In the heart of Kishan Kareeri village, nestled in the Dungla tehsil of Rajasthan's Chittorgarh district, a quiet revolution took shape. It wasn't led by officials or big organizations, but by a group of passionate young villagers who saw their beloved pond deteriorating and decided to take action. Today, their incredible journey stands as a shining example of grassroots leadership in environmental conservation.

When a Sacred Pond Was in Peril
For years, the Kishan Kareeri pond was not just a water body-it was a site of religious and cultural significance. During festivals like Juljhulni Ekadashi, Navratri, and Kartik month, people gather here to worship. However, this sacred space was under threat.

Illegal mining led to water leakage, and water chestnut farming made it difficult for birds to thrive. The pond became a dumping ground for waste, and open defecation polluted the surroundings. It was heartbreaking for the locals, but rather than waiting for someone else to step in, the youth of the village took matters into their own hands.

From Concern to Collective Action
Determined to restore the pond, a group of young nature lovers came together in 2015 to form an organization called Pakshi Vihar, which was later officially registered as Green Earth Natural Society in 2019. Their mission was clear-to save the pond, protect the birds, and inspire the community to take pride in their environment. They began by stopping illegal mining and water chestnut farming, which had been damaging the pond's ecosystem. Understanding the importance of community involvement, they encouraged locals to keep the pond clean and raised awareness about its ecological significance. Taking full responsibility for its conservation, they worked tirelessly to ensure its long-term sustainability. To further enhance the natural habitat, they planted trees in the catchment area, gradually restoring the greenery and improving biodiversity.

A Safe Haven for Birds and a Greener Tomorrow
One of the most touching initiatives was the installation of bird feeders during the scorching summers, ensuring birds had access to food and water. Villagers were encouraged to do the same in their homes, creating a culture of care for wildlife.

To preserve water, the group worked with soil diggers to create a new pond, Anand Sagar, which now holds water year-round and serves as another refuge for birds.

Inspiring a New Tradition of Conservation
The Green Earth Natural Society didn't stop at just protecting the pond; they took their mission a step further by making tree planting a cherished community tradition. On Raksha Bandhan, women and girls plant trees and tie sacred threads around them as a pledge to protect nature. In marriages, couples receive a tree as a gift, symbolizing growth and prosperity in their new journey together. Even birthdays have taken on a greener meaning, as villagers are encouraged to celebrate by planting a tree rather than just cutting a cake. Through these heartfelt initiatives, the community has embraced conservation as an integral part of their culture, ensuring a greener future for generations to come.

A Well-Deserved Honor
For their outstanding grassroots efforts, Green Earth Natural Society was awarded the prestigious Umed Mal Lodha Environment Award 2023, along with a citation and a cash prize.

Their story proves that change begins at home-with people who care enough to take action. From a neglected pond to a thriving ecosystem, this village has shown the world that true environmental guardianship starts at the grassroots.

Would you like to see such inspiring stories continue? Join hands with your local community, take small steps, and be the change!