The Haryana Community Forestry Project, with the financial assistance of the European Community started its first project year 1 April 1999 and will be implemented through June 30, 2008 – the end date for implementation of the EU commitment. The project is being implemented in over 338 villages of 37 rural Community Development Blocks in 11 districts, targeting an estimated population of 650,000. The total cost of the project is estimated at Euro 30.1 million (Rs.150 crores). The financial commitment of the Government of Haryana is about 25% to meet the staff cost and the remaining 75% comes as grant from EU for building the capacities of rural communities to improve the natural environment and maintain land fertility through sustainable management of natural resources undertaken in a participatory manner.
The project targets tree plantation of 27,380 ha. under six different plantation model; Village Woodlots, Sand Dune Fixation, Tree Groves, Multi-Species Farm Forestry, Poplar Plantation and Kitchen Gardens. 32,732. ha have been planted under these models.

Each selected village with at least 10 ha of Village Woodlot planted has a Chetna Kendra to be used as a training centre and for discussions of the village community. Self-employment income generation activities are promoted through Self-Help Groups; till date 180 groups have been formed in 101 villages. Most of the income earned comes from vermi-composting and organic farming, involving 179 groups. Energy efficient technologies have been introduced in 158 (Improved Chulha) and in 7 (Improved crematoria.) participating villages.

Click here to see head wise, Expenditure up to 3oth June 2007 ( Total Exp. up to June 2007 is Rs. 118,71,71,770.38)

17 earthen water harvesting dams have been constructed, 2 more are being constructed. The dams allow increased yields through year-round irrigation, with fast and very visible benefits. Derelict Johads (Pond) have been rehabilitated in 13 villages.

Benefit of water harvesting dam

Income Generating Activities for empowerment of women and disadvantaged groups

In order to involve local communities in decision making, participatory assessment and micro-planning was jointly undertaken in 338 villages. Village Resource Management Committees (VRMCs) have been constituted and trained in all these villages. Local educated youth to act as Link Workers between the communities and the project were selected. 333 entry point activities, most of them dealing with water supply and distribution of utensils for community use, have been implemented.
To prepare the staff and village communities for the new challenge, 23 guidelines/manuals have been prepared.
24 studies have been carried out; Aavailability of Common Land , Growth of Poplar, Eucalyptus and Ailanthus & Marketing of Timber from these three species, Energy Consumption/Technologies in villages, Study on Environment, Agro-forestry, Evaluation of Dam, Study on Johad and Common Land User, Impact of Trainings, Performance of Self-Help Groups, VRMC Capability Assessment, Village Benefit Study etc.
An integrated planning and monitoring system has been set up for planning and management control.
For improvement of the planting stock, ten mist chambers have been constructed.

Benefits From Common Land Plantation

Employment Generated by the Project

Village resource and project plantation maps

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Last Updated on:  July, 17th 2007