Surat’s Balethi Village Becomes Forest Conservation Model

SURAT : A tribal village in Surat district that once watched its surrounding hills turn barren after years of drought is now emerging as a model for community-led forest conservation, with more than...

Located in Mandvi taluka, Balethi witnessed severe forest destruction between 1986 and 1988 following three consecutive years of drought. In response, village elders Jagudada and Kishor Chaudhary mobilised residents to take responsibility for protecting and regenerating the forests.

Villagers have jointly submitted a proposal to the Forest Department to restore Balethi’s historic school building and develop it into a Centre of Excellence for Joint Forest Management (JFM).

Following guidance from Gujarat Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia and Minister of State Pravin Mali, a decision has been taken to initiate the project.

Once operational, the centre is expected to train approximately 7,500 members from 2,500 JFM committees over five years. Experienced villagers from Balethi will share practical knowledge of forest protection, community participation and sustainable resource management.