1.    Ground Truthing

Dated: 19th October 2018

On 19th October 2018 the District Project Management Unit (DPMU) team met with Shri. Sunidakut Dkhar, the village headman to interact & gather information regarding the state of the village. This village was suggested by the BDO of Khliehriat C&RD Block..

Case Findings

1. There are 65 HHs.
2. There are three springs which the local community hugely depend on and they are far from the village.
3. Dry barren land can be seen almost everywhere in the village.
4. Broom cultivation is practiced by the village community.
5. Forest fire is common in these parts.

2.    Sensitization Programme

Dated: 16th January 2019

The sensitization programme took place on the 16th January 2019 at the Community Hall of Umsatai village. A total of 44 participants attended the programme.

The Assistant District Project Manager gave a brief introduction about Community Led Landscape Management Project. He spoke on the issues and problems faced by the farmers and villages in regards to water scarcity and water quality in Meghalaya, in spite it being the state which receives the highest amount of rainfall in a year. He also expressed the concern of how other natural resources such as air, soil, etc. have been affected at a very large scale. He explained the different components of the Project which will help the community in understanding and managing the different landscapes in the village.

The Program Associate, Environment Management explained on the effects of coal mining, its effect in the fertility of the land/soil and the solutions in making the area fertile again by planting specific plants such as lemon grass, etc. The official also spoke on the drying up of various water sources in the village and expressed the importance of preserving and maintaining them by introducing several methods like planting trees, digging contour trenches, etc. As most of the water bodies in East Jaintia Hills District are affected by coal mining, the official explained on how these water bodies can be treated by setting an example of a successful intervention of the Moolawar stream in MukhaIalong.

The Assistant District Project Manager also highlighted the approach and steps which the village have to follow once they accept the project. The first step is signing of the Citizen’s Green Charter followed by the formation of Village Natural Resource Management Committee (VNRMC) which will be constituted by the Village Dorbar. After that the EOI and VGA will be signed simultaneously probably during the PRA and CNRMP preparation.

The Program was followed by an interactive session to answer the doubts and questions of the villagers.

2.1.        Signing Of Documents

After the programme, the village headman and secretary along with two witnesses signed the EOI, VGA and Citizens Green Charter. They arranged a meeting between the village leaders and the community before electing the executive members of the Village Natural Resource Management Committee (VNRMC).

2.2.        Formation Of The VNRMC

The Formation of the Village Natural Resource Management Committee was done in a public meeting in the presence of the entire village after the sensitization program was conducted. The community itself chose the President, the Secretary and the other executive members of the Committee.

3.    Opening Of Bank Account

The opening of the bank account was initiated after the village signed the EOI (Expression of Interest), the VGA (Village Grant Agreement) and the Green Charter.

The Accountant of CLLMP East Jaintia Hills District trained the Purchasing and Procurement Committee of Khliehriat C&RD Block including members from Umsatai Village on matters relating to Accounts and Book Keeping on the 13th July 2019 in DRDA Conference Hall, Khliehriat EJHD.

4.    PRA Exercise

The PRA/CNRMP exercise aims to incorporate the knowledge and opinions of the community in the planning and management of development projects and programmes.

PRA exercise at Umsatai Village took place on the 23rd March 2019. Around 56 participants attended the program.

The Assistant District Project Manager gave the introduction and spoke about the different activities that the participants had to take part during the programme. The Program Associate, Environment Management, spoke in brief about the CNRM plan and the different types of interventions. A group of participants interacted and helped her collect data based on the environmental template. With the help of this group, she was also able to identify the different sites of intervention. The Asst. Manager, Social Management, gathered the remaining group of participants to help him gather baseline data based on the social template.

Findings based on the information gathered from the participants during the PRA/CNRMP exercise

1. Main agricultural produce is Paddy.
2. The 65 HHs highly depend on firewood as a source of fuel.
3. Drinking water is limited over a period of 3 to 4 months during the winter season.
4. Two types of forest ownership: Community & Private.
5. There are four community forests.
6. The springs which are present in the village needs rejuvenation.
7. Training on Land productivity, Springshed management and Community Nursery is necessary for the village community.
8. No disputes/constrains encountered within the village community or with any neighbouring villages.

Priority Interventions required based on the PRA Exercise:

1. Rejuvenation of the three springs through activities such as afforestation and contour trenches.
2. Afforestation, bio-fencing and fire line control in the community forest.
3. Community nursery for endemic and fruit trees.
4. A dugout pond for collecting rain water.

5.    Development Of The Community Natural Resource Management Plan (CNRMP) For 1st Phase

Training

Training on Springshed Rejuvenation and Inventorisation

The training was conducted in Umsatai village on 4th December 2019 for the members of the VNRMC and VCF’s which fall under Khliehriat C&RD Block, EJHD. The Manager Water Resources SPMU along with the DPMU team facilitated the training. The training aimed to enhance the participants on management and treatment of springs.

1.    Ground Truthing

Dated: 5th January 2019

The District Project Management Unit (DPMU) of East Jaintia Hills District met with a few village leaders of Pamra Paithlu on 5th January 2019 for Ground Truthing.

Case Findings

1. There are 256 HHs.
2. The landscape is highly degraded in and around the village due to coal mining activities.
3. Dry barren land can be seen in most parts in the village.
4. Most of the water bodies have been become acidic due to coal mine seepage, but the people still depend on them during the winter season.
5. Forest fire is common.

