DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

State plan schemes  Centrally sponsored schemes

.A.    STATE PLAN SCHEMES :

The Department of Environment & Forests is presently implementing 15 scheme under State Plan Sector. During 8^th Five year Plan (1992-97), an outlay of Rs.2500.00 lakhs was approved and there had been an expenditure of Rs.2690.49 lakhs during this period.

During 9^th Five year Plan (1997-2002), an outlay of Rs.6099.950 lakhs was approved and there had been an expenditure of Rs. 5008.57 lakhs during this period. Under X^th Plan following 15 schemes are being implemented by the Department of Environment and Forests. They are as follows:

A.1.Direction, Administration and Management of Forests :  

          This scheme mainly is concerned with administration and management of forests with focus on Forest Policy, Strengthening of Administration, Law Enforcement, Forest Protection, Monitoring and Evaluation.  A sound database in forestry sector has to be established under this scheme to facilitate planning and execution of plans.  The present protection machinery is not adequate to meet the challenges from poachers.  In order to combat the increased activities of encroachments, illicit cuttings and poaching, effective communication network and mobility to the protective staff by providing vehicles such as Maruty Gypsies and motor cycles besides providing arms to the protection staff need to be considered in all the strategic areas. Monitoring & Evaluation as well as Project Formulation wing need to be set up under the scheme besides attending to sustainable management, environmental administration and forest clearances.

       Out of the total forest area, covering 86% of the geographical area, two-third is managed for protection and conservation of wildlife and biodiversity. This scheme envisages recruitment of staff, establishment of a VHF communication network for improving communication, vehicles, procurement of boats computers including networking for information storage, retrieval, sharing, procurement of arms and ammunition etc. The scheme also includes creation of technical posts, creation of a legal and Little Andaman Forest Division.

A.2.   Silviculture and Forestry Research :

        Since Silviculture & Forestry Research is an important aspect of forestry programme, an appropriate Silviculture system is adopted for the growth of the trees and for obtaining adequate regeneration of desired species.  The health of the forests and productivity entirely depends upon proper working of forests and research activities for improving the hygiene and management of the forests.  This scheme has been implemented in earlier plans also, hence need to be continued.

     This scheme envisages identification and establishment of seed production  areas of important species and evolving standard nursery technique to raise quality planting materials of important species, standardd planting and tending techniques, techniques for regeneration of mangroves and a farm forestry package/ models for these islands.

        For such long term studies silvicultural sample plots are maintained in representative areas in all the divisions. There are 6 sample plots in South Andaman division, 12 in Middle Andaman division and 1 in Baratang division. There are 39 experimental plots in South Andaman division, 12 in Middle Andaman Division and 1 in Baratang division. In addition there are 4 preservation plots of natural forests containing (i) mixedevergreen species (ii) mixed deciduous species (iii)Thitmin (iv) Gurjan  in Middle Andaman division.   

A.3. Forestry Training and Education :   The department is having a Forest Training School at Wimberlygunj where in-service training as well as training to the new recruits particularly at the level of Forest Guards and Foresters is imparted.  But, it is seen that the training facilities in the Institute are not fully utilized, the reason given by the department was delay in finalisation of recruitment rules for Forest Guards, Foresters and Deputy Rangers.  Since this is the only technical institute in forestry available in the Islands, along with Forest staff, the public as well as PRI members should be trained in forestry and environmental matters on short-term courses.  This institute can also provide awareness training to public in forest biodiversity, conservation and environmental protection.  The facilities of the institute should be fully tapped without any additional posts, expansion of buildings and infrastructure.

        The Forest Department is running one Forest Training School at Wimberly Gunj this training school was established in 1966. The  school  trains newly recruited executive staffs of Forest Department and Forest Ccorporation upto the level of Deputy Ranger. The training school regularly conducts six month course for forest guards and one year course for foresters and deputy rangers. About 20 trainees can be trained in   each batch. 

                                                                                                                                              A.4. A.4.Natural Regeneration and Enrichment of Forests :

       Under this scheme, natural forests are regenerated according to the prescriptions of Working Plan by desired tree species.  The earlier scheme on enrichment plantation has been merged with this scheme to make it more comprehensive.  Since this scheme is very important for the sustenance of forest resources, a detailed survey of Natural Regeneration Areas(NRAs) of past worked forests need to be carried out so that effective measures are taken to fully stock the inadequate NRAs with suitable tree species by aided Natural Regeneration and enrichment plantation. NRA surveys and treatment map has to be prepared for effective implementation of this scheme.

