In 2003, the world heard of the shocking news of the return of only four Saras (Crane) birds to Maharashtra for the last time. Out of these, two were sighted at Navegaon Shungarghodi Bund and the other two at Junona Lake in Chandrapur. It was strongly believed that their natural habitat was Gondia. Thus, with the help of Satpuda Foundation and Gondia Nature Association, a search has been started from Salkasa to Tiroda (100 km area) and in the areas around Wagh and Vainganga rivers. Out of those four birds, two were found in a small boat at Ghattamaneni (close to Kamag) and the other two were found at the riverbed of Wagh River, near Shirola village. As part of its responsibility, the Association then collected information about these birds from the villagers. It was observed that the number of birds wasn’t increasing due to killing and collection of their eggs. This situation was discussed with the higher authorities in the village, and with the help of the Head of village, the police and socially reputed people from the Harit Sena; the Association convinced the people by educating them about these birds through public awareness programmes. With the assistance of activists gathered from different villages, they started the bird protection work. The Saras bird is now protected because of the contribution of these people and its number has increased from four to sixty three in Gondia and the surrounding regions.