A Small Village, A Big Dream
Tucked away in the scenic valleys of the Aravalli mountain range, Khuntwada village in Udaipur's Kherwada tehsil has proven that determination and unity can transform lives. Home to 250 families from the Patel, Meghwal, and Adivasi communities, Khuntwada has long depended on rain-fed agriculture for survival. But when the villagers came together with a shared vision, they turned adversity into an opportunity-restoring their grazing lands and securing a better future for generations to come.

The Spark of Change
In 1987, Khuntwada's journey towards transformation began when villagers joined an adult education program run by Seva Mandir. These night classes were more than just literacy lessons-they became a space for villagers to discuss their challenges and brainstorm solutions. This marked the beginning of strong grassroots leadership in the village, where people took ownership of their future.

Reclaiming the Land, Restoring Livelihoods
A year later, under Seva Mandir's tree plantation program, the villagers set their sights on reclaiming 35 hectares of pasture land. However, there was a roadblock-25 individuals had illegally occupied the land and were unwilling to leave. Instead of giving up, the villagers engaged in persistent discussions, negotiating tirelessly until the encroachers agreed to vacate the land. Once reclaimed, they worked collectively to build boundary walls, plant trees, and implement soil and water conservation measures.

An Innovative Grass Distribution System
Within just two years, the protected pasture land began producing ample grass. But a new challenge emerged-some families were taking more than their fair share, leading to disputes. The village group devised an innovative solution: they divided the pasture into sections based on grass quality and quantity, then allocated portions to families through a lottery system. This ensured fair distribution, with 220 families receiving about 700 kg of grass daily. Women played a crucial role in designing and implementing this system, making it a model for other villages.

Strength in Unity
Khuntwada's commitment to its collective land didn't stop there. They enforced strict rules against illegal grazing, imposing fines on offenders. Even when people from neighboring villages tried to break pasture walls, Khuntwada's leaders turned conflict into cooperation. By offering them a share in the grass distribution, they gained new allies who helped protect and maintain the pasture.

A Legacy of Leadership
Today, Khuntwada's collective efforts have not only restored their land but also fostered social harmony. The village has resolved disputes internally, without police intervention, for years. Their unwavering commitment to sustainable land management serves as an inspiration to villages far and wide.

A Well-Deserved Recognition
In honor of their remarkable achievement, Khuntwada was awarded the Umed Mal Lodha Environment Award 2021, along with a cash prize of Rs. 25,000. This recognition celebrates their resilience, leadership, and the power of collective action. Khuntwada's story proves that when a community unites with vision and determination, they can overcome any obstacle and create a lasting legacy.

This is the power of grassroots leadership-one village at a time,

transforming the future for all.