Raipur, Chhattisgarh is taking a unique approach to conservation and development with an integrated landscape initiative in Balodabazar. The initiative brings together agriculture, industry, and forestry to safeguard the wildlife ecosystem while creating sustainable livelihoods for forest-dependent communities.
The action plan, a first-of-its-kind, is being prepared through convergence and coordination among various departments, organisations, and institutions. The initiative aims to deliver positive outcomes in wildlife protection, water conservation, and income generation for forest-dependent communities.
The plan focuses on promoting livelihood activities such as beekeeping, lac cultivation, and other income-generating practices in forest-fringe areas. Emphasis is also being laid on community engagement through training programmes and effective implementation of farmer-centric schemes.
The action plan involves ecological restoration of abandoned mining areas, with a focus on water conservation, development of green belts, and plantation drives in collaboration with multiple institutions. Authorities are also exploring the potential to develop such sites into ecotourism destinations.
