Tripura Launches Rs 12.90 Crore Forest Livelihood Project
Ambassa (Tripura) Jan 17: The IGDC CREFLAT (Climate Resilience & Forest Landscape Enhancement in Tripura) project has opened new avenues for the livelihood of forest-dependent communities in Dhalai and North Tripura.
At a special programme held at Ambassa Town Hall at 12 noon on Saturday, seed capital and revolving funds were distributed to self-help groups and various agriculture- and small trade–based groups.
At the same time, 43 two-wheelers were handed over to field-level forest department staff to enhance their operational efficiency.
Implemented under Indo–German Development Cooperation, the project is currently being carried out by the Tripura Forest Department in a total of 129 villages across Dhalai and North Tripura districts.
With a total outlay of Rs 12.90 crore, the project aims to integrate forest conservation, biodiversity protection and the socio-economic development of forest-dependent people.
During the programme, seed money and revolving funds were distributed among members of SHGs (Self Help Groups), CIGs (Commodity Interest Groups) and JLGs (Joint Liability Groups).
This financial support is expected to promote small businesses, agricultural initiatives, animal husbandry and value addition to forest produce, thereby creating sustainable income opportunities for people living in remote and hilly areas.
The programme was formally inaugurated by Tripura Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma. Among those present were Dhalai Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Sushmita Das, PCCF R.K. Shamal, IFS, IGDC Project Director S. Prabhu, IFS, Ambassa Municipal Chairperson Pratima Malakar, Ambassa Block Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Himani Debbarma, along with other forest department officials.
In his inaugural address, Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma said that the bond between forests and people is inseparable and that forest protection is not possible without involving local communities.
He stressed that the core objective of the project is to advance livelihood development and environmental protection together to meet the challenges of climate change. He added that through the IGDC CREFLAT project, an integrated development model is being created in Tripura by linking forest conservation, livelihood enhancement and climate resilience.
During his address, the minister also announced the development of a new eco-park for Ambassa, stating that funds for the project have already been sanctioned.
As another significant step, 43 motorcycles were handed over to 43 range officers of Dhalai and North Tripura districts. The vehicles are expected to help officials reach remote hilly areas quickly, maintain direct contact with group members, monitor project activities and strengthen forest protection measures.
Saturday’s programme was marked as an important milestone in this ongoing journey. Experts believe that the implementation of the project will lead to increased employment opportunities, reduced dependence on forests and stronger public participation in environmental conservation in Dhalai and North Tripura in the coming days.
The programme was presided over by Ambassa Block BAC Chairman Parimal Debbarma.