The Corbett Foundation

www.corbettfoundation.org

Foreword by Dilip D Khatau, Chairman

Corbett- the name itself brings back memories of my childhood when as a young boy sitting quietly on a ‘machan’ with my father, I eagerly awaited the sound of drums which would mean that the ‘hakka’ had started. The next half-an-hour would tell what the jungle held. Maybe a sambar, maybe a tiger, maybe nothing! But just the anticipation, the excitement of getting a fleeting glimpse of any animal was enough to make my hair stand on end.

In my case, the seeds of interest were sown early and the love for the wild flourished as the years went by. During my teens, having read all that Jim Corbett or Kenneth Anderson had to say about the jungles of India, I spent every holiday visiting the various forested areas of India. There were very few sanctuaries in those days and hunting was a very popular sport. Gradually, I got interested in shooting and learnt jungle lore from Jamshed, the shikari who showed me my first tiger on foot; Deva, a tribal who taught me the art of snaring small game; Kuvera, the tracker from whom I learnt to skin an animal and many more-- M.V. Bobjee, Jimmy Wankaner, mentors and I owe them a lot for not only the knowledge they passed on but also for the days spent in their company in the jungles.

The passion for the outdoors and nature grew to an extent that I started avoiding going back to the city. Finally, it was in the summer of 1960 that with my two closest friends, Sam and Bhupi, I came to Corbett for the first time.

It was love at first sight. The old forest bungalow at Dhikala, on the banks of the Ramganga, was delightfully deserted. We stayed a week and met no other visitors. We did not see a tiger, but that did not matter. The forests were beautiful and tranquil. Out of all the jungles I had been to, Corbett with its ‘chaurs’, streams, riverine forests, sal trees and greenery was nature at its best! The vivid memories of those youthful carefree days will always remain. I spent almost twenty years abroad in Africa and Southeast Asia, taking every opportunity to see wildlife and nature reserves in those places. On my return to India, I found a lot had changed. Gone were the forests I once roamed and with that also were gone the animals I loved. Only small pockets called reserves, sanctuaries and ‘nature parks’ of forests remained. Project Tiger had been launched when everyone realized the state of wildlife had deteriorated all over India. Indiscriminate felling of trees and cutting of forests had left no sanctuary for the animals. Conflict between man and animal had increased and of course, the animal had lost out on all counts. Human population had exploded!

I came back to Corbett in 1985. Much had changed but the jungles seemed preserved. A dam had been built in Kalagarh, many known areas were underwater, but the charm was still there. I again did not see a tiger but there were many more elephants around Dhikala, Bijrani, Malani and other places. Shooting blocks which were familiar to me were now included and the area of the Corbett National Park which had been extended. The thick cover and abundance of game convinced me that this was still ideal tiger country. By now I was completely converted into a conservationist, specially after seeing the success of game parks in Africa. I had given up shooting and the youthful desire had now to be put to an end. I had to put my knowledge and experience of nature, wildlife and forests to better use for posterity. What little was left had to be conserved and thus was the Corbett Foundation born.

The Corbett Foundation

1. Introduction

The Corbett Foundation is a public, charitable trust founded on 22nd April 1994 by Mr. Dilip Dharamsey Khatau. The Trust is set up with the following objectives: To preserve , protect and conserve the unique ecosystem of Corbett country in the foothills of the Himalaya in the Kumaon and Garhwal hills of Western U.P. To restore the natural harmony between human beings and the surrounding flora and fauna in the natural environment. To restore the ancient simple culture of the hills folk of Kumaon and Garhwal hills. To preserve and restore the places which Jim Corbett visited and lived in. To create awareness of the importance of preservation of the Corbett country for posterity and to appreciate the co-existence of man and animals in their natural environment. Financing research projects that are totally result oriented. Focussing the Govt. of India’s attention on specific conservation issues. To preserve, conserve, protect the unique ecosystem, to restore other places and to do all other activities as mentioned above, anywhere in the country and outside. The Foundation is registered under the Delhi Public Trust Act, under No. 183/94-95. The Foundation is also registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976 under No. 231650853. All donations to the Foundation are exempted u/s 80-G of the Income Tax Act, 1961

Chairman Mr. Dilip Dharamsey Khatau Chairman, Varun Shipping Company Ltd., Mumbai Board of Trustees

Mr. R.M. Goculdas Chairman, Dharamsey Morarji Chemical Company Ltd., Mumbai

Mr. B.K. Goswami Indian Administrative Service (Retd.), Ex-Secretary, Govt. of India

Mr. Sam N. Mistry Director, Khatau International Ltd

Mr. Sharad Sanghi Chairman, Sanghi Brothers Ltd

Mr. H.S. Siddhu A retired technocrat keenly associated with WWF and environmental conservation

Mr. Akshobh Singh Vice Chairman, Central Himalayan Environment Association Ex-Member, WWF Uttar Pradesh State Committee

Gen. Virendra Singh (Retd.) Head of Cheshire Homes, India & Modern School, New Delhi

Mr. Darius E. Udwadia Solicitor

Dr. M.K. Ranjitsinh Indian Administrative Service (Retd.) Ex-Secretary, Govt. of India

Mr. Nirmal Ghosh Bureau Chief, Strait Times, New Delhi

Our Team: Administrator: Bhupendrasinhji
Director (Coordination): G.D. Sarin
Coordinator Wildlife Programs: Dr. Ashfaque Ahmed
Medical Officer: Dr. Anjum Soni, MBBS
Resident Lady Doctor: Dr. Alka Soni

Programme Officers (Medical): Dr. J.S. Rawat
(Wildlife): Yogambar Singh Bisht, Bishan Singh Rawat

Support Staff: Three Junior Program Officers, One Compounder, One Tracker, Three Social & Medical Workers,Accountant, Two Office Staff and Three Drivers.

