Forest conservation began in 1993, initiated by the gram sabha (village council) under the influence of the village self-rule committee and the model village development committee. The gram sabha is the main decision-making body in the village and decisions are taken by consensus. The Gram Sabha has also introduced many positive social changes like banning alcohol and afforestation in 56 acres of land. Their efforts have helped inprove plant and animal populations, availability of fodder and also the natural habitat surrounding the village. Since the villagers also enjoy nistari (customary rights) over forest produce, they have been able to supplement their incomes by retaining the royalty which would have otherwise gone to the Forest Department (FD). Their relationship with the FD is full of friction and tension yet the villagers are determined to keep the conservation efforts going.