Report on Focus Group Discussion

held in South Tripura

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 1

Forest Resources in South Tripura
The forest department in the state of Tripura functions through two circles; Northern circle and
the southern circle. Out of the total 6292.68 sq. km. of Government Forests in the state, 3093.96
sq. km. lies in the northern circle and 3198.72 sq.km lies in Southern circle. There are nine
territorial division in the state with 44 territorial forest ranges and 208 forest beats. There are 855
villages in the state of which 644 have forest as a land use. Total forest area in such villages is
5700 sq.km. The forests in the South Tripura District are administered through three territorial
Divisions, namely Udaipur, Bagafa, Gumti and one Wildlife Sanctuary at Trishna. The
Conservator of Forests based at Udaipur monitors the activities of the Divisional Forest Officers
(DFOs)/ Wildlife Warden in South Tripura district and West Tripura District.

Table No.1: Area under Forest in South Tripura

Forest area
Name of the circle District Blocks Division
(sq.km.)
Amarpur
Ompi Gomati 775.60
Karbuk
Killa
Matabari Udaipur 554.47
Southern Circle South Tripura Kakraban
Raj Nagar
Hrishyamukh
Bagafa Bagafa 699.99
Rupaicharri
Satchand
Total 2030.06
Source: A Compendium of Forest and Forestry in Tripura, TFD

Forest types in Tripura belongs to Moist Tropical Forests and fall in five broad categories i.e.
Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest, East Himalayan Bhabar Sal/ Alluvial plain Sal, Bamboo Brakes,
Low Alluvial Savannah Woodlands and small stretches of Tropical Alluvial Forest. Majority of
the natural Sal forests of the state lies in the South Tripura District. Forest in this district are
endowed with a rich diversity of flora and fauna, typical of high rainfall, high temperature

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 2

region. Bamboo flowering is continuing sporadically in the district with Muli Bamboo flowering
in Silachari Range and Kalai bamboo flowering in Trishna area in 2006.These forests are also
very rich in medicinal plant resources. Local inhabitants largely depend on forests for firewood
and bamboo is playing major role in the economy of the State.

Protection of natural resources is a serious challenge in the state due to illicit felling and damage
to forest regeneration by stray cattle and easier access to Bangladesh through the porous
international border. The task of construction of international border fencing is in progress in the
state to put a check on the illegal movement of timber across the border.

Table No.2: Status of JFMC in South Tripua

Project Planted
No. of Families
Name of the No.of Area(in Area
S.No. FDA/Division/WLS JFMCs/EDCs Ha) (in Ha) ST SC Gen OBC Total
273
1 Gumti 35 6673 6627 5 320 72 0 3127
149
2 Udaipur 66 9046 7781 8 1462 1074 940 4974
197
3 Bagafa 55 15055 2882 1 666 538 0 3175
4 Trishna 26 5280 237 335 260 76 98 769
653
Total 182 36054 17527 9 2708 1760 1038 12045
Source: Economic Review, 2004-05,Directorate of Economics & Statistics planning(Statistics) Department

In South Tripura, 182 JFMC/EDCs are functioning covering a project area of 36054 Ha
including 17527 Ha of land covered under plantation. The total membership of JFMC/EDCs in
the district is 12045. The community wise 54.29% are STs, 22.48% are SCs, 14.61% are from
general category which mainly includes the upper caste groups and remaining 8.62% are people
belonging to OBC group.

Panchayati Raj In South Tripura

The Tripura Panchayat Act 1993 was formulated and adopted after the 73 rd amendment of the
Constitution of India. The 3 Tier PRI forms an integral part of grass-root level planning and
implementation of Panchayati raj in Tripura . The 3 Tiers in the PRI are Zilla Parishad the
highest tier, Panchayat Samiti/ Block Advisory Committee (in tribal areas) the middle tier and

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 3

Gram Panchayat/ ADC Villages (in tribal areas) the lowest tier. The PRI in the district comprises
of one Zilla Parishad at the district level, 7 Panchayat Samitis/ 4 Block Advisory
Committee(BAC) at the Block level and 155 Gram Panchayats/ 167 ADC Villages at the lowest
level.

Methodology of the study:

Social Survey
In the social survey the data was collected from the field using the observation, interview
schedule and FGDs. The data was collected according to the planned methodology which had
two phases.