2. Area of focus

2.1 The focus of activities of the Corbett Foundation is currently the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) and the villages situated on its periphery.

The Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) is situated in the Kumaon and Pauri Garhwal region of Uttar Pradesh- the largest and most populated state in India. The Tiger Reserve covers an area of 1,318 sq.km. and contains within its boundary the Corbett National Park (CNP) and the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS). Buffer zones have been provided for both these areas. The idea to create a safe haven for the flora and fauna of the area goes back to the middle of the last century. However it took many decades for the scheme to be implemented. In 1936 an area of 323.75 sq.km. was declared as a national park and named Hailey National Park after Sir Macolm Hailey, the Governor of U.P. It was largely through his efforts along with those of Major Jim Corbett that the park gained recognition. Jim Corbett was honoured by the Indian government when the park was renamed after him in 1956. Project Tiger was launched at CNP in 1973 and an enlarged habitat for the tiger was planned. By 1991 The CTR was formed with the addition of the Sonanadi WLS in 1987 and buffer zones carved out of the Kalagarh, Ramganga and Tarai West Forest Divisions.

2.2 Description Of The Present Status Of Habitat

The richness in biodiversity within CTR is partly attributable to the variety of habitat types found in the reorganised Corbett Tiger Reserve. The other reasons are the peculiar location in the foothills of the Central Himalayas as a result of which both Himalayan species and peninsular flora and fauna can be found within the Reserve. And the long history of conservation which stretches back to over six decades. Corbett being the oldest National Park of the Indian subcontinent. The variation in altitude ranging from 365 m. to over 1100m. above msl also adds to the range of the habitat types. The following habitat types are found within Corbett Tiger Reserve.

Forests

The forests are predominantly of Sal. The following forest types are found within the Reserve.

Northern Moist Deciduous
Moist Shiwalik Sal
Moist Bhabar Dun Sal
Alluvival Savannah Woodland
Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous
Dry Shiwalik Sal
Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous
Khair Sissoo Forest
Himalayan Subtropical Pine Forests
Lower Shiwalik Chir Pine Forest
Grasslands

The grasslands are locally known as Chaurs. The area under grasslands is extremely limited. According to an estimate the area under grass cover is about one-tenth of the total area of the Reserve. The largest grassland is the Dhikala chaur. Some of the best area under grasslands including the famous Buxas chaur and the Beri chaur got submerged under the Ramganga reservoir in 1974. The area made available as a result of the relocation of the Dhara. Jhirna and Kothirau chaur in 1994 is being developed into grasslands through habitat manipulation.

Wetlands

The Ramganga reservoir which came into being in 1974 stretches over an area of aroung 82 sq.kms. with one half each in Corbett National Park and Sonanadi WLS. The highest water level is reached at the end of the monsoon. Water is released from the multipurpose hydroelectric dam at Kalagarh for irrigation and the reservoir shrinks in spread ultimately being reduced to a mere 40 sq. kms. at the end of the summer. The bare areas temporarily develop into grassland.

Riverine Areas

Ramganga river is the lifeline of Corbett Tiger Reserve. Its principal tributaries are the Mandal, Palain and Sonanadi. Numerous mountainous streams locally called Sots flow into these rivers. The nalas and ravines are thickly covered with evergreen shrubs with pockets of evergreen glades along them, which provide undisturbed cover for the tiger with available drinking water. A part of the catchment of the Kosi River falls within the Reserve. But the Kosi never actually enters within CTR. There are no other major rivers.

Water Bodies

Mailani Tal and Phul Tal located in the Bijrani Range are the only other water bodies with stagnant water.

Swamps

Many areas located along the boundary of the Ramganga reservoir and along springs are swampy typically covered with Jamun trees and cane and providing good habitat for the tiger to rest during the hot summer months.

2.3 Major And Conspicuous Changes In The Habitat Since

Creation Of The National Park

The construction of a multipurpose dam at Kalagarh across the Ramganga River in 1974 led to the submergence of 80 sq.km. of prime low lying riverine area, which abounded in ungulates and predators including tigers. As a result swamp deer become totally extinct and there was a great reduction in the number of hog deer. Over the years, the reservoir has led to an increase in the number of aquatic fauna including muggers. The reservoir now provides an additional habitat for winter migrants. The relocation of Dhara, Jhirna and Kothirau villages 1994 has led to a remarkable recovery in the forests adjoining the abandoned villages sites and the three streams namely Dhara, Jhirna and Kothirau. During the last four years there has been an explosion in the number of deer population in the abandoned agricultural fields and tiger movement has also increased considerably.

3. The Corbett Foundation – Activities

3.1 Rural Medical Outreach Programme

Unbridled consumerism on one hand insurmountable poverty on the other have resulted in devastating plunder of the earth’s natural resources. This inturn has caused ecological disturbances, which have lead to extinction of many lifeforms. Many others are under threat of extinction. Ecologically all forms of life are so closely interlinked that disturbance to any one gives rise to imbalance in others. If plants or animals become endangered they signify a degradation in environment which may threaten man’s own existence. Thus the destruction of Natural ecosystems in long run undermineds the earth’s ability to support diverse forms of life including human beings. Urbanisation in its present form has further accentuated environmental degradation giving rise to health hazards for the entire humanity. A vast majority of the world’s population is yet to realise that human health and the environment have close relation such that disturbance in one affects the other automatically. Human being is part of the overall environment, and improvement in human health directly improves the environment. Thus concerns for environmental conservation and human health must go hand in hand. The level of awareness of impending environmental dangers varies immensely from one section of society to the other. Scientists & exports who have access to data prodict a virtual eco-catastrophe in the not too distant future. Panic signals emanating from them have generated concerns amongst the intelligentsia and a section of sensitive individuals. However, such people comprise but a miniscule fraction of humanity. A vast majority is either completely ignorant or remains unconcerned. Health awareness is as poor as that of environmental concerns. Dedicated individuals and organisations have set in motion efforts which are slowly gaining momentum.

