Role & Function :


Meghalaya, a hilly state with the diverse agro-climatic ecological conditions Characterized by high rainfall and endowed with potentially rich natural resources, is at present under intense pressure and threat due to the depletion of the three basic resources of life supporting system, that is, land, water and vegetation induced by natural and human and livestock, over exploitation of natural resources, ill/inadequate land management practices etc, which are further deterioration of the ecosystem leading to an increase in the incidence of flash floods, sedimentation of streambeds and water reservoirs, land degradation, emergence of wasteland and eventually the aggravation of poverty and socio-economic fragility. In view of emerging policies, there was a felt need to bring about convergence, networking and harmonization through the adoption of compatible soil and water conservation practices to improve the productivity of natural resources in a sustained manner.

 


Mandate :

Natural resources management, in particular, the soil, water and vegetation resources in the context of perpetual utilization and sustainable development of the said resources to improve and sustain livelihood system and to aid in income earning activities of the user-communities.


Pre – requisites :


In this natural resources management endeavor, it is important for the local partners in development, that is, the local institutions, community, stakeholders, users to unreservedly, voluntarily and actively participates in the different phases-explanatory, planning phases and upward. Secondly, it is also equally required for other development departments to willingly practice for ensuring convergence to bring about holistic and realistic development of the people. Lastly, the importance of Public-Private-Partnership in up-scaling the natural resources management programmes require no emphasis.

 


Role and Function :


To ensure that the service-deliveries promote and meet the afore-cited aim and objectives, a mechanism to take forward the system is required. They are underlined as follows:

Formulation of Land Use and Action Plan on a participatory mode; adoption of appropriate Soil & Water Conservation technique and measures preferable on a watershed basis, which is increasingly recognized as an ideal approach of the Integrated Natural Resources Management Programme. Strengthening the information, Education, Communication Systems, Capacity Building and Demonstration. Application of Science and technology and research and development inputs. Awareness campaign, mobilization and organization of the community, empowerment, building their capacity, upgradation of local skills. Promotion and encouragement of Self Help institutions and other promoting intuitions. Designing mechanism to monitor and evaluate socio – techno – economic impacts and results.



Organisational Setup :



The Government of Meghalaya through the Department of Soil and Water Conservation has initiated a programme through the Eco Restoration to improve the ecology and environment of Sohra and its adjoining villages which encompasses a total of 45 villages.

 


Aims : 

 

Promote sustainable utilization of Soil, Water, Vegetation resources sustainable food support and water needs promote social, economic and ecological development.

 

Objectives :


Dissipating accelerated soil erosion, surface runoff and erosion of top soil. Enhancing water holding capacity of the soil. Improving soil moisture regime within the soil profile/monolith. Promoting soil health and tilth.. Providing soil cover with the forest trees/fruit trees/plantation crops, etc. Protection stream/river bank erosion and denudation of cultivable/cultivated land. Protecting drainage area of water sources. Harvesting rainwater of multipurpose utilities. Establishing micro-irrigation facilities. Enhancing agricultural crop productivity promoting integrated farming system. Promoting livelihood and gainful employment opportunities. Ameliorate the ecology and environment of Sohra Plateau. Restore Degraded Lands. Strengthen village level institutions or NRM minimize human activities detrimental to the environment create avenues for sustainable livelihood.


List of Officer Incharge with Designation :

 

Sl.
No.

Name of Officers Incharge

Designation

Phone No.

1

2

3

4

1

Shri. H. S. Kharpran

Project Manager

9863062546

2.

K.SYNREM

Range Officer

9856070964

3.

B.SYIEM

Range Officer

9856919670

4.

R. WANKHAR

Soil And Water Conservation Demonstrator (Sr) Sohra

9856700323

5.

S.S.KHARSATI

Soil And Water Conservation Demonstrator (Sr) Sohra

9402135767

6.

S. J. KHARLOR

Soil And Water Conservation Demonstrator (Sr) Sohra

9862891314

7.

A.B.KHARKONGOR

Soil And Water Conservation Demonstrator (Sr) Sohra

9863025209

 

 

List of villages with office in-charge :

 

 

Sl.
No.

Name of villages

Name of Officers Incharge

Designation

1

2

3

4

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Saitsohpen
Kutmadan
Laitkynsew
Tyrna
Nongriat

K.SYNREM

Range Officer

6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

Nongsawlia
Pomsohmen
Mawmluh
Mawkisyiem
Maraikaphon
Nongrim
Pdengshnong

13.
14.
15.
16.
17

Sohrarim
Mawmihthied
Laitryngew
Mawlyndiar
Laitmawsiang

18.