Planning and
development
of Social
Survey Pre-testing Implementation of
Finalization of
Design. of survey the Social Survey
the Social
tools Survey Design Design in the field.
• Household and tools Data collection
Survey using various tools
• RRA-1
• RRA-2

Draft/Inter Data Analysis Data coding, data

Final Report im Report and drawing filing, verification
of conclusions and validation

However when the phase-I was completed and the data analysis was made it was felt to include
few more components in the study and accordingly based on the discussions and comments of
the other consultants in the team following two components were added in the social survey
phase-II.

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 4

 • Preparation of Block profile
• Focus group discussion with the stack holders on various components of the study
The questionnaire for the block profile was prepared and circulated to all the members of the
team for their comments and suggestions. The same were later incorporated by the social survey
team and the final copy was delivered to the TFD for its circulation to the respective BDOs. At
the same time a schedule was also prepared for the national social survey consultants to visit the
BDOs to facilitate the data collection activity. FGDs were organized with the specific group of
individuals in the selected villages to gain information, views, perspective and thereby insight
into their lives. The FGDs were so designed that the findings from them would add value to the
project proposal.

Sampling Plan:
The entire phase-II study was organized to be conducted by three teams; each team visiting one
district, thus all the three district under the study were covered. The study was conducted during
6th-16th June 2006. In each district four villages were selected based on the tribal population, thus
in all 12 villages were selected for conducting FGDs. The villages were selected in consultation
with the TFD. Thus the sample of the study was as follows:

Table No.3: Villages selected for FGDs

District Panchayat/Village

Uttar Silghati
Paschim Patichari
South Tripura
Garjicherra
Dhupcherra

The study design included participation of following stakeholders in the FGDs;

Table No.4: Stakeholders groups in FGDs

Stakeholder Participant

Tripura forest department Ranger,Beat Officer

District Administration Panchayat Secretary, Anganwadi

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 5

 worker, teacher
Sarpanch, Panchayat members, Block
PRIs
Panchayat members
Local NGOs Representatives
JFMC members, VDC
Groups and Communities
members,Villagers
Tribals, Religious minorities, Schedule
Special groups
Caste

Constraints and Limitations

The social survey team had to experience following constrains and limitations while conducting
the field level studies.
• Monsoon rains restricted the mobility of people and transportation which led to low
participation of people
• Non availability of the panchayat level staff such as panchayat secretary, Anganwadi
teacher, Sarpanch, PRI members due to their pre-engagements.
• Remote areas posed challenges in communication and connectivity; there was delay in
delivering the requisite format to BDOs.

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 6

 Findings on the
issues discussed in
FGDs

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 7

Profile of the participants in FGDs
Table No.5: Socio-demographic profile of participants
Village Gender Social Group
Non-
Male Female ST OBC Others Total Resident
Resident
Uttar
23 3 18 0 8 26 21 5
Silghati
Paschim
3 3 5 0 1 6 5 1
Patichari
Garjicherra 6 11 1 5 11 17 16 1
Dhupcherra 13 8 15 0 6 21 1 20
Total 45 25 39 5 26 70 43 27

In all 70 villagers participated in the FGDs from the four villages. Out of them 45 were male and
25 were female. The majority of participants were from the tribal community(55.7%), followed
by the others/general community(37.1%) and the OBCs(7.14%). The Others/general community
consisted mainly the upper caste people. Majority (61.4%) of participants were resident of the
villages while rests of them were from the neighboring villages in the same Panchayat.

1.0 Sharing of benefits/usufructs:

Current Mechanism of using forest resources:
Table No.6: Sharing of forest resources
Current Decision making
Sharing of benefits
Mechanism of forum
Village by the individuals
using forest
and community
resources
Silghati Collective As per present norm Formal
Paschim Paticheri Collective As per present norm Formal
Gorjeecherra Collective As per present norm Formal

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 8

 Dhoopchari Collective As per present norm Formal
Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

In all the Villages where FGD was conducted, it was found that there was no formal mechanism
or system to decide the usage of forest resources. People are collecting the forest produce from
the forest on the basis of the customary rights. Only in case of the community forestry/JFMC the
decisions are taken collectively to harvest the benefits like catching fish from the ponds, etc.

2.0 Conflict resolution/Social Tension

Type of conflicts
Various types of conflicts exist in the villages but there is no such constant conflict affecting the
social fabric. The natural resources in the region are limited and at times create conflicts
regarding their utilization, the other inter personal conflicts are related to land and property,
occupancy of the high land, water for irrigation etc.

