Rajiv Gandhi (Nagarhole) National Park

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Environmental Review of Activities Undertaken for Village Ecodevelopment under IEP in Rajiv Gandhi (Nagarhole) National Park

S.No. Project Activity PA & Local Benefits Impact Mitigation Measures/ Recommendations
1 Alternate fuel saving devices (Distribution of LPG, biogas and pressure cookers)
  • Reduced dependence on PA for fuel wood
  • Refilling being a major problem, the distribution is fairly restricted as learnt from experiences in Kademanuganahally and Sulugodo
     
  • Unlike in Gir, the acceptability of LPG among tribals is fairly low due to perceived risks of accident/mishandling
  • An assessment of the number of LPG distributed and their use level will help ascertaining the future prospects
     
  • Popularization of device by those using it would be a good strategy
2 Distribution of kerosene stove, solar lanterns, almirah and utensils to some tribals
  • Trust building & good will gesture
     
  • Gain access to Hadi settlement to motivate tribals to reduce pressure on PA resources
     
  • Gain support for ecodevelopment
  • Unless done on a larger scale may not yield desired results
  • Local NGOs (IITE, TARDO & MGT) to be requested to assist KFD in such activities to gain support for ecodevelopment
     
  • Close supervision and monitoring to be ensured by PA authorities for achieving desired results
3 Community oriented works such as construction of community hall and development of ponds for irrigation
  • Non PA dependent activity for community well being
     
  • Gainful employment for waged labour
     
  • Encourages support for conservation
  • For community oriented works such as construction of irrigation pond, participation is restricted to those who can contribute 25% income as share for benefits. This may lead to further deprivation of land less & poor leading to disharmony in groups
  • Landless could be provided with assets that provide complimentary facilities e.g. diesel generator pumps which can fetch some economic return from rental services extended to farmers for irrigation
     
  • Share in benefit extended to landless could be through reciprocal commitments in PA protection instead of insisting on 25% of income share
4 Individual beneficiary oriented works (petty shops for poultry, cycle, tailoring, roofing material etc.)
  • Non PA dependent activity to promote economic status of local people by taking up skill oriented self employment
  • Has a waiting period for returns to flow in after initial investments in establishment
     
  • Small markets result in low returns
     
  • Often the lending borrowing strategies and return in kinds are common practices among people with limited wages leading to losses
  • Training for innovation in designing of good products necessary to capture markets
     
  • Exploring possibilities of promoting handicraft in jute and coir may be enterprising
     
  • Co-ordination with small scale industries through contact with EDC may facilitate this

Last Updated: February 7, 2013