Khliehshnong/Dainthlen

19.
20.

Dewlieh
Nongtraw

21.
22.
23.

Mawsmai-Nongthymmai Elaka
Mawblang

24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31

Mawbeh
Pyrda
Mawstep
Steplakrai
Laitsohma
Kukon
Jathang
Rngi-Diengsai

B.SYIEM

Range Officer

32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.

Mawbri
Mawkma
Rngi-Mawsaw
Laitlyndop
Ladmawphlang
Umdiengpoh
Dympep
Mawkdok
Wahstew
Mawkalang
Laitsohpliah
Laitduh
Wahkaliar
Mawsahew

R. WANKHAR

Soil And Water Conservation Demonstrator (Sr) Sohra

 

 

 

Physical and Financial Achievements under Cherrapunjee Ecological Project Restoration of Degraded Lands under Sohra Plateau, Sohra, During 2010-2011 to 2012-13 :

 

 


Sl.
No.

Particulars items and activities

Comulative Achievement 2010-2011 to 2012-13

Remarks

1

2

3

4

A.

Management Component:

 

 

2194 members of village community attended

 

270 of BEEs attended

 

3285 nos. of people trained

 

1532 nos. of students participated

1647 students participated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total nos of fruit trees distributed
= 1,05,460 nos

 

   436.00 ha
treated under    
Arable land

 

  • Awareness campaign for villages in clusters

30 clusters

 

  • Foundation course for the BEEs

4 nos

 

  • Sustainable livelihood activities for SHGs,  Women groups, Youth clubs/societies, members of village community etc other training  on Bokashi, Apiculture, Handicraft, Handbag Making, Piggery rearing, Pisiculture development Book Keeping for SHGs, Improved Chullah , Briquetting Materials  Tourist Handling  Skills etc

 

12 nos

 

  • Environment Awareness programmes for schools

11 nos

 

  • Exposure visit for the schools

32 nos

 

  • Orientation & Capacity Building/Workshops

 for Departmental Officers, Field functionaries

6 nos

 

  • Revolving fund for SHGs

10 nos

 

Establishment of Project office
Salary ( on contractual basis)

Accountant, Data Entry Operator , Office Peon cum Chowkidar , Honorium for the BEEs , Travelling allowances of officers & staff, Office Expenses, Hiring of office building, Advertising & Publicity
Others charges

 

 

Total of A. Management Component

 

B

Works Component-Soil & Water Conservation & Livelihood Activities

 

I

Arable Land Treatment ( Eco Restoration Works)

 

i.Agro Horticulture - a.citrus
Orange, (Khasi Mandarin), Valencia, A.Lemon

110 ha (c)/
55000 nos
80 ha (m)
50 ha (m)

 

b.Temperate fruits
plum, peach, pear, lagoon etc.,

135 ha (c)/ 45090 nos
85ha  (m)
35 ha (m)

 

c.Sub tropical improved variety fruits mango (amrapali), Pomegranate, Litchi for lower altitude villages

30 ha (c) /5370 nos
20 ha (m)
10 ha (m)

 

ii.Peripheral bunding with vegetative support

38514 Rm/96.0 ha

 

iii.Loose boulder bunds

6955.38 Rm/ 18.0 ha

 

iv. Bench Terracing

47.5 ha

 

Sub Total of I:

 

Sl.
No.

Particulars items and activities

Commulative Achievement 2010-2011 to 2012-13

Remarks

 

 

Physical

 

1

2

3

5

II

Non-Arable Land Treatment (Eco-Restoration Works)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Area treated under Non Arable land 1189 ha
and area to be treated is 750 ha
Nos of saplings planted =21,55,000 nos
Total area treated so far both under Arable and Non-Arable land
= 1625 ha

 

i.Establishment of nurseries

 

 

a.Raising of polybags seedlings with indigenous species

24,52,250 nos

 

b.Raising of Polybag seedlings of small trees and shrubs by cuttings for stream bank plantation

1119000 nos

 

c.Construction of Camp Huts

15 units

 

d. Construction of Water Tanks with Pipe connection, etc.