2.    Sensitization Programme

Dated:10th January 2019

The sensitization programme took place on the 10th January 2019 at the Community hall, Pamra Paithlu village. The program was chaired by Shri. L. Chyrmang, village headman. Around 46 community members attended the programme.

The Assistant District Project Manager gave a brief introduction about Community Led Landscape Management Project. He spoke on the issues and problems faced by the farmers and villages with regards to water scarcity and water quality in Meghalaya, in spite it being the state which receives the highest amount of rainfall in a year. He also expressed the concern of how other natural resources such as air, soil, etc. have been affected at a very large scale.

The Program Associate, Environment Management, explained on the effects of coal mining and its effect in the fertility of the land/soil. The official also spoke on the drying up of various water sources in the village and expressed the importance of preserving and maintaining them by introducing several methods like planting trees, digging contour trenches, etc. As most of the water bodies in East Jaintia Hills District are affected by coal mining, the official explained on how these water bodies can be treated by setting an example of a successful intervention of the Moolawar stream in MukhaIalong.

The Assistant District Project Manager also highlighted the approach and steps to be followed by the village when they accept the project. The first step was signing of the Citizen’s Green Charter followed by the formation of Village Natural Resource Management Committee (VNRMC) which was constituted by the Village Dorbar. After which the EOI and VGA was signed during the PRA and CNRMP preparation.

The Program was followed by an interactive session to answer the doubts and questions of the villagers.

2.1.        Signing Of Documents

After the programme, the village headman and secretary along with two witnesses signed the EOI, VGA and Citizens Green Charter. They arranged a meeting between the village leaders and the community before electing the executive members of the Village Natural Resource Management Committee (VNRMC).

2.2.        Formation Of The VNRMC

The Formation of the Village Natural Resource Management Committee was done in a public meeting in the presence of the entire village after the sensitization program was conducted. The community itself chose the President, the Secretary and the other executive members of the Committee.

3.    Opening Of Bank Account

The opening of the bank account was initiated after the village signed the EOI (Expression of Interest), the VGA (Village Grant Agreement) and the Green Charter.

The Accountant of CLLMP East Jaintia Hills District trained the Purchasing and Procurement Committee of Khliehriat C&RD Block including members from Pamra Paithlu Village on matters relating to Accounts and Book Keeping on the 13th July 2019 in DRDA Conference Hall, Khliehriat EJHD.

4.    PRA/CNRMP

The PRA/CNRMP exercise aims to incorporate the knowledge and opinions of the community in the planning and management of development projects and programmes.

PRA exercise at Pamra Paithlu Village took place on the 14th March 2019. Around 114 participants attended the program.

   
The Assistant District Project Managergave the introduction and spoke about the different activities required to be taken part during the programme. The Program Associate, Environment Management, spoke in brief about the CNRM plan and the different types of interventions. A group of participants interacted and helped in collecting data based on the environmental template. With the help of this group, the official was also able to identify the different sites of intervention. The Asst. Manager Social Management gathered the remaining group of participants for collecting baseline data based on the social template.

Findings based on the information gathered from the participants during the PRA/CNRMP exercise

1. Main agricultural produce is Paddy.
2. The 256 HHs highly depend on firewood as a source of fuel.
3. Drinking water is limited over a period of 3 to 4 months during the winter season.
4. Two types of forest ownership: Community & Private.
5. There is one community forest.
6. The springs which are present in the village which need rejuvenation.
7. No disputes/constrains encountered within the village community or with any neighbouring villages.

Priority Interventions required based on the PRA Exercise:

1. Rejuvenation of springs which fall under community land through activities such as afforestation and contour trenches.
2. Community nursery for endemic species, fruit trees and lemon grass.
3. A dugout pond for collecting rain water.
4. Afforestation, bio-fencing and fire line control in the community forest.
5. Training on Land productivity, Springshed management and Solid waste management is necessary for the village community.
6. Treatment of streams which flow through the village using the open lime channel.

5.    Submission Of The Community Natural Resource Management Plan For 1st Phase

Training

Training on Springshed Rejuvenation and Inventorisation

The training was conducted in Umsatai village on 4th December 2019 for the members of the VNRMC and VCF’s which fall under Khliehriat C&RD Block, EJHD. The Manager, Water Resources, SPMU along with the DPMU team facilitated the training. The training aimed to enhance the participants on management and treatment of springs.

1.    Ground Truthing

Dated: 2nd March 2019

The District Project Management Unit (DPMU) of East Jaintia Hills District met with a few village leaders of Pamra Kmai Village, on the 2nd March 2019 for Ground Truthing.

Case Findings

1. The Village has 276 HHs.
2. There is no proper access to drinking water. Most of the springs in the village have dried up. During winter season, the villagers rely on springs that are located outside the village.
3. The streams which flow through the village have turned acidic due to coal mine seepage, however, most of the people still depend on them during the dry period.
4. There are several open forests in different parts of the village.
5. Forest fire is common in parts near the community forest.

2.    Sensitization Programme

Dated:15th March 2019

The sensitization programme took place on the 15th March 2019 at the Community ground of Pamra Kmai village. The program was chaired by the village headman, Mr. Lukas Shylla. Around 76 community members attended the programme.

