As a continued effort since March 2023, TCF has drafted 36 microplans for JFMCs of villages located across five forest ranges in the buffer of STR so far.

With the beginning of new year, TCF Satpura also kick started working on overall habitat improvement within the corridor areas of Satpura-Melaghat corridor. Two forest patches of 100 hectares each were taken up for the removal of invasive species in Harda Forest Division, Rehetgaon Range. Additionally, 215 hectare of heavily Lantana infested forest in the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Pachmarhi, has also been taken up for eco-restoration. With this, total expanse of land freed from lantana invasion in Pachmarhi under the present project has reached 353 hectares.

Another exciting update from this landscape is the beginning of livelihood training programs. A total of 45 participants have been enrolled in two distinct skill development components focusing on sewing and driving. These initiatives are poised to substantially enhance livelihoods and increase earning capacity within the local community.

With funding from HDFC Bank Parivartan, TCF implemented a holistic human-wildlife coexistence project under which we undertook a series of impactful initiatives aimed at enhancing community well-being and promoting wildlife conservation in  16 villages of Rajmachi and Lonavla conservation reserves in Pune district of Maharashtra. From strengthening school infrastructure by installing tiles, wall fencing, and enhancing sanitation facilities in all project schools for improving academic performance and reduce dropout rates to distributing K-YAN learning machines and conducted workshops to facilitate interactive learning experiences for students, TCF ensured better delivery of education and nourishment services for young children.

Moreover, TCF conducted awareness sessions in schools and villages to educate students and communities about wildlife conservation and safety measures. These sessions covered topics such as snake awareness, leopard attack risks, and the significance of wildlife conservation days. TCF also empowered women through the establishment of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), providing training in various enterprises such as Chikki-ladoos and cloth bags making. In parallel, farmers' groups were formed to modernize agricultural practices and improve livelihoods. Other key interventions included the distribution of crop-raiding-prevention torches, construction of farm and forest ponds for water conservation, ecological surveys to assess biodiversity, and initiatives to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts like open well fencing and cattle vaccination. Capacity building sessions for frontline staff and senior officials of the Forest Department further enhanced wildlife conservation efforts.

Overall, through these diverse activities, we successfully promoted sustainable development and human-wildlife coexistence in this landscape.

TCF is also enhancing the scientific and technological knowledge of school students residing on the fringes of Kaziranga National Park through the Green School Project. In February, TCF facilitated an event by the Pandit Hamchandra Goswami Foundation and IIT Guwahati tailored for students from Kaziranga National Park High School, Kohora, with the participation of 120 enthusiastic learners. 

In addressing challenges faced by tribal families in Mohan Ki Pitari village, TCF implemented a pilot project distributing energy-efficient smokeless chulhas to ten families to reduce smoke emissions from traditional clay stoves fueled by firewood. Moreover, TCF has empowered local community members to engage in artisanal crafts, promoting the sale of locally made handicrafts to tourists visiting Kuno National Park, thereby enhancing income opportunities.

TCF has also actively engaged local communities through awareness programs on wildlife conservation, emphasizing the importance of preserving forests and wildlife as well as on importance of education and cleanliness for ecosystem health and human well-being.

In March 2024, TCF's Chairperson - Mrs. Rina D. Khatau visited the project villages and engaged with the children and other project beneficiaries. During her visit education supplies, smokeless chulahs, sewing machines and other livelihood support equipment were distributed.