5 units

 

ii.Afforestation:
1st year-Preliminary Works for accumulation of top soil in pits during the first season, i.e. alignment, staking, pit digging & making box terraces ( Planting, Fencing & other works to be included in 2nd year)

 

 

a.Block Afforestation

1675 ha/  2177500 nos

975 ha

375 ha (m)

 

b.Expansion of existing Sacred Groves

100 ha/ 130000 nos

75 ha (m)

50 ha (m)

 

iii.Stream Bank Strip Plantation 10m width on both sides at 1m spacing

104 ha/ 1040000 nos
79.0 ha
54 ha (m)

 

Maintenance of fireline @ 3000/ha

1050 ha

 

iv.Pasture Development 1st year works including planting

60 ha
60 ha (m)

 

Sub-Total of II

 

III

Drainage Line Treatment

 

 

a.Water Harvesting Structures (RCC/CC etc)

400 units

 

b.Silt Retention/Check Dams (Dry Stone Masonry/Boulder sausage)

470 nos

 

c.Drinking well/Spring tap chambers

153 units

 

d.Erosion control structured (Protection Wall/Retaining Wall)

110 nos

 

e.Rain Water Harvesting Tank – RCC tanks for supply of pure drinking water including cost of filtering system, pipelines,
distribution tanks etc.

7 units

 

Sub-Total of III

 

Sl.
No.

Particulars items and activities

Commulative Achievement 2010-2011 to 2012-13

Remarks

 

 

Physical

 

1

2

3

5

IV

Livelihood

 

 

 

 

 

 

i.Kitchen Gardening including compost pit, etc.

18048 units

 

ii.Replacement of Goats by taking up other activities e.g., piggery, poultry etc.,

724 units

 

iii.piggery

450 units

 

iv.Apiculture

55 units

 

v.Basket making, handicraft

55 units

 

vi.Fisheries including supply of fingerlings Viz, Common carp, Grass carp, Silver carp, Rohu, Kotla, Mirga etc.,

382 units

 

vii.Promotion of Indigenous Medical Practitioners

10 units

 

viii.Improvement of existing tourism based micro-enterprise

20 units

 

ix.Improved chulha

2821 units

 

x.Improved fuel material and briquetting

60 units

 

Subtotal of IV

 

V.

Development of infrastructure for promotion of tourism based activities

 

 

a.Improvement of existing places of trourist spots as per plan and estimates

4 units

 

b.Tourist hub/centre one each at Dympep and Arwah

4 units

 

c.Pavement of tourist trekking paths with indigenous chipped blocks

8323.5 Rm

 

d.Providing railings for paths at vulnerable overhanging cliff areas

1750 Rm

 

Sub-Total of V

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Schemes implemented :



A) Arable Land :

  1. Bench Terracing – 20-33% slope
  2. Agro-Horticulture
    1. Citrus-orange, lemons.
    2. Temperate Fruits-Pears, Plums, Peaches, other local species.
    3. Sub-tropical improved variety fruits like Mango (Amrapali), Pomegranate, Litchi, Bananas, etc for lower altitude villages. Loose Boulder Bunds-for erosion control and reduced surface run-off.

B) Non Arable Land :


    i. Establishment of Nurseries

    1. Raising of poly-bag seedlings with indigenous species
    2. Raising of poly-bag seedlings of small trees and shrubs by cuttings for Stream Bank Plantation
    3. Construction of Camp Huts (6 nos)
    4. Construction of Water Tanks with pipe connection and miscellaneous equipments (for 6 Nurseries).

    ii. Afforestation 1st year preliminary works for accumulation of top soil in pits during the first season, i,e. Alignment, staking, pit digging and making box terraces (Planting, Fencing and other works to be included in 2nd year).

    1. Block Afforestation
    2. Expansion of existing Sacred Groves/village Protected Forest

    iii. Stream Bank Strip Plantation 10m width on both banks i.e 20ml total width at 1m spacing

    iv.Pasture Development 1st year works including planting only for 5 villages having high livestock population.

    v. To safeguard the saplings to be planted against browsing by goats, goat rearing families have agreed to replace goats with other activities like piggery, poultry bee keeping, tailoring etc., so as to ensure the rejuvenating of forest.



C) Drainage Line :

  1. Water Harvesting Structures (RCC/CC/CC Core wall).
  2. Silt Retention/Check Dams (Dry Stone Masonry/Boulder Sausage) in every stream bed and depressions with intensity intervals according to slope.
  3. Drinking Wells/Spring Tap Chambers
  4. Erosion Control Structures (Protection Walls/Retaining Walls).
  5. Rain Water Harvesting for domestic use

D) Livelihood :


    i.Kitchen Gardening including Compost Pits, cost of vegetable seeds etc., (for 1st, 2nd and 3rd year).
    ii. Infrastructure for Tourism Development:-