The Assistant District Project Manager gave a brief introduction about Community Led Landscape Management Project. He spoke on the issues and problems faced by the farmers and villages with regards to water scarcity and water quality in Meghalaya, in spite it being the state which receives the highest amount of rainfall in a year. He also expressed the concern of how other natural resources such as air, soil, etc. have been affected at a very large scale. Therefore, he requested and encouraged the local community to work towards sustaining the environment for the survival of future generations. Further, he explained the different components of the Project which will help the community in understanding and managing the different landscapes in the village.

The Assistant District Project Manager also highlighted the approach and steps to be followed by the village when they accept the project. The first step was signing of the Citizen’s Green Charter followed by the formation of Village Natural Resource Management Committee (VNRMC) which was constituted by the Village Dorbar. After which the EOI and VGA was signed during the PRA and CNRMP preparation.

The Program was followed by an interactive session to answer the doubts and questions of the villagers.

2.1.        Signing Of Documents

After the programme, the village headman and secretary along with two witnesses signed the EOI, VGA and Citizens Green Charter. They planned to arrange a meeting between the village leaders and the community before electing the executive members of the Village Natural Resource Management Committee (VNRMC).

2.2.        Formation Of The VNRMC

The Formation of the Village Natural Resource Management Committee was done in a public meeting in the presence of the entire village after the sensitization program was conducted. The community itself chose the President, the Secretary and the other executive members of the Committee.

3.    Opening Of Bank Account

The opening of the bank account was initiated after the village signed the EOI (Expression of Interest), the VGA (Village Grant Agreement) and the Green Charter.

The Accountant of CLLMP East Jaintia Hills District trained the Purchasing and Procurement Committee of Khliehriat C&RD Block including members from Umsatai Village on matters relating to Accounts and Book Keeping on the 13th July 2019 in DRDA Conference Hall, Khliehriat EJHD.

4.    PRA/CNRMP

The PRA/CNRMP exercise aims to incorporate the knowledge and opinions of the community in the planning and management of development projects and programmes.

PRA exercise at Pamra Kmai Village took place on the 23rd March 2019. There were a total number of 75 participants who attended the program.

The Assistant District Project Manager gave a brief introduction and spoke about the different activities that the participants had to take part during the programme. The Program Associate Environment Management spoke in brief about the CNRM plan and the different types of interventions. A group of participants interacted and helped the officials in collecting the data based on the environmental template. With the help of this group, the official was able to identify different sites of intervention. The Asst. Manager Social Management gathered the remaining group of participants for collecting the baseline data based on the social template.

The Assistant District Project Manager gave the introduction and spoke about the different activities required to be taken part by the participants during the programme. The Deputy Project Director, SPMU encouraged the village community to cooperate with the DPMU team which can help bring positive changes for the entire village. The Program Associate Environment Management, spoke in brief about the CNRM plan and the different types of interventions. A group of participants interacted and helped in collecting data based on the environmental template. With the help of this group, the officials were able to identify the different sites of intervention. The Asst. Manager Social Management, gathered the remaining group of participants for collecting baseline data based on the social template.

Findings based on the information gathered from the participants during the PRA/CNRMP exercise

1. Paddy is the main agricultural produce.
2. All the 276 HHs highly depend on firewood as a source of fuel.
3. Drinking water is limited over a period of 3 to 4 months during the winter season.
4. There are two types of forest ownership that is Community & Private.
5. There is only one community forest.
6. The springs which are present in the village needs rejuvenation.
7. No disputes/constrains encountered within the village community or with any neighbouring villages.

Priority Interventions required based on the PRA Exercise:

1. Rejuvenation of four springs which falls under community land through activities like afforestation and contour trenches.
2. Afforestation, bio-fencing and fire line control in the community forest.
3. Training on Land productivity, Springshed management and Solid waste management is necessary for the village community.
4. Treatment of streams which flow through the village using the open lime channel.

5.    Submission Of The Community Natural Resource Management Plan For 1st Phase

Training

Training on Springshed Rejuvenation and Inventorisation

The training was conducted in Umsatai village on 4th December 2019 for the members of the VNRMC and VCF’s which fall under Khliehriat C&RD Block, EJHD. The Manager Water Resources SPMU along with the DPMU team facilitated the training. The training aims to enhance the participants on management and treatment of springs.

6. Implementation

1. Ground Truthing

     Dated: 24th January 2019

The District Project Management Unit (DPMU) of East Jaintia Hills District met with Shri. P. J. Paslein, the headman of Mynthlu village, on 24th January 2019 for Ground Truthing.

Case Findings:

1. There are 184 HHs.
2. The village community depend on springsthat are located mostly in the outskirts of the village during the winter season.
3. There are two moderate community forest.
4. Shifting cultivation is practiced.
5. Training on springshed management is required.

 2. Sensitization Programme

Dated: 24th January 2019

The sensitization programme took place on the 24th January 2019 at the Community Hall of Mynthlu village. Around 15 community members attended the programme.

The Assistant District Project Manager gave a brief introduction about Community Led Landscape Management Project. He spoke on the issues and problems faced by the farmers and villages with regards to water scarcity and water quality in Meghalaya.  He also expressed the concern of how other natural resources such as air, soil, etc. have been affected at a very large scale. Therefore, he requested and encouraged the local community to work towards sustaining the environment for the survival of future generations. He explained the different components of the Project which will help the community in understanding and managing the different landscapes of the village.