It is important that each one contributes in whichever & whatever level possible to the cause of conservation and human health, as any effort towards arresting this downslide will need cooperation from all section of humanity. Even the required necessary concern and legislation from Governments can not come about without appropriate public opinion and input from enlightened individuals. Laws once enacted require willing cooperation from people and determined enforcement from officials. The first serious and effective measure in the field of conservation from the Government of India was the enactment of Wildlife Protection Act (1972), and followed by the launch of Project Tiger (1973). Thereafter many areas considered important habitat were brought under protection by formation of Sanctuaries/Reserves/National Parks. The Corbett National Park (CNP) has the envious distinction of being the first Park of the country having come into existence as early as 1936 and being the venue for launch of Project Tiger.

However, it was in 1994 that the first public charitable trust directly dedicated to the conservation of CNP was set up by the name of the Corbett Foundation by Shri Dilip D. Khatau who had been intimately associated with this area since 1960. An important objective of the Corbett Foundation (TCF) is "to create an awareness of the importance of conservation of the Corbett country for posterity and to appreciate the co- existence of man and animals in their natural environment." The Foundation recognizes the fact that awareness on environmental conservation and health is a universal requirement for all sections of our society, since healthy individuals alone would contribute to a healthy environment.

The Foundation also believes that enlisting the support of local populations for an effective conservation effort is absolutely vital and therefore dissemination of conservation education is built into every project/programme of the Foundation. To be able to involve local people in broader humanitarian objectives it is vital to win their confidence and trust. This necessitates an effort to alleviate some of the basic problems faced by them. Thus the Foundation’s "Rural Medical Outreach Program" is both a humanitarian response and a trust building measure.

Area of operation

The Buffer Zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve is an area comprising of Reserve Forest with scattered human habitations. Within 3 km. radius of the Park boundary, there are approximately 100 villages with the total human population of 50,000.

These are mainly Kumaoni and Garhwali speaking Hindu communities. There are also some semi-nomadic Muslim Gujjar communities. These are people with varying level of dependencies on the forests for their subsistence. The former are mainly agriculturist while the latter depend entirely on livestock rearing. These villages are mainly situated on hilly terrain and very few are accessible by motor roads. Many of the villages do not have basic facilities like drinking water pipelines, electricity, schools, and medical aid etc. Some Government dispensaries and private practitioners are there. However, while the former have inadequate facilities and stocks of medicines, the latter are not formally qualified. Urban facilities are not within reach of most of these villagers.

Phase I (1994 and 1995) As the first necessary step a comprehensive survey of the villages in the Buffer Zone of CTR was conducted to gather data on the following:

Demographic features
Socio-economic structure
Basic facilities

Awareness level on various subjects

The survey findings revealed that the level of awareness on health and hygiene is generally poor. The main health problems were stomach and liver ailments, skin problems and malaria. After the intensive survey 50 needy villages were prioritized for immediate action. As a first step first-aid boxes containing non prescription and preventive medicines were provided to these villages : The box was kept under charge of a responsible and educated person in the village who could follow written instructions. Along with the box Hindi version of a very useful book "Where There is No Doctor" was also provided. A medical team of the Foundation consisting of a local social worker and medical worker attended to minor medical complaints of the villagers, monitored the use of the First Aid box and replenished its stock. Lectures and literature on topics like drinking water management and prevention of seasonal diseases were given to the villagers alongwith exchange of views on environmental and ecological matters. This program was maintained despite massive destruction of roads in the hilly regions during the monsoons.

Phase II (1996)

In the first half of the year the program started in Phase-I continued. From July to December, in addition to the first aid program medical camps were started at 10 different locations around the CTR. The locations were determined keeping in view the accessibility of the camp site for patients and to extend benefit to maximum needy people. The Foundation obtained the services of part-time Ayurvedic doctor and medicines were purchased from a reputed Government owned factory in the area. However due to limitations of the doctor’s availability only one visit per month on an unscheduled date could be given to each camp site. The camps were conducted with regularity each month. The Medical team conducted day time camps in nearby areas and returned to the base at village Dhikuli. However the programme involved three to four days night stay every month in the Northern area. Total of 34 camps were organized in 6 months and 3,288 patients were given free prescriptions and medicines.

