Special Project For

SPECIAL PROJECT FOR BUNDELKHAND REGION

Ravines Area

FOREST DEPARTMENT BUNDELKHAND ZONE, JHANSI CONTENTS

S. No. Particulars Page No. 1- Special project for Bundelkhand Region 1 1 Introduction 2 2 Total Forest cover in India 3 2 Pressures on Forest 4 3 Distribution of water 5 3 Bundelkhand at a Glance 6 3 Details of Forest land in Bundelkhand Region S. No. Particulars Page No. 7 4 General Description of Bundelkhand 8 4 Major Occupation, Population Profile 9 5 Land Holding and Distribution, Live Stock Population, Education, Economic status and employment potential, Fodder requirement and supply 10 6 Fuel wood requirement and supply, Small Timber 11 Non Timber forest produce, Degree of Pressure on forest 7 resources 12 Need for the Project 7 13 Reasons for the selection of Bundelkhand area 8-9 14 Socio Economic conditions 9 15 Land use Statistics 10 16 Productivity of the land 10 17 Important Village level Industries 10 18 Details of forest Species and productivity 11 19 Description of Forest and species are as under 11 20 Teak Forests, Kardhai Forests, Dry Mixed Miscellaneous 12 Forest 21 Project Proposal 13 22 Project Area, The Forest Area details 13 23 Legal Status of the Forest Area Basis of the Project, 13 Objectives 24 Essentials of Watershed Management 14 25 Concentration of project works in selected watershed area 14 26 Project Period 14 27 Work Plan and Project Cost 14 28 Implementing Agency 15 29 Monitoring and Evaluation 15 30 Expected Out Comes 15 31 Project Components 15 32 Soil and Moisture Conservation Works, Water Harvesting 15 Structures Annexures 33 Physical and Financial Targets 16 34 Year wise phasing of Physical and Financial Targets 17-18 35 Division wise detail of area 19-31 SPECIAL PROJECT FOR BUNDELKHAND REGION 2009-10 TO 2011-2012

1. Introduction Forests are repository of the bio-diversity, gene pool resources, sequester carbon and provide lot of other environmental services. They play a very vital role in sustaining the life of people and are crucial for the food and water security. The first and foremost objective of forest management in any country is to ensure livelihood security. This is ensured through better management practices and sustainable utilization of forestlands. In India, the sustained flow of water in our rivers, streams and rivulets and recharge of ground water is necessary for the food security and drinking water availability. The hydrological functions of forests include interception of rainfall and regulating the stem flows, binding soil to prevent soil erosion and conserving the soil moisture. The Forest are the source of major water resource both surface, subsoil and ground water in the country. Forests supply nutrients to agriculture crops through runoff water with much other complementariness with agriculture ecosystem. In the absence of operation planning and convergence degradation of forests and adjoining lands continued which seriously affected the sustainability of crops and natural vegetation. Due to continuous degradation of land resources, depletion of precious biodiversity and conservation functions of forests the food grain production and availability of the drinking water is getting reduced gradually causing serious ecological concerns in many parts of the country. The poverty alleviation programmes can only succeed if these areas are tackled on priority and the natural resources are managed in an integrated and holistic manner. There are however, many examples set by the pioneering individuals ad grass root level organizations in bringing convergence in the development of land based resources. As forests disappeared, the possibilities of rainwater being conserved below the ground decreased and as traditional tanks were neglected, the possibilities of surface conservation also decreased. This is how water scarcity has become acute in Bundelkhand region. In above background the State needs to have a separate agriculture development model for the Bundelkhand region that is ecologically and environmentally sustainable. Such a model has to be integrated with animal husbandry and forest regeneration. The protection of land in the watershed and planting of various species of benefit to the local people can lead to increased water availability as well as reduction in wasteland area. Plantation in ravenous tracts can help in reducing the soil erosion besides meeting the local requirements of fruit, fuel and fodder. In Bundelkhand region protection of degraded forest or community land (with rootstock) can make regeneration of traditional species possible. The regeneration rate can be enhanced with implementation to water conservation efforts which increases soil moisture and therefore the plant growth. The seed sowing of leguminous grasses in areas protected for plantations and regeneration can also increase the fodder availability in the area giving a boost t the pastoral economy. This scale of plantation will definitely have a visible impact, to monitor the impact objectively; it is proposed that the forest department will maintain the details of coordinates of plantation sites by using GPS, so that the same can be monitored later on through use of satellite imagery.