Further, the Assistant District Project Manager also highlighted the approach and steps to be followed by the village when they accept the project. The first step was signing of the Citizen’s Green Charter followed by the formation of Village Natural Resource Management Committee (VNRMC) which was constituted by the Village Dorbar. After which the EOI and VGA was signed during the PRA and CNRMP preparation.

The Program was followed by an interactive session to answer the doubts and questions of the villagers.

2.2 Signing of Documents:

After the Sensitization program, they arranged a meeting between the village leaders and the community before electing the executive members of the Village Natural Resource Management Committee (VNRMC).

The village headman and secretary along with two witnesses signed the EOI, VGA and Citizens Green Charter while the PRA/CNRMP program was conducted.

2.3 Formation of the VNRMC

The Formation of the Village Natural Resource Management Committee was done in a public meeting in the presence of the entire village after the sensitization program was conducted. The community itself chose the President, the Secretary and the other executive members of the Committee.

3. Opening of Bank Account.

The opening of the bank account was initiated after the village signed the EOI (Expression of Interest), the VGA (Village Grant Agreement) and the Green Charter.

The Deputy Project Director, SPMU and Accountant, CLLMP East Jaintia Hills District trained the Purchasing and Procurement Committee of Saipung Block including members from Mynthlu Village on matters relating to Accounts and Book Keeping on the 7th June 2019.

4. PRA/CNRMP Exercise

The PRA/CNRMP exercise aims to incorporate the knowledge and opinions of the community in the planning and management of development projects and programmes.

PRA exercise at Mynthlu Village took place on 20th March 2019 and a total number of 104 participants attended the program.

The Assistant District Project Manager gave the introduction and spoke about the different activities that the participants had to take part during the programme. The Program Associate, Environment Management,spoke in brief about the CNRM plan and the different types of intervention related to natural resource management. A group of participants interacted and helped in collecting data based on the environmental template. With the help of this group, the official was able to identify the different sites of intervention. The Asst. Manager, Social Management, gathered the remaining group of participants for collecting baseline data based on the social template. The program was facilitated by the DPMU team.

Findings based on the information gathered from the participants during the PRA/CNRMP exercise

1. Main agricultural produce is Paddy.
2. The 184 HHs depend on firewood & LPG as a source of fuel.
3. Drinking water is limited over a period of 3 to 4 months during the winter season.
4. Two types of forest ownership: Community & Private.
5. The springs present in the village needs rejuvenation.
6. One river flows through the village.
7. Training on Land productivity & springshed is necessary for the village community.
8. No disputes/constrains encountered within the village community or with any neighbouring villages.
9. Women are involved in decision making at various platforms.

Priority Interventions required based on the PRA Exercise:

1. Rejuvenation of springs through activities such as afforestation and contour trenches.
2. One water body which turned acidic due to coal mine seepage have been selected for treatment using the open lime channel.
3. Afforestation, bio-fencing and fire line control in the community forest.

5. Submission of CNRMP Plan for the First Phase

Training

Training On Springshed Rejuvenation And Inventorisation

The training was conducted in Jarain (Sutnga) village on 4th December 2019 for the members of the VNRMC and VCF’s which fall under Saipung C&RD Block, EJHD. The Manager, Water Resources, SPMU along with the DPMU team facilitated the training. The training aimed to enhance the participants on management and treatment of springs.

Training On Social Safeguard

The training on Social Safeguard for the members of VNRMC and VCF’s which fall under Saipung C&RD Block, EJHD was conducted in Latyrke community hall on 29th November 2019. The participants were sensitized on social and environmental safeguard policies related to CLLMP. This is necessary in order to prevent and mitigate undue harm to the village communities once the project is implemented. Manager, Social Management along with the DPMU team facilitated the program.

1.    Ground Truthing

Dated: 8th January 2019

The District Project Management Unit (DPMU) of East Jaintia Hills District met with Shri. K. Bareh, the village headman on 8th January 2019 for Ground Truthing.

Case Findings

1. The village has 150HHs
2. Most of the springs in the village dry up during the winter season and this has ledto people depending on other springs which are 1-2 km away from the village
3. Some of the landscapes in the village are prone to soil erosion
4. A Community Nursery is required in order to conserve the local plant species such as pitcher plants
5. Trainings related to Management of Springs and Land Productivity is required for the village community.

2.    Sensitization Programme

Dated:14th January 2019

 The sensitization programme took place on the 14th January 2019 at the Community Hall of Lumshken village. The program was chaired by Shri. K. Bareh, the village headman. Around 45 community members attended the programme.

The Assistant District Project Manager gave a brief introduction about Community Led Landscape Management Project. He spoke on the issues and problems faced by the farmers and villages with regards to water scarcity and water quality in Meghalaya, in spite it being the state which receives the highest amount of rainfall in a year.He also expressed the concern of how other natural resources such as air, soil, etc. have been affected at a very large scale.

The Program Associate, Environment Management, explained on the effects of coal mining and how it makes the land/soil unfertile. The official also spoke on the drying up of various water sources in the village and expressed the importance of preserving and maintaining them by introducing several methods like planting trees, digging contour trenches, etc.

The Assistant District Project Manager also highlighted the approach and steps to be followed by the village when they accept the project. The first step was signing of the Citizen’s Green Charter followed by the formation of Village Natural Resource Management Committee (VNRMC) which was constituted by the Village Dorbar. After which the EOI and VGA was signed during the PRA and CNRMP preparation.

