Abstract
In 1985, Ecological Society had conducted a detailed ecological and socio-economic survey of the Panshet dam catchment region near Pune. In 2014, thanks to a grant from Global Forest Watch, a detailed ecological survey was repeated for the region. A dipstick study was also conducted across six villages to assess the current socio-economic aspects and man-nature relationship in the region. Data on population, households, occupations, income, land use, agricultural practices, cattle, vegetation, forest resources, schools and other amenities, and social bonds was collected. These findings were compared with the 1985 study to assess ongoing changes in the catchment. We found that the process of degradation of forests has continued. As a result, the worsening of human-nature relationship has also continued. Decline in agriculture, lack of profits in ancillary occupations, migration out of the catchment, and land acquisition by urban property owners and developers, complicate the region’s socioeconomic picture. Many of the 1985 study recommendations, if implemented with good governance, had the potential to nurture a sustainable, natural resource-centric economy in the region, however this did not happen. Going forward, a landscape ecological approach, managed by a quasi-government Catchment Authority, is suggested. The report makes recommendations for new implementation vehicles, such as a Model Eco-Sensitive Zone Initiative, a Landowner-Conservators’ Collective, an Incubator for Sustainable Local Economy, and a Reverse Migration Program.
Highlights
Socio-economic studies from an ecological standpoint are designed to collect data to inter-relate status of ecosystems, land use, natural resources, vegetation, and biodiversity with human needs and actions
According to our 2014 ecological and land use survey, 1571 acres is under paddy cultivation while 158 acre is under shifting cultivation of nachani, varai or teel
Nature conservation and restoration programs should be conceived and executed by this authority. Such a Catchment Authority should be an independent authority funded by the state government, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, and from tax collections from locals, urban land owners, and tourists
Summary
Socio-economic studies from an ecological standpoint are designed to collect data to inter-relate status of ecosystems, land use, natural resources, vegetation, and biodiversity with human needs and actions. Such studies often include multiple objectives like assessment of : 1. This data, coupled with discussions with other practitioners frequently visiting this area, forms the basis of our findings The author considered it important to compare the current data with that of the 1985 study for the following reasons : The 30 year period would allow an assessment of long-term socio-ecological changes or patterns in the region. The chart below shows the relative location of the Panshet catchment w.r.t the state of Maharashtra
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