Ecology and Livelihood Restoration by Gonds Sets an Example for District Climate Action Plans

In Panna's Jhalarkhamariya, Gond Adivasi families relocated from the Tiger Reserve are taking the next step in restoring the rocky, fallow land they received as compensation. Dhaatri's Dare to Trust programme had helped the Gond families last year in digging up an irrigation tank to start farming for the first time with their first crop.

This year they have made a wider tank to irrigate 10 more acres so that two crops will give them food security and stop distress migration. The community calls the tank their lifeline for their crops and animals, especially in this scorching summer heat.

We hope that the district administration can support the Gonds of Panna in restoring ecosystems and livelihoods through employment guarantee and DMF funds. The community hopes their habitat plans are incorporated into the District Climate Action Plans for climate resilience.