Subscribe
The terms “displacement” and “relocation” often spark dread among communities, who fear leaving the homes and natural environment they have lived in for generations to start anew in an alien landscape. But when the residents of Kakdi village in Madhya Pradesh faced this situation a decade ago, they decided to take it as an opportunity.
Kakdi was one of several villages relocated in 2014-15, when the state government diverted land for the Satpura Tiger Reserve. From its original location in the forested areas of Itarsi, Narmadapuram district, the village was shifted to the Babai development block, some 26 km away. The 30 families, who belong to the Korku tribe, were allotted 2.02 hectares of land each and given R5 lakh per person.
“We were apprehensive about the relocation and had many questions. The new area had a road and electricity connections, but not the environment we were used to,” recalls Arjun Singh, a resident. “But we decided that even if the relocation was not a choice, we will decide the fate of the village,” he adds.
As the families began to settle in “New Kakdi”, they came together to set some ground rules. “We decided that the houses will be built in a line, each with 15.2 m of free space in front of it,” says Singh. Households set up kitchen gardens and water harvesting systems to optimise use of resources. Farmers limited the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers to preserve the fertility of the land. While some trees had to be cleared for farming, the residents conferred with the forest department and saved about 250 mahua trees to ensure additional income.
Given that Kakdi was situated in a heavily forested area, the residents also undertook afforestation, with a special focus on fruiting trees like mango and species like salai (Indian frankincense) and sagwan (teak), which play important roles in Korku customs and traditions. As of now, they have planted 1,500 trees in rows outside the houses and other common spaces. Households pluck and sell the fruits for additional income. “We have also begun a tradition of gifting trees to newly married couples. When a new bride comes to the village, we have her plant two saplings,” says Shivlal, a resident, adding that their initiative has inspired people in nearby villages who now undertake afforestation activities.
The residents have also banned use of fireworks or loud music during ceremonies, and conduct a cleanliness drive every month. “All these decisions are taken together as a village. Whenever anyone has a problem or suggestion to make, everyone gathers at the chaupal (a community space) for discussions. Solutions or initiatives are finalised in consensus, and we all contribute whatever resources we can,” says Singh.
“New Kakdi has some amenities that Kakdi did not, and vice versa. But by coming together to make our new home clean and green, we have been able to adapt better,” says Singh.
This was first published in the 16-31 December, 2024 print edition of Down To Earth