2.1.        Signing Of Documents

After the programme, the village headman and secretary along with two witnesses signed the EOI, VGA and Citizens Green Charter. They arranged a meeting between the village leaders and the community before electing the executive members of the Village Natural Resource Management Committee (VNRMC).

2.2.        Formation Of The VNRMC

The Formation of the Village Natural Resource Management Committee was done in a public meeting in the presence of the entire village after the sensitization program was conducted. The community itself chose the President, the Secretary and the other executive members of the Committee.

3.    Opening Of Bank Account

The opening of the bank account was initiated after the village signed the EOI (Expression of Interest), the VGA (Village Grant Agreement) and the Green Charter.

The Accountant of CLLMP, East Jaintia Hills District trained the Purchasing and Procurement Committee of KhliehriatC&RD Block including members from Bataw Village on matters relating to Accounts and Book Keeping on the 13th July 2019 in DRDA Conference Hall, Khliehriat EJHD.

4.    PRA/CNRMP

The PRA/CNRMP exercise aims to incorporate the knowledge and opinions of the community in the planning and management of development projects and programmes.

PRA exercise at Bataw Village took place on the 23rd July 2019. The program was facilitated by the DPMU & SPMU team.

The Assistant District Project Manager gave the introduction and spoke about the different activities required to be taken part by the participants during the programme. The Deputy Project Director, SPMU encouraged the village community to cooperate with the DPMU team which can help bring positive changes for the entire village. The Program Associate Environment Management, spoke in brief about the CNRM plan and the different types of interventions. A group of participants interacted and helped in collecting data based on the environmental template. With the help of this group, the officials were able to identify the different sites of intervention. The Asst. Manager Social Management, gathered the remaining group of participants for collecting baseline data based on the social template.

Findings based on the information gathered from the participants during the PRA/CNRMP exercise

1. Main agricultural produce is Paddy.
2. 150 HHs highly depend on firewood as a source of fuel
3. Two types of forest ownership: Community & Private.
4. There are four community forest, ten springs and one stream which flows through the village.
5. There is one spring which is affected due to coal mine seepage and requires treatment.
6. The springs which are present in the village need rejuvenation.
7. Training on Land productivity, Springshed management and Community Nursery is necessary for the village community.
8. No disputes/constrains encountered within the village community or with any neighbouring villages.

Priority Interventions required based on the PRA Exercise:

1. Rejuvenation of the springs through activities such as afforestation and contour trenches.
2. Afforestation, bio-fencing and fire line control in the community forest.
3. Community nursery for endemic, fruit trees and pitcher plants.
4. Soil and water conservation through dug out ponds.

5.    Submission Of The Community Natural Resource Management Plan For 1st Phase

Training

Training on Springshed Rejuvenation and Inventorisation

The training was conducted in Umsatai village on 4th December 2019 for the members of the VNRMC and VCF’s which fall under Khliehriat C&RD Block, EJHD. The Manager Water Resources SPMU along with the DPMU team facilitated the training. The training aimed to enhance the participants on management and treatment of springs.

6. Implementation

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​Saiden village is located in Umling Block of Ri-Bhoi District, in the state of Meghalaya. It came into existence in the year 1934. The village has 328 households and is a home to 1650 people. The distance from the District Headquarter to Saiden is 3.5 kms. The village is under the supervision of the Rangbah Shnong.

The traditional form of governance prevails where the village head is the Rangbah shnong. There is a Village Employment Council (VEC) that oversees the implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and other developmental works. Besides women representation in the VEC, the village women are members of a women only village based organization that provides them a platform for decision making on various issues pertaining to the village.

There are a number of streams and springs in and around the village. The main source of livelihood is agriculture. The Village not only produces cash crops but also various fruits, vegetables, betel vine, tomatoes and Broom-Grass.

There are six schools inside the village, five of which are private institutions and one is the Govt. Upper primary School, Saiden. The health dispensary is 3 km away; the nearest Bank is about 3 km away and the Post office is also 3 kms from the village.

Drinking Water: There is a shortage of water during the dry season village. The existing springs are seasonal and their discharge is very low which leads to water scarcity in the village

Jhum cultivation: mainly take up traditional approaches of cultivation like Jhum or the shifting cultivation

1. Ground Truthing

     Dated:  29th of July 2019

The CLLMP team met with Mr. Morningstar Ryndong, Secretary of Saiden village on the 29^th of July 2019. He provided the team with important information regarding the current scenario of the landscape and the natural resource management under the current leadership.

Case Findings:

1. There are a total of 325 HH out of which 150 fall under the BPL category.
2. There are 7 hamlets in the village
3. Approximately 80-90 acres of land is required for afforestattion.
4. Their forest falls under the village governance
5. They have two main rivers, “Wah Umpli” and “Wah Umran”

 2. Sensitization Programme

Dated:  20th of August 2019

The District Project Manager and the Assistant Managers held a village Level sensitization Programme on the Community Led Landscape Management project on the 20th of August 2019.The villagers actively participated in the program, voicing out their concerns and questions regarding the project making it a huge success.

The CLLMP officials gave a brief introduction on Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) and elucidated about the various programmes and projects that MBMA is working on, they then gave a detailed introduction on the Community led Landscape Management Project (CLLMP) and the different aspects and procedures that the villagers and the CLLMP team should carry out during the course of the project and the importance of the involvement of the community for the CLLM-Project to be a success. They gave due importance on the environmental aspects of the project and enlightened them on the various benefits that the villagers could obtain from the project.

