A Small Village with a Big Dream
Tucked away in the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan, the small village of Shobhavton Ki Bhagal might not seem like a place where big changes happen. Home to just 32 families, most of whom rely on agriculture and animal husbandry, the village has long struggled with migration, with many young men leaving for work in cities like Mumbai and Pune. But in 2010, a connection with Seva Mandir sparked a transformation-one that would redefine the village's future.

Reclaiming What Belonged to the Community
When the villagers formed a Gram Vikas Committee in 2011, they set their sights on something ambitious: restoring and protecting 25 hectares of their public grazing land. But there was a challenge-three families from a neighboring village had illegally occupied part of the land, even setting up a lime kiln. Rather than giving up, the villagers took a stand. Through collective negotiations and persistent persuasion, they successfully reclaimed their land.

A Wall of Determination
The villagers didn't just stop at reclaiming the land; they made sure to protect it. Every household contributed labor to build a boundary wall, ensuring their pasture remained secure. The community took ownership of the project-women played a crucial role by organizing monthly meetings near the pasture to monitor its protection. This sense of shared responsibility became the backbone of their success.

Greener Pastures, Brighter Futures
Over the years, the villagers have planted more than 7,500 saplings and taken active steps to nurture their environment. By 2021, they collaborated with the Panchayat under NREGA to plant an additional 400 saplings, further enriching their land. Their efforts bore fruit-literally. The village now enjoys the bounty of custard apples, palash leaves, and Runjhiya pods, not just as food but as a source of income. In the last year alone, they earned Rs. 26,000 from selling grass and other natural produce.

A Lesson in Collective Strength
Shobhavton Ki Bhagal's story is more than just about land restoration-it's a story of resilience, unity, and grassroots leadership. By working together, this small village has not only revived its natural resources but also strengthened social harmony. Their journey stands as a shining example for other communities.

Recognizing Their Efforts
For their outstanding commitment to environmental conservation, the Shobhavton Ki Bhagal village group was honored with the Ummedmal Lodha Environment Award in 2022, along with a cash prize of Rs. 25,000. Their journey proves that true leadership isn't about titles-it's about action, and sometimes, the most inspiring leaders emerge from the most unexpected places.