The forest conservation efforts by the community under Deori Panchayat began in the 1960s. However, as the pressure of population on land increased, forest land was taken over for agriculture and residential purposes. Encroachment, cutting of trees, years of severe drought and some of the beliefs and customs of the community which caused forest fires further exacerbated the condition of the Forest. Finally in 1999, the Forest Department joined hands with the Villagers to form the Forest Protection Committee. However, the role of the FPC has not been defined clearly in terms of benefit sharing mechanism and protection mechanism. Only the Nistar rights have been given to the FPC to meet their basic needs.