2. The Total Forest cover in India According to latest Report of Forest Survey of India, the total forest cover in India is 67.83 M. ha. (20.64% of total geographical area.) In terms of density the forest area is as follows :- Very Dense forest (> 70) 5.13 M. Ha. Dense Forest (40-70%) 33.93 M. Ha. Open Forest (10-40%) 28.78 M. Ha. Mangroves 0.45 M. Ha. Total Forest Cover 67.83 M. Ha. 3. Pressures on Forests • Nearly 1,96,000 villages are in the forests or on the forests fringes. A part from fuel-wood. Village communities depend on forests for small timber, bamboo and non timber forest products. • India accounts for 2.3% of world's geographic area but accounts for 15% of global livestock population it only forest land is considered the livestock density is 7 per ha. highest among the world. • India has been implementing large scale afforestation programmes the Social Forestry Joint forest management programme, afforestation under National Afforestation and Eco- development Board etc. • According to FAO (Food & Agriculture Organization) the total area under forests in India has increased from 63.93 M Ha. in 1990 to 67.90 M. Ha. in 2005. 4. Distribution of water

 97.4% of the total water is saline water, 2.6% of the total water is sweet water, 1.97% Snow, 0.614% Ground water, 0.008% lacks water, 0.005 Soil moisture, 0.0005 river water

 In Eco System 1% water used which is 0.01% of the total water and 0.007% of the total water used by human being

 2/3 of the rain water is running in the sea.

 In 2020 – 1/3 of the total population will be struggle for water.

 Since 1901 to 2000 temperature increased by 0.070C  Ground water is decreasing 20 Cm. per year

 Average consumption by one man is 10 litre.

 Position of India in world

 16% population of the world

 2.45% in area of the world

 4% water stock of the world 5. Bundelkhand At a Glance Total Area : 294180 Sq. Km. Population : 8232000 (4.95% of Uttar Pradesh) Total Farmers : 3248000 (45%) Marginal Farmers (Less than 1 hectare ) : 50% Small Farmers (1-2 Hectares) : 25% Total Irrigated Land : 41 % (48% by canal, 4% private sources, 41% other sources) Area under Reserve Forest : 195000 Hectare Degraded Forest Area : 124200 Hectare 6. Details of Forest Land in Bundelkhand Region S.No. District Total Area Reserved Forest Dense (>0.4 Degraded (<0.4 (Ha.) area (HA.) crown density) crown density) 1 Jhansi 502400 20200 3400 16800 2 Lalitpur 503900 57200 14600 42600 3 Jalaun 456500 24700 6800 17900 4 Hamirpur 428200 17800 6700 11100 5 Banda 453200 10300 2700 7600 6 Mahoba 288400 9400 2000 7400 7 Chitrakoot 309200 55400 34600 20800 Total 2941800 195000 70800 124200 Source: According to Forest Survey of India 2005 report. 7- GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF BUNDELKHAND The Bundelkhand falls in Vindhyan hilly tract and surrounded by Betwa, Dhasan, Pahuj and Jamuna, Mandakini, Sindh, Lakheri, Jamni rivers. The Bundelkhand is rich in dry deciduous mixed forests and the forests are the source for all these rivers. Various irrigation dams are built on these rivers for irrigating the otherwise dry district. The famous Rajghat, Matatila, Govindsagar, Parichha, Sukuwan Dukuwan and Panhuj, irrigations dams are situated in the Bundelkhand area. The entire Bundelkhand is situated in Vindhyan hills and ravines, catchment of Betwa, Yamuna. The Bundelkhand lies in hilly track, in Southern platue and North East part with plain land and ravinous in the middle. The average height of the project area is 300 – 500 meters MSL. The soil of the forests of the Bundelkhand is mostly red morramy soil sandy, black cotton, rocker. Most of the area is stony with sand stone beds around 7 – 10 ft. down. The climate of Bundelkhand area is of typical Central Indian climate, with mild winters and hot summers. Hot wave flows during May and Ist week of June locally designated as “Loo”. The temperature during summer goes upto 460C. The rainy season is limited to 1½ - 2 months of July and August only. Winter rain fall is rare. Average rain fall is 600 - 700 mm but concentrated only during July – August. Most of the rain fall is run-off due to rocky nature of the soil. Bundelkhand Region is administratively divided into 7 districts. These are Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Hamirpur, Mahoba, Banda and Chirtrakoot districts. Total population of Bundelkhand is 82.32 Lac & Total farmers population is 32.48 Lac. Schedule cast and schedule tribe population constitute 28.2 % of the total population of the Bundelkhand region. Cattle rearing are taken by large no of peoples as source of livehood. Though the economy of the rural population is predominantly agro- based with more then 50 % of land under agriculture.

