Agartala, July 11, 2025: A high-level delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) concluded its three-day official mission to Tripura on Thursday, expressing satisfaction with the progress of the Japan-funded SCATFORM Project and reaffirming continued support for sustainable forest and biodiversity management in the state.

The JICA India Mission, comprising ISHIKAWA Saya, Representative; Nishtha Vengurlekar, Development Specialist; and Annie Srivastava, Project Officer, was in Tripura from July 8 to 11. The team conducted detailed field inspections across the Gomati District and the Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary to assess key interventions under the SCATFORM (Sustainable Catchment Forest Management) initiative.

Among the major activities reviewed were plantation drives, construction of check dams, agroforestry models, and livelihood-based initiatives aimed at supporting forest-dependent communities. The delegation also visited an ecotourism site being developed by Tripura Nature Trails and Resorts Limited—a flagship project under SCATFORM—designed to promote sustainable tourism while safeguarding biodiversity and generating income for local communities.

A key feature of the visit was the team’s interaction with grassroots institutions such as Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These sessions enabled the delegation to observe firsthand the pivotal role of community participation in ecological restoration and forest governance.

During a high-level meeting with Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma, the JICA team discussed strategies to enhance rural livelihoods and develop model villages under the project. JICA assured full cooperation and reiterated its commitment to extending both technical and financial assistance to further Tripura’s sustainable development goals.

The visit concluded with a debriefing session with R. K. Samal, Principal Secretary and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), Government of Tripura. The delegation commended the state government’s proactive efforts in implementing the project, particularly in the areas of ecological conservation, sustainable resource management, and community empowerment.

As of now, the SCATFORM Project in Tripura has received Rs 275.53 crore as a loan from JICA, and has recorded a total financial progress of Rs 338.20 crore—highlighting effective project execution and strong convergence of resources.

The Tripura SCATFORM Project, backed by JICA, aims to enhance forest ecosystems, strengthen biodiversity, and uplift the socio-economic conditions of communities dependent on forest resources.