JICA India Mission reviewed SCATFORM project implementation across Tripura, inspecting sustainable forest management, livelihood development, bamboo plantations, eco-tourism initiatives, and water conservation projects while strengthening collaboration with the state government and local communities for ecological restoration and rural economic growth.
A three-day visit by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) India Mission to Tripura has placed renewed focus on sustainable forest management, livelihood generation, ecological restoration, and community-based development projects being implemented under the SCATFORM initiative across the state.
The delegation, comprising senior JICA officials, toured multiple districts to review ongoing activities, assess implementation progress, and strengthen collaboration with state authorities and grassroots communities involved in the project. Officials said the visit is aimed at evaluating field-level interventions and discussing future strategies for more effective execution of development programmes under the Tripura JICA Project.
At the Project Management Unit (PMU), Banumathi G., CEO and Project Director, formally welcomed the visiting delegates, including ITO Fumi, Project Formulation Advisor, and Nishtha Vengurlekar, Development Specialist. The mission team later began extensive field inspections covering forest management units, plantation sites, livelihood clusters, and water conservation structures in different parts of the state.
One of the major highlights of the visit was the delegation’s inspection of Killa RMU in Gomati district, where members of the Omlak Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) accorded a traditional reception to the visiting officials. Local residents warmly welcomed the delegation, reflecting the active participation and strong engagement of forest-dependent communities in SCATFORM activities.
During interactions with JFMC members, the mission reviewed several ongoing initiatives focused on sustainable forest management, ecological restoration, and livelihood enhancement. Officials examined how local communities are contributing to forest conservation while simultaneously benefiting from income-generating activities supported under the programme.
Beneficiaries associated with the Omlak JFMC also received beekeeping boxes during the visit. The delegation later toured a honey cluster village and interacted with families engaged in apiculture activities. Officials observed that honey production and related activities are gradually emerging as sustainable livelihood options for rural families participating in the project.
The delegation further visited plantation sites developed under the JFMC, including Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) Bamboo plantations spread across 20 hectares, TPM plantations over 10 hectares, and agroforestry activities covering two hectares. These projects are being implemented to improve ecological balance, restore degraded land, and promote sustainable use of forest resources through community participation.
Water conservation and soil protection measures also featured prominently during the field inspections. The JICA team visited the Model-I Check Dam under Omlak JFMC and the Model-III RCC Check Dam site located under Induria Beat in Melaghar RMU of Sepahijala DMU. Officials reviewed the effectiveness of the RCC-based structures designed to improve water retention, reduce soil erosion, and support long-term ecological restoration in vulnerable areas.
Continuing their tour, the delegation visited the Mushroom Cluster at Tarapadabari JFMC under Charilam RMU in Sepahijala district. The officials interacted with beneficiaries involved in mushroom cultivation and assessed livelihood activities developed through community participation. The initiative is considered an important step towards creating alternative income opportunities for rural households while encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.
In another significant development, a souvenir shop established under the JICA Project at Sepahijala Zoo was inaugurated in the presence of R.K. Samal, PCCF and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Tripura, along with JICA India Mission delegates. According to officials, the initiative aims to strengthen market linkage opportunities for products created by local communities while promoting eco-tourism, traditional craftsmanship, and livelihood generation.
Officials stated that the souvenir outlet will help local artisans and self-help groups gain wider exposure for their products while supporting the broader objective of community-based economic development under the SCATFORM programme.
The delegation also held discussions with Tripura Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma regarding ongoing project activities and future cooperation. During the meeting, the minister emphasized the importance of sustainable forest development and welfare measures for forest-dependent communities across the state. He also stressed the need for extensive awareness campaigns to increase public participation in conservation and livelihood initiatives.
According to an official press release, the discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between JICA and the Tripura government to ensure long-term ecological sustainability and inclusive rural development.
As part of the final phase of the visit, the JICA India Mission is scheduled to inspect the Bamboo Treatment Plant under the Subalsingh Bamboo Cluster in West Tripura district on Wednesday. The programme will also include the distribution of bamboo jewellery-making kits among beneficiaries in collaboration with the Tripura Bamboo Mission (TBM).
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Following the field visit, the delegation is expected to participate in a debriefing session with the PCCF and HoFF, Tripura, before concluding the three-day tour and returning to New Delhi.
