Gandhinagar: The World Forest Day is celebrated on March 21 to raise awareness among citizens about the importance of trees and forests. This year, the theme for the day is ‘Forests and Food,’ highlighting the crucial role forests play in food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. On this occasion, let us talk about Dhaj village in Mandvi Taluka of Surat district, which is Gujarat’s first eco-village. Located in the remote forest area of the Mandvi North Range of the Surat Forest Department, this fully forest-dependent village is setting an example for other villages across the country by maintaining a balance between environmental conservation and development. Dhaj village was declared an eco-village in 2016, and now preparations are underway to develop Naghoi village in Olpad Taluka, Surat, as an eco-village in the coming days.

Dhaj village is located 70 km from Surat. Situated amidst dense forests, the village once lacked basic amenities. There were no paved roads or electricity, and villagers depended on forest produce for their livelihood. To promote environmental conservation and pollution control, the Gujarat Ecology Commission declared Dhaj an eco-village and provided fundamental facilities.

Deputy Forest Conservator Anandkumar stated that after Dhaj village was declared an eco-village in 2016, various facilities such as biogas, underground water storage, rainwater harvesting, and solar-powered streetlights were introduced for environmental conservation. Intensive efforts have been made to raise awareness among farmers about natural farming. Currently, the Gujarat Ecological Commission (GEC) has merged with the Forest Department. In the future, Naghoi village in Olpad Taluka will be developed as an eco-village.

The total working area of the Mandvi North Range is 10,000 hectares, covering 27 villages. The villagers earn their livelihood through farming and animal husbandry on the forest land allotted to them by the Forest Department. Dhaj village has been provided with various facilities, including solar-powered lights in homes, underground water tanks for rainwater storage, biogas units, a cremation ground, a mobile network tower, a dairy cooperative for women engaged in animal husbandry, and a classified solid waste unit. Under the guidance of the Forest Department, a Forest Welfare Committee has been formed, led by local youth and community leaders, to oversee forest conservation.

Dharmeshbhai Vasava, President of the Forest Committee, mentioned that mobile network connectivity was a significant issue in the past. However, with the joint efforts of the state government and the Forest Department, the installation of a mobile tower has facilitated seamless communication, healthcare, and education services.

Biogas Benefits: Freedom from Fumes

The introduction of biogas has brought a change in the life of Saruben Vasava, a resident of the village. She shared that she no longer has to cut firewood from the forest, and the biogas facility has relieved her from the smoke, which previously caused irritation and discomfort to her eyes. Cooking has now become much easier for her.

Government Schemes Benefiting Villagers

Farmer Dashrathbhai Vasava stated that the eco-village project has resulted in the establishment of a cremation ground in Dhaj village. A dairy cooperative was also established, supplying milk-producing animals to women, enabling them to earn a livelihood by selling milk. Additionally, villagers have benefited from various government schemes, including the PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana under Ration card system.

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Fulfills Dream of a Pucca House

Daily wage laborer Singhbhai Vasava expressed his happiness upon receiving financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, enabling him to fulfill his long-cherished dream of owning a permanent house. He recalled the hardships of living in a makeshift dwelling and the constant worry about providing a suitable environment for his children’s education and residence. With ₹1,20,000 from the scheme and his lifelong savings, he was able to build a well-equipped house.

Women Becoming Self-Reliant Through Dairy Production

Ushaben Vasava, Secretary of the Dhaj Women’s Dairy Cooperative, shared that 15 members supply milk daily to the Sumul Dairy-operated cooperative. Women in the village earn between ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 per month from milk production, making them self-reliant. Under the eco-village project, the dairy has been equipped with a milk fat testing machine and a computer. Previously, women had to walk five kilometers daily to sell milk in neighboring villages, but now they can sell it within Dhaj village, securing a stable income.

What is an Eco-Village?

An eco-village is an initiative aimed at the economic and social development of rural communities through the restoration of natural, organic, and traditional livelihood resources. The objective is to reduce villagers’ dependency on natural resources, promote their conservation, and achieve sustainable development by restoring and revitalizing rural livelihood sources. It involves cultivating crops that are suitable for local land conditions and require minimal water, using hybrid and local seeds, implementing drip irrigation, encouraging organic farming with eco-friendly pesticides, and promoting renewable energy sources such as biogas, Cow Dung (gobar) gas, solar power, and LED lighting for domestic and village-wide energy needs.

To reduce reliance on natural resources for animal husbandry fodder, eco-villages establish grass depots. They also focus on rainwater harvesting, water conservation through farm ponds and reservoirs, and proper waste management and recycling.

Model Eco-Villages in India

Several villages in India serve as models of eco-village development, including Baghuwar in Madhya Pradesh, Auroville and Odanthurai in Tamil Nadu, Khonoma in Nagaland, Piplantri and Arnasar in Rajasthan, Govardhan and Hiware Bazar in Maharashtra, Siddharth in Odisha, Sag in Jammu & Kashmir, and Dhaj village in Gujarat.