Integrated Management of Land, Water, and Forest Resources in Laljuri Cherra Micro Watershed: A Case Study of Hamsouhla Village

Abstract

This study explores the integrated management of land, water, and forest resources in Laljuri Cherra Watershed, located in the North District of Tripura. The research emphasizes community-level practices in resource utilization and conservation in Hamsouhla village, with a focus on understanding the interplay among ecological assets and rural livelihoods. Employing a qualitative and descriptive research approach, primary data were collected through field surveys, interviews, and participatory observation involving 42 households. The findings indicate that landholdings in the village are small and fragmented, with agriculture being the primary occupation practiced using traditional tools and techniques. Subsistence rice cultivation is widespread, supported by seasonal rainfall and rudimentary irrigation methods. Shifting cultivation is practiced by a significant portion of landless households, contributing to crop diversity but posing ecological concerns. Livestock and allied activities—such as piggery, poultry, and fishery—play an important supplementary role in livelihood generation, although constrained by infrastructural and financial limitations. Water availability is not a major constraint, but its management remains inadequate. Ring wells, ponds, and seasonal streams are the primary sources of water for domestic and agricultural use. However, the lack of piped supply and irrigation infrastructure renders the system vulnerable to seasonal fluctuations. Forest resources, both timber and non-timber, are extensively used for household needs, but community participation in forest management is negligible, with governance resting solely with the state. The study concludes that while traditional practices reflect environmental adaptability, the lack of integration among land, water, and forest management undermines the sustainability of the watershed. Despite the implementation of the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), community participation remains limited. For sustainable watershed development, there is an urgent need to enhance participatory planning, inter-sectoral integration, and local capacity building in resource governance.