India, Feb. 7 -- Residents of Sanakhani village under Mohana block in Gajapati district have remained committed to the preservation of their forested land for over the last 30 years.

Approximately, 150 hectares of woodland have flourished under the vigilant protection of the villagers, who have taken it upon themselves to defend against any potential environmental threat.

With the onset of summer, the looming threat of forest fires has prompted them to take precautions such as removing dry leaves from around tree bases. With sticks in their hands, they have been keeping a vigil for the protection of the forest in their areas for 24x7 hours.

A women's group within the village, operating as part of the local Forest Protection Committee, ...