7.1. Major Occupation

1. Agriculture of Peas, Chana, Jawar, Aderak and Wheat. 2. Collection of flowers and fruits of Mahuwa and Chironji. 3. Collection of medicinal plants and Tendu leaves. 4. Labor work on various irrigation schemes and Government works. 5. Mining activities.

7.2. Population Profile

The population of Bundelkhand is dominated with backward communities, followed by scheduled caste and tribes. In the project area selected, the population is mainly SC, ST, and weaker sections of backward class. Total population of Bundelkhand region is 82.32 Lac.

7.3 Land Holding and Distribution

By and large the villagers of the Bundelkhand are poor, rural landless labourers. They depend upon forest and other government works for employment. The topography of the project area is sloppy, undulating. A vast chunk of land was vested with gram samaj at the line of Zamindari Abolition, and land pattas are issued to the rural landless. Thus the land holdings are marginal. The Bundelkhand is in arid zone, and agriculture depends upon monsoon. There are irrigation dams made in the recent past, which provide water for irrigation. Kharif crop is purely based on rains. Peas, peanuts, tilli, Chana, Maize, Urad, Moong, Bajra are the major crop with Wheat in irrigated areas.

7.4 Live Stock Population

“ Anna pratha” and “Dhaiya pratha” are common is Bundelkhand area. The cattle population is almost equivalent to the human population, and the cattle population is inferior. They are maintained mainly for cow dang and for religious faith. Uncontrolled grazing by stray cattle (Anna pratha) is the major problem of the project area and the forest. Effective and healthy animal husbandry action is needed, and planned in the district through various projects of animal husbandry department.

7.5 Education

Ever through the construction of primary school were done in most of villages, the literacy level is very poor due to non-attendance of teachers in the Interior villages.

7.6 Economic status and employment potential

There is very less industrial activity in Bundelkhand. The villagers depend upon agriculture mining, employment on development work and collection of forest produce. The forests of Bundelkhand is rich in Tendu, Mahuwa, Chironji, and Medicinal plants. The villagers get some relief in employment opportunities during summer months through the collection of above forest produce. Forest are the primary land use of the area. Thus by the implementation of the project it is expected that the employment potential of the project villages, will improve during the project period. And by the improvement of forest wealth further improvement in the life style of the villagers surrounding project sites is also possible.

7.7 Fodder requirement and supply

As per the customs as mentioned earlier the people in the villages keep a large number of poor quality cattle which remain stray and graze in the forests. The people of these villages were provided with grazing rights over the forests at the time of forest settlement. But with increase in cattle population, and constant nature of land resources, the grazing in the forest area has attained an alarming proportion and already reached beyond the carrying capacity of there forests. National committee on fodder and grasses in 1985, studied and reported 13.09 kg fodder requirement per day per grazing unit. The number of cattle in the district as per 2003 census is approx 49.12 Lakh. There is an increase of nearly 10% during the last decade in the cattle population of the Bundelkhand. The fodder requirement is approx 249.52 lakh tones. In Bundelkhand very less private posture land is available and the community land is also fast shrinking due to land patta system. The fodder requirement as per calculation is very high, and the forest in real sense can meet only 10% of the requirement. Due to excessive grazing and grazing beyond capacity the forest are denuded and degraded to a great extent. Against 195000 hectare of land reported as forest land only out of that 70800 hectare is recognized as moderate forests and 124200 hectare are degraded less than 0.4 crown density forest. The above picture shows the urgent need of treatment of the forest area to arrest this degradation.