Phase III (1997)

Based on the experience of Phase-II it was felt that the medical program was becoming popular and it was necessary to have a regular schedule for camps and the frequency of camps should be increased. Special attention needed to be given to the women and girl child. In view of this the services of a lady doctor should be obtained on a priority. Moreover, there was an urgent need for a vehicle to be used exclusively for this program. In January 1997, the Foundation obtained the services of a doctor retired as Additional Director, Uttar Pradesh Medical Services and an MBBS lady doctor on a consultation basis. For purposes of systematic coverage the target area was divided into two zones viz. Zone I (Southern CTR) and Zone II (Northern area of CTR) respectively. The program was enhanced to bimonthly visits to all the villages in Zone I (Southern) while retaining monthly visit to the Zone II i.e. Northern area (Table 2). The field office of the Foundation being in Zone I initial advantage of organizational convenience went to this zone and better coverage could be given. The ambulance vehicle donated by Eicher Motors arrived in May 1997. As there was limited use for an ambulance it was decided to utilize it as a mobile clinic. This made it possible for the Foundation’s medical team to hold camps at far off locations, and reduce the effort required by the people to reach the camp sites. Moreover, during the difficult monsoon months the regularity of visits and camps was maintained. The adjoining Ramnagar Forest Division is not part of CTR, yet important from point of view of humanitarian concerns. The field base of TCF is in the adjoining area of this Division and it has Taungya settlements (forest villages), who are not given benefits of Rural Development Programmes. It had been felt at TCF that the medical programmes should be extended to these needy interior villages and a recommendation to this effect was made in the Administrator’s Report last year. A beginning was made in Feb’98 by holding a monthly camp in this area. A grant for TCF has come from The Paul Hamlyn Foundation, U.K., who are funding this Programme for the year 1998 to 2002. This has further enabled us to expand into specialised activities like treatment of tuberculosis patients, Nutrition and hygiene campaign, special camps for women etc. In the course of medical camps TCF’s team has come across many cases of Tuberculosis and has developed a database. This disease has been known to exist in the villages due to rampant smoking, malnutrition and unhygienic living conditions. However, both diagnosis and treatment of this disease is unaffordable by most of the cases. Thus, TCF has decided to give free treatment to some of the identified needy cases. TCF is now also organizing specialized medical camps especially for women and children. Such camps are being held in the Northern Zone of CTR, at least once in a year with the help of Dr. Rati Mistry, from Bombay.

All Forest Department (FD) personnel and their families are also covered under this programme. This medical facility is also extended to the FD’s personnel staying inside the park. This programme has been very well received by the people and it continues to benefit them. Looking to the future it was felt that the Foundation ought to have a permanent medical facility first at Dhikuli and in due course another one somewhere in the Northern area of CTR. To begin with Khatau International Ltd. donated 10,000 Sq. feet of land at Dhikuli. Mr Dilip. D. Khatau, Chairman, TCF and Mr. R.M. Goculdas, Trustee, TCF pledged funds for this project. The building to house the Medical and Awareness Centre of TCF has been constructed and has begun to function since 13th Dec. 1998. The Doctors are available twice a week at this centre and patients from 23 surrounding villages are availing of this facility. TCF issues approx. 15000 prescriptions to patients visiting its medical facility at Dhikuli and various outdoor camps each year and provides medicines to them.

As part of its efforts to improve the health standards of the target population, TCF has launched a health awareness program. Initially 3 villages closest to the medical centre at Dhikuli have been targeted. Lady medical & social workers have been appointed for each of these villages. These workers are permanent residents of their respective villages. TCF is training them to handle first-aid and to advise local villagers on sanitation, personal hygiene, family planning, nutrition etc.

3.2 Conservation Education / Awareness

A survey done by TCF personnel in 1994 had revealed that people living in proximity of CTR more specifically in the Buffer Zone had virtually no idea of the significance and constitution of the Protected Area. It was felt that a visit of some selected villagers to the main tourist zone of the Park along with a talk would help in dissemination of this essential understanding. A program was formulated with initiative and guidance of the then Director of CTR wherein CTR authorities permitted day visits to Dhikala for these villagers and TCF organized logistic support and the financial input for the same. In the first phase (1994-95) the educational day trip to Dhikala was begun for the villagers selected from various locations around the Buffer Zone drawn from different sections of society. The participants were taken around the Tourism Zone upto the Dhikala complex. An interaction session with CTR staff was organized. Discussions were held on issues resulting from impact of PA on people and vice versa. Talks were given by CTR and TCF staff highlighting the significance of Protected Areas and the importance of CTR. Mutual obligations and roles of Park management and people were also discussed.

In the next phase (1995-96) the tours for villagers continued. Four tours were organized with 239 participants. Keeping in view the fact that environmental conservation concerns the future and that children are the inheritors of the future, it was decided to target school children for this program. 90 teachers and 494 school children were taken to Dhikala. A brief orientation program for teachers was organized at the Foundation premises in which headmasters from 18 schools and the Deputy Inspector of schools participated. 6 schools were represented by members of school staff. To focus attention on the rich avifauna of CTR, the Park management organizes Bird Watch camps each year. TCF sponsored 3 such camps during the period under review; in total 37 participants benefitted.

To fulfil the need for a guide booklet to CTR for the visitors to Corbett the Foundation stepped in to publish one. This popular booklet was distributed free from 1996 to 1998. In the year 1996-97 Bird watch camps and tours to Dhikala remained the popular programmes while film shows on nature conservation organized jointly with CTR were added as another feature. As a goodwill gesture the entry fee to Dhikala was waived by CTR for the participants. For the film shows CTR contributed its audio visual equipment and TCF organized logistic support. Approximately 2000 viewers attended the shows.

In the year 1997-98 the highlight of awareness program was the Foundation’s participation and sponsorship of CTR’s celebration of World Bird watch ’97. A painting competition for school children and a bird quiz competition were organized and the Foundation instituted a rolling Bird Quiz Trophy. A sticker to commemorate was also brought out and distributed by TCF. Tours to Dhikala were conducted for school children of class 8 up to 15th June when the Park closed for the monsoons. 789 school children and 160 teachers associated with them benefited from the programme during 1996-97.

