Forest Mother Leads!

Rejuvenation of the forest of Manar began under the leadership of a woman resident of the village, Bhagirathi Devi who is now widely known as ‘Van Amma Bhagirathi’ or Forest Mother. Manar situated at an elevation of 5000-6000 feet in Pati block of Champawat district of Uttarakhand, has a population of 700. It has 12 hectares area under forest which has demonstrated biodiversity conservation. The forest of Manar is an inspiration for the villages in the vicinity who are facing the consequences of degradation of forests in the form of scarcity of water and unavailability of fodder for their cattle.?

The scenario was different prior to 2004. BAIF had reached Manar village for a survey for a silvi-pasture programme. During the discussions, Bhagirathi Devi expressed her desire for rejuvenation of the forest. The Van Panchayat was set up under her leadership. She conducted regular meetings of the villagers with the help of BAIF representatives. Slowly, the villagers started realising the importance of the forest. BAIF involved women for plantation and digging trenches for water conservation. BAIF purchased broad leaf trees like oak, kharsu, pagar, kafal, shehtoot, khadeek from the Forest Department and permitted the rural women to take care of the planting and aftercare.?Bhagirathi Devi created an additional fund for plantation. Fodder collection from these forests was allowed only once (for 1 week) in 6 months. This procedure was followed from 2005 to 2008. Not only did greenery start emerging but old springs also began to be rejuvenated. Where earlier water sources used to dry up by April, now these springs had water till May-June. Drudgery reduction in women’s lives was another significant outcome of this programme. Now, they do not have to spend hours in fetching water.?

The devotion of the villagers of Manar to forest conservation inspired other villagers too. However, procurement of saplings for plantation was a bottleneck. During village meetings, BAIF suggested that just as the villagers prepared their farm crops, they should also prepare their own saplings for the forest and the fund that went to the Forest Department, would be given to them. Bhagirathi Devi helped the villagers to establish a nursery of forestry plants. This nursery also provided an additional income for the women of Manar.

?Van Amma Bhagirathi Devi takes the initiative to solve the problems of forest fires, trespassing, thefts, etc. She along with the people of Manar contribute to the protection and betterment of Manar forest. After listening to the success story of Manar Forest, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Champawat visited the forest and during his interaction with the women, the entire struggle and success story from 2005-2017 was narrated by Bhagirathi Devi and other women which impressed the visitor.

?A rural development model for about 1000 households is being developed for the surrounding villages based on the success of Manar village. Bhagirathi Devi and her comrades have truly demonstrated that where there is a will, there is a way in their actions to conserve their beloved forest. ????