The holders of any forest right, Gram Sabha and village level institutions in areas where there are holders of any forest right under this Act are given power to –

Protect the wild life, forest and biodiversity;

Ensure that adjoining catchment areas, water sources and other ecological sensitive areas are adequately protected;

Ensure that the habitat of forest dwelling STs and other traditional forest dwellers is preserved from any form of destructive practices affecting their cultural and natural heritage;

Ensure that the decisions taken in the Gram Sabha to regulate access to community forest resources and stop any activity that adversely affects the wild animals, forest and the biodiversity are compiled with.