In a historic development, the village of Majre Jambhulpada in Sudhagad taluka witnessed the approval of its first Collective Forest Rights Conservation and Management Plan during a Gram Sabha. The Forest Department Alibag, Province Office Roha, Integrated Tribal Development Project, PEN, and the Collective Forest Rights Management Committee collaborated to achieve this significant milestone.

The Gram Sabha saw the unanimous approval of the plan by over 150 attendees, showcasing the collective will of the community to protect and conserve their forests. The torch relay organized the previous day, under the guidance of Arun Unde, Province office, Sub Divisional Officer, Forest Rights Committee, Sudhagad, emphasized the importance of community participation.

Arun Unde stressed the necessity of sustainable forest planning through the active engagement of local communities, rejecting the notion of treating them as adversaries. Hon. Amrita Sutar, Naib Tehsildar, highlighted the crucial role of tribal communities in ensuring sustainable forest planning.

Rahul Sawant from the Environment Foundation commended the initiation of a new chapter in forest conservation for the entire Raigad district. The active involvement of local primitive communities and the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Alibaug, exemplifies a community-driven approach to environmental preservation.

The approved plan grants Majre Jambhulpada collective forest rights over 139.35 acres of forest area under the Forest Rights Act. This recognition empowers the community to responsibly manage and utilize forest resources for their benefit.

The Collective Forest Rights Management Committee's micro plan for forest management is a critical step in addressing environmental degradation. Subhash Jadhav, Secretary of the Committee, emphasized the need for proactive forest management, drawing parallels with caring for a small baby. The three-year plan (2024-2027) outlines specific actions for forest growth.

The implementation of the forest management plan is seen as an ongoing process requiring active community participation. The support and assistance offered by Naib Tehsildar, Roha District Magistrate's office, indicate a collaborative effort between local authorities and the community for successful plan implementation