In a pioneering initiative, community work commenced in Mazre Jambhulpada Adivasi Wadi during the first week of October under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA), aimed at providing sustainable employment to the local tribal community through forest management.

This project marks a significant milestone as the first of its kind in Maharashtra for a non-PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) area. The initiative not only aims to conserve the forest but also addresses migration issues by creating job opportunities within the community.

Mazre Jambhulpada, located in the Chive Group Gram Panchayat in Raigad district, has been granted 139.5 acres of community forest rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The Community Forest Rights Management Committee (CFRMC) of Mazre Jambhulpada, in partnership with the Sudhagad Pali Forest Department, has developed a micro-plan for sustainable forest management, which has received approval for implementation under MGNREGA.

The plan includes various activities such as constructing a forest pond, tree planting, building stone bunds, and establishing a nursery. The total budget for these initiatives amounts to Rs. 24,79,392, generating approximately 8,242 man-days of employment for the local community.

Deputy Conservator of Forests, Rahul Patil, highlighted the project's importance in promoting afforestation and minimizing tribal migration. “These projects bring job security right to the village, allowing families to stay together and children to continue their education. I commend the community for their dedication to forest conservation and for placing their trust in this initiative”, Patil stated.

The construction of the forest pond alone has been allocated a budget of Rs. 5,28,908, which is expected to create 1,976 man-days of employment. Work on the forest pond began on October 3, instilling hope among the residents of Mazre Jambhulpada.

Subhash Jadhav, Secretary of the CFRMC, expressed optimism about the initiative, saying, “This employment opportunity in our village means we no longer have to migrate. We are taking responsibility for conserving our forest, and together, we are securing our future.”

This project also represents a critical step forward for the Waatavaran Foundation, which has been advocating for sustainable forest management. “This is a milestone for Sudhagad Taluka, being the first micro-plan for community forest rights that has seen actual implementation. With local employment, we can preserve the forest while addressing migration issues,” noted Rahul Sawant, Program and Campaign Head at the Vatavaran Foundation.

Community members, previously skeptical about MGNREGA work approvals, are now grateful for the leadership of Deputy Conservator Rahul Patil, who played a vital role in facilitating the project. Bharti Pawar, a member of the CFRMC, remarked, “We had our doubts, but today we see the results. This work has revived our faith and enabled us to stay connected to our roots.”

Sarpanch Rohidas Sajekar of Chive Group Gram Panchayat emphasized the potential impact of the project, stating, “Mazre Jambhulpada can set an example for other tribal villages. By following this model, other communities with community forest rights can secure employment while simultaneously protecting the forest.”

Bhagwan Kesbhat, Founder and CEO of Vatavaran Foundation, expressed gratitude to the Raigad District administration for its unwavering support. He acknowledged the contributions of Hon. District Collector Raigad, Deputy Conservator of Forests Alibaug, Deputy District Officer NREGA Raigad, Project Officer Integrated Tribal Development Project Pen, and other officials in making the project a success.