Synopsis Environment is one of the most important pillars of sustainable development process in rural India is urgent from various considerations--social, economic and environmental. Environmental aspect assumes great significance in view of growing deforestation activities, soil erosion, water pollution, land degradation, biodiversity loss and the like which continue to worsen and hinder economic development in rural India. The common property resources, which are by and large natural resources, must be protected and enriched for overall growth of the rural areas. Such efforts will not only lead to optimum utilisation of natural resources but also generate more employment  opportunities for rural people.