Agartala, 18th July 2026 :The Indo-German Development Cooperation (IGDC)–Climate Resilience of Forest Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Adaptive Capacities of Forest-Dependent Communities in Tripura (CREFLAT) Project, implemented by the Forest Department, Government of Tripura, organised a major programme at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan, Agartala, on Friday to distribute financial assistance to community institutions, driving licences to trained youth and recognise outstanding performers under the project.
Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma, who attended the programme as the chief guest, distributed Seed Money to 180 Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Revolving Fund Assistance to 180 Common Interest Groups (CIGs) and Joint Liability Groups (JLGs). A total of 360 community groups received financial assistance amounting to Rs 3.60 crore to strengthen sustainable livelihood activities in agriculture, horticulture, livestock, fisheries, bamboo, non-timber forest produce (NTFP) value addition, food processing, handloom, handicrafts and other locally suitable enterprises.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said the initiative would help improve the socio-economic condition of forest-dependent communities while promoting greater public participation in forest conservation. He urged SHGs and village institutions to actively participate in plantation programmes, protection of forest resources and sustainable management of natural assets. Stressing the importance of youth development, he also encouraged the promotion of sports such as football and cricket in forest villages.
As part of the project’s skill development initiative, the Minister distributed driving licences to 38 trainees who successfully completed the second batch of the Driving Training Programme and formally launched the third batch comprising 40 trainees, being implemented in collaboration with the Tripura Transport Department at the Institute of Driving Training and Research (IDTR), Jirania.
Earlier, S. Prabhu, IFS, CEO and Project Director of the IGDC CREFLAT Project, highlighted the project’s achievements in promoting climate-resilient livelihoods and strengthening community institutions. R. K. Shamal, IFS, Principal Secretary (Forests), PCCF and HoFF, emphasised that the project effectively combines forest conservation with livelihood development through agroforestry, fisheries, goat rearing, skill development and other income-generating activities.
The programme also honoured the best-performing Village Community Workers, Technical Assistants, SHGs, CIGs/JLGs, VDPIC Presidents, JFMC Presidents and Foresters for their exemplary contributions to community mobilisation and livelihood promotion. Cultural performances and a documentary showcasing the project’s achievements added colour to the event, which concluded with a vote of thanks by Kush Roy, IFS, Additional Chief Executive Officer and Project Director, followed by the National Anthem.
