The realization on part of the State and Central Government in India that indigenous

knowledge and skill of local community plays a pivotal role in understanding the effective

management of natural resources though late has paved way for seeking participation of

locals in its policy and decision-making process related to the environment. The author in

this article highlights the fact that community participation initiatives on earlier occasions

had failed due to improper communication on part of policy makers, and at times due to

misconceptions on part of local beneficiaries. Hence, the article is an attempt to identify the

lacunae’s on part of States and Centre in involving the local community in its

decision-making process. The author examines the evolution of this symbiotic relationship

between indigenous community and conservation of environment in five different sections

beginning with pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial period and goes on to suggest that

creating awareness through environment education is the need of the hour in enhancing the

community participation.