participated in the meetings. In these meetings, issues related to grazing and cattle management were discussed.

On July 2 and July 10, Dilip Lanjewar went on forest patrols with VEDC members of Khapa and Sillari respectively. No illegal activity was observed by the team in the area during these patrols.

On July 6, 17 and 30, Bandu Uikey accompanied forest staff and STPF (Special Tiger Protection Force) staff in forest patrolling. The team covered south beat, Ghorad beat, east beat of West Pench region.

Sapling plantation:

On 20 July, Dilip Lanjewar organized a programme in which 19 students and school staff of Z.P. Primary School, Khapa planted 29 trees around the school ground. The species planted were Karanj and Gulmohar. Dilip also told the students about the importance of trees and why tree plantation is necessary. Photo below.

On 22 July FA Dilip Lanjewar with the help of 40 students planted 50 various trees in the surrounding premises of Z.P. School, Ghoti. Dilip also talked about the importance of the tree plantations and its need. Planted trees included Karanj, Sitaphal, Gulmohar, Neem.

On July 27, Bandu Uikey planted 5 saplings with the help of students on the school premises at Ghatpendari. Karanj, gulmohar and neem saplings were planted. Metal wire cages were fitted around the smaller saplings to protect them from grazing animals.

Ghatpendari - school teacher Lokhande and the students plant

saplings

Ghatpendari - Bandu and teacher Lokhande fix barriers to protect saplings
from grazing livestock

Education:

On July 3, 06, 08, 15, 16, 17, 18, Dilip Lanjewar conducted environmental education programmes in 8 schools. Dilip taught students about environment and its impact on human life.

Dilip conducting an education programme at Sawara school

Education programme at Kadbikheda

Education programme at Pipariya

Education programme at Fulzari

On July 23, 24, 27, Bandu Uikey spoke to students of 4 schools in the area to create awareness about water conservation and impact of human activities on nature and natural resources.

Bandu Uikey talks to students in Ghatpendari about water conservation
and the importance of environment

IT Education Programme:

Our IT education programme is now in full swing at Z.P. Upper Primary School, Sawara. The programme aims to expose village children to computers and develop an interest in technology.

Employment Cell:

On July 1, Bandu assisted 4 unemployed villagers in getting temporary jobs as with the Forest Department. All four villagers are employed in patrolling (Gashti Majur). Our staff is in constant touch with the Forest Department and keeps track of potential employment opportunities. We then connect local youths with the Department so that deserving local candidates get employment.

Education Van Programme:

On July 11, we organized film shows on nature and wildlife conservation in 3 schools at Usaripar, Kadbikheda and Sawara.

Film show at Sawara school

On the night of July 11, we played a film – Soneri Pahat – showcasing successful relocation of a village from Melghat Tiger Reserve. The film show was held at Kirangisarra village, a candidate for relocation in our area of operations. Around 45 villagers attended the programme and tried to understand the concept of relocation. Range Forest officer Mr. Pokle and his staff assisted us in this programme.

Range Forest Officer Pokle at film show in Kirangisarra on relocation

On July 12, film shows were organized at schools in Khapa and Sillari to help create awareness among the students about nature and wildlife.

Saket talking to students at Khapa before film show on wildlife

On the night of July 12, we organized a film show on relocation of villages at Ghatpendari. Round Officer Mr. Kamble and his staff assisted us in conducting the programme. Around 52 villagers attended the film show. Photo below.