A Community's Bold Stand Against Deforestation
Deep in the heart of in Udaipur district lies Kara, a village surrounded by a vast 555-hectare forest. Home to towering teak, mahua, amla, and other precious trees, this land has always been a lifeline for its people. But in the early 1980s, an alarming threat loomed large-organized timber smugglers began ravaging the forests, stripping the land of its invaluable resources. Rather than stand by helplessly, the people of Kara decided to fight back.

From Awareness to Action
Kara's journey toward forest conservation began in 1982 when the village came in contact with Seva Mandir through an adult education program. While learning under the night school initiative, villagers engaged in deep discussions about agriculture and the importance of protecting their natural environment. By 1983, when smugglers accelerated their illegal logging activities, the villagers were ready. They organized themselves, stopped loaded trucks, and reported the illicit activities to the police, ensuring legal action was taken against deforestation. Their courage sent a clear message-Kara's forests were not up for grabs.

A United Effort to Reclaim the Forests
To strengthen their conservation efforts, the villagers formed the Van Suraksha Samiti Kara (Forest Protection Committee) in 2000 with the support of Seva Mandir. Five years later, under the joint forest management program, they successfully restored 125 hectares of forest land through groundwater conservation and tree plantation initiatives. In collaboration with the forest department, development work was carried out on an additional 280 hectares, while 150 hectares were reserved for animal grazing. The people of Kara had taken full control of their destiny, ensuring their forests thrived for future generations.

A Decade-Long Fight for Rights
In 2006, challenges arose when some villagers, influenced by external forces, submitted individual claims for forest land under the Forest Rights Act. Recognizing the power of collective rights over fragmented ownership, the Forest Protection Committee of Kara, along with Van Utthan Sansthan Jhadol, pushed for community forest rights over the entire 555-hectare land. After a decade of relentless struggle, their perseverance paid off-Kara secured community forest rights in 2019. By 2020, the Gram Sabha had approved a community forest management plan, officially entrusting the protection and development of the forest to the villagers.

A Thriving Legacy
Kara's forests are now flourishing. The community enjoys a sustainable supply of honey, mahua, amla, and tendu leaves while ensuring enough dry firewood for their needs. Water resources have significantly improved, with local rivers and streams flowing almost year-round, benefiting agriculture. With the support of Seva Mandir, two water conservation projects have further enhanced their livelihoods, benefiting 60 families.

A Recognition Well Deserved
Kara's unwavering commitment to value-based development has not gone unnoticed. The village, previously honored as a "Gandhi Gram" by the state government, has now been awarded the Umedmal Lodha Environment Award 2021. This honor, accompanied by a cash prize of ₹25,000 and a citation, recognizes their extraordinary efforts in protecting nature and securing their future.

Kara's story is a powerful testament to the strength of grassroots leadership. It proves that when communities unite with purpose, they can safeguard their environment, livelihoods, and future for generations to come.