2.2 Signing of Documents:  After the interactive session, the village signed the Expression of Interest (EOI), the Village Grant Agreement (VGA) and the Citizen’s Green charter on the same day.

2.3 Formation of the VNRMC

The Formation of the Village Natural Resource Management Committee was done in a public meeting in the presence of the entire village and the CLLMP staffs. The community itself chose the President, the Secretary and the other executive members of the Committee.

3. Opening of Bank Account.

The opening of the bank account was initiated after the village signed the EOI (Expression of Interest), the VGA (Village Grant Agreement) and the Green Charter. The Accountant of the Ri Bhoi CLLMP team trained the Purchasing and Procurement Committee of Saiden Village on matters relating to Accounts and Book Keeping on the 10th of December 2019.

4. PRA Exercise

The PRA exercise aims to incorporate the knowledge and opinions of the community in the planning and management of development projects and programmes. PRA exercise at Saiden Village took place on the 19th of September 2019. There were a total of 90 villagers who participated in this exercise.

5. Training on the Development of the Community Natural Resource Management Plan (CNRMP)

With the completion of the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Exercise, a joint training to help the VNRMCs of Umling Block develop their Community Natural Resource Management Plan or CNRMP was organized on the 1st of October 2019 at the Community Hall of Mawroh Village.

Members of the VNRMC from Saiden Village were also present for the training.

Submission of CNRMP Plan for the First Phase

List of Community Natural Resource Management Plan at Saiden Village.

6. Project Implementation

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1. First Contact

Dated: December 2018

The first contact with Kynton Mynnar was established in December 2018 at a Joint Meeting at Kreit village since the two villages lie in close proximity with each other. It was attended by the executive members of the Dorbar Shnong of both the villages. CLLMP officials briefed them about the project and its tenets. Subsequently, another meeting was held at Sohiong Block Office in January 2019 and it was attended by representatives of all the villages in Sohiong falling under CLLMP.

2. Sensitisation Programme & Ground Truthing

Dated: 12th February 2019

The first sensitisation of CLLMP held at the village coincided with a visit by World Bank officials on the 12th of February, 2019. There were also members from Sadhana Forest, an NGO based in Pondicherry, focussing on reforestation and food security in arid areas. Also in attendance were project officials from SPMU along with the DPMU team. There was a good turn out by the residents of Kynton Mynnar; there were around 150 residents present. Banners of the map and the village were displayed and reports circulated to give the officials from World Bank and Sadhana Forest an understanding of the village. World Bank officials spent some time interacting with the residents and shared a light hearted moment with them.

2.1. Formation of VNRMC

The executive committee of the Dorbar Shnong of Kyrphei after a meeting was formed by the members of VNRMC on the 28th of December, 2018.

3. Opening of Bank Account

The opening of bank account was initiated after the village signed the EoI (Expression of Interest), VGA (Village Grant Agreement) and the Citizen’s Green Charter. Kynton Mynnar opened their bank account on February 2019.

Book Keeping Training

The Finance & Accounts Official of DPMU, East Khasi Hills, CLLMP, conducted the Simple Book Keeping Training on the 29th of June, 2019 at Kynton Mynnar village.

4. PRA Exercise

Dated: 9th June, 2019

The Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) exercise aims to incorporate the knowledge and opinions of the community in the planning and management of development projects and programmes. PRA exercise at Kynton Mynnar was conducted on the 29th of June, 2019. A total of 30 residents took part in this exercise.

Findings

• There are six clan forests in the village
• There are three springs: Umbehpor, Umpakra, Umbah. They are used domestically for drinking and washing.
• There are plenty of indigenous trees found here; Khasi: Kseh Bilat, Diengngan, Diengsohum
• There are three rivers: Wah Umiam, Wah Ujop, Wah Lyngkein. They are used for irrigation.
• There are also medicinal plants in the clan forests

Residents taking part in PRA

Village resource map drawn by the residents of Kynton Mynnar

5. Training on the Development of the Community Natural Resource Management Plan (CNRMP)

A comprehensive one-day training and existing CNRMP review for the VNRMC executive members under all the villages under East Khasi Hills was organised on the 2nd of December, 2019 by the DPMU team. A copy of the environmental templates along with the boundary maps were also circulated to the members and explanation to the templates were made accordingly.

The executive members of the VNRMC took a chance to review their current plans and also fill out the data in the new templates.

BDO Visit

The Block Development Officer of Sohiong, Shri M. Challam, along with his team from the Block Office visited Kynton Mynnar and visited the sites for Nursery and Check Dam. The Junior Engineer from the Block interacted with the project officials from East Khasi Hills and also took the measurements and technical specifications of the proposed intervention sites.

6. Project Implementation

Below are the ongoing activities from the CNRMP being implemented in Kynton Mynnar.

Spring chamber under construction at Umbehpor

Community Nursery at Per Shyngiar

Waste Water Treatment at Umpakra

In Umdohbyrthih Village, the traditional form of governance prevails where the village head is the Rangbah shnong. There is a Village Employment Council (VEC) that oversees the implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and other developmental works. Besides women representation in the VEC, the village women are members of a women only village based organization that provides them a platform for decision making on various issues pertaining to the village.

The main source of livelihood is agriculture. The Village not only produces cash crops but also various fruits and vegetables.

There is only one schools inside the village. The health dispensary is 17km away; the nearest Bank is about 1km away and the Post office is also 1 km from the village.