Table No.7: Conflicts and conflict resolution mechanism

Type of conflicts
Village Agency for Mitigation of conflicts

Chaudhary System Panchayat

Silghati Property disputes For Tribals For all
Paschim Occupancy of high
For Tribals For all
Paticheri land
Gorjeecherra Water for irrigation - For all
Dhoopchari No serious conflicts - For all
Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

Decision making forum

In all the villages both the formal and informal conflict resolution forums co-exist and follow the
customary as well as the established constitutional procedures. The informal “Chaudhary”
system is more prominent in tribal areas while the formal system of Panchayats is dominant in
other areas.

Panchayat is the formal body recognized to resolve the conflicts wherever the matter is brought
to them. In case of the sharing of the benefits from the forest, the JFMC in consolation with the

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 9

 forest department takes all the decisions related to the planning, management and usufructs
sharing.

3.0 Existing Institution and their role

Institution for conflict resolution, development activities and sharing of resources:
Table No.8: Institution for conflict resolution, development activities and sharing of resources

Mahila Village Yuvak Chaudhary

Village NGOs JFMCs Panchayat
Mandal Committee Kendras system
Silghati - - - - - 1 2
Paschim
- - - - - 1 2
Paticheri
Gorjeecherra - - - - - - 1
Dhoopchari - - - - - - 1
Ranking 0 0 0 0 0 2 6
Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

Panchayat and Chaudhary are the two principal bodies for conflict resolution, development
activities and sharing of resources. Panchayat by virtue of its constitutional status is the lowest
level of planning and implementing body of the development programmes. In the tribal
populated villages with VDC is functional which is popularly called ADC Panchayat by the
villagers.

Effectiveness of institution in resolving conflicts regarding resource management,

organizing developmental activities and disaster mitigation.
Table No.9: Effective institution in resolving conflicts
Pancha Mahila
Village NGOs FDA JFMCs SHGs TTADC VDCs Clubs
yat Mandal
Silghati - - - - - - - 1 2
Paschim
- - - - 2 - - 1 2
Paticheri
Gorjeech
1 - -- - 3 - - - 3
erra
Dhoopch
- - -- - 3 - - 1 3
ari

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 10

 Ranking 4 8 6 10
Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

Panchayat is the most effective institution in resolving conflicts regarding resource management,
organizing developmental activities and disaster mitigation; in case of forest related matters the
JFMC assists the Panchayat in resolving issues. Clubs are the volunteers in helping
administrative machinery and people when there is any natural calamity/disaster.

Role of FDA and JFMCs in TFIPAP

Table No.10: Suggested Role of FDA and JFMCs in TFIPAP
Organizational role Supportive Role
Village Lead Role Nodal Agency

Silghati 1 - 1 -
Paschim Paticheri 1 - 1 -
Gorjeecherra 1 - 1 -
Dhoopchari 1 - 1 -
Ranking 4 4
Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

The participants were not aware of the FDA but they suggested that the JFMC should play a lead
role in the project and should be associated with the nodal agency.

Involvement of Panchayat/VDC/ADC in TFIPAP

Table No.11: Involvement of Panchayat/VDC/ADC and NGOs/CBOs
Involvement of
How to involve NGOs/CBOs in community participation
Village Panchayat/VDC/ADC
activities
in TFIPAP
Membership
Leadership Training Awareness No Role
in JFMC
Silghati Yes - - - - 1
Paschim
Yes - 1 1 - -
Paticheri
Gorjeecherra Yes - 1 1 1 -
Dhoopchari Yes - 1 1 - -
Ranking - 3 3 1 1
Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 11

The participants were of the view that that thee Panchayat/VDC/ADC should be involved in
TFIPAP. The people’s representatives are aware of the ground realities of the communities and
there presence would also help in preventing marginalization of the vulnerable. These
representatives have people’s support and mandate to work for them and it is expected that they
work in the interest of people and the project. Very few participants were aware of NGOs in the
area; however they felt that it could be involved with the JFMC in generating awareness and
training the people in specific income generating activities and in imparting technical
knowledge.

Proposed institutional arrangement for TFIPAP

Table No.12: Suggested institutional arrangement for TFIPAP
Village Proposed institutional arrangement for TFIPAP
Funds to be given Funds to be given directly to
directly to Panchayat TFIPAP village committee
by TFD through DFO
Silghati 1 -
Paschim Paticheri - 1
Gorjeecherra - 1
Dhoopchari - 1
1 3
Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

The participants preferred that the funds be given directly to the village level committee, which
would be formed by the JFMC members. This village level committee shall include members of
Panchayat, members of JFMC and the Range Officer or Beat Officer of the Range. The
participants of one village suggested that the TFIPAP be implemented by the Panchayats without
involving forest officials. People expect more autonomy in implementation and financial
management of the project.

