Field visit to Shashwat was part of course TD 613 Ecology and Environment.

It was a two
day field trip from 21st to 22nd of September 2013. We were accompanied by our profs. and
TAs. It was most memorable field visit for various reasons. I had been there with an open
mind to learn.

First Day
After reaching Shashwat, our day started with presentations by:
a. Mr. Anand Kapoor talked about tribal, the guardians of forest, tribal
peoples views, their livelihood options, problems of displaced tribal after dam
was constructed and also after government decided to declare forest as
protective area/wildlife sanctuary.
b. Ms. Kusum Karnik pitched in from time to time; she talked about 4-tier forest
(how combination of Huge trees, small treed, bushes and grass help in
aforestation). She mentioned a striking point that her role has been that of an
enabler; all decisions were/are always taken by tribal people themselves.
c. Other staff/members of Shashwat like Sulochana tai talked about aaroyga
(primary health center), Meera tai talked about dam displaced people,
Sugandha tai about school girls hostel and ornamental fish.
We then went to see cage-fishing (floating cages for stocking fingerlings- fish seeds) at
Dimbhe dam. We interacted with various members who enlightened us on various aspects
and initiatives that were taken in last few years like flood water cultivation, land
development, rehabilitation after displacement and the history behind starting of fisheries and
how perseverance paid after six and half years; they made profit for the first time from selling
fishes.
This was followed by visit to Katkari settlements and then on our way back saw ornamental
fish at a shop. Before our dinner we had open forum discussion with Mr. Anand Kapoor
where he shared how it personally started for him and what motivated him to setup Shashwat.
After sumptuous dinner, we had nice Mehfil wherein everyone sang nice songs and Prof.
Kulkarni showed awesome card magic tricks.