VNCS

देवरी : महाराष्ट्र राज्याचे रोहयो महासंचालक नंदकुमार यांनी नुकतीच ग्रुप ऑफ ग्रामसभा कार्यालय, धमदीटोला येथे सदिच्छा भेट दिली. यावेळी त्यांनी वन हक्क कायद्यांतर्गत क्षेत्रात सुरू असलेल्या विविध विकासकामांची प्रत्यक्ष पाहणी करून उपस्थितांना मोलाचे मार्गदर्शन केले. सामुदायिक वन हक्कांतर्गत आर्थिक प्रगती: सविस्तर वृत्त असे की, वन हक्क कायदा अधिनियम २००६, नियम २००८ व सुधारित नियम २०१२ अन्वये गठीत सामूहिक वन हक्क प्राप्त ग्रामसभांनी ‘विदर्भ निसर्ग संरक्षण संस्थेच्या’ मार्गदर्शनाखाली २०१३ पासून एकत्र येत ३२ ग्रामसभांचे मिळून ‘ग्रुप ऑफ ग्रामसभा’ गठीत केली आहे. या माध्यमातून वन हक्क कायद्याची प्रभावी अंमलबजावणी सुरू असून, तेंदूपत्ता संकलन व इतर वन गौण उपज संकलनातून गावांचे आर्थिक उत्पन्न वाढवण्यास मोठी मदत झाली आहे. यासोबतच, सामूहिक वन हक्क प्राप्त क्षेत्रातील तलावांमध्ये मत्स्य व्यवसायाची सुरुवात करण्यात आली आहे. विदर्भ निसर्ग संरक्षण संस्थेच्या वतीने तलाव खोलीकरणाचे काम करण्यात आले असून, यामुळे गावाच्या आर्थिक उत्पन्नात भर पडत आहे. बांबू लागवड आणि पायाभूत सुविधांचा विकास: धमदीटोला येथील सामूहिक वन हक्क क्षेत्रात ६० हेक्टर आर जमिनीवर बांबू लागवड करण्यात आली आहे. यामुळे भविष्यात वन हक्क धारकांना मोठ्या प्रमाणावर रोजगाराच्या संधी उपलब्ध होणार आहेत. ग्रुप ऑफ ग्रामसभेने स्वतःच्या निधीतून १ हेक्टर आर जमीन खरेदी करून त्यावर ‘अभ्यास केंद्राचे’ बांधकाम पूर्ण केले आहे. तसेच मानव विकास मिशन अंतर्गत १८ लाख रुपये किमतीचे गोदाम आणि १० लाख रुपये निधीच्या तेल घाणी युनिटचे बांधकाम देखील करण्यात आले आहे. महासंचालकांनी या सर्व कामांची आणि बांबू रोपवनाची प्रत्यक्ष पाहणी करून संपूर्ण प्रक्रिया समजून घेतली. महासंचालकांचे महत्त्वपूर्ण मार्गदर्शन: या प्रसंगी मार्गदर्शन करताना मा. नंदकुमार साहेब म्हणाले की, VB GRAMG (व्हि.बी. ग्रामजी) या कायद्याचा/प्रणालीचा वापर करून रोहयो कामांचे जास्तीत जास्त नियोजन करावे. पाण्याचे स्रोत वाढवून मत्स्य पालन व शेती कशी पिकीवता येईल यावर भर दिला पाहिजे. जेणेकरून प्रत्येक व्यक्तीचे आणि कुटुंबाचे आर्थिक उत्पन्न वाढेल, प्रत्येक जण आर्थिकदृष्ट्या सक्षम होईल आणि गाव विकसित होईल, याकडे ग्रामस्थांनी लक्ष द्यावे असे आवाहन त्यांनी केले. प्रमुख उपस्थितांची उपस्थिती: या दौऱ्यादरम्यान महासंचालकांसोबत बांबू विषय तज्ज्ञ मा. करपे सर, हैदराबाद EMIS मंडाडे सर (आय.एन.आर.एस.बी), मा. आर्यन सर, मा. बोपेचे सर, मा. खरवडे सर, तसेच ए.पी.ओ. पंचायत समितीचे मा. गौतम साखरे सर उपस्थित होते. तसेच स्थानिक पातळीवरून मा. बोदले जी, मा. रविजी अंबादे (ग्रामसेवक, मिसपिरी), मा. धन्नालाल सयाम (रोजगार सेवक, ग्रामपंचायत मिसपिरी), समितीचे पदाधिकारी मा. नारायण जी सलामे (अध्यक्ष, ग्रुप ऑफ ग्रामसभा), मा. गोपाल कुमेटी (माजी अध्यक्ष), ब्रिजलाल राऊत (सचिव), प्रकाश गंगाकचूर, जगन सलामे, खेमचंद सलामे, मुकेश मडावी, सौ. सरिता भोयर, मा. जयराम केराम, संतोष भोयर, परसराम मरकाम, नेताराम हिडामी, प्रकाश सयाम, अंताराम मडावी, सुरेश दर्रो, विश्वनाथ मडावी, रामसू पदा, प्यारेलाल काटेंगा, श्यामराव नेताम, श्यामराव कुमेटी, केवलराम मडावी, राजेश मस्के, मनोहर वाल्दे इत्यादी प्रामुख्याने उपस्थित होते. सूत्रसंचालन व आभार: कार्यक्रमाचे यशस्वी सूत्रसंचालन तुलाराम उईके यांनी केले, तर उपस्थितांचे आभार जगन सलामे यांनी मानले.