4.0 Project Impact

Table No.13: Perceived Impact of the project
Paschim
Silghati Gorjeecherra Dhoopchari
Paticheri
Rubber plantation Increase Increase Increase Increase

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 12

 Shifting cultivation Reduce Not much Reduce Not much
Standard of living Improve Improve Improve Improve
Income level Increase Increase Increase Increase
Forest produce Increase Increase Increase Increase
Access to forest Increase and Increase and Increase and Increase and
resources Improve Improve Improve Improve
Employment opportunity Increase Increase Increase Increase
Status of women Improve Improve Improve Improve
Poverty Reduce Reduce Reduce Reduce
land use Improve Improve Improve Improve
Forest cover Improve Improve Improve Improve
Impact on environment Positive Positive Positive Positive
Water area Increase Increase Increase Increase
Opportunity for
Increase Increase Increase Increase
intensive fish farming
Income generation
Increase Increase Increase Increase
activities
Development of
Increase Increase Increase Increase
infrastructure

Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

The Participants expressed that the project would have positive impact on their lives. If
implemented properly the project would create more employment opportunities, more
infrastructure, increase in forest produce, more income generating activities, increased rubber
production, better irrigation facilities, raise in living standard and a positive impact on the
environment. However the participants were of the opinion that the practice of shifting
cultivation will not reduce much through the project. According to them “Jhuming is a socio-
cultural activity and would continue as long as people are attached to the farming activities”.

5.0 Special needs of vulnerable group

Felt and perceived needs
Table No.14: Perceived needs of vulnerable
Village Jobs Health Education Roads Drinking Irrigation Electricity

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 13

 Care Water
Silghati 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Paschim
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Paticheri
Gorjeecherra 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Dhoopchari 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

In all the villages the participants felt the need for better and increased jobs, health care,
education, roads, drinking water, power supply and irrigation facilities. They also expect that the
TFIPAP would make arrangement for it.

Improvement in SHGs
Table No.15: Needs of the SHG
Training to Generating
Village Loan/Finance No idea
members Awareness
Silghati 1 1 - -
Paschim
1 1 - -
Paticheri
Gorjeecherra 1 1 - -
Dhoopchari 1 1 - -
4 4 - -
Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

The participants felt that the present condition of the SHGs can bee improved by providing
training in income generating activities and loans to them.

Area of assistance
Table No.16: Areas of assistance for SHGs
Village Capital Market Processing Others
Silghati 1 - 1 1
Paschim
1 1 1 1
Paticheri
Gorjeecherra 1 1 1 1
Dhoopchari 1 1 1 1

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 14

 4 3 4 4
Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

Capital, market and transportation are the three principal areas where the SHGs need assistance
from the project. The SHGs often fails to survive due to the lack of finance, the poor
transportation facility in the villages add cost to their product and thereby reduces their access to
outside market thus compelling them to depend on the local market. The lack of processing units
in the area has affected the enterprising efforts of the local people. This is a long felt need of the
people and one of the fundamental prerequisite to ensure sustainable livelihood. The traditional
handicraft skills of women in the region is one of such examples which has remained untapped
due to the lack of accessibility to the outside market. Items like value added Bamboo product and
fruits have the potential to provide sustainable livelihood to people if appropriate processing
units are established in the region.

Development/livelihood plan
Table No.17: Suggested Livelihood Plan
Village Development/livelihood plan
Small scale industries,
Livestock and plantation
cottage industries, SHGs
based
livestock
Silghati - 1 -
Paschim
1 1 -
Paticheri
Gorjeecherra 1 1 -
Dhoopchari 1 1 -
3 4 -
Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

The participants have preferred for a livelihood model based primarily on the Small scale
industries, cottage industries, livestock and plantation.

Special provision for vulnerable

Table No.18: Suggested provisions for Vulnerable Group
Special provision for vulnerable
Village

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 15

 Women
Employment to local Provision of Preference in
focused
in the project land righs selection
Vocation
Silghati 1 - - 1
Paschim
1 - 1 1
Paticheri
Gorjeecherra 1 - 1 1
Dhoopchari 1 - 1 1

Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

The participants in the discussion stressed for the need to make special provision for the
vulnerable in the overall design of the project. The preference is to be given to the vulnerable in
the selection of beneficiaries. The other preference was for the employment to local population
in thee implementation of the project. The women participants preferred for development of their
enterprising potential more specifically the tribal women through establishment of vocations
focusing women and their needs.