 In these islands Andaman  canopy lifting shelter wood system is followed to obtain successful regeneration in natural forests  The regeneration operation normally follow the harvesting of commercial trees all the sound trees below the harvestable girth limit  are left standing as advance growth. If the area does not have adequate mother trees or advance growth and the seed fall from these trees is expected to be deficient, dibbling of seeds of commercial species is done liberally  in case the area is still found deficient in advance growth, nursery raised seedlings are planted at an spacing of 4mX4m.

     By Sept. the new recruits get established on the ground and at this stage  second weeding and climber cutting  is undertaken. Third weeding is carried out in the month of January wherever necessary. 

 Following table provides year wise regeneration figures during last five years (in hectare).            

Following table shows the details of Enrichment Plantation taken up for last three years.

A.5. Forest Settlement and Consolidation :

Most of the forest boundaries have not been demarcated and boundary pillars erected.  The settlement of forests is at a very slow pace.  The outer boundaries of forests and compartments need to be demarcated in the field and boundary pillars erected so that the position on the ground and the legal status as well as management units are properly defined. The entire settlement and demarcation work including consolidation of forests should be completed with a time frame of 10 years.

 The scheme envisages survey, demarcation and settlement of Forest land. Even though an area of 2929 Sq.km. and 4242 Sq.km are declared as Reserved and Protected forests respectively, the physical survey and demarcation on the ground by erecting concrete boundary pillars are yet to be completed.

A.6. Forest, Resources Survey & Working Plan :

        The object of the plan was to work these forests in order to obtain sustained yield without eating away the capital.

      This scheme is an important facet of the forest department and the whole management of forest is based on this scheme.  As per the instruction of Govt. of India, no work will be taken up in the forest area without approval of Working Plan from the Govt. of India.  The scheme has to continue in the present form without creating any additional infrastructure. It is proposed to use modern technology like remote sensing/GIS methodology to generate forest resources maps for the forest divisions, ranges and beats.

A.7. Harvesting and Development of Non-Timber Forest produce :

    This scheme is quite important and is aimed at generating employment in the rural areas.  Development of MFP was also incorporated in the Coimbatore Charter to ensure that sufficient thrust is provided for the development of MFP all over the country.  Under this scheme, plantations of high yielding Bamboo, Cane plantations, Medicinal plantations and other NTFP will be raised. Protection of plantations of NTFP through participatory approach and profit sharing benefit under Joint Forest Management concept will be contemplated.  The villagers will be sensitised to take up NTFP plantations in backyard.

      Availability of Non timber forest products, viz, cane, bamboo etc for domestic consumption as well as for small scale industries is becoming scarce with increase in demands. These non-timber forest resources are required to be regenerated by undertaking plantation of the same. The scheme envisages raising of 1000 hect. of mainly cane and bamboo plantation during 9^th plan @ 200 ha. per annum.

        There are five species of bamboos found in these islands but all of them are hollow and thin walled. The scheme envisages raising of bamboo plantations, not only of the local bamboos, but also of the solid bamboos from mainland which are useful as structural materials and can replace ballies and poles, collection of which cause degradation in forests.   

A.8.    Social Forestry, Agro-Forestry and Extension Forestry :

    At present this scheme is implemented by the department in the urban areas and in the tribal areas while PRIs implement the scheme in the rural areas of Middle, South and North Andaman mostly on Coastal Belt plantation, Community forest land in degraded forests.  This scheme is quite important one for providing employment and income generation to the rural poor, suitable Agro-forestry models and cash crop plantation as well as kisan nurseries need to be undertaken.  Technical support will come from Forest Department, this scheme also could be successfully implemented under Joint Forest Management approach.

Following is the details of work taken up during last three years under this scheme.

  A.9. Forest Utilization :

           Earlier 70000 cum was extracted annually in these islands, 42500 cum is extracted by the department and 27500 cum by FPDC. The timber extraction is carried out departmentally by the Department of Environment and Forests and the ANIFPDC Ltd. The departmental timber extraction activity is also funded under Plan scheme and is essential for ensuring scientific harvest of timber and for facilitating follow up regeneration works in the harvested area. Provision to harvest about 20000 cum is made under this scheme which includes procurement of  extraction equipment and maintenance of  the existing machinery, boats etc. and creation of additional man power.      