7.8 Fuel wood requirement and supply

As per various studies 1.22 kg per person/day is the fuel consumption. The population of Bundelkhand is 82.32 lakh at the present, and the total fuel requirement is 36.64 lakh MT. The forest of the Bundelkhand is very degraded in nature owing to heavy grazing and fuel wood collection. As per the report of fuel committee appointed by planning commission the sustainable fuel wood production from reserve forest will be to the tune of 0.5 tons per year. With wooded area of 195000 hectares, the production capacity of these forests is 97500 MT, which is only 1.28 % of the total requirement.

7.9 Small Timber

The villagers residing near by forest blocks wholly depend upon the forest for their demand of small timber. The forests of Bundelkhand area meet their demand through Teak, Kardhai and Seja pole crop and from Bamboo. The demand in the last two decades is heavy leading to the decrease in wooded cover of the Bundelkhand to 58% of actual forest land cover. The situation is alarming and in the near future, unless otherwise production measures are carried out and Silvicultural operations are done, for the improvement of the crop, the situation may worsen, and thus enough requisite provision is done for natural regeneration of the forest crop in this project.

7.10 Non Timber forest produce

Vindhyan hilly tract is considered to be rich in medicinal plants next only to Himalayas. The forest of Bundelkhand area lies in Vindhyan tract and is the “Treasure House” of various medicinal plants. By careful identification it is found that more than 350 non-timber species of medicinal value are found in the forest area, out of which traditionally 82 species are abundant is exploitable volume. Other than medicinal shrubs, herbs and trees, Mahuwa, Chironji, Tendu and Gum producing forestry species are abundant in natural forest areas of Bundelkhand. Villagers adjoing the forest area enjoy the traditional right in the collection of non- timber forest produce from these forest project area. They are free to market Mahuwa, Chironji. Medicinal plant, and Tendu leaves are purchased through forest corporation.