Date: 28 July 2026 To commemorate World Nature Conservation Day, Vidarbha Nature Conservation Society (VNCS) organised a tree plantation drive across villages in Armori Block, Gadchiroli district. Over 500 indigenous and local species—including Tamarind, Amla, Sissoo, Khair, Behda, Hirda, and Custard Apple—were planted in Community Forest Management areas, ZP schools, and other public spaces to enhance biodiversity and strengthen local ecosystems. The initiative saw active participation from members of Gram Sabhas, women, students, and VNCS staff. Awareness sessions on tree conservation and post-plantation care reinforced the message that planting a tree is only the beginning—its protection and nurturing are a shared responsibility. The campaign reflected VNCS’s continued commitment to community-led environmental conservation and sustainable development.

On 5th and 6th March 2026, a two-day Capacity Building Workshop of the Gram Sabha Federation was successfully held at Vairagad, Block Armori, District Gadchiroli. Mr. Dilip Gode, Mr. Amit Kalaskar, Mr. Arun Srivastava, and Mr. Narayan Salame were present as resource persons and provided valuable guidance during the workshop. During the workshop, detailed guidance was provided on developing understanding and a positive mindset among Gram Sabha members to initiate Minor Forest Produce (MFP)-based enterprises, the role and responsibilities of the Gram Sabha Federation, the process of preparing proposals for revolving funds, and ensuring transparency in operations. Participants were also guided on the scientific methods of bamboo cultivation, management, and harvesting, as well as on community forest management practices and strengthening Gram Sabhas by building their capacities in sustainable harvesting, value addition, and marketing of forest produce. The participating Gram Sabha representatives actively engaged in group discussions, experience sharing, and action plan preparation activities, which encouraged practical learning and collective participation. As a result of the workshop, Gram Sabhas gained greater clarity and confidence in promoting Minor Forest Produce–based enterprises, financial management, community forest management, and collective decision-making processes. Meanwhile, the State Government has recently taken two important policy decisions to strengthen Gram Sabhas. These include empowering Gram Sabhas to effectively implement the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and granting Gram Sabhas the authority to issue Transportation Permits (TP) for Minor Forest Produce. These decisions will significantly strengthen the role of Gram Sabhas in managing forest resources and promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Mr. Dilip Gode has played a very significant role in continuously following up on the process of these government decisions and facilitating their implementation at the government level. In recognition of his dedicated efforts in strengthening Gram Sabhas and promoting community-based forest management, he was felicitated by the Gram Sabha Federation with a shawl and a Shriphal.

