It is always told and agreed that any small action at grass root level is having a stronger impact than the words. This is again demonstrated by a small group of women activists in north India to protect the forest and in turn preserve the bio-diversities and I would like to share this small but action oriented news story to this wonderful forum.

A handful of woman activists started the movement in the early 1980s in the panchayat of Kawaring to save forests in the Himalayan terrain of the picturesque Lahaul Valley. Total 112 residents (majority are women) had pledged to protect the forest, which is their major source of live hood in various ways. They physically guard the forest by providing fencing. Currently, 139 'mahila mandals' (women local bodies) or women groups in 27 of the 28 panchayats (village councils) in the valley have pledged to guard the forests.

Saving the forest also protect the villagers from the wild animal attacks who are forced to come down to the locality due to human de-forestation activities and which in turn destroys their own habitat?

The 'mahila mandal' in the Thirot panchayat passed a resolution recently that if anyone was caught cutting trees, a fine of Rs.5,000 (approx 85 USD) would be imposed. The offender will be even socially boycotted.

Local Govt councils have also started realizing the benefits of this local movement and since last few years, the forest department honours the best woman group with cash prizes, who are best performers?

These news items brings a lot of hope to the people like us who firmly believe that with combined efforts from all corner we can make this world greener?