6.0 Awareness about government schemes

Awareness
Table No.19: Awareness on government programmes
On time Awareness about
information about government schemes
projects like Swavlamban, Are Views
Village SJRY,IAY,DPAP, programmes about the
Yes, beneficial programme
Angan Ban Prakalp
Yes No but
late
Silghati - - 1 Yes Yes Good
Paschim
- - 1 Yes Yes Good
Paticheri
Gorjeecherra - - 1 Yes Yes Good
Dhoopchari - - - Yes Yes Good

Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 16

In all the villages it was observed that the participants get delayed information on the various
government programmes. The participants were aware of the various government supported
development programmes being implemented in their village.The programmes like Swavlamban,
SJRY,IAY,DPAP, Angan Ban Prakalp are proving beneficial to thee villagers in general and
they are satisfied with the approach being adopted by the policy makers in designing thee
programmes.

7.0 JFM/Farm forestry

Table No.20: Plantation related issues in JFMC/Farm Forestry
Problems faced during
Techniques
Village Preferred species of trees harvest and
required
transportation
Rubber,Gamar,Teak,Jackfruit, Nursery and
Silghati No problem
Pineapple plantation
Paschim Nursery and
Sal,Bamboo,Jatropha No forest on private land
Paticheri plantation
Nursery and
Gorjeecherra Sal,Teak,Gamar,Bamboo No forest on private land
plantation
Amla,Medicinal Nursery and
Dhoopchari No forest on private land
plants,Bamboo,Jatropha,Teak plantation

Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

The JFMC members and the participants practicing farm forestry preferred to plant
Rubber,Gamar, Sal,Jackfruit, Pineapple, Medicinal plants,Bamboo,Jatropha,Teak on their land.
In general there is lack of technical knowledge among the JFMC members and require training
on techniques of nursery development and silviculture. Since there is no harvest in the JFMC
areas so they have not encounter any problem during harvest and transportation.

Funds for road construction from TFD

Table No.21: Roads and relationship between JFMC and PRI/ADC
Necessity of Relationship between JFMC and PRI/ADC
funds for
Village road Not so Can’t
constructio Good Bad Satisfactory
good Say
n
Silghati 1 - - 1 - -
Paschim 1 - - 1 - -

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 17

 Paticheri
Gorjeecherra 1 - - 1 - -
Dhoopchari 1 - - 1 - -

Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

In all the villages the participants expressed the necessity of funds for the road construction. The
villages either have kutcha road or brick roads which become unserviceable during rains thus
educing the mobility and accessibility of villagers. The relationship between the JFMC and
PRI/ADC is cordial.

Discrepancy between JFMC Micro plan and PRI/ADC master plan

Table No.22: JFMC Micro plan and PRI/ADC master plan
Discrepancy between JFMC Micro plan and PRI/ADC
Village
master plan
Yes No Don’t Know
Silghati - - 1
Paschim
- - 1
Paticheri
Gorjeecherra - - 1
Dhoopchari 1 - -

Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

Majority of participants expressed their unawareness regarding the JFMC micro plan and the
master plan of the PRI/ADC.

8.0 Soil Erosion

Table No.23: Usage of Water Harvesting Structures
Village Usage of Water Harvesting Structures
Erosion
Irrigation Fisheries Bathing Others
control
Silghati - - - - -
Paschim
1 - - - -
Paticheri
Gorjeecherra 1 - - - -
Dhoopchari 1 1 - - -

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 18

 Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

The participants expressed that there are very few water harvesting structures in the village,
which are mainly used for irrigation and fisheries. These structures support the irrigation during
the dry season from November to March. Sometimes there are conflicts over water sharing from
these structures.

Table No.24: Usage of foot path and link road

Village Usage of foot path and link road
Connectivity
Connectivity to to forest and Linkage to
Connectivity
market, school, collection of other
to Highways
PHC forest village
products
Silghati 1 1 1 -
Paschim
1 1 - -
Paticheri
Gorjeecherra 1 1 - -
Dhoopchari 1 1 - -

Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

According to the participants the foot path and link road are mainly used in transportation and
moving to market, school and other infrastructure available in the village. The forest is
connected to villages through footpaths. In two villages the brick road connects the village to the
national highways.

