The need for environmental conservation is recognized globally. Unless humanity wakes up to the degradation caused to the environment now, there is little hope for the survival of all species in this planet, including human beings.

Rural Local Bodies, owing to the enormous power vested in them, can be successful in conservation efforts. Rural Local Bodies came into existence in 1992, consequent to the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act 1992. Though tey were in existence from 1950, it is the 73rd Amendment, which gave enormous powers and responsibilities to these bodies. This process of decentralisation has strengthened the “Village Republics”.

There are 2,25,000 Village Panchayats, 5,400 Intermediate Panchayats and 540 District Panchayats in our country. More than 30 lakh non-officials (including urban) are running the administration in these bodies. We have more than 5,000 Members of Legislative Assemblies in various states and nearly 550 Members of Parliament. After the inception of new Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs), the numbers of those responsible for the welfare of rural people and for building up and maintaining rural infrastructure have enormously grown to 30 lakhs.

The present duties of these PRIs are invariably functions relating to civic amenities as has been hitherto. Provision of water supply, maintenance of roads and streets, street lighting, etc., are some of the functions. Added to these civic functions, duties relating to poverty alleviation, non-conventional energy, public distribution system, rural health and sanitation, elementary education, maintenance of community assets and other duties are envisaged in the XI Schedule of the Constitution. The picture presented to us now about PRIs is that of “Little Republics” looking after every need of the citizens and their welfare. These bodies are responsible for maintenance of community assets like wells, tanks, reservoirs, porambokku, trees, etc. Wastelands can be put to use by