7.11 Degree of Pressure on forest resources Throughout the project area and the district the degree of pressure on forest resources is heavy owing to increase in population and constant nature of land resources. Bundelkhand is basically agrarian in nature, and people living around the forest areas – project areas are dependent on these forest for their bonafide use of fodder, fuel wood and timber from time immemorial. Many of the forest blocks selected under this project is reserved forest from 1878. The forest wood cover has come down to 58% of the actual land forest cover, as per the remote sensing maps. The pressure on resources can be classified as Fuel wood - Heavy Fodder - Very heavy Grazing - Very heavy Small timber Moderate NTFP - Moderate Exploitation is mostly Uptostainable capacity. Others - Moderate 8 Need for the Project:- On the life sustaining water UNESCO has written ''this costly, life- sustaining resource must be regarded as a treasure of nature and part of man's cultural heritage. International agreements and national laws as well as trade and credit agreements must be based on the philosophy". In 1977 UN declared that "Every person has the same right to drinking water, in a quality and quantity sufficient to his needs". The clear aim was that all human beings would have access to clean drinking water by year 2000, Yes as on today we are further from achieving this aim than ever before. Agenda 21 the central document produced by the 1992 Earth Summit, makes thoroughgoing protection of water, a matter of primary importance. "The future depends on a just and fair distribution of water among various user groups, among different countries, and between human beings and nature." Access to clean drinking water is one of the pivotal issues of the 21st century. "The global water crisis has become one of the great challenges facing the international community" proclaimed UN General Secretary Mr. Kofi Annan and has called for repid resolute action. This is backed by the United Nations Environment programme (UNEP) in its GE) 2000 report. The freshwater crisis has assumed the same dimensions and risk level as climate change freshwater, the bass of all life has become a problem of health endangering and existential proportions and one of the greatest sources of conflict of our time. Water urgently needs comprehensive protection under international law. Freshwater is inadequately protected and regulated. The recurring droughts & erratic & scanty rainfall has resulted in great disturbance in “Hydrological cycle” This phenomenon has resulted in improper distribution of the water throughout the year. The water crisis has become a global problem. To ensure the availability of water in sufficient quantity for various community needs is a great challenge before the human beings. Bundelkhand area of the U.P. state has already falls under low rainfall & semi arid zone. The Bundelkhand area is affected by drought since last 5 years (except 2008-09). Around ¾th of the population of the Bundelkhand area is dependent on agriculture & cattle rearing. Drought results less availability of water for running canals. The Situation has resulted in great damage to agriculture. The Production from all agricultural crops it fell down around 9%. The other alternatives for earning living hood are very limited. Hence the people are bound to migrate in search of other alternatives for sustenance. For restoring the productivity of agricultural land and ensuring the availability of water every- where in sufficient quantity throughout the year, the proper management of rain water and increasing green cover in terms of afforestation are the only ways. 9. Reasons for the selection of Bundelkhand area:- The deterioration of natural resources in an area can be contained and the total resources properly developed only by adopting the watershed approach. The basic unit of development is a watershed, which is a manageable hydrological unit. The forests are the source of water resources both surface, subsoil and ground water in the country. Forests supply nutrients to agriculture crops through runoff water. In this approach developments is not confined just to agricultural lands alone, but covers the area, starting from the highest point of the area( ridge line i.e. forests.) to the outlet of the nalah or the natural stream. This will involve implementation of ameliorative measures on barren hill slopes, marginal lands, privately owned agricultural lands