Programs  This program was organized for PHF team to review & analyse progress in implementation of projects they have funded for livelihood development of tribal & Forest Dwelling Communities in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. Projects were implemented by Vidarbha Nature Conservation Society. The program started at 12.00 PM and ended at 06:3OPM on 20th of February 2024.   Paulzola visit.   Step 1 Welcome : The session was started with Welcome of Members of Governing Board of Paul Hamlyn Foundation UK  (PHF) by Women Leadership of Gram sabha paulzola. In a very traditional way by cleaning their feet, tilak , Gifting them traditional Gamchha & Gandhi cap to all members of PHF & Trustees of VNCS.     Step 2 : Meeting with Gram sabha & CFRMC : Afterwards both the teams of VNCS & PHF lead to the vanue of the meeting. Where Members of Governing Board of PHF had a long discussion with Gram Sabhas Wemens, youth, & elder’s of the village on Work Of VNCS with Gram Sabha, how VNCS helped tribals in claiming their right over the natural resources & Community Forest Area also had discussion on Women Empowerment, Nature Conservation and sustainable development.  Where Mr. Samsai Hidko, gram sabha adhyaksh of Paulzola . spoke about their struggle for CFR & hurdles that came to their way during the whole process. Where gram saabha standed  firmly together and claimed their ownership on community forest area & lake. Mr. Hidko also described how they are using the CFR area for natural regenratoin & lake for fishing. Where VNCS has helped them to form a  hatchery for reducing their expenses on fish seeds.  After a long discussion PHF team went to the lakeside to see fishing demonstration. Pic; Discussion with Gramsabha Paulzola Step 3 : Fishing Demonstration. Soon after discussion with Villagers PHF team went to nearby Lake to see how Gram sabha is taking care of Lake they got from CFR after year of struggle with Government authority. where Gram sabha, Fisheries group members gave them a Demonstration of fishing & how they are using CFR area as a income source & for betterment of the Village community. After all the Discussion & Fisheries Demonstion paulzola PHF team headed Towards sayyam ji house for lunch at 2.00 Pm   Pic; Demonstration of Fishing by fishery group of GS, Paulzola. Step 3 : Lunch at Paulzola. All the members of VNCS team & PHF had lunch at the house of Mr. Samsai Hidko adhyaksh of gramsabha Paulzola. After the lunch all the members of both team made their way to Dhamditola. Dhamditola Visit.  Step 1 : Grand Welcome at Dhamditola Dhamditola Visit started with a grand welcome to the PHF team with Drums and traditional tribal Dance where wemen involved female members of PHF in dance with them followed by a traditional dance showing tribal lifestyle with people’s wearing Costume of Tiger, Bear, Langoor and a forest guard.   Step 2 : Meeting & Discussion at Dhamditola. After the Tilak & welcome of PHF team headed towards Stage, where in Pandal all the members of gramsabha federation from Armori & Deori block were present. Program at Dhamditola started with a welcome adress by Project Officer Mr. Lalit Bhandarkar, followed by speech of Mr. Narayan Sachiv of group of gram sabha, Deori Block & Anita Salame, Women leader & sachiv of Gram sabha Ganeshpur, Gadchiroli . Where they talked about progress of gram sabha after getting CFR in 2012. Benefits of Lake deepening and increase in the level of groundwater by joint efforts of gramsabha & VNCS for progress of Marginal tribal community. The speeches was stopped in middle by Mr. Sachin Sachdeva sir,(Member Of PHF team) to have Discussion with sitting members of gramsabha federation form Gondia & Gadchiroli Districts. Where all the members of Governing Board of PHF & Trustees of VNCS had a long discussion with random gramsabha federation members on their problems, benefits the had by the help & support of VNCS, How they will Protect Jungle and the Ecosystem, what challenges they have in mind while Working for protection of Jal, Jungle Jameen (Land , Forest & water) How will they deal with bigger players like big companies & factory owners if they came to cut the jungle. & On increasing participation of women’s , youth & developing Women’s leadership on village level. The Governing Board Members of PHF had 2 hours long discussion with all the gram sabha federation member. Understanding their stand on nature conservation, regeneration & Human wildlife Conflict. Vote Of Thanks to all Participants of the Event by Mr. Lalit Bhandarkar, PO VNCS.   Step 3 : Site visits After a long discussion PHF team headed towards community forest areas to see the work on nature regeneration & Bamboo Plantation. Where Gramsabha explained them how they Took care of community forest area where Forest department had planted Bamboos & gramsabha hired a member for protection of 25 Ha. Land area. Which is now densely covered by Bamboo Plantation. Furthermore they visited to see natural regeneration work where Gramsabha has grown a jungle in 20 Ha. Of land area. By plantation and protected the plantation. PHF Governing Board Members Questioned Gram sabha members of Dhamditola on their work how they protected community forest area & what are the future plans they have in mind for natural regeneration and Increase Biodiversity in the Community Forest Area.   Day 2 : Roundtable Meeting On the 2nd day of the event a meeting was held at Roop resort to have a detailed discussion between all the members of VNCS & Members of Governing board of Paul Hamlyn Foundation. The 2 hours long Discusion was started at 9:00Pm and ended at 11:00Pm on 21st of Feb. 2024. Where All members had a discusiion on the future plans of VNCS and how they are going to achive desired result in Strengthening community, creating more Wemen leaders in the designated blocks and involvement of youth at

Involved in rehabilitation and resettlement of Land affectees due to the creation of National Park under Wildlife (Protection Act) in Pench National Park (Nagpur Dist.), Nawegaon National Park (Gondia Dist.), Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (Chandrapur) and Melghat Tiger Reserve (Amravati).

Networking of NGOs and Village forest Protection Communities in Maharashtra involved in environment and Joint Forest Management

VNCS implemented a project in collaboration with the State Government of Maharashtra for village Walani in Nagpur district. An extensive work of watershed area development, soil conservation, tree plantation, roads, community health/education, sanitation and sustainable agricultural development was undertaken.

This project involved working with 2000 villagers in 5 villages around biodiversity rich Nawegaon National Park in Gondia district of Maharashtra. The work comprised capacity building of community members in biodiversity conservation and related livelihoods.

VNCS is working with 15000 people in 150 villages in 10 CD blocks of Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Gondia, Bhandara & Nagpur Dist. on promotion of participatory natural resource conservation, forest and land based sustainable livelihoods to bring reduction in poverty.