South Panna Hosts Landmark JFMC Mega Conference; Mandatory Social Audit and ₹10,000 Fire-Control Incentive Announced
In a major boost to participatory forest governance, the South Panna Forest Division has successfully organised its first-ever large-scale conference of Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs), setting a new benchmark for community-led forest protection in the region. The historic gathering brought together nearly 700 participants, including presidents, vice-presidents and active members from 234 JFMCs, along with senior forest officials, frontline field staff and representatives from the local media.
Venue and Organisation
The conference was held at the Kalehi Mata Temple परिसर in Pawai, with overall coordination handled by the Pawai Range team under the leadership of Range Officer Nitesh Patel. The smooth execution of the event reflected strong ground-level coordination between the Forest Department and community institutions.
Senior Leadership Presence
The session was chaired by Anupam Sharma, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), South Panna, while Garvit Gangwar, DFO North Panna, attended as the chief guest. The event also saw the presence of IFS probationers Akshat Jain and Anshul Tiwari, Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDFO) Nitin Nigam, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Ankur Gupta, along with all Range Officers of the South Panna Forest Division, underlining the importance accorded to the programme at multiple administrative levels.
Focus on Achievements and Community Participation
The conference formally began with the traditional ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Addressing the gathering, DFO Anupam Sharma presented a detailed overview of the achievements of the South Panna Forest Division, highlighting how Joint Forest Management Committees have become the backbone of forest protection, regeneration and monitoring.
IFS probationer officers shared practical insights on curbing encroachments, preventing illegal tree felling, checking poaching activities, and significantly strengthening forest fire management through consistent community involvement and vigilance.
To showcase the tangible impact of departmental initiatives on the ground, two short documentaries were screened—one on the Eklavya Scheme and the other on CAMPA plantation works, both of which received strong appreciation from participants.
Book Releases and Distribution of Benefits
The conference also served as a platform to recognise knowledge-based contributions from the field. Two important publications were officially released:
“Butterflies of South Panna”, authored by Ajay Chaurasia, President of JFMC Patna Tamoli
“Medicinal Plants of South Panna”, written by Forest Guard Jagdish Ahirwar
In addition, beneficiaries of the Eklavya Scholarship Scheme and the Bamboo Mission were awarded financial assistance through cheque distribution, reinforcing livelihood-linked conservation efforts.
Honouring Excellence in Forest Conservation
Outstanding contributions made by community institutions were formally acknowledged. Twenty high-performing JFMCs and their representatives were honoured with certificates and financial incentives for exemplary work in forest protection and management. Among those recognised were Ajay Chaurasia, Bhura Banjara, Avadh Rani Yadav, Bharat Singh and Devi Singh, whose efforts were cited as model examples of effective grassroots conservation.
Adding an emotional and cultural dimension to the event, Forest Guard Ashish Pandey presented a moving conservation-themed song, which resonated strongly with the audience. The conference concluded with an inspiring address by DFO Garvit Gangwar, followed by blanket distribution to all JFMC representatives as a welfare gesture.
Major Policy Decisions Announced
Two significant policy resolutions were adopted during the conference, aimed at improving transparency and strengthening forest fire prevention:
Mandatory Social Audit for Fire-Line Works
Payments related to fire-line creation and controlled burning activities carried out between December and February will now be released only after verification through social audits conducted by the respective Joint Forest Management Committees. This measure is intended to enhance accountability and ensure quality execution of works.
Forest Fire Control Incentive Scheme
For the March–May 2026 fire season, any JFMC that succeeds in reducing forest fire incidents by 50 percent or more compared to its average over the past three years will receive a cash incentive of ₹10,000. The scheme is designed to actively motivate communities to adopt preventive strategies and rapid response mechanisms.
Strengthening “Jan Bhagidari” in Forest Protection
The grand JFMC conference emerged as a powerful example of “Jan Bhagidari in Van Suraksha”, reinforcing shared responsibility between local communities and the Forest Department. Officials described the event as a turning point in collaborative forest management, where empowered community institutions play a central role in ecological conservation and sustainable development.
With these initiatives, South Panna has taken a decisive step toward a future where community participation, transparency and performance-based incentives drive long-term forest protection across the landscape.