The Foundation tried to extend the Programme to include adults from various sections of society with an aim to initiate an understanding of the current issues facing conservationists and to develop in them an empathy for wildlife. As the first step a group of representatives from the local Bar Association were invited for a seminar. The seminar was attended by 30 advocates and evoked good response from them. As courtesy a trip to Bijrani block (Tourism Zone Of CTR) was organized for the participants. As a part of awareness programme, Chairman, TCF also held a meeting with about 20 Gram Pradhans (Village heads) in the Northern Zone of the CTR. Dhikala tour program were discontinued between 1998-2000 due to some unforeseen pressures from other organizations on the Park Authorities to grant permission for day visits to the Park. In the larger interest of the Park this highly useful and popular programme had to be discontinued.

TCF participated in the celebration of Silver Jubilee of Project Tiger by sponsoring a bird watch camp for the villagers and a guest lecture by the well known ornithologist Mr. Zafar Futehally and a lecture on reptiles of Corbett by Ms. Zahida Whittaker. The audience included villagers, nature guides and Park staff.

Educational and day trips for villagers and students were initiated by TCF with a noble objective of exposing the villagers and students from adjoining villages to Dhikala zone which they are unlikely to visit by themselves. However, in 1998 under this programme only two trips of school children were conducted as the permission for such day trips to Dhikala was discontinued by the FD authorities.

Other activities, which took place between April & Sept. 1998, are given below:

TCF personnel delivered a lecture regarding the significance of conservation and organized a wildlife film show for the group of students from Delhi, which was sent by WWF-India. Lecture on TCF’s role was organized for a group of forest officers (SFS-State Forest Service) from Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), DehraDun.

TCF also organized few wildlife film shows on request of FD in their awareness-related activities. Eco-awareness amongst youth by setting up nature clubs is one of the major objective of TCF’s future strategy. To encourage one such group of students involved in nature conservation, viz Nature club, Kashipur, TCF sponsored purchase of some useful wildlife literature for them. TCF helped " Nature guides" of CTR in organizing quiz and painting competition for the school children. The prizes for winners were sponsored by TCF. TCF realizes that this event will be very helpful in developing awareness amongst schoolchildren regarding wildlife and conservation. A small permanent interpretation and awareness centre in the new building of TCF has been functional since Dec'98. This centre is designed by a group of museum specialists and is helping TCF to reach out to wider cross-section of society and reinforce the messages of bio-diversity conservation.

In the years 1999 and 2000 TCF continued to organized the bird quiz, and painting competition during the Wildlife Week. Workshops were organized for Gram Pradhans and School Teachers. Bird watch camps were organized for school children and for the age group 17 to 21.

3.3 Interim Relief

One of the major impacts of the Park on the lives of people living on its periphery is damage to livestock by the big cats (Tiger & Leopard). This generates resentment of the people against both wild animals and Forest Department (FD). The Govt. gives some monetary compensation for cattle killed but there are long procedural delays in disbursement. Since 1995 TCF has been paying a small amount from its own funds on the spot after inspection and confirmation of a kill case. Any case of cattle kill or injury reported to TCF by the owner within three days of the incident is considered for financial ex-gratia support. On receipt of information (through telephone or in person) TCF inspection team immediately leaves for the site of the kill, verifies that the animal has been killed by a predator, and on the spot pays the owner a certain sum of money. Over time TCF personnel have acquired field skills in verification of such cases and collection of data on the predator and its behaviour. This payment has been named as "Interim Relief" to indicate its supplementary and complementary nature to Govt. compensation. However, it was not possible for one team of TCF to cover the entire CTR. Given the difficult terrain and distances in the Nothern part of the CTR two representatives have been placed to inspect reported cases and to disburse interim relief.

This scheme has become well known and nearly all cases from CTR areas are being reported. This scheme got a boost with the recognition by the World-Wide Fund for Nature India (WWF) of its efficacy in reducing threat to the tiger from poisoning of cattle carcasses by villagers.

Since Oct. 1997 TCF has linked up with WWF’s Tiger Conservation Programme (WWF-TCP) in the larger cause. From this month onwards, WWF-TCP extended funding support for payment of the interim relief disbursed by TCF, and vehicle fuel charges for inspection tours. All other infrastructural expenses of vehicles, inspection personnel, support staff, continue to be borne wholly by TCF. This support has enabled TCF to expand its inspection infrastructure. A vehicle has also been provided by WWF-TCP and this has enabled TCF to press two inspection teams into service. Two inspection teams have been set up, each team consisting of one inspection officer, one armed guard, one tracker and one driver. Both the mobile teams are based at Dhikuli (Southern Zone).

With effect from March 98, the formal partnership expanded to include the CTR authorities. Hitherto there was an informal synergy in the efforts of the CTR administration and TCF, in that while both were working for a larger common cause, both were separately inspecting incidents of attacks. The WWF-TCP acted as a glue which brought the CTR and TCF together on a formal basis.

Key initial elements of WWF-TCP strategy were:

(i) Principle of compensation to be paid at near market rates.
(ii) Quick joint inspection with CTR.
(iii) For prompt alerting, TCF to be put on the official wireless network.
(iv) Informers of cattle kills to be paid a graded reward.
(v) The NGO partner (TCF) to make the full payment immediately, with reimbursement of the official component to it, at a later date. To create this rolling fund a sum of money was deposited by WWF-TCP with TCF.
(vi) Pre-inspection vigil to be maintained to prevent anyone approaching the carcass. (vii) Carcass to be disposed of by burial or burning, after inspection, to prevent poisoning, even if it thereby meant an increase in incidents.