 Under this scheme, forests are worked and harvested to obtain minimum need of the local wood based industries.  The department is incurring huge amount for transportation of timber from outlying divisions to Chatham Saw Mill which could be avoided if the Landing Craft Transport (LCT) is repaired and the department becomes self reliant in regard to watercraft for inland movement of stores/materials.  Replacement of LCT will cost about Rs. 5 crores whereas the repairs of LCT will be around Rs. 1.5 crores.  The department incurs an expenditure about Rs. 1.00 crores annually for transportation of logs through private contractor, hence it is felt that the LCT may be repaired so that regular flow of timber to the Sawmills is ensured.  They will engage the existing contingents of idling afloat crews. 

    Moreover, since LCT has flat bottom it can land close to timber depots to facilitate early transportation of logs. This scheme should not expand infrastructure facility nor create additional staff. Another view was that private shipping lines to be engaged for inter island timber transport. Both the views have to be examined on merit.    The department has large area under Teak plantation raised in past. In the DPC meeting, it was also observed by the members that the Teak plantations are not performing well in the Islands hence, these plantations should be gradually replaced by some economically important forestry crop where people could be given some benefit through employment and profit sharing.  A programme for harvesting of Teak plantation simultaneously through replacement with economic tree crop should be proposed.

A.10. Communication and Buildings:

The working group suggested that the department should not undertake fair weather roads, but, all weather kachcha road only should be constructed as per the necessity for timber harvesting and NRA works in the interior forests.  The staff quarters should not be constructed where the staff do not stay.  Only at the strategic places in the interior places based on absolute necessity, staff quarters should be constructed by using local building material such as timber, bamboo etc.  RCC structures should be avoided. At present the officers find it difficult to get government pool accommodation hence the Department is contemplating to have their own residential complex in near future.

              Following is the details of work taken up during last five  years under this scheme.

A.11. Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation and Eco-development :

The Wildlife preservation and protection is an important aspect of the Islands ecology.  Management of protected areas should be given priority on scientific lines.  Protection of protected areas and marine life and corals should be given priority by providing speedboats for intensive patrolling.  The Wildlife staff also should be provided firearms and sophisticated equipments for monitoring and database management and to prevent poaching. Under the eco-development programme, swiftlet nest cultivation to be planned so that villagers get some income without destruction of habitat of birds in the wild.  The economy and feasibility of swiftlet nest cultivation should be worked out.

A.12.Improvement of Govt. Saw Mills:

Govt. Sawmills at Chatham and Betapur should plan out a strategy for treatment of timber for increasing the durability and quality.  This will also minimise the use of sand and other building material.  Only treated timber should be sold to public and Govt. departments.  The present capacity of treatment of timber and seasoning should be increased both at Chatham and Betapur.  Only the minimum technical staff required may be provided in the scheme.  It is felt that the staff strength in Chatham Saw Mill is on higher side which should be rationalized and existing strength fully deployed for increasing the production of timber and value addition items and other services.

           In addition to the above, 12 schemes, the department proposed formulation of 3 new schemes in the Forestry and Wildlife sector they are :

 1.     Protection of forests and coastal eco-system

2.     Conservation of mangroves

3.     Eco-tourism

     All the above 3 schemes are important as they are identified as new thrust areas requiring priority attention and execution shall help better in preserving the eco-system of the Islands effectively. 

A.13. Protection of forests and coastal eco-system

     At present, the existing machinery is inadequate to provide effective protection particularly to counter the frequent threats from foreign poachers. Under the scheme the department is like to add protection activity and augment the mobility, communication and arms available with the staff engaged in protection of forests and wildlife, with latest technology. As such the department may like to procure more vehicles like Gypsy (Jeep), Arms and Ammunitions and communication network (like VHF sets etc.) under this scheme for protection of forest from the poachers.

A.14.. Conservation of mangroves

  Mangroves are important eco-system for protecting the shore by minimising the erosion and since serve as nursery ground for breeding of fishes, crabs and prawns. Afforestation of mangrove with suitable species and rehabilitation of degraded mangroves for maintenance of bio-diversity is to be given priority. Mangroves help in maintaining suitable condition in the agriculture fields close to the coastal areas by preventing sand particles and saline water from entering into agriculture fields. Mangrove forests are the excellent breeding and raising grand for verities of fishes, prawns, crabs etc. Decomposed mangrove leaves act as nutritious food for these aquatic animals. Local fishermen in the coastal areas earn their livelihood by catching fishes, prawns, and crabs from the mangrove forests.

