Activity Update May 2014: Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

Team:

Bandu Kumare – Field assistant

Highlights

·      Two awareness programmes on forest fires and conservation at Kondegaon and Katwal

·      One community assistance voluntary work project –to clean area around hand pump at Kondegaon

·      Anti-plastic programmes in 2 villages – Moharli and Mudholi

·      Follow-up to plantation done earlier at Adegaon, Bamdeli and Chorgaon

·      One nature trail for students of Dewada

·      2 visits to resettled villages of Jamni and Navegaon to follow up on status of villagers  

Conservation

On May 26, Bandu assisted Forest Department staff in fighting a fire on the path leading from Moharli to Junona. Apparently some villagers who had gone into the jungle to drink had dropped a lit beedi which set off the forest fire. Fortunately, the fire was spotted early and did not cause much damage. Forest Guard Golwe and 4 assistants had set off to fight the fire. When Bandu learnt of the incident, he also joined them. Photo below.

During the month, Bandu also organized 2 programmes to raise awareness about forest fires – how they are started off and the need to contain them. He also spoke on the need for conservation. One programme was held at Kondegaon on May 23 in which 16 villagers participated while the second was at Katwal on May 28 in which 14 villagers were present. Below: The programme in Katwal.

In May, Bandu organized 1 community assistance programme to clean the area around a hand pump at Kondegaon. On May 6, 3 unemployed youths from the village joined hands with Bandu in the programme. Water had spilled over while people drew water from the hand pump and had stagnated, leading to proliferation of mosquitoes and insects. Our team cleared the area, removing scum and organic growth and dug a canal to drain away the water.

On May 7, Bandu organized an anti-plastic programme at Moharli in which 10 youths (who work as guides in the buffer zone) participated. Bandu explained the harmful effects of plastic on the environment and the need to keep plastic litter and waste buried so that they aren’t blown by the wind into jungle areas. The team cleared the main road leading from Moharli (to Chandrapur) up to the Navargaon chowki of plastic litter and waste and later buried the garbage in a pit. 

One other anti-plastic programme was organized - at Mudholi on May 27.

On May 8, Bandu organized a programme at Adegaon to follow up on plantation of saplings done last year. This is to ensure that saplings planted during the monsoon are live and have sufficient protection from grazing livestock. 9 students from the village school joined Bandu in the programme. Similar programmes were organized on May 9 at Bamdeli in which 7 students participated and on May 21 at Chorgaon in which 14 students participated. Photo below.

Education

There were no classroom programmes in May as schools were shut for the annual summer vacation.

On May 23, Bandu organized a walk in the forest for the students of Dewada Zilla Parishad Primary School. On the nature walk, in the forest adjoining the village, Bandu taught the students how to spot and identify birds. He also spoke to the children about the importance of nature and wildlife and the need for conservation. 18 students joined Bandu on the nature trail.

Education Van

There were no film shows in May as schools were shut for the annual summer vacation.