Development under Wasteland Environment – An Approach for Sustainable Livelihood in Jangal Mahal

Abstract

The In Jangal Mahal area of West Bengal, the existing vast stretch of undulating drought prone Acid Lateritic Wasteland, confined mostly to the districts of Paschim Medinipur, Purulia and Bankura happens to be the result of continuous process of deforestation followed by severe erosional hazards over years. A sizable fraction of this wasteland has however the potential of raising a good number of agro-horticultural crops, as evident from some of the standing orchards located in some spots of these districts. In spite of development endeavors, irrespective of Govt. and NGOs, over past five decades, there has not been any significant change in the status of these Wastelands

In spite of the above constraints, the wasteland tracts of Jangal Mahal have tremendous potential for development of natural resources like wasteland, forest, water, animal resources etc. It is expected that given opportunities of wasteland development along with skill formation among the participant villagers and transfer of appropriate technologies, these wastelands can sustain the majority of dependent households with necessary work and earning opportunities.