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RAJEEV KHEDKAR – SETTING UP A NURSERY OF NATIVE PLANT SPECIES IN RAIGAD DISTRICT OF MAHARASHTRA

 

Update from Rajeev 22/6/2016

Hello John, 

We really appreciate the support you are providing for strengthening our work on land rights. The nursery is gradually taking shape. This year we will manage to raise over 6,000 saplings of more than 40 native tree species. Work on the nursery began after our return from Tiruvannmalai in the month of March. Setting up basic infrastructure took some time and we started filing the nursery bags in April. We faced difficulties in collecting seeds of some tree species from the forest areas since the seed collection time was already over. So we had to purchase some of the seeds. Most of the seeds have sprouted well and we now have over 4,500 saplings. Another 1,500 to 2,000 saplings will be planted in the nursery bags at the onset of monsoon. I will send you some photos soon. 

As regards our work with the Katkari, we received news a few days ago that the Government has given approval for 10 Community Claims under the Forest Rights Act in Khalapur Block of Raigad District. The area for 10 community claims works out to nearly 3,500 acres. These are one of the first Community Claims to be approved in Raigad District. It is important to note that Raigad District is perhaps the most industrialized District in Maharashtra while Khalapur happens to be one of the most industrialized Blocks in Raigad District. The Government was reluctant to hand over big parcels of land to Adivasi people in a District where the demand for land from the industries is high while the availability is low. However, systematic work and persistent follow up at various levels by Adivasi people forced the Government to take positive action. Getting 3,500 acres of forest land as an inalienable right of the community has put that much more land out of the reach of industries and land agents.

It is also important to note that out of the 10 claims that were approved, 9 are for Katkari villages. This is thus a very important milestone for the Katkari community. One that could play an important role in helping the Katkari to create a different identity for themselves - an identity that is far removed from the present identity of being ‘criminal’ and ‘Habitual Offenders’.

This is a significant achievement in the land rights work that you have supported over a long period of time. We are extremely grateful to you for your encouragement and support over the years. We will now promote growing of native tree species in all these community forest areas.

Thanks for your help in fund raising for the nursery project.

With regards.

Rajeev