Workshop on Bamboo:
An eminent bamboo expert and a staunch supporter of bamboo plantations for ecological and economical benefits, Dr. Hemant Bedekar and his colleagues conducted a workshop for the Pitezari (Taluka Sakoli, Dist. Bhandara) residents on 21st March 2024. The workshop was attended by dozens of farmers as well as the staff members of the forest department. A detailed discussion on how, where and why bamboo should be planted was conducted as a part of the workshop. Dr. Bedekar emphasized that the fastest growing plant (that belongs to the grass family) will create an alternative source of income for the local people if nurtured scientifically and methodically. A number of people expressed interest in taking up bamboo plantation. Manvel (Dendrocalamus strictus), a local variety of bamboo that also grows in the natural habitats has been found to be beneficial as a commercial crop. If the local people from the Vidarbha region take up Manvel plantations, their dependence on natural resources can be minimized. Bamboo can also create an eco-system beneficial to the variety of fauna.
As a part of this workshop Nisarga-Vedh wishes to organize follow-up activity in the month of October 2024. Dr. Bedekar and his colleagues have promised to be present for the follow-up program featuring demonstration on how to plant bamboo in the vicinity of any forest village.
Workshop for snake and animal rescuers:
A one-day workshop for the young snake and animal rescuers was conducted at Pitezari on 5th May 2024. More than 60 snake rescuers representing 6 talukas of Bhandara, Nagpur and Gondiya districts attended the workshop. The cynosure of all the eyes was Mr. Neelimkumar Khaire, a senior herpetologist and the Director of the Katraj Snake Park, Pune. Mr. Khaire travelled all the way from Pune to Pitezari and graced the occasion. He was present throughout and personally interacted with the young, aspiring snake and animal rescuers. Mr. Khaire gave a detailed talk on the science of reptiles with the help of awe-inspiring color photographs. Important topics such as why, how, when one should rescue any reptile, especially a snake, were dealt with and debated during the workshop. Every participant of the workshop was presented a copy of the book Saap authored by Mr. Khaire. Mr. Khaire was kind enough to sign every copy of the book.
Mr. Deepak Sawant, general curator, Balasaheb Thakre Gorewada International Zoological Park, also gave detailed scientific inputs and fresh perspective to the subject. He emphasized that scientific and systematic record of snakes or animals rescued or released into natural habitat must be maintained by every participant.
Mr. Kaustubh Gawande, biologist and officer in-charge, Karunashram Transit Treatment Center (TTC), Wardha, shed light on the first aid and treatment of injured animal with the help of photos shot in the wild.
Proposed follow-up program
- A review meeting of all participants of the workshop to understand lessons learnt.
- Distribution of materials such as a snake sticks, a snake carry-on bags, gloves, etc.
- A visit to the TTC, Wardha.
- Exploring possibilities of giving identity cards to the snake and animal rescuers.
- Compilation of data on snakes of the Central Indian Landscape.
Other proposed programs
- A painting, drawing, designing and stitching workshop for the members of Sakhi Mahila Bachat Gat, a self-help group at Pitezari.
- Distribution of laptops among carefully selected and most deserving Gond tribal youth. (Note: We have planned to distribute 5 laptops in the first phase.)
- Establishing a computer training center at Pitezari.
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