A market survey was done all around the CTR to arrive at average market rates of average domestic animals. The proposed compensation was recommended on the "equitable" rate for "average" animal generally found grazing in the forests. No compensation according to proposed rates was disbursed, as CTR administration felt that the payment to be made, should be at rates as authorized by the relevant Govt. order (recently revised by Govt.). Looking at the long term, and at the fact that committed WWF-TCP funding was available only till end Dec. 1999, they felt that a sudden rise in rates may not be sustainable by them, whereas villagers expectations would rise and the higher rate would be treated as a right. It was felt that quick payment and recognition of loss, would be the key factors appreciated by the villagers. Hence, TCF made initial payments of Interim Relief at the Govt rates.

Information about this scheme has spread to the entire CTR villages and reporting of cattle kills is nearly 100%. TCF also gives ex-gratia financial assistance to the survivors of any person killed by wild animals. Assistance is also given to the injured for medical treatment. In the first phase of operations from 1st April 1998 to 15th May 1998, an attempt was made to commence joint inspections and introduce some key elements of the scheme. The Director CTR, issued a notification to his staff for this purpose, giving a list of the villages/settlements where joint inspection would take place.

From the outset, practical considerations introduced some modifications.

Key modifications were as follows:

(i) For reasons of official confidentiality, TCF could not be put on the CTR wireless network.
(ii) It was accepted by all that in circumstances where roads are cut off or it is not possible for any reason to have a joint inspection, the Director CTR would arrange for inspection to be conducted by his staff. On confirmation, the payment would follow.

At the first review held in mid May it came to the fore that Govt. financial rules do not permit the CTR administration to reimburse to TCF, any amount paid by it to villagers on behalf of CTR. Govt. financial rules only permit a direct payment to the owner villager. At the same time, an NGO is allowed to make payments under its own rules to anyone, and this does not concern the Govt. Hence from 15th May 1998 onwards it was accepted that while joint inspections would continue, the payments made by CTR and TCF would be entirely separate and would have no connection for accounting and audit purposes. The CTR would separately pay the sums as authorized by the relevant G.O, and TCF would pay another sum, thus enhancing the total benefit to near market rates. This position continues till today.

To hasten the compensation process, the Director CTR instructed his Range Officers, that instead of forwarding claims to H.Q. for processing, in cases of joint inspection they should make the payment themselves, treating it as "forest advance". This is a major and significant change in the overall process.

Field experience brought about the following further changes in strategy-

(i) Cases of wounding were already being compensated by TCF in the Southern Zone. The WWF-TCP agreed to also pay this amount, with the additional provision that if the wounded animal died as a result of its injuries, the balance as usually paid in such cases for kills would be disbursed. (ii) Villagers expressed resentment that an unjust and blanket accusation of poisoning is being levied against them.The disposal of carcasses to prevent poisoning had been highlighted in publicity and the proposals themselves. Villagers resented this highlighting. It was felt that henceforth the principle of In any case disposal of carcasses was proving to be impracticable in local circumstances. Burning is almost impossible in field conditions. The terrain around the CTR is undulating and stony. Digging of a pit of sufficient size for proper burial is long and tedious work, taking many hours. The jungles and undergrowth, particularly lantana undergrowth are very thick. Carcasses are usually dragged by predators into thick bushes. It is very dangerous work to be digging in a bent position near a predator kill for many hours.

In two cases of attempted burial, the tiger returned and expressed its resentment ! The long term consequences of such repeated disturbance to predators cannot be calculated. Also, the admissible amount of Rs.100 available per disposal was found inadequate unless the owner himself took up the task. It was decided to make disposal an exception rather than a rule. Disposal would be resorted to for health reasons or other pressing reasons particularly if the carcass was within a village area. Carcasses in the deeper jungle would be disposed of by nature. iii) The system of giving a reward to informers of predator kills has proved to be a great success. A sharp increase in reporting has been noted. As mentioned earlier the no. can go up yet further if the area of operations is increased. TCF has put a temporary limit, for infrastructural reasons, on expansion of the target area.

WWF-TCP had suggested a graded reward of Rs. 300, Rs. 200 and Rs. 100 depending on how quickly the case was reported. It was found that equally good results are forthcoming if a standard reward of Rs. 100 is given, and this saves the informer the effort of trying to claim a higher reward by altering the date of the kill. Some constraints experienced after over 6 months of observing the working of the scheme were:-

i) There is a certain unravelling of the principle of joint inspection. In some circumstances especially holidays, availability of personnel at Range Offices is a practical problem. The designated personnel also sometimes prefer to do the inspection at their own convenience rather than wait for TCF’s team.

ii) It is here and also generally, that the lack of reliable two-way communication is being felt. Sometimes a wireless message is sent to CTR H.Q. Ramnagar/Range Office, Sendhikhal, depending on which TCF team is to be alerted. Or, someone directly telephones the TCF office or the office of an associated organisation and leaves a message. Since telephone services are unreliable, in many cases the informer turns up in person. It is not possible to communicate two ways and inform the time of arrival of the inspection team, which may be busy in some other inspection. All this creates a situation of some uncertainty. For the scheme of joint inspections to crystallise and institutionalise itself, it is most necessary that the Range Office Of Jurisdiction should emerge as the focal point of activity. On a kill/injury taking place, the ideal situation is that the villager should approach his local range office and lodge his report, confident in his mind that thereafter his work will be done. Through reliable two ways communications TCF team should be alerted and a time for the inspection should be informed to range H.Q. Thus every direct participant in the process will be fully informed and well prepared. Lack of proper two-way communications is a serious constraint.

iii) Joint inspections with adjoining forest divisions have not yet started. As mentioned earlier, there is significant predator activity in these divisions. At present TCF does an inspection on its own and disburses its interim relief. Payment of the official amount is still subject to a long time lag because of applicable procedures. A process of speeding up of the payment and attuning the lower rungs of staff to wildlife conservation is required.

