Regeneration of Common Property Resources as a basis for revival of the Rural Economy in the time of COVID

This study reveals just how crucial Common Property Resources (CPRs) like forests, ponds, grazing lands, and canals are for rural communities across India, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The ongoing degradation of these resources is a significant driver of distress migration, pushing people to leave their villages and seek work in cities. Regenerating these resources offers a promising path to improve rural livelihoods, reduce migration, and contribute to achieving India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Conducted by the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies (RGICS), the research looks at how communities in Assam, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu manage their shared resources. Traditional systems like the Van Panchayat in Uttarakhand and Dong Committees in Assam have been crucial in managing resources for generations. However, these systems are increasingly strained by reduced autonomy, environmental degradation, outdated policies, and socio-economic changes. The study highlights that many of these traditional governance structures are struggling to adapt to new challenges, resulting in reduced productivity and greater economic vulnerability for villagers.

Despite these challenges, the research emphasizes that traditional systems of CPR management still hold immense potential if properly supported and integrated with modern policies. Instead of merely protecting natural resources, there is a pressing need to actively regenerate them. That means improving the management of forests, ponds, and grazing lands, enhancing water availability, and creating livelihood opportunities through innovative approaches.

The report calls for updated policies that bridge the gap between traditional systems and formal governance structures, along with targeted funding and institutional support. It suggests that empowering local communities to sustainably manage CPRs can help restore their productivity, improve rural livelihoods, and curb distress migration. With the right interventions, India’s shared resources could become powerful engines for economic growth, environmental resilience, and social well-being.

Keywords: Common Property Resources (CPR), Degradation, Migration, Livelihood, Regeneration, Governance, Village Committees, Panchayat System, Sustainability, Rural Economy