In the heart of Gothra village, nestled in Pratapgarh district, a remarkable story of transformation is unfolding. At the center of this change is the Bakta Bavji Forest Protection and Management Committee, a group of determined villagers who have worked tirelessly to reclaim and restore their community's forest. This inspiring grassroots movement is a shining example of how local leadership, when fueled by passion and perseverance, can lead to lasting environmental change.

A Bold Beginning: Facing Resistance and Overcoming Obstacles

The story began in 1998 when the committee was formed, with the support of the Forest Department and Prayas Sanstha. Gothra, a village with around 1,000 families, was home to a mix of scheduled tribes and scheduled castes. But despite the community's best efforts, some people had encroached upon the forest for years, cultivating the land and building permanent structures.

The committee, composed of women, men, and youth, faced significant opposition-both political and social-as they set out to protect the forest. It took persistence, but in 2014, the committee succeeded in removing encroachments from 300 hectares of forest land. Yet, their journey didn't end there. The land of one influential encroacher was still under possession until 2024. But the committee's spirit was unshakable.

Restoring the Forest: A Vision for Sustainability

The committee didn't just focus on removing encroachments-they had a bigger vision: to restore the forest and its surrounding ecosystem. They built ditches around the forest to act as natural barriers, planted over 45,000 saplings, and introduced soil and water conservation measures. They also constructed concrete walls in sensitive areas to protect the newly planted trees from damage.

However, the real challenge came from the animals released by the families who had vacated the land. These animals would destroy the saplings, but the committee wasn't discouraged. Members camped out in the forest at night, ensuring the safety of the plants, and eventually, open grazing ceased.

A Model for Other Villages: Reaping the Benefits of Conservation

The Bakta Bavji Forest Protection and Management Committee's efforts have not only protected the forest but have also created tangible benefits for the community. The dense forest is now home to diverse wildlife, and the villagers can harvest grass, tendu leaves, and dry wood from the forest. Each year, about 40,000 bundles of grass are available for the villagers, and the 135 families who rely on these resources are now financially stable, with many earning extra income from the tendu leaves and grass.

Recognition and Inspiration: A Legacy of Leadership

The Bakta Bavji Forest Protection and Management Committee's unwavering dedication to conservation is a model for other villages. Their work has been recognized by the Umed Mal Lodha Environment Award, which honors their exemplary efforts in forest protection. This recognition not only highlights their success but also celebrates the power of grassroots leadership in environmental conservation.

Today, Gothra's landscape is unrecognizable from what it once was. Thanks to the efforts of the Bakta Bavji Committee, the forest is thriving, wildlife is flourishing, and the community is benefiting from a healthy, sustainable environment. Their journey proves that when communities unite for a cause, change is not just possible-it's inevitable.