This year TCF also provided medical assistance to two injured victims of a tigress at Terra village. Working in the field since March 1995, visiting the forests over a wide area specifically to inspect predator attacks, and the evidence of sightings, pugmarks and accumulated data has helped TCF to know about the predation behaviour of large cats. Based on this TCF is planning to take up a scientific research project and come up with recommendations to mitigate this conflict situation. A tie-up has been made with Aligarh Muslim University for a collaborative project and funding is being sought from US Fish and Wildlife Service. TCF now follows a system of photographing kills/injuries and tracing pugmarks. Photography is an excellent way of confirmation. The owner is photographed near the remains, holding a board giving his name and the date.

In 1998 TCF got its field personnel insured, as it is also a good way of boosting morale, which we feel should be done for all people in the risky business of kill inspection/s.

3.4 Vocational Training

One round of sewing centres in most of the villages has been achieved with the completion of 5 centres during the period 1996-1998. Five local lady instructors and approx. 100 participants benefited from the scheme. TCF identified 10 unemployed youth for training at the Electronic Services And Training Centre (ESTC), Kaniya, Ramnagar. Five of them were selected for "electrical assembly operator" and other five for "electrician" course, both courses are of three months duration. Their training was provided free by the Centre and TCF fully sponsored the boarding and lodging. TCF also sponsored training of one student for "electronics" at the same institute. This course is of one year and the student acquired a Diploma after its completion. Ideally TCF would like to help these trained students to find jobs.

3.5 Awards

TCF instituted an award of Rs 10,000 and a citation for a deserving forester who contributes maximum to the preservation of the tiger or its habitat. The Director, CTR, makes nominations for the awards. WWF under its Tiger Conservation Programme provided TCF with Rs. 50,000 for awards to be given to field staff of CTR. With this additional amount available TCF has raised the cash component of the Corbett Foundation Award for Tiger Conservation to Rs 20,000. For the year 1997 the Corbett Foundation award of Rs 20,000 (after merging WWF-TCP component) has been given to Late Sh. Surendera Prakash (Sub-Divisional Officer, Terai West) posthumously.

3.6 Mahaseer Protection

Mahaseer are an endangered species of fish. In the natural pool of the Kosi river, near Tiger Tops Corbett Lodge, these species are thriving very well. The Foundation has extended protection to them by posting an armed guard and organising fish food. TCF also organised two workshops to focus attention on the need for conservation measures for the mahasheer.

3.7 Publications

A quarterly newsletter of the Foundation in Hindi named "Sanrakshak" has been started in January 2001. The translation of Jim Corbett’s world famous book, "Man-eaters of Kumaon" to Hindi has been sponsored by the Foundation and the book has been released. This book not only narrates Corbett’s experience with man-eaters but is a sensitive insight into the life and culture of people in the Kumaon. In its Hindi version this book can possibly be read by the people who are its subject. This book will act as a mouthpiece for the local people of Kumaon who are its subject. TCF also proposes to have works of Jim Corbett and other useful literature translated and published in the local language, which will help in carrying and reinforcing the messages of conservation to the local communities.

Projects

3.8 Solar Power Assisted Electric Fence

There is considerable conflict between man and wildlife in India mainly arising from the pressure for wild areas to be made available for livestock grazing, and due to the proximity of cultivation to wildlife areas. Much of this conflict can be reduced if wild animals can be confined to areas set aside for them. Communities living on the immediate periphery of Protected Areas (PAs) suffer losses in terms of crop damage by wild herbivores. This in an already subsistence economy leads to resentment against wildlife and against the concept of Protected Areas (PAs).

The Corbett Foundation has been working with the village communities living on the periphery of one such Protected Area - the world famous Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR). CTR covers on area of 1318 Sq.Km. comprising of a Core Zone, where the forest and wildlife are permitted to exist in a natural state with no human interference.

Bordering the core zone is an area categorised as Buffer where village communities co-exist with forests and their wildlife. Most of these villages do not have easy access to any modern facilities like medical aid, higher education, communication etc.

Livelihood is mainly dependent on livestock raising and agriculture. The livestock is generally of poor quality with no facility for cross breeding or vet care. Agricultural land is not very fertile and mainly rainfed. Given a good monsoon the highly fragmented land holding can barely provide subsistence to the families dependent on them. The yields are generally low due to lack of advance agricultural techniques. The problem is accentuated by regular raids of crops by wild herbivores like deer, wild boars, and elephants from the adjoining Park areas where they enjoy protection. A study by Corbett Foundation reveals that in some areas upto 50% of the crops are sacrificed to wild animals each year. If anything is to be done to improve the lot of this needy section of our society, improvement in agricultural returns is an absolute essential as there are no other means of sustenance.

Most forms of effective barriers for wildlife, such as trenches, rubble walls or fences are expensive to construct and maintain. Driving raiding animals away from crops using fire crackers and such like is only partially effective and in any case time consuming for protection staff as well as villagers, who have many other duties to perform. There is hence a great need for an effective wildlife barrier which can be erected safely, quickly and cheaply, and is not too demanding in terms of maintenance.

