JICA Contact Mission for Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project - II (Under Rolling Plan FY 2016) - Visit to Bhubaneswar dated May 18-19, 2016.

JICA Contact Mission visited Bhubaneswar from 18th to 19th May 2016 and consisted of following members

1. Ms. Sachiko Imoto, Senior Representative, JICA, New Delhi.
2. Mr. Vineet Sarin, Addl. Chief Development Specialist, JICA, New Delhi.
3. Ms. Yukari Inagaki, Programme Specialist, JICA, New Delhi.

The newly proposed project OFSDP (II) was discussed by JTCA in separate meetings with Project Director of PMU and other officials; Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary (Finance); Principal Secretary, Forests & Environment; PCCF (HoFF) and Chief Wild life Warden.

Highlights of the Meeting with Project Director and PMU Officials

• The contents of the new project were discussed in brief.
• JICA informed that the 'Supplemental Survey' for the project is expected to be commenced by JICA from July 2016. In this regard, the draft Terms of Reference (ToR) was explained by JICA to PMU, with a request to sign the 'Minutes of the Meeting' as an acceptance of the ToR for the 'Supplemental Survey'
• JICA informed PMU that the proposed cost of Rs. 1739.5 crores is too huge and needs to be down sized to about Rs.800 to Rs. 1,000 crores.
• OFSDP-II is not be treated as an extension of the ongoing project and the project components would be suitably and appropriately modified or new components may be introduced by the  Supplemental Survey  Team based on a series of lessons learned by JICA not only in Odisha but in other projects across the country and as per the final output of the ongoing  Impact Assessment Study
• With regard to the prevailing law and order situation, JICA would like to have a clear report from the Home Department of the State Government to ascertain the actual situation in each of the proposed division.
• As the project cost has to be worked out on the basis of the current/ expected future wage rates to arrive at a realistic project cost. Moreover, per hectare cost calculation needs to be in line with the schedule of rates of the state.
• JICA stated that the project would have to be implemented with the PMU under society mode.
• JICA advised PMU to rationalize development of Infrastructure and procurement of vehicles and equipments.
• JICA asked PMU to organize an introductory kick-off meeting at the time of the commencement of the  Supplemental Survey  so that information about the objective, purpose, schedule and ToR of the survey are disseminated to all stakeholders from the State Government to FMU level.
• PMU suggested certain components that JICA could consider for inclusion in addition to what have been proposed already are as under:
  • Biodiversity conservation including Man-animal conflict mitigation measures.
  • Hi-tech Nurseries.
  • Pilot projects on REDD Plus
  • Strengthening of the Research Wing of the Forest Department and Farm Forestry.

   

  In the Meeting with Development Commissioner cum Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, JICA informed of their satisfaction over the successful implementation of the ongoing project and the outputs are very encouraging. They also informed that REDD plus related activities would be considered for inclusion by JICA under the new project. DC&ACS assured the team that State Government looks forward to JICA's further support for the new project and is ready to provide funds for the same.

  
  In the Meeting with Principal Secretary and the Special Secretary, Forest & Environment Department, Principal Secretary stressed the need for technology transfer at the lowest level in the fields of livelihood improvement including agriculture, horticulture etc.

  In the Meeting with Principal CCF (HoFF) and Chief Wild Life Warden, Odisha, the Principal CCF while appreciating the JICAs assistance for the ongoing project confirmed that the existing PMU and the infrastructure would be continued for implementing the new project. The Chief Wildlife Warden suggested that the new project should also consider greater measures for 'Soil & Moisture Conservation', especially for water harvesting so as to improve the health of forests.