Table No.25: Condition of Gully and Stream

Village Gully and Stream Condition
Not
Eroded Sedimented Don’t Know
Eroded
Silghati - - - 1
Paschim
- - - 1
Paticheri
Gorjeecherra - - - 1

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 19

 Dhoopchari - - - 1

Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

Table No.26: Measures taken to control Gully and Stream Condition

Village Measures to control Gully and Stream Condition

Don’t
Embankment Plugging Check dam
Know
Silghati - - - 1
Paschim
- - - 1
Paticheri
Gorjeecherra - - - 1
Dhoopchari - - - 1

Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

Table No.27: Condition of the catchment

Village Catchment Issue
Movemen
Eroded Landslide No Issuee
t of Soil
Silghati - - - 1
Paschim
- - - 1
Paticheri
Gorjeecherra - - - 1
Dhoopchari - - - 1

Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

Table No.28: Measures taken for catchment control

Village Catchment Control
Gully Contour Don’t Know
Terracing Plantation
Plugging Trenching
Silghati - - - - 1

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 20

 Paschim
- - - - 1
Paticheri
Gorjeecherra - - - - 1
Dhoopchari - - - - 1

Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

9.0 Bamboo
Table No.29: Flowering of Bamboo
Village Flowering of Bamboo
Yes No When Species Area Affected
Silghati - 1 - - -
Paschim Paticheri 1 - 1 year ago Muli 6-10 Ha
Gorjeecherra - 1 - - -
Dhoopchari 1 3 years ago Muli Above 20 Ha

Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

The flowering of Bamboo has affected two out of four villages where FGD was conducted. The
flowering of Muli Bamboo started one year ago at village Paschim Paticheri and has affected
about 6-10 Ha of land. At village Dhoopchari the flowering of Muli Bamboo started nearly three
year ago and has sporadically spread to about 200 Ha of land.

Table No.30: Issues related to Bamboo

Village Plantation of Bamboo Shortage of Bamboo
Yes No Edible Shoots Saplings
Silghati - - - -
Paschim Paticheri - 1 1 1
Gorjeecherra - - - -
Dhoopchari - 1 1 1

Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 21

The villagers have not initiated plantation of Muli Bamboo where its flowering has occurred, the
Bamboo is regenerating naturally in the affected villages. There is no shortage of edible shoots or
Saplings in thee area due to thee flowering of Muli Bamboo.

10.0 Others

Table No.31: Deterioration of Agricultural Productivity and Forest Resources

Deterioration of Agricultural
Village Deterioration of Forest Resources
Productivity
Yes No Yes No
Silghati 1 - 1 -
Paschim
- 1 1 -
Paticheri
Gorjeecherra - 1 1 -
Dhoopchari - 1 1 -

Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

The participants expressed that there has been deterioration of forest cover in their village while
the agricultural productivity has increased in general except in village Silghati

Table No.32: Reasons for Deterioration of Agricultural Productivity and Forest Resources
Reasons for Deterioration of Reasons for Deterioration of Forest
Village
Agricultural Productivity Resources
Increase
in
Illicit
Poor Traditional Excessive Rubber population
fellin
irrigation farm erosion Jhuming Plantatio and Poor
g of
facilities Practices of soil n interest in
trees
conserving
forest
Silghati 1 1 1 1 - 1 1
Paschim
- - - 1 1 - 1
Paticheri
Gorjeecherr
- - - 1 - 1 1
a
Dhoopchari - - - 1 1 - 1

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 22

Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

The deterioration of forest cover is due to the increase in population and general lack of interest
among the villagers to conserve forest resources. The other contributing factors are illicit felling
of trees, rubber plantation and Jhum cultivation practiced by the people.

Table No.33: Reasons for increase in Agricultural Productivity

Village Reasons for increase in Agricultural Productivity
Scientific
Improved Use of pesticides Irrigation
Agricultural
seeds and Fertilizers Infrastructure
Practices
Silghati - - - -
Paschim
1 1 1 -
Paticheri
Gorjeecherra 1 1 1 1
Dhoopchari 1 1 1 -

Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

The raise in agricultural productivity is mainly due to improved seeds, Scientific Agricultural
Practices, Use of pesticides and Fertilizers and irrigation facilities in the area.

Opinion of community
Table No.34: Suggestion for increasing forest resources
Village Suggestion for increasing forest resources
Better check Permanent
Reducing dependency
on illicit Afforestation settlement of
on forest
felling Jhumias
Silghati 1 1 1 1
Paschim
1 1 1 1
Paticheri
Gorjeecherra 1 1 1 1
Dhoopchari 1 1 1 1

Source: Social Survey-Phase II(FGDs),June 2006,TFIPAP,SAPROF

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 23

 The participants suggested that the forest cover can be increased by keeping better check on the
illicit felling of the trees, afforestation, permanent settlement of Jhumias and reducing the
dependency of people on forest.