and badly cut nala and river courses. Presently the land of this Bundelkhand along the rivers Yamuna, Mandakini, Betwa, Jamini, Sajnam, Shahjad, Dhasan is highly rocky and sendy. Due to slopy and hilly tract, the project area is much prone for soil erosion. Various vegetative measures and check dams are needed for handling the problem. Water retention & its absorption in the soil is very low. “Anna pratha” and “Dhaiya pratha” are common is Bundelkhand area. The cattle population is almost equivalent to the human population, and the cattle population is inferior. They are maintained mainly for cow dang and for religious faith. Uncontrolled grazing by stray cattle (Anna pratha) is the major problem of the project area and the forest. Effective and healthy animal husbandry action is needed, and planned in the district through various projects of animal husbandry department. This situation results in the wastage of max. Amount of rain water and the scarcity of water even for domestic requirement soon after the rainy season. The maximum taping of rain water by proper soil & water conservation measures and increasing the green cover is the only way to minimise the affect of drought and to reach up to the final solution to this problem. 10. Village Development/Socio Economic conditions in the selected forest area and villages:- The fringe village selected for implementation of this project are situated in the proximity of the river Yamuna, Mandakini, Betwa, Dhasan, Panhuj, Lakheri, Baberi. A major portion of land under these villages is ravenous & infested with saviour soil erosion problems. The fragmented attempts made for checking the erosion and improving the productivity of the land have not shown considerable improvement. The scarcity of water has become a serious problem in these villages. The economy of almost entire population of these villages is based on agriculture & cattle rearing. Most of the agricultural land in these villages is rain fed & only Kharif crops are raised. The recurring drought has resulted in very low return from the agricultural land of these villages. The Recurring drought has resulted in very low return from the agricultural land of these villages. The socio economic conditions of these villages are as under 11. Land use Statistics :- Almost all forest fringe areas taken up in this project are sloppy & hilly track having serious erosion problems. A large part of the land other than forest is also sloppy & having erosion problems. The detailed analysis of the problem for the individual project site will be done at the time of micro plan preparation. The land use pattern of the Bundelkhand area is as follows. Total Area : 294180 Sq. Km. Population : 8232000 (4.95% of Uttar Pradesh) Total Farmers : 3248000 (45%) Marginal Farmers (Less than 1 hectare ) : 50% Small Farmers (1-2 Hectares) : 25% Total Irrigated Land : 41 % (48% by canal, 4% private sources, 41% other sources) Area under Reserve Forest : 195000 Hectare Degraded Forest Area : 124200 Hectare The above land use pattern is identified by remote sensing techniques, and Bundelkhand area is mapped in different maps with the above land use pattern data and action plan is also suggested for treatment of the land. As per the official records, Forest land 195000 hectare land is under the control of forest department which amounts to 6.60% of the total geographical area. The district is frequently affected with dry conditions and due to non-availability of any big industries and erratic mansoon, the villagers move out of the village too far off places for want of employment. Thus, only reserved forest in the degraded condition is selected under this project for treatment. 12 Productivity of the land :- The larger part of the soil in these forest fringe villages is mostly red morramy, Rocker, Black cotton and sandy loam soil. Agriculture land of black cotton soil which is typical of central india. Some part of the soil is clayey. This soil is very hard when dry & sticky when wet. The moisture loss during hot season results in long and deep cracks in clayey soil. Such soils are called Mor & Kawar. The above mentioned characteristics of these soils make the use of these soils very tough for various purposes. 13. Important Village level Industries :- The forest fringe villages selected in this project do not contain any major industry except mining of sand and stone in some part of district. Some village industries are located in nearby area of the district.

