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A
watershed, ecologically speaking, consists of an hierarchy of
nested niches constantly influencing and interacting with each
other. Similarly, those living
within the watershed do not institute a homogeneous human
community but an agglomeration of distinct groups or alliances
in continual interchange with each other.
Thus, both the watershed and the watershed community
living therein are
distinct networks of dynamic relationships constantly in flux
and in ever changing configurations and
permutations both in relation to themselves and each
other.
The
state of the watershed both in terms of ecological vigour and
land use as well as land divisions are often a reflection not
only of natural factors but primarily so of social, economic and
political relationships amongst the watershed dwellers.
It fluctuates in tune
with the “social health and tenor” of the human
community living therein. For there is an intimate and symbiotic
relationship between the environment and the human community
living within that ecospace which draws sustenance from it.
The deterioration in the economic and social well being
of a community leads to over exploitation of the natural
resource base and its degradation
Thus
the landless and small, marginal farmers especially in rainfed
agricultural regions necessarily have to rear large herds of
livestock - sheep, goats, scrub cattle - in order to supplement
their income and ensure some returns in case of crop or
rain failure. These
herds in turn out considerable pressure on the environment due
to overgrazing leading to loss
of root stock, soil deterioration and erosion. They have to resort to tree
felling and bush clearing for fuel and income purposes.
Thus,
unequal and exploitative social and economic relationships (the
landless and marginal farmers are a consequence of such a
configuration) can and do lead to environmental degradation..
Both
the watershed and its dwellers are however embedded in the local
milieu, which, for
purposes of this paper is confined to the Block level.
Developments in the local milieu
have an impact upon these actors.
Thus unfavourable political or commercial configurations or antagonistic relationships can lead to
plunder of the environment or polarization of the community
living therein. Favourable
developments, on the other hand, can and do promote conservation
resulting in an enhanced stream of benefits.
In the case of Sangamner Block, the active support
offered by the MLA as well as the various Government Departments
has resulted not only in availability of funds but also
technical inputs and access to various economic and political
agencies, the involvement of which, have a bearing on the
sustainability and replicability of an initiative.
Inorder
therefore to have effective mobilisation along watershed
lines, it is necessary to have the full participation of the
watershed community as well as the local milieu in which the
watershed community dwells.
This means the evolving and establishment of enabling and
positive relationships resulting in enduring partnerships. For
reality experienced, is, after all, nothing but relationships.
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