    1. Improvement of existing places of tourist interest (view point with solar lighting, foot path, railings, stalls, toilet, facilities, etc., for 1st year only).
    2. Tourist Hub/Centre (Complete with information centre, souvenir shops, parking facility, solar lighting, restaurant/dhaba etc) one each at Laitryngew and Dympep to be run by the Societies under the supervision of the village durbars, (for 1st Year only).
    3. Pavement of tourist trekking paths to sites of interest with indigenous chipped blocks (for 1st Year and 2nd Year).
    4. Providing railing for paths to areas of tourist interest with indigenous overhanging cliff areas (for 1st Year only).

    iii.Piggery (for 1st year only).
    iv.Apiculture (for 1st year only).
    v. Basket making, handicrafts etc. (for 1st year only).Basket making, handicrafts etc. (for 1st year only).
    vi. Fisheries i.e, supply of fingerlings for Water Harvesting Units Developed (for 1st, 2nd and 3rd year).
    vii. Improvement of Existing Tourism Based Micro-Enterprise (for 1st Year only)
    viii. Revolving Fund for SHGs
    ix.Promotion of Indigenous Medicinal Practitioners (for 1st Year only)


Citizen Services :


  1. Awareness Campaign for villagers in clusters of 10 for 45 villages.
  2. Foundation course for selected Barefoot Environment Educators (BEEs)
  3. Orientation and capacity Building/Workshops for Departmental officers, Field Functionaries and members of Project Implementation Committee, etc.
  4. Sustainable Livelihood activities for SHGs/Women Groups/Youth Clubs/Societies/Farmers.
  5. Environment Awareness Programmes for schools including lectures, quiz, essay and one project level competition etc.

Implementation, Monitoring And Evaluation

 

Monitoring :

Monitoring of the Project well be carried out at various levels:

  1. State Level
  2. Project Level
  3. Village Level

The parameters for monitoring are:

  1. Physical
  2. Financial
  3. Social
  4. Documentation of works through video slides and videography (pre-project, ongoing and post project)

State Level :


A State Level Project Review Committee has been constituted which will be headed by the Hon’ble Minister i/c Soil and Water Conservation Department MLA Sohra Constituency, Addl. Chief Secretary i/c Soil and Water Conservation Department, Principal Secretary/Commissioner & Secretary Soil & Water Conservation Department, Secretary Soil & Water Conservation Department Meghalaya as members and Director Soil & Water Conservation, Meghalaya as Member Secretary. The committee will review the progress of the Project from time to time and also approve the annual project proposals.


The functions of the committee are:-


  1. To review the progress of the project from time to time and guide the Executive Committee as may be considered necessary.
  2. To approve Project proposals for the subsequent years.

An Executive Committee headed by the Additional Chief Secretary has also been constituted, Principal Secretary/Commissioner & Secretary Soil & Water Conservation Department Meghalaya, Secretary Soil & Water Conservation Department Meghalaya, Director Soil & Water Conservation, Meghalaya, Financial Adviser Soil & Water Conservation Department Meghalaya as members and Joint Director of Soil & Water Conservation (Hqr) as Member Secretary. The Committee shall monitor the progress of the project on a regular basis. The functions of the committee are:-


  1. To provide guidance to the Project implementation Committee (PIC)
  2. To ensure regular and quality monitoring of the project
  3. To constitute a panel of independent institutional Evaluators for the project and to ensure that quality evaluation takes place on a regular basis
  4. To approve the list of independent Institutions for providing Capacity Building and Training to various Stakeholders as proposed by the Project implementation Committee (PIC)
  5. To examine all proposals for implementation of the project and make necessary recommendations.
  6. To take measure for ensuring convergence of the project implementation process with related development activities of the departments and stakeholders.

Project Level :


At the Project Level a Project Implementation Committee (PIC) has been constituted, Director Soil & Water Conservation Department Meghalaya as Chairman, Nominee of the Deputy Commissioner East Khasi Hills, Sub-Divisional Officer (C) Sohra, Syiem of Hima Sohra, Sub- Divisional Officer Agriculture Sohra, Sub-Divisional Officer Horticulture Sohra, Sub-Divisional Officer Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Sohra, Block Development Officer Shella Bhologanj, Block Development Officer Khatarshnong Laitkroh, Divisional Forest Officer Sohra, Sub-Divisional Officer Public Health Engineering Sohra, Tourist Officer Shillong, Representative from MRDS, Nominee of the Director of Soil & Water Conservation as members and Project Manager as Member Secretary. The PIC shall monitor and ensure the smooth implementation of the project in the field. The functions of the Committee are as follows:-

  1. To supervise the smooth implementation of the various components of the project in the field
  2. To select a list of independent institutions for priority Capacity Building & Training to various Stakeholders.
  3. To arrange various Capacity Building & Training Programmes as well as Awareness Campaign in the Project Area.

