Trees for Water®

Why Trees?

Situated amidst various water bodies, Raigad district is still prone to seasonal water scarcity and water-borne diseases. According to a report by the Ministry of Water Resources and the Central Ground Water Board, there is a rapid decline in water level during the post-monsoon period, whereas the area goes practically dry during peak summers. The physiography and geology of an area play a major role in the groundwater resource availability and sustainability, which in Raigad district lack behind and indicate the need for further development. 

As per Census 2011, around 11.6% of the total population of Mangaon Taluka lives in urban areas while 88.4% lives in rural areas. An article published by India Fellow - An Introduction To Katkari Tribes Of Maharashtra, mentions that “The Katkaris are one of the most marginalized communities of India, being designated as ‘Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)’ within the Scheduled Tribes. Spread in pockets in Gujarat and Maharashtra, a substantial population is spread across all of Raigad district. With a lot of empowerment and rights-based interventions based around the Forest Rights Act, 2006, they have been given some patches of land by the authorities.” Discussing about their living conditions, the article also highlights that, “Post the agricultural season, commencing right after Diwali, able-bodied Katkaris would migrate to work as daily wage labourers in brick kilns or construction sites, only to return at Holi (March). Education is another challenge and migration is one of the main reasons for the same. Every year when the tribal families migrate, their children's education gets affected as they drop out. They grow up uneducated and end up with the same vocations as their forefathers and this has turned into a vicious cycle over the years.”

The district has limited forest cover, with salt pans developed in certain regions along the coast. A salt pan forms in climates where the water evaporation rate exceeds the precipitation rate. They can be dangerous and have the capability to conceal a quagmire of mud that can engulf a truck.

Dr. Ramachandra explains how vegetation allows the water to be retained: “Recharging groundwater requires 30-40 percent of open space with vegetation. The vegetation makes soil pervious and helps in percolation.” Furthermore, research led by Associate Professor Ulrik Ilstedt from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) finds that “moderate tree cover can increase groundwater recharge, and that tree planting and various tree management options can improve groundwater resources. Forests have often been described as ‘sponges’ storing rainwater and slowly releasing it to maintain groundwater and streams during dry periods.” Groundwater flow is one of the mechanisms through which trees keep rivers flowing even during the dry season. In 2011, almost 30% of India’s districts had a groundwater situation that was either semi-critical, critical or overexploited.  Studies suggest that if reforesting is done in 20-35% of the river’s catchment, a 10-15% reduction can be seen in flood peak heights after 25 years of forest growth.

Flora and Fauna

The vibrant flora of this district includes species such as Mango (Mangifera indica), Chandan (Santalum album), Khair (Acacia catechu), Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) and Teak tree (Tectona grandis) among various others.
Due to the coastline of about 240 km, Raigad is one of the most important maritime districts of Maharashtra state.  A large number of species of fish are found in the Arabian Sea and creeks such as Silver Pomfret (Stromateus argenteus), Sea Bass (Lates calcorifer), Gold Spotted Anchovy (Coilia dussumieri), Mackerel (Rastrelliger Kanagurta), Bombay Duck (Harpadon nehereus), etc. Raigad was also home to the tiger (Panthera tigris), Wild cat (Felies chaus) and Bear (Ursidae carnivora) only a few years ago. These can hardly be spotted these days.

Tree Species

Karanj/ Pongame tree (Millettia pinnata), Cashew (Anacardium occidentale), Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), Earleaf Acacia (Acacia auriculiformis), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Custard Apple (Annona squamosa) And Lemon (Citrus limon)

Social Impact

On average, a tree offsets 20 kg of carbon and produces 118 kg of oxygen every year upon maturity. The trees reverse the effect of adverse climatic conditions and natural phenomena, thus protecting the community at risk. In addition to augmenting water catchment, reducing soil erosion, recharging groundwater, providing flowers, fruits, fodder, and fuel, improving wildlife habitats, generating oxygen, reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and fighting climate change, this project will create approximately 1,637 workdays in the nursery and planting activities alone. By planting these trees, the organization will contribute to protecting soil erosion/riverbank erosion/reducing siltation and ensure better-quality water to over 3 million people.