Observation and Findings of the Focus Group Discussion

• The livelihood of the villagers is depends upon agriculture. The agricultural produce and productivity
of land is heavily dependent on the availability of water. A major portion of water for irrigation comes
from rains, the crops are directly fed with rain water. A substantial portion of the rainwater is
discharged as direct runoff to steams and channels. There are few water harvesting structures in the
area and majority of them are earthen build and do not fulfill the irrigation needs of everyone in the
village, only the affluent in the village uses them in the dry season when there is scarcity of water. In
some villages the ponds have been dug for fisheries, such ponds also serve the purpose of irrigation in
dry season. The fuel pumpset are used to pump water from water bodies/reservoir to the fields.

• The two institutions that are active at the village level are the Panchayats and the VDC popularly
known as ADC Panchayats. Incidentally it is for the first time that the ADC Panchayat elections were
held this year in the month of February-March 2006. Prior to it the Panchayat members were
nominated by the people. Whereas the Panchyati raj institution has three tier setup, the ADC has two
tier set up.

• People are collecting the forest produce on the basis of the customary rights. Only in case of the
community forestry/JFMC the decisions are taken collectively to harvest the benefits like catching fish
from the ponds, etc. It was also noticed that people were not aware of the micro planning exercise; the
lack technical knowledge regarding the forestry, silvicultural operations, regeneration techniques etc
had crated dependency of people on the forest department for designing “mutually beneficial
microplan”. Majority of people are not aware of the term “micro plan”. They are aware of a similar
term “action plan”- used in PRI activities but not “micro plan”. People are using the forest to satisfy

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 24

 their individual and collective needs. There is no formal structure at place; it is only in case of the
JFMC that people can seek sharing of benefits where the decisions are made formally. People
supported the present mechanism/norms of benefit sharing. The natural resources in the region are
limited and at times create conflicts regarding their utilization, the other inter personal conflicts are
related to land and property, occupancy of the high land, water for irrigation etc

• The customary grievance redressal procedure in case of Jamatia tribal Community is as follows:

Police
Chaudhary Mayal Oakra Administrati
on/Court

The dispute is first brought to the notice of the Chaudhary, there can be one or more Chaudhary in a
Panchayat. The Chaudhary is nominated by a group of people of the same community. Initially the
grievance is referred to the Chaudhary by the aggrieved parties who uses his influence to resolve the
conflict by mutual consultation. In case he aggrieved party is not satisfied the matter can be brought to
the Mayal Chaudhary, who is the Chaudhary of 5 Panchayats. When he matter remains unresolved at
this level the matter can be referred to the Oakra, which is the apex body of the community. When the
Oakra is unable to resolve the conflict the disputing parties can approach the legal administration for
the remedy.

• Panchayat is the formal body recognized to resolve the conflicts wherever the matter is brought to
them. In case of the sharing of the benefits from the forest, the JFMC in conssulation wih he forest
department takes all the decisions related to the planning, management and usufructs sharing.

• People in general are not aware of the FDA. Even the JFMC members are not aware of it, they only
know that the JFMC gets funds from the TFD but have no knowledge of its operation and mechanism.
The participants were of the view that that thee Panchayat/VDC/ADC should be involved in TFIPAP.
The people’s representatives are aware of the ground realities of the communities and there presence

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 25

 would also help in preventing marginalization of the vulnerable. These representatives have people’s
support and mandate to work for them and it is expected that they work in the interest of people and
the project. Very few participants were aware of NGOs in the area; however they felt that it could be
involved with the JFMC in generating awareness and training the people in specific income generating
activities and in imparting technical knowledge.

• The participants preferred that the funds be given directly to the village level committee, which would
be formed by the JFMC members. This village level committee shall include members of Panchayat,
members of JFMC and the Range Officer or Beat Officer of the Range. People expect more autonomy
in implementation and financial management of the project. The preferred institutional model is:

• If implemented properly the project would create more employment opportunities, more
infrastructure, increase in forest produce, more income generating activities, increased rubber
production, better irrigation facilities, raise in living standard and a positive impact on the
environment. However the participants were of the opinion that the practice of shifting cultivation will
not reduce much through the project. According to them “Jhuming is a socio-cultural activity and
would continue as long as people are attached to the farming activities”

• In all the villages the participants felt the need for better and increased jobs, health care, education,
roads, drinking water, power supply and irrigation facilities. Capital, market and transportation are the
three principal areas where the SHGs need assistance from the project. The SHGs often fails to
survive due to the lack of finance, the poor transportation facility in the villages add cost to their
product and thereby reduces their access to outside market thus compelling them to depend on the
local market. The lack of processing units in the area has affected the enterprising efforts of the local
people. This is a long felt need of the people and one of the fundamental prerequisite to ensure
sustainable livelihood. The traditional handicraft skills of women in the region is one of such
examples which has remained untapped due to the lack of accessibility to the outside market. Items
like value added Bamboo product and fruits have the potential to provide sustainable livelihood to
people if appropriate processing units are established in the region.