There are a number of streams and springs in and around the village.

As per Census 2011, Umroi Umdohbyrthih population is 436, out of which 221 are males and 215 are females. This village has 40 children in the age group of 0-4 years, among them 16 are boys and 24 are girls.

The people of the village rely on agriculture and forest products for their livelihood. The main occupation of the villagers is farming followed by teaching and government employee.

1. Ground Truthing

Dated: 31st May 2019

On 31st May 2019, the District Project Management Unit (DPMU) met Shri. Pynwanbor Sylliang the headman of Umdohbyrthih village under Bhoirymbong C&RD Block for Ground Truthing. He provided the Team with important information regarding the current scenario of the landscape and the natural resource management under his headmanship.

Case Findings:-

1. There are 80 HHs out of which 32 falls under BPL category.
2. The VEC is actively performing.
3. They have approximately about 600 acres of shared community land.
4. About 40 acres of land are barren land and 10 acres of degraded land which they want to develop.
5. About 6 acres of agri. field not covered under assured irrigation.
6. They have two drinking water sources, five springs and three rivers (WahUmroi, Umtyrnah and wah Umdohbyrthih).
7. 3 acres of land are under stone quarry.

2. Sensitization Programme

Dated: 26th June 2019

The sensitization programme took place on 26th June 2019 at the Community Hall of Umdohbyrthih Village. The headman of Umdohbyrthih Village, Shri. Pynwanbor Sylliang presided over the programme. Around fifty six (56) villagers attended the sensitization program making it a huge success.

The District Project Manager gave a brief introduction on Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) and elucidated about the various programmes and projects that MBMA is working on, but mainly focused on the Community Led Landscape Management Project (CLLMP). He also spoke about the different aspects and procedures of the project and gave due importance on the environmental aspects of the project.

The Program was followed by an interactive session to answer the doubts and questions of the villagers.

 2.1. Signing of Documents:

After the interactive session, the village signed the Expression of Interest (EOI), the Village Grant Agreement (VGA) and the Green charter.

2.2. Formation of the VNRMC

The Formation of the Village Natural Resource Management Committee was done in a public meeting in the presence of the entire village and the CLLMP staffs. The Village Executive Committee (VEC) and the entire community carried out the procedure and elected the members of the VNRMC on the 26th of June 2019.

3. Opening of Bank Account and Training on Book-Keeping.

Dated: 30th August 2019

The opening of the bank account was initiated after the village signed the EOI (Expression of Interest), the VGA (Village Grant Agreement) and the Green Charter. Umdohbyrthih village opened their VNRMC account on 30th August 2019.

Passbook of Umdohbyrthih VNRMC

Training on Accounts and Book-Keeping

The Accountant of CLLMP Ri Bhoi District trained the Purchasing and Procurement Committee of Umdohbyrthih Village on matters relating to Accounts and Book Keeping on the 13th September 2019.

4. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA Exercise)

Dated: 12th July 2019

The PRA exercise aims to incorporate the knowledge and opinions of the community in the planning and management of development projects and programmes.

PRA exercise at Umdohbyrthih Village took place on the 12th July 2019. There were a total of 14 villagers who took part in this exercise.

During the PRA exercise, the CLLMP officials and the community members were divided into groups to carry out the transect walk, fill the Social and Environmental Templates, the Seasonal Calendar, draw the Boundary map the Resource Map the activities conclude with an extensive discussion on the issues and challenges that the community faces and how they can be addressed through the CLLM-Project.

Resource Map drwan by the youths of Umdohbyrthih Village

Findings Based on the resource map prepared by the participants of the PRA Exercise  at Umdohbyrthih Village:

1. The main agricultural produce are paddy and ginger.
2. The community forest is located outside the village which is a shared forest with the other Umroi localities of the larger Umroi agglomeration.
3. There are barren patches of land which are more prevalent in the northern hill slopes near Mawthei village.
4. There are two main springs for drinking water and two check dams already existing for irrigation of paddy fields.
5. Bamboo is also present in abundance and is an important resource.
6. There are roads under Megha lamp and MNREGA.
7. There are several fish ponds which are under private ownership.
8. Private forests are also present but in small patches.
9. There are three streams that emerge from the village and become tributaries of the larger Umiam river that intersects the village in the southern boundary.

Priority Interventions required based on the PRA Exercise:

1. To increase the discharge for springs
2. Vermicompost to increase soil Productivity
3. Paddy cum cultivation
4. Community nursery for fruit trees and endemic trees
5. Afforestation activities are needed.

Proposed site for Afforestation.

5. Development of the Community Natural Resource Management Plan (CNRMP)

With the completion of the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Exercise, a training to help the VNRMC develop their Community Natural Resource Management Plan or CNRMP was organized on 13th September 2019 at Umdohbyrthih Village.

Submission of CNRMP Plan for the First Phase

Plan Estimate:

The Field Engineer of the CLLMP Team also made an inspection to the proposed intervention sites of the CNRM Plan Proposed by the VNRMC of Umdohbythih Village.

6. Project Implementation

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The Dorbar serves as the traditional form of local governance in the village and looks after the administration, safety of villagers as well as overall governance. Apart from the village Dorbar, there is also the Shngimawlein VEC and the recently formed VNRMC which looks after the implementation of the MGNREGA and the World Bank aided CLLMP respectively.

The village is surrounded by rivers and streams, but these water bodies are situated downhill while the residential areas are located uphill. There is one PHE that supplies water to the village. The people also depend on springs and wells as their primary source of water. There are however some seasonal springs and the village usually faces scarcity of water in the months between February-April.

The village has a total of 202 households and a population of 1698. A majority of the people depend on agriculture as a part of their livelihood. The main crops produced are potatoes, rice, maize, sweet potatoes, ham, flamingia etc. Vegetables such as mustard, mint, cabbage, tomato, radish are grown and sold in small quantities at the local markets.

1. GROUND TRUTHING

Dated: 15th November 2018

On 15th November, 2018, the District Project Management Unit (DPMU) visited Shngimawlein village for Ground Truthing.

CASE FINDINGS

1. The village has more than 200 HH. Out of the 200 HH, 27% falls under BPL, 47% with ration cards and 26% with health cards.
2. It has an actively performing VEC.
3. Availability of two clan forests
4. The village mostly faces water scarcity as the water source is located downhill whereas the residential area is located uphill Water management is also a huge issue in the village and with no proper access to drinking water and a lack of catchment areas, there has been a rise in community problems.

2. SENSITIZATION PROGRAMME

Dated: 12th December 2019.

The sensitization programme of Shngimawlein village was conducted on the 12th December, 2019. The programme was attended by 200 people and a detailed presentation was given by the DPMU-CLLMP team.

The VNRMC of Shngimawlein was also formed on the same day, the VNRMC also selected the members to the EC as well as six youths as VCF (three main VCFs and three stand by).

Sensitization & formation of Shngimawlein VNRMC

2.1. Signing of Documents

After the interactive session, the village signed the EOI, VGA and Green charter followed by the selection of candidates for the Village Natural Resource Management Committee. The Village Executive Committee (VEC) and the entire community carried out the procedure and elected the members of the VNRMC on the same day.

2.2. Formation of the VNRMC

The Formation of the Shngimawlein Village Natural Resource Management Committee was done in a public meeting in the presence of the entire village and the CLLMP staffs. The community itself chose the President, the Secretary and the other executive members of the Committee.

3. OPENING OF BANK ACCOUNT

The opening of the bank account was initiated after the village signed the EOI (Expression of Interest), the VGA (Village Grant Agreement) and the Green Charter.

A Meeting was also held with all members of the Village Natural Resource Management Committee (VNRMC) of Shngimawlein Village where the accountant of the CLLMP team had briefed them before opening the bank account.

4. PRA EXERCISE

The PRA exercise aims to incorporate the knowledge and opinions of the community in the planning and management of development projects and programmes.

PRA exercise at Shngimawlein Village took place on the 13th December, 2020. There were a total of 220 villagers taking part in this exercise who contributed their time and knowledge to this project.

5. DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMUNITY NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN (CNRMP)

The Community Natural Resource Management Plan was prepared at a village level meeting held on the 21st January, 2019. A total of 42 men and women from the village, including members of the Village Natural Resource Management Committee (VNRMC) were present to voice their problems and opinion while preparing the Community Natural Resource Management Plan.

Plan Estimate:

The CLLMP Team also made an inspection to the proposed intervention sites of the CNRMP along with the Technical Assistant under Mawkyrwat Block who is responsible for providing the estimates of the plans. The plan estimate for succeeding interventions was done by the Field Engineer, CLLMP.

6. PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

1. Ground Truthing

Dated: 01st July, 2019

The District Project Management Unit (DPMU) of North Garo Hills District met with the VEC president and secretary along with a few village elders of Ranggopgre village, on the 01st of July, 2019.

CASE FINDINGS

1. The village has 271 HH.
2. There is no proper access to safe drinking water
3. Decline in soil fertility
4. Effects of Jhum Cultivation
5. Effects of Rubber Plantation
6. Lack of proper facilities for irrigation

2. Sensitization Programme

Dated: 13th December, 2018

A sensitization programme was held on the 13th of December, 2018 at Ronggopgre village. It saw an attendance of 89 participants comprising of village headman, VEC secretary, village elders, women groups and youth.

The programme started with a welcome address by the headman of the village  followed by a brief introduction of the project by the ADPM of North Garo Hills District. The ADPM stressed that the project is completely community led and also stressed on the importance of women participation while implementing the project.

It was followed by an open discussion, in which many queries were raised by the community members and responded by the DPMU team .

Signing of Documents: The village signed the Expression of Interest (EOI), the Village Grant Agreement (VGA) and Green Charter followed by the selection of candidates for the Village Natural Resource Management Committee (VNRMC). The Village Executive Committee (VEC) and the entire community carried out the procedure and elected the members of the VNRMC.

Formation of the  VNRMC: The formation of  the Village Natural Resource Management Committee was done after the sensitization programme and the community members chose the President, the Secretary and the other executive members of the committee.

3. PRA Exercise

The PRA exercise aims to incorporate the knowledge and opinions of the community in planning and management of developmental projects and programmes. A total of 127 participants out of which 39 males and 88 females  participated and contributed their time and knowledge to this exercise.

4. Development of the Community Natural Resource Management Plan (CNRMP)

The Community Natural Resource Management Plan was prepared on the same day after conducting the PRA exercise. The headman, VNRMC members, women and youth from the village were present to voice their problems and opinion while preparing the Community Natural Resource Management Plan.

5. Proposed Intervention

6. Project Implementation