  PRIs could be involved in raising and plantations of mangroves. Mangroves prevent soil erosion in the coastal belt of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the beauty of mangroves also attracts national and international tourists. The scheme also provides employment to the local youth at their door steps. Where as most of the mangroves area in these islands are pristine conditions, there are certain areas where mangroves were degraded due to biotic pressure. Under these scheme the entire mangroves area of Andaman and Nicobar Islands will be surveyed and Eco-restoration work will be taken up in the identified degraded area. 

A.15. Eco-tourism

    The landscape of A & N Islands has tremendous potential for promoting eco-tourism. Interpretation centre, camping facilities, bird watching cruise in the creeks and trekking should be provided under the eco-tourism development.  Rich flora and fauna, turtle nesting, coral sighting could be added attraction to the tourist in the islands. Which will improve the islands economy without compromising of the island ecology and environment.

Following is the year wise fund allocation to the Forestry and Wildlife Sector since 1992-93.

PLAN EXPENDITURE YEAR WISE

                                                                                                                                            (Rs. In Lakhs)

B.   CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES :

The Department of Environment and Forests is also implementing a number of Centrally Sponsored Schemes particularly on Coastal biodiversity and development of Biological Park at Chidiyatapu. A brief description of the major Centrally Sponsored Schemes is as follows :

B.1.  Conservation and Management   of Coral Reef in A & N Islands :

The coral reefs found in Andaman and Nicobar Islands cover an area of about 2000 Sq.Kms. It is 6% of the total continental shelf of these islands. In all there are about 179 species belonging to 61 genera reported from these islands. Forest Department carries out basic management and protection activities for conservation of coral reefs in these islands. Following Projects/ Schemes are being implemented :

(a)    Management Action Plan on Conservation and Management of Coral Reefs in A&N Islands :

Under this Centrally Sponsored Scheme, Rs.7.50 lakhs was sanctioned during 1999-2000 and Rs.17.50 lakhs is sanctioned    for 2000-2001. The scheme includes survey and monitoring of Coral Reefs, training of Forest Staff, infrastructure development and awareness generation.

(b)      Management Plan of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor :

This two-year Project was started in 1998-99 by the Wildlife Institute of India, DehraDun in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Forests, Andaman & Nicobar Administration. The field work has already been completed and the final document is under  preparation.

(c)          UNDP/GEF Project :

A UNDP/GEF PDF B Project on Coral Reefs in A & N Islands is being implemented by the Zoological Survey of India. An outlay of $3.65 lakhs has been provided by the UNDP for Phase-I. In Phase-I Management Plan for Conservation of Coral Reefs will be prepared and in Phase-II, the same will be implemented by the Environment & Forests Department, A & N Administration.

B.2. Management Action Plan for Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve:

          The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is the only Biosphere Reserve in these islands constituted under the Man and Biosphere programme of the United Nations. The Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India is providing funds for protection, habitat improvement, socio-economic activities, eco-development activities and awareness generation. The Management Plan for 2001-2002 has already been submitted to the Govt. of India for central funding with a proposed outlay of Rs.185.00 lakhs.

B.3.  Management Action Plan for Conservation of Mangroves :

Mangroves cover an area of 966 sq.kms. in these islands. Where as most of the mangrove areas in these islands are in pristine condition, there are certain areas where mangroves were degraded due to biotic pressure. However under Centrally Sponsored Scheme a proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forests under management action plan for conservation of mangroves in Andaman and Nicobar Islands for three years i.e. 2000-2001 to  2003. Under this action plan entire mangrove area of Andaman and Nicobar Islands will be surveyed and eco-restoration work will be taken up in the identified degraded areas. The approval of Govt. of India is yet to be communicated. For the year 2000-2001, an outlay of Rs.10.70 lakhs has been approved for Conservation of mangroves in Andaman District and Rs.4.59 lakhs has been approved for Nicobar District. 

B.4.  Development of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries :

Under this, the Govt. of India has provided funds for development of infrastructure, habitats improvements, protection measures and awareness generation for various National Parks and Sanctuaries which include Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Cuthbert Bay Sanctuary, Cinque Island Sanctuary and Interview Island Sanctuary. Funding under this scheme has resulted in improved mobility, better communication efforts.

B.5.  Central Zoo Authority (CZA)’s Grant for Chidiyatapu Biological Park  :

         The Central Zoo Authority(CZA) is funding certain items for the establishment of a new Biological Park at Chidiyatapu. So far it has granted Rs.97.00 lakhs for Construction of 4 enclosures, boundary wall (Phase-II) and improvement of water supply.