A power fence is essentially a tool which teaches animals to associate touching of the fence wires with receiving an unpleasant electric shock. Thus the power fence becomes a psychological barrier to the animals rather than a physical barrier such as an elephant trench. The power fence has definite advantages over other alternatives. It consists of a set of wires mounted on wooden/concrete poles in several strands and connected to an energiser. The energiser is powered by a battery charged from solar panel. The energiser emits into the wires pulses of high voltage low ampere current, which on being touched by a wild animal gives tremendous shock but is otherwise harmless. The fence can be designed to keep out various animal species specifically. It is sturdy and requires little maintenance. Cost benefit analyses also favours this method of crop protection.

A pilot project was undertaken by the Corbett Foundation in a village called Bhakrakot where 50% of the 75 acres of village’s arable land could not be cultivated due to heavy loss from wildlife. In the cultivated areas closer to forest areas night long vigil had to be maintained by villagers to protect their crops. Despite this up to 50% of the crops would still be damaged. The power fence was installed all around the village and it not only led to remarkably high yield but also reduced the drudgery of the villagers. It also enabled them to plant high value crops.

A review of the Project was undertaken in August’ 97 after completion of one year of installation of the fence at village Bhakrakot. The cost benefit analysis revealed that total incremental income of approx. Rs. 1,00,000 should have accrued to the village collectively during the year. An exact evaluation is not possible as accurate yield data on previous years is not available and comparisons had to be based on the statements of the villagers.

The study also revealed that:
A quantitative survey of crop damage, Socio-economic survey was not done prior to installation of the fence. Mechanism for ensuring maintenance of the fence was not institutionalised prior to installation. A set of recommendations have been worked out which the Foundation intends to implement in the near future: A Socio-economic survey of the village must be undertaken to enable status ranking and identification of stakeholders. A re-assessment of user friendliness of the project must be made. An assessment of technical requirements/ equipment etc. to improve the effectiveness of the fence to be made. A social mechanism to fix responsibility for maintenance of the fence be evolved at the village level alongwith creation of a community managed fund for future requirements of the equipment.

Contribution to this fund may come from various sources including the Govt. sponsored Eco-development Projects and the Foundation itself. Villagers will also be required to contribute to whatever extent possible. Based on these lessons another project is being undertaken by TCF at village Ringora in the year 2001.

3.9 Research

The Forgotten Tigers of Corbett

The collaborative survey project on "Tiger population in the Buffer zone " with Wlidlife Protection Society Of India (WPSI), was completed this year and final report submitted to the Chief Wildlife Warden of U.P. TCF partially sponsored the research project on "Ecological impacts of prescribed burning in CTR", of a Post Graduate student of Wildlife Institute Of India.

3.10 Eco-Development U.P Forestry Project

A formal coming together of the Park management and TCF was facilitated by the World Bank aided UP-Forestry Eco-development Project, which involves Bio-diversity conservation by people’s participation. Under the Project Micro-planning for eco-development activities is envisaged in a phased manner for 64 villages around CTR. Under this programme Local communities, NGOs and technical institutions will be closely associated with the different stages of the programme including planning, implementation and monitoring.

The Spearhead Team responsible for micro-planning of the selected villages of CTR has been constituted along with two FD personnel, and two representatives of the Foundation as NGO motivators. Micro-planning involves village level eco-development aimed at Biodiversity Conservation within Protected area (PAs) and around them through people’s participation. The funds for the implementation of Village Level Eco-development will be provided under the World Bank aided UP Forestry Project. The Spearhead Team has undergone a fortnight’s training by Wildlife Institute of India, DheraDun from 2nd to 11th October’ 97. Members of the team received training in techniques to prepare model eco-development plans. Following the training, the Spearhead Team prepared microplan of Dhikolia village in Northern zone of the CTR and already submitted to World bank experts for approval.

The spearhead team of Corbett which includes two representatives of TCF has already prepared microplans for two villages viz. Dikolia and Dhela which are now in implementation stage. Microplan for The same spearhead team also performed the role of resource persons for further training of FD personnel and spearhead teams from other parts of U.P. Three training workshops were conducted for FD personnel and the participants were drawn from different

PAs from all over U.P. Another ten days workshop was also conducted at Training School, Kalagarh for six spearhead teams from different parts of U.P. On one hand it has helped TCF to gain legitimacy with the FD and on the other it has helped FD to project transparency to the people.

3.11 Anti-Poaching Patrol

Our offer of two vehicles with drivers for patrolling by FD was finally accepted by them and a unique program was carried out during the months of March, May and June 1997. The fuel cost for this programme was borne by TCF. With the help of these vehicles patrolling was done by Forest personnel in the Buffer Zone of the CTR with very heartening results. Although only 3 cases of poaching were detected, it acted as a very strong deterrent. This is possibly the only instance of such a patrol being facilitated by an NGO. TCF has been extending support to FD for monsoon patrolling of the CTR each year during "Operation Monsoon" by bearing POL cost of two vehicles. During the patrol operation launched after killings of elephants in CTR in February 2001, TCF contributed funds as well as the services of a vehicle for a fortnight.

3.12 WWF-Tiger Conservation Programme

In a meeting our chairman and others with WWF in June 1997 an understanding was reached for a collaborative program. WWF-India has formulated a Tiger Conservation programme, which aims to strengthen Park Management through a programme of technical assistance. The assistance is to be routed through a network of NGO’s. For CTR, the Corbett Foundation had been identified as the facilitator. WWF released a total of Rs.4.25 lacs to TCF in the first phase of the project, for distribution of jackets to all CTR staff which was distributed in the month of Oct’97, compensation for loss of livestock, intelligence expenses and institution of awards as incentives. The Foundation would also act as WWF’s partner to monitor the correct utilisation of support.