- Commonland Foundation is working on a pilot project in two Baiga-populated gram panchayats
- Detailed discussions held on issues related to environmental protection and livelihood of tribals
Raipur (thestates.news) | A delegation led by Mr. William Farwerda, Chief Executive Officer of Commonland Foundation, a global organization of the Netherlands, working for the betterment of the environment and the livelihood of tribals, paid courtesy call on Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel at his residence office today. Commonland Foundation has selected two Baiga-dominated gram panchayats Dholbajja and Shambhupipar of Bodla development block of Kabeerdham district of Chhattisgarh as pilot project. Under this project, the organization is working with the tribal people for their traditional knowledge, convergence of various schemes and using modern technology for environment conservation and development of means of livelihood of the tribal community.
Chief Minister Mr. Baghel had a detailed discussion with Mr. William about the schemes related to environment conservation, mitigating the ill-effects of climate change and regarding the livelihood of tribal community in the state. During the discussion, Chief Minister Mr. Baghel informed him about Narva, Garva, Ghurua, Bari program, Godhan Nyay Yojana and Chief Minister’s Tree Plantation Promotion Scheme being run under Suraji Gaon Yojana in the state. Chief Minister said that these schemes have created employment for local people and have also proven to be beneficial for the environment.
In order to provide profitable means of livelihood to the tribal community, Chief Minister suggested promoting commercial production of climate-friendly fruits and starting their processing in the Gram Panchayats selected by Commonland Foundation. He said that different gardens should be developed for different fruits suited to the local climate and simultaneously arrangements should be made for processing of these fruits. Besides, nursery of fruit plants should also be developed nearby, as the fruits grown here will not only improve the nutritional status of the tribals, but will also provide a good source of income from the sale of fruits and processed fruit products. On this occasion, Mr. Lawrence, Director of Commonland Foundation, Ms. Harma, Mr. Sushil of Delhi, Mr. Aditya, Ms Manjeet Kaur Bal of Foundation for Ecological Security and Ms Shubhangi from Samarth Sanstha were present
