Deep within the teak forests of South Betul, Madhya Pradesh, a silent war is being waged. On one side stand the timber mafias, exploiting the natural resources and exploiting vulnerable youths for their gain. On the other stands IFS officer Vejayanantham TR, armed not with weapons, but with a farsighted initiative- – skilling the very youths the mafias prey on. The officer is skilling youths, and saving forests.

In an exclusive interview with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Vejayanantham shared about his way of tacking the issue.

ILLEGAL TIMBER TRADE

The story begins with the realization of a stark truth. The rampant illegal timber trade in the tribal-dominated district had its roots not just in greed, but in a lack of opportunities. Youngsters, lured by the promise of a meagre Rs. 200-300, were drawn into the mafias’ web, unknowingly aiding in the destruction of their own forests.

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“The south Betul forest division is around 1000-2000 square km and around 70% of my division falls in Maharashtra border,” Mr. Vejayanantham shared.

There have been numerous incidents of illegal timber felling over the past year and a half, with vehicles and individuals caught transporting timber unlawfully. In response, the officer established a forest control room. He spearheaded the creation of Madhya Pradesh’s first forest control room, dedicated to overseeing barriers and monitoring staff movements.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Determined to break the cycle of youngsters getting trapped in illegal timber felling, he embarked on a mission that transcended mere law enforcement. He recognized the need for a social and developmental approach, and so, his brainchild – a skill development program – was born.

The program started modestly, targeting a single village bordering the forest. Youths were equipped with skills like tailoring, embroidery, and electrician, aligning them with the demands of the local textile industry. The results were immediate and heartening. “Around 60 youngsters got placement and placement of around 40 is getting ready.,” the officer shared.

CHALLENGES

But the journey was not without its hurdles. Homesickness emerged as a significant challenge. Freshly trained youngsters, uprooted from their familiar surroundings, often succumbed to the yearning for home. To address this, Mr. Vejayanantham and his team went the extra mile. They provided not just training but also post-placement support and counselling.

Taking a crucial step forward, the program is now being revamped. Recognizing the limitations of village-based training, the upcoming batch will undergo training at the forest training school in Betul itself. “This immersive experience will equip the youth to better cope with the transition and reduce homesickness,” he said.

SUCCESS

Recognizing the growing demand for security guards and computer skills, these will be incorporated into the upcoming training cycle.

The program’s success is evident in both the transformed lives of the youth and their improved relationship with the forest department. “The villagers, who once viewed forest officials with suspicion, now see forest officers as allies, even extending support in apprehending timber mafias.”

WIDESPREAD APPRECIATION

This win-win situation has not gone unnoticed. From fellow IFS officers to public representatives, Mr. Vejayanantham’s initiative is garnering widespread appreciation. He plans to present his program at a workshop on encroachment removal and forest protection in Bhopal, aiming to inspire its replication across the state.

This initiative is a ray of hope, not just for the future of the South Betul forests, but for countless young lives empowered to break free from the clutches of exploitation and chart their own path towards a brighter future.