BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 25th January 2026: In a landmark step towards participatory forest governance and biodiversity protection, Tripura’s first Community-Based Forest Conservation Area (CBCA) will be set up at Vangmun village under the IGDC CREFLAT Project.
The Vangmun community has voluntarily dedicated 60 hectares of forest land for conservation, with a proposal to include an additional 200 hectares of undisturbed forest. The area, rich in bird and plant diversity, is expected to serve as a biodiversity hotspot and promote forest-based ecotourism. A CBCA Management Committee has been formed to oversee protection, planning, and sustainable use of resources.
A Mid-Term Review (MTR) team comprising international and national experts, including Mr. Steffen Schuelein (Germany), Ms. Monica Bosco (New Delhi), and IGDC CREFLAT Project Director S. Prabhu, visited the site and lauded the initiative. The team congratulated villagers for becoming the state’s first CBCA management committee.
As part of the field visit, the team also interacted with villagers at Juri RF Village Committee under Dasda Forest Range on January 24. Discussions focused on project interventions such as Entry Point Activities (EPA), soil and water conservation, livelihood support, and climate resilience.
Villagers reported that over 10 check dams built in the first phase have reduced runoff, improved soil moisture, and minimized flood impacts, though they sought regular maintenance. EPA support has also provided two market sheds and three waiting sheds, which women vendors said have improved income security and dignity by offering safe spaces to sell forest produce.
Community members highlighted rising water scarcity, excessive summer heat, and declining groundwater as major climate challenges affecting agriculture. Pineapple was noted as relatively resilient compared to other crops. Villagers attributed forest degradation to population growth and rubber cultivation, urging restoration and plantation support for species such as Yongchak, Amlaki, Mahogany, and Arjun.
Self-help groups (SHGs) shared livelihood activities ranging from cloth trading and piggery to candle-making, while others stressed the need for road connectivity. Candle products, priced at ₹60 with a net profit of ₹20, were cited as promising income sources. Fishery activities supported through IGDC loans were also reviewed, with emphasis on prioritizing vulnerable households and strengthening solidarity mechanisms.
Villagers requested facilities including a sacred grove, children’s playground, proper land demarcation, and signage for Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) activities. The MTR team advised performance-based planning and suggested exploring an overhead water tank to address drinking water shortages.
The visit reaffirmed the IGDC CREFLAT Project’s commitment to community empowerment, biodiversity conservation, climate-resilient livelihoods, and participatory forest governance, recognizing the vital role of local communities in ecological restoration and climate action.