14. Details of forest Species and productivity:- The forest of Bundelkhand is typically dry deciduous mixed forests in Vindhyan hill tract. The tract consists of sand stone and red morramy soil. The whole area is arid. The recorded Government forest under the control of department of forests is 195000 hect., which is 6.60% of the total geographical area of the Bundelkhand. But much of the Gram sabha land of the district is also in the shape and form of forests. According to technical classification, the forests are classified under the broad category Tropical dry, deciduous mixed forests. Northern and Southern type. (5-A and 5-B) By climatic and edaphic factors, the forest are mostly classified as under 1. Dry Sagon forests 5-A/C –1B ( Mixed dry deciduous sagon) 2. Khardhai forests 5-E-1; 3. Dry deciduous mixed type 5-A/C –3 (5A and 5B) 5-B/C –2 4. Palas Van. 5-E-5 5. Salai 5-E-2 6. Euphorbia and others 5-D/S-3

15. Description of Forests and species are as under 15.1 Teak Forests : Bundelkhand is the Northern border of natural Teak. The forests are dry deciduous teak with poor quality III and IV. Teak with Kardhai and Dhaou forests are mostly found in JHANSI, Lalitpur, Chitkoot, Banda district and Sheesum and mixed forest found in Jaloun, Hamirpur, Mahoba Khair, Kardhai, Sheesum and mixed species found in different part of the other district. The management of these forests is done in the past by coppice with reserve system, with intermittent planning (Artificial regeneration) in blank patches. The main species in this type of forest along with Teak (Tectona grandis) is Seja (Legerstroemia parviflora), Dhou (Anogeissus latifolia), Tendu (Diospyrons melonoxylon), Gunj (Lennea cormandelica) and Asna (Terminalia allata heyne) Kardhai (Anogeissus Pendula), Sheesum (Dalbergia sissoo). 15.2 Kardhai Forests : Kardhai (Anogeissus pendula) is a common species in this type of forests in Lalitpur, Jhansi, Chitkoot, Banda part of Mahoba. The land is rocky, with quartz, cleaves. Kardhai is mostly seen in the of quartz hillocks. Other species found associated with kardhai in the natural forests are as follows : 1. Khair (Acacia catechu) 2. Ghont (Zizyphus xyloprus wild) 3. Dhou (Anogeissus latifolia) 4. Riyonga (Acacia leucophlaca wild) 5. Seja (Legerstroemia parviflora) 6. Dhak, Chevala (Butea monosperma) Kardhai in the forests of the district is either in the shape of trees or mating due to heavy biotic pressure. 15.3 Dry Mixed Miscellaneous Forests : The major forest area of the Bundelkhand is grouped under this classification. During the rainy season the forests of some patches of different ranges are dense, and the density in many of the parts of the blocks is 0.3 – 0.4. But due to heavy biotic pressure, grazing and heavy lopping and fuelwood collection, the forest remain degraded. The villagers have the rights and Concessions for Grazing, fuelwood collection at the time of forest settlement. But with increase in population the natural resources and coppicing capacity of these forests are strained. The forest are further classified under sub categories: i. Palas Forest : Butea monosperma is major species found in most of these forests in Jhansi, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Chitkoot And Banda. Its leaves are exploited for the “agriculture of Adrak” in this part. ii. Bamboo : Bamboo is widely natural and planted and found in the forest area. It is an associate in the mixed forests as well as sagon forest areas. Without proper management, most of the bamboo clumps are twisted and not commercially viable for exploitation. iii. Tendu : Tendu is available in the forests throughout the Lalitpur, Jhansi, Banda, Chitkoot amd Mahoba Collection of Tendu leaves from the forests is an important activity in the summer. Jhansi is the central of Bidi cottage industries. iv. Medicinal Shrubs, Herbs and Trees : Aonla (Emblica officinalis), Bahera (Termenalia bellerica), Dhou (Anogeissus latifolia), Bel, Arjun (Termenalia arjuna) and others 82 species are available in the miscellaneous forests of Madawara, Gauna Range of Lalitpur and some range of Jhansi, Chitkoot and Mahoba medicinal plants is found in forest area. An extensive list is enclosed as annexure. The forests of Bundelkhand is valued for the medicinal plants, and considered the “Treasure–house” of medicinal plants of Vindhyan region. v. Other Species : Other species commonly found in the mixed forests of Bundelkhand and plantations are a. Khair - Acacia catechu b. Seja - Legerstroemia parviflora c. Salai - Bosewillia serrata d. Siras - Albizia procera e. Mahua - Madhuca indica f. Chironjee - Buchanania lanzan g. Karar - Sterculia urens 16. Project Proposal :- 18.1 Project Area- Soil Moisture and water conservation work is proposed in Forest areas of the district in different watershed catchment area. Total 60,000 Ha. forest land will be treated by constructed different Soil, moisture and water conservation work such as water harvesting structure, field bunding, gully plugging and checkdams. Detail survey will be work out after the sanction of the project. 16.2 The Forest Area details : The detail of the Forest Found in Bundelkhand area his already been given earlier in the project the major categories as per champion & Seth are :- 1- Dry Sagon forests 5-A/C –1B ( Mixed dry deciduous sagon) 2- Khardhai forests 5-E-1; 3- Dry deciduous mixed type 5-A/C –3 (5A and 5B) 5-B/C –2 4- Palas Van. 5-E-5 5- Salai 5-E-2 6- Euphorbia and others 5-D/S-3 6-D/S-2