Besides the PIC a Sub-Committee on Convergence under the Chairmanship of the SDO (Civil) Sohra has also been constituted so as to facilitate convergence of the Project with the programmes of the Basin Development Authority and Schemes from various Departments for other related activities like livelihood, tourism etc. which cannot be funded by the project. For the convergence of Scheme of the CEP and Schemes from other Departmental Projects as well as schemes of the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority, a Convergence Sub-Committee (CSC) was proposed and formed under the Chairmanship of SDO (Civil) and Assistant Project Manager of CEP as Member Secretary. The Project Manager of CEP and Sub-Divisional heads of different department like Agriculture, Horticulture, PHE, Tourism, AH&Vety, Forest, MRDS, C&RD, Syiem of Hima Sohra, Sordar Laitkynsew, Sirdars of Mawmluh, Mawsmai, Saitsohpen, etc as members.


This convergence sub-committee will recommend the schemes to be taken up under convergence concerning the following:-

  1. Tourism related activities
  2. Fishery Development in Water Harvesting Structure constructed under CEP.
  3. Livelihood/Micro Enterprises.
  4. Any others.


The Convergence sub-committee will also prepare concept papers on tourism projects and any other developmental projects to be funded via convergence. The Convergence sub-committee will also propose other terms of reference.

Documentation of works by still slides and videography will also be carried out at regular intervals so as to facilitate the monitoring of the progress of works and achievement under the Project at various stages. The Pre-Project scenario has already been started and documented block wise.


Village Level :


• At the village Level and Village Level Committees has been constituted in all the 45 villages falling under the project. The VLC shall look into the day to day implementation of the works in their respective villages.

• Social Audit in all of the 45 villages shall also be carried out as part of the monitoring of the Project




Photo Gallery :


NURSERY IN DIFFERENT PLACES

RAIDKTENG

LAITKYNSEW

SOHRARIM

BLOCK AFFORESTATION IN DIFFERENT PLANTATION SITE

MAWSMAI

LAITMAWSIANG
SOHRARIM

BENCH TERRACING

MAWBEH

MAWSTEP

DIENGSONG

LOOSE BOULDER BUNDS

MAWMIHTHIED
DIENGSONG
DIENGSONG

SILT RETENTION DAM

UMSTEW
NONGTRAW
UMSTEW

DAM AT LAITMAWSIANG

DAM UMSAW KHLIEHSHNONG

CHILDREN RECREATION PARK AT MAWKDOK

WATER HARVESTING STRUCTURE

SAITSOHPEN

MAWSMAI

SOHRARIM

CATCHMENT PROTECTION WORKS WATER HARVESTING STRUCTURE, LOOSE BOULDER DAM, AFFORESTATION ETC. AT WAHSHARI KHLIEHSHNONG

BATHROOM AT WAHSHARI

DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AT WAHSHARI

BATHING PLACE AT LAITRYNGEW

WATER TANK AT LAITRYNGEW

PROTECTION WALL AT WAHSTEW
SPRING TAP CHAMBER POMSOHMEN
SPRING TAP CHAMBER SOHRARIM
MULTIPURPOSE WATER CONSERVATON STRUCTURE AT PDENGSHNONG
WATER CONSERVATION CUM RECREATIONAL PARK AT MAWMLUH
CONSTRUCTION OF RAILING AT OVER HANGING CLIFF, AT MAWMLUH

TOURIST HUB AT DYMPEP

TOURIST HUB AT ARWAH LUM SHYNNA PDENGSHNONG SOHRA

TRAINING PROGRAMME ON BOOK KEEPING AND ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES CONDUCTED FOR DIFFERENT SELF HELP GROUP
AWARENESS PROGRAMMEFOR DIFFERENT CLUSTERS IN VILLAGES
EXPOSURE VISITS FOR DIFFERENT SCHOOLS
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS PROGRAMME FOR DIFFERENT SCHOOLS
TRAINING PROGRAMME ON HANDICRAFT
TRAINING PRORGRAMME ON HANDBAG MAKING
TRAINING PROGRAMME ON FOOD PROCESSING
TRAINING PROGRAMME ON PIGGERY AND PISICULTURE
TRAINING PROGRAMME ON IMPROVED CHULHA BY THE EXPERT OF SCSTE
TRAINING PROGRAMME ON BRIQUETTING MATERIALS BY THE EXPERT OF SCSTE
TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR BAREFOOT ENVIRONMENT EDUCATORS

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