In a powerful display of courage and determination, a team of 22 women forest guards successfully reclaimed 21.5 hectares of forest land in Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district from encroachers. These women, handpicked from three forest divisions — Dhamtari, USTR, and Gariaband — were specifically chosen for this task after male guards faced challenges due to prior false allegations raised by villagers.
The women-led team not only removed encroachments but also initiated water conservation efforts by creating water harvesting pits in the area, supporting the reserve’s biodiversity. Their operation was marked by bravery and strategic surprise, with villagers caught off guard by the women’s presence, which helped avoid confrontation.
Over the years, encroachers had cleared around 8,000 trees for agricultural purposes, cultivating maize and rice illegally. Investigations revealed collusion between forest leaseholders and encroachers, who exploited the land and shared profits, though they lacked valid pattas (land titles). Satellite images confirmed the encroached land was dense forest in 2012-13, contradicting patta holders’ claims that they obtained rights in 2008.
Kudos to these fearless women who continue to lead conservation efforts in Udanti-Sitanadi, setting an inspiring example in forest protection and restoration.
