Impact of mgnregs on ecosystem restoration and livelihood in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu

MGNREGA works in terms of their usefulness for environment and ecology is emerging. In the short run, environmental services have an impact at the local level on natural resources, water availability etc. At the large scale, they may have regional implication for climate change mitigation and Carbon sequestration as well. Creation of sustainable assets that strengthen the livelihood resource base of small areas is one of the key objectives of MGNREGA.

The main focus of the present study is to analyse the Impact of MGNREGS on Ecosystem restoration and livelihood in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. Moreover, it aims to study the impact of MGNREGS on sustainability of workers’ household livelihood, to analyse the impact of MGNREGS on checking distress migration and to examine impact of MGNREGS on asset creation in Madurai district.

This study is based on the primary survey conducted during the 2016–17. The total of 120 sample respondents was selected using multistage random sampling technique. The study had used pretested interview schedules to collect the data. The collected data were tabulated and analysed by using SPSS software. Garrett's ranking technique was adopted to examine impact of MGNREGS on asset creation in Sample villages. Logistic Regression Analysis was used to study impact of MGNREGS in checking distress migration in Sample villages and Multiple linear regression was used to the impact of MGNREGS on Sustainability of workers’ household livelihood.

Among the impact of MGNREGS on asset creation, the water conservation and water harvesting as prime impact followed by drought proofing including afforestation and tree plantation with mean Garrett's score of 67.43 and 55.45 respectively. The logistic regression result shows that MGNREGS impact on agricultural productivity, household food consumption and water conservation has 1% significant level impact on checking of distress migration. Multiple regression result shows that sustainability of workers’ household livelihood and Quality of HHs food consumption and water conservation significant at 1% level and unpaid family work declining is 5% level of significance.

The study concludes that ecological development and restoration related works under MGNREGA such as soil and water conservation and harvesting are assisting to sustainable livelihoods of the society particularly weaker section of the society. It would lead to financial as well as ecological stability of the nation.