Dhaj: Gujarat’s First Eco-Village Sets an Example on World Forest Day 2024

Surat : World Forest Day, celebrated on March 21, serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of forests in sustaining life on Earth. This year’s theme, ‘Forests and Food,’ highlights how forests contribute to food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. In alignment with this theme, Dhaj village in Mandvi taluka of Surat district stands as an inspiring model of environmental conservation and rural development.

Nestled in the remote forest area of Mandvi North Range under the Surat Forest Department, Dhaj became Gujarat’s first eco-village in 2016. This initiative aimed to balance environmental sustainability with economic progress. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, efforts are now underway to develop Naghoi village in Olpad taluka as another eco-village, further expanding Gujarat’s commitment to green development.

From Deprivation to Sustainability

Located 70 km from Surat, Dhaj was once an isolated village, lacking basic infrastructure such as paved roads and electricity. The residents depended primarily on forest products for their livelihood. Recognizing the need for sustainable development, the Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC) declared Dhaj an eco-village, providing the region with essential facilities to improve the quality of life while maintaining ecological balance.

Deputy Conservator of Forests Anand Kumar emphasized the transformation, stating, “Since Dhaj was declared an eco-village, we have introduced biogas units, groundwater conservation, rainwater harvesting, and solar-powered street lights to ensure sustainable living. Farmers have been encouraged to adopt natural farming techniques, and similar efforts will be undertaken in Naghoi village soon.”

A Model for Rural Development

Dhaj village is part of Mandvi North Range, which spans 10,000 hectares and includes 27 villages. The villagers sustain themselves through farming and animal husbandry, granted to them under the Forest Department’s Sanad system. Over the years, the eco-village project has facilitated numerous improvements, including: solar lights in every household,underground water tanks for rainwater storage, cow dung gas units for clean cooking fuel, a crematorium and solid waste management system, mobile network towers for better communication, milking parlors and dairy facilities to support animal husbandry

A Forest Welfare Committee, led by village youth and elders, has been established to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives. “Earlier, mobile connectivity was a huge challenge, but the installation of towers has improved communication, healthcare access, and education,” said Forest Committee President Dharmeshbhai Vasava.

Transforming Lives Through Eco-Friendly Innovations

The shift to renewable energy sources has significantly improved daily life for villagers. Saruben Vasava, a resident, shared her experience, “Ever since we got cow dung gas, I no longer have to collect firewood, and there’s no more harmful smoke in our home. It has made cooking much easier.”

Similarly, Dasharathbhai Vasava, a local farmer, highlighted the village’s progress: “The eco-village project has given us a crematorium, solar street lights, roads, and dairy support. We also benefit from government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat.”

For villagers like Rojamdar Singhabhai Vasava, the dream of a pucca house became a reality through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. “Living in a mud house was tough, especially for my children. Thanks to government support, I now have a strong, comfortable home,” he said.

Empowering Women Through Dairy Farming

The establishment of a milk society in Dhaj has empowered local women, creating new income opportunities. Ushaben Vasava, Minister of Dhaj Mahila Dudh Mandali, proudly stated, “Fifteen members contribute milk daily to Sumul Dairy. Each of us earns Rs. 10,000-12,000 per month. Earlier, we had to walk five kilometers to sell our milk, but now we have a local dairy system.”

What is an Eco-Village?

Eco-villages focus on integrating sustainable practices into rural communities by restoring natural resources, promoting organic farming, and reducing dependence on forests. This includes: encouraging soil-friendly crops and organic fertilizers, implementing water conservation through rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation, using renewable energy sources like biogas and solar power, establishing proper waste management systems. The goal is to achieve self-sufficiency while preserving the natural ecosystem.

India’s Leading Eco-Villages are : Bhaguwar (Madhya Pradesh), Auroville & Odanthurai (Tamil Nadu),Khonoma (Nagaland),Pipalantri & Arnazar (Rajasthan),Govardhan & Hiware Bazar (Maharashtra),Siddharth (Odisha),Saag (Jammu & Kashmir), and Dhaj (Gujarat).

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasized the need for more eco-villages in Gujarat, stating, “The Dhaj model showcases how development and environmental conservation can coexist. Our government remains committed to expanding such initiatives across the state.”