Guardians of the Green: A Village's Commitment to Conservation
Nestled near the lush Sita Mata forest area in Rajasthan, Gayaspur Panchayat in Dhariyavad Tehsil is home to 290 Meena families who rely on agriculture for their livelihood. But beyond their farming routines, the villagers have emerged as unlikely champions of environmental conservation through the Ratanpura Environment Development Committee, formed in 2014 with the support of the Forest Department.

From Challenges to Change: Taking on Illegal Activities
Once plagued by illegal mining and rampant deforestation, the 722-hectare forest area of Ratanpura faced grave threats. The villagers, however, refused to stand by. In 2020, regular meetings of the Paryavaran Vikas Samiti, in collaboration with the Forest Department, sparked a movement. With unwavering determination, the committee, alongside forest officials, filed FIRs, caught perpetrators red-handed, and successfully shut down illegal brick kilns. Their relentless vigilance now ensures that the forest remains safe, providing a haven for wildlife including panthers, antelopes, wild boars, and peacocks.

More Than Conservation: Empowering the Community
Ratanpura's commitment to nature extends beyond forest patrols. The Environment Development Committee, with the Forest Department's assistance, has organized awareness camps, health check-ups, and skill training in savings and sewing for economically weaker families. By providing sewing machines, they have helped many villagers achieve financial independence. Social reforms have also blossomed here, with bans on alcohol during marriages and funerals, lifting families out of unnecessary debt.

Water for All: A Lifeline for Wildlife
Understanding the importance of water in sustaining life, the committee has constructed gabions and water dams within the forest, ensuring that wild animals never go thirsty. Additionally, a 50-hectare enclosure has been established to conserve biodiversity, marking another milestone in their conservation journey.

Inspiring a Movement: Leading by Example
The ripple effect of Ratanpura's success story is felt far and wide. Nearby villages are drawing inspiration from the Ratanpura Paryavaran Vikas Samiti's innovative initiatives. What began as a local effort has now become a beacon of hope and a model for grassroots leadership in environmental conservation.

Celebrating Grassroots Champions:
The Umed Mal Lodha Environment Award 2024 celebrates and honors the Environment Development Committee, Sitamata Sanctuary (Forest Department), Ratanpura for their unwavering dedication to preserving nature and fostering community-driven environmental initiatives. Their journey reminds us that even the smallest villages can create the biggest waves of change when people come together with purpose and passion.