16.3 Legal Status of the forest Area: The forest area to be taken up under the project is declared as reserved as per Indian forest Act. 1927. The various Forestry operations including plantation in the forests are carried out as per working plan approval by Government of India. 16.5 Basis of the Project:  Environmental stability and bio diversity conservation.  Ever increasing demand of Forest produce such as fuel wood, small timber fodder as fuel wood, small timber, fodder and MFPs.  Shortage of water For irrigation and even for essential community needs improvement is possible by proper soil & water conservation practices and ensuring max tapping of rain water by surface Storage & recharging and intensive Soil & Moisture conservation of forest by minim using & diverging the biotic pressure on forests.  Ensuring the participation of forest dwellers & particularly women for their strengthening.  To decrease the pressure of grazing, Development of Gauchar. 16.6 Objectives:  To restore ecological balance by harnessing, conserving and developing natural resource like soil, water and forest.  To arrest soil erosion and check further degradation of forests.  To enhance forest cover and improve ecological status of the area.  To enhance availability of fodder, fuel wood and small timber to the local community.  To augment employment/income generation opportunities for the rural poor.  To increase rain water recharge by intensive SMC work on watershed basis.  To improve land capability and moisture regime in the watersheds.  To increase the productivity of the agricultural lands.  To organize the communities so as to create mass movement for conservation of Natural resources.  To aim at convergence of various development programs for holistic development. 17. Essentials of Watershed Management:- Based on the objectives of the project the essential of watershed management for this project has been fixed as follows- 1. The complex inter-relationships in a watershed and its living population would be explored with greater precision. The project would proceed simultaneously along two paths-a short term approach to provide immediate benefits to the inhabitants and a long- term approach for a full assessment of the problem and more practical and permanent solutions to realise the full potential of the natural resources of the region. In this process, the inhabitant of the watershed would become a partner, as an imposed solution would not percolate to the basic level and also because the solution would not succeed without essential local participation. 2. Provision of sufficient fodder, fuel and small timber up to some extent, especially in areas adjoining forests is necessary in order to meet the local demand. 3. Non timber forest produce provides sustenance to poor communities residing in the vicinity and their productivity would be further enhanced. 17.1 Concentration of project works in selected watershed areas:- The project aims the concentrate the proposed works in selected watershed areas so that those may be saturated instead of distributing the works in different watersheds. The following watersheds are tentatively selected in various districts of Bundelkhand region with an objective to saturate them firstly. Name of Districts Name of the River catchment No. of the watersheds Jhansi Betwa, Dhasan & Pahuj 2C2a7g3c Lalitpur Betwa, Jamni, Dhasan 2C2c4aib, 2C2d Jalaun/Orai Yamuna, Betwa, Pahuj 2C2h, 2C3a, 2C2a Banda Ken, Yamuna, Bagen 2C1b1, b2, 2c1 2B 2c1, A4 Chitrakoot Mandakini, 2C2B Hamirpur Yamuna, Betwa 2C2h, 2C3a, Mahoba Dhasan, Betwa, Verma 2C2B 18. Project Period:- With the expanded scope and expectations under this approach, the project duration range will be 3 years with activities spread over three distinct phases viz, preparatory phase, work phase and consolidation phase. 19. Work Plan and Project Cost:- The total estimated project cost will be Rs 7200.00 Lakh. the abstract of component wise break up of all in all selected district. 20. Implementing Agency:- The project action plan (village wise) will be prepared by the Forest Department with the help of the local people to the different components. The plan shall be approved by the concern authority. The scheme at the field level will be implemented by the Forest Department. The Forest Range Officer would work as a executive officer of the concern range. Sub divisional officer and divisional officer will monitor the different activity in forest area. 21. Monitoring and Evaluation:- The existing system of monitoring and evaluation of the department would do this work. The forest Range Officer will execute the work. The works will be cross verified by the concerned Sub Divisional Forest Officers (Assistant Conservators of the Forest). The mid-term evaluation will be carried out by third party approved by the FDA. 22. Expected Out Comes:- 1. Improvement of overall soil Water regime to conserve and enrich flora and fauna of the forests. 2. Optimisation of the use of the natural resources like soil and water to mitigate the adverse affects of the drought and prevent further ecological degradation. 3. Restoration of soil and moisture and rise in the general water table of the surroundings to recharge the wells and reservoirs, improve food and fodder yield by enriching soil and ultimately improving the general economy of the surrounding people. 4. Poverty alleviation and checking migration of people in search of employment by providing wage employment through various project activities. 5. Development of wasteland by undertaking afforestation and watershed development works. 6. Enhanced participation of local people in conservation of natural resources. 23. Project Components:-

23.1 i. Soil and Moisture Conservation Works:- Such works will be carried out in all the selected forest area. The entire area taken under the project will be treated on watershed basis. SMC structures like water harvesting structures, check dams, gully plugs, contour and graded bunds, contour trenches, field bonding and other suitable structures as site requirement will be under taken. The main purpose of these works is in-situ moisture conservation, enrichment of water table and more availability of water for agricultural & various community needs. The works will also help in ensuring the availability of water for wildlife in forest areas and ultimately improving habitat. ii. Water Harvesting Structures:- Construction of water harvesting structures like check dam, percolation tank, water bodies as per site requirement will be taken up. 23.2 Assisted Natural regeneration – Forest area has very good root stocks. Mere protection of the area with assisted planting can help in establishment of natural regeneration of the locally found species like Kardhai, Dhak, Tendu, Teak etc.

Annexure