• The participants have preferred for a livelihood model based primarily on the Small scale industries,
cottage industries, livestock and plantation. The overall preference in the livelihood potential
following SHG model is as follows:

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 26

Activity Sub-Activity Market Financial Technical
Constrains Constrains

Fishery Local and outside Low capital Lack of technical

district/state requirement knowledge;
require capacity
building strategies
to be designed.
Piggery Low capital Capacity building
requirement strategies to be
designed
Poultry Lack of technical
knowledge;
require capacity
building strategies
to be designed.
Goatery Low capital Capacity building
requirement strategies to be
designed
Dairy Milk and milk Local Low capital Lack of technical
products requirement knowledge;
require capacity
building strategies
to be designed.
Plantation Rubber, Bamboo Local Lack of technical
knowledge;
require capacity
building strategies
to be designed.
Bamboo Bamboo product, Local and outside Low capital Lack of technical
incense sticks, district/state requirement knowledge;
handicrafts, Mats require capacity
building strategies
to be designed.
Cottage Industry Handloom, Local and outside Low capital Lack of technical
handicraft, district/state requirement knowledge;
candle, food require capacity
processing building strategies
to be designed.
Horticulture Banana Local and outside Lack of technical
district/state knowledge;
, Pineapple,
require capacity
Jackfruit, Mango
building strategies

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 27

 to be designed.
Medicinal Amla, Pharmaceutical Lack of technical
plantation Ashwaganda, companies knowledge;
Arjun, Bahera, require capacity
Harteki building strategies
to be designed.
Bee keeping, Local and outside Low capital Lack of technical
Sericulture district/state requirement knowledge;
require capacity
building strategies
to be designed.

• The participants in the discussion stressed for the need to make special provision for the vulnerable in
the overall design of the project. The preference is to be given to the vulnerable in the selection of
beneficiaries. The other preference was for the employment to local population in thee implementation
of the project. The women participants preferred for development of their enterprising potential more
specifically the tribal women through establishment of vocations focusing women and their needs.

• In all the villages it was observed that the participants get delayed information on the various
government programmes. The participants were aware of the various government supported
development programmes being implemented in their village.The programmes like Swavlamban,
SJRY,IAY,DPAP, Angan Ban Prakalp are proving beneficial to thee villagers in general and they are
satisfied with the approach being adopted by the policy makers in designing thee programmes.

• The JFMC members and the participants practicing farm forestry preferred to plant Rubber,Gamar,
Sal,Jackfruit, Pineapple, Medicinal plants,Bamboo,Jatropha,Teak on their land. In general there is lack
of technical knowledge among the JFMC members and require training on techniques of nursery
development and silviculture. Since there is no harvest in the JFMC areas so they have not encounter
any problem during harvest and transportation.

• In all the villages the participants expressed the necessity of funds for the road construction. The
villages either have kutcha road or brick roads which become unserviceable during rains thus educing
the mobility and accessibility of villagers. The relationship between the JFMC and PRI/ADC is
cordial.

• The flowering of Muli Bamboo started one year ago at village Paschim Paticheri and has affected

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 28

 about 6-10 Ha of land. At village Dhoopchari the flowering of Muli Bamboo started nearly three year
ago and has sporadically spread to about 200 Ha of land. There is no shortage of edible shoots or
Saplings in thee area due to thee flowering of Muli Bamboo.

• The deterioration of forest cover is due to the increase in population and general lack of interest
among the villagers to conserve forest resources. The other contributing factors are illicit felling of
trees, rubber plantation and Jhum cultivation practiced by the people.

• The raise in agricultural productivity is mainly due to improved seeds, Scientific Agricultural
Practices, Use of pesticides and Fertilizers and irrigation facilities in the area.The participants
suggested that the forest cover can be increased by keeping better check on the illicit felling of the
trees, afforestation, permanent settlement of Jhumias and reducing the dependency of people on forest.

• The participants expressed that there are very few water harvesting structures in the village, which are
mainly used for irrigation and fisheries. These structures support the irrigation during the dry season
from November to March. Sometimes there are conflicts over water sharing from these structures.

• According to the participants the foot path and link road are mainly used in transportation and
moving to market, school and other infrastructure available in the village. The forest is connected to
villages through footpaths. In two villages the brick road connects the village to the national highways

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 29

Focus Group Discussion- South Tripura 30