Gurgaon, India, Oktober 15, 2003 – Phase 1 of an initiative to develop common lands in Ghaghas and Agon villages has been completed. Village common lands are administered by the local Panchayats, but are often under-utilized or neglected. The common land development initiative aims to revitalize this natural resource and to contribute to the ecological balance and security of rural areas.

Phase 1 began in February 2003 with a fact-finding mission to the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) in Bhilwara and Ajmer, where they have been active in wasteland development. Training was also provided by the FES on the implementation of a community-based wasteland development program. The training covered the creation of village level institutions for wasteland development, preparation of a village perspective plan, and the use of participatory rural appraisals (PRAs). PRA is a well-know tool for facilitating community participation in development projects.

The Foundations also organized visits from wasteland development experts to Ghaghas and Agon. Between January and April 2003, experts from ICRISAT, Hyderabad; Development Alternatives, Jhansi; ATREE, New Delhi; the Foundation for Ecological Security, Anand; Earthcare Consultancy, New Delhi; and Ion Exchange Ltd., Mumbai, visited both villages. The experts agreed on the potential in Ghaghas and Agon for wasteland development.

• The experts made several recommendations, which are now being implemented.
  · Lands would be protected for 2 years to allow current rootstocks to develop.
  · Leguminous plants, grasses and plants would be introduced.
  · User rights for the available fodder and non-timber forest products would be decided by a village committee.
  · A minimal user fee would be charged to develop a small kitty to fund further work.

Community mobilization also began in February with a series of village meetings, focus group discussions, and home visits. The Panchayats in each of Ghaghas and Agon were also involved to decide on the use of their common lands. Settling land ownership and user rights can be a very lengthy and time consuming process. The Panchayat is vested with the power to transfer such rights for five years only. Beyond that, decision power rests with the Director, Panchayat at the state capital.

From February to April, the Foundation team collected baseline data on village resources, and conducted a Participatory Rural Appraisal of the common lands. Significantly, it transpired that villagers are increasingly less dependent on the common lands. The animal population as a ratio of total human population has declined, and cattle are stall fed for almost nine months. During the monsoon, common lands are used to gather cattle fodder however. Additionally, only the most economically deprived members of the community rely on gathering wood from common lands for use as fuel. The result of this change is that common lands are almost completely neglected.

Between July and August 2003, the Foundation supported the cultivation of Glyrecidia, a leguminous plant that is used for mulching. Pongamia pinnata was also planted to promote the use of Bio-fuels. Oil from the seeds of Ponagamia and Jatropha can be mixed with diesel in the ratio of 70 (diesel): 30 (bio-fuel). The Government of India promotes the use of bio-fuels in order to reduce the dependency on the fossil-fuels.

Phase 2 of the initiative to develop common lands has now begun. The goal in Ghaghas and Agon is to ensure the continued revitalization of the common lands. Particular attention will be paid to the protection of existing rootstock, and on equitable and sustainable cultivation of fodder and oilseed crops. The Panchayats will be assisted in seeking a longer-term right to develop their common lands for the entire community’s benefit. The initiative started in Ghaghas and Agon will also be applied elsewhere in rural Gurgaon where the Foundation is active.

For further information please contact:

The Sehgal Foundation
Dr. (Ms) Ellora Mubashir;
289, Sector 17A,
Gurgaon, Haryana-122001, India