Before the villagers’ effort at conservation, the hill was largely degraded, with intensive use for firewood, timber, etc. by the villagers. Degradation of the forest resulted in drying up of the watersources in the village, which compelled the village to decide to relocate to another site. This decision was vehemently opposed by the village elders, who suggested that the catchment of the watersource should be regenerated to bring water back to the village. Thus the village started protecting the degraded patch.The protection efforts started in 1990 and have paid off as the forest has now regenerated (natural regeneration plus a few plantation). The water source has revived and is protected strictly by the villagers. There are huge